| The Sport of Eventing |
Eventing is essentially an"equestrian triathlon" combining three phases of "Dressage",
"Cross Country" and "Show Jumping".
This exciting international and Olympic sport has evolved from its origins as a military test
of skill to a popular spectator attraction. Eventing is unique in its demad for the
partnership between two minds and two bodies. The relationship between horse and rides
is paramount.
The grace and elegance of the Dressage, the speed, power and endurance of Cross
Country, and the agility and precision of Show Jumping make Eventing High Caliber
Entertainment.
"Cross Country" and "Show Jumping".
This exciting international and Olympic sport has evolved from its origins as a military test
of skill to a popular spectator attraction. Eventing is unique in its demad for the
partnership between two minds and two bodies. The relationship between horse and rides
is paramount.
The grace and elegance of the Dressage, the speed, power and endurance of Cross
Country, and the agility and precision of Show Jumping make Eventing High Caliber
Entertainment.
The Dressage phase begins every Eventing
competition. The term "dressage" comes
from the French word meaning simply "to
train". The dressage test consists of a set
series of movements performed on the flat in
an arena. The degree of difficulty of the
dressage test increases with each level of
competition. The purpose of the dressage
test is to demonstrate communication and
harmony between the horse and rider, and
display the obedience, power and grace
required to perform each movement with
balance, suppleness and rhythm in all three
gaits. A correct dressage foundation is
important in the development of the event
horse. Dressage training is necessary to
build the communication, muscular strength
and suppleness needed for jumping and
galloping phases of the event.
competition. The term "dressage" comes
from the French word meaning simply "to
train". The dressage test consists of a set
series of movements performed on the flat in
an arena. The degree of difficulty of the
dressage test increases with each level of
competition. The purpose of the dressage
test is to demonstrate communication and
harmony between the horse and rider, and
display the obedience, power and grace
required to perform each movement with
balance, suppleness and rhythm in all three
gaits. A correct dressage foundation is
important in the development of the event
horse. Dressage training is necessary to
build the communication, muscular strength
and suppleness needed for jumping and
galloping phases of the event.
Cross Country, usually the second phase of
an event, tests the house and rider over
varied terrain and obstacles, including water,
ditches and banks. This cross course which
must be negotiated within a time limit, is a
test of obedience, jumping ability, bravery,
and fitness. The speed required and the
length and difficulty of the course increase
with each level of competition. A rider's
knowledge of pace is essential in order for
his horse to finish within the time limit and to
use only as much of his horse's energy as
necessary. At the more difficult levels, the
horse must be capable of increasing
demands on his endurance and agility. At
the highest levels the total distance covered
in the endurance phase can be close to 20
miles.
an event, tests the house and rider over
varied terrain and obstacles, including water,
ditches and banks. This cross course which
must be negotiated within a time limit, is a
test of obedience, jumping ability, bravery,
and fitness. The speed required and the
length and difficulty of the course increase
with each level of competition. A rider's
knowledge of pace is essential in order for
his horse to finish within the time limit and to
use only as much of his horse's energy as
necessary. At the more difficult levels, the
horse must be capable of increasing
demands on his endurance and agility. At
the highest levels the total distance covered
in the endurance phase can be close to 20
miles.
The Show Jumping Phase is generally the
third and final phase of competition. Horse
and rider must jump a course of colored rails
and obstacles in an arena, in front of
thousands of roaring fans. Obedience,
jumping ability and harmony between horse
and rider are necessary for this phase. After
two previous phases of competition,
including a physically grueling cross country
course, horse and rider must complete this
last jumping test while trying not to incur
additional penalties.. This is a test of true
stamina, as well as amazing agility and
precision.
third and final phase of competition. Horse
and rider must jump a course of colored rails
and obstacles in an arena, in front of
thousands of roaring fans. Obedience,
jumping ability and harmony between horse
and rider are necessary for this phase. After
two previous phases of competition,
including a physically grueling cross country
course, horse and rider must complete this
last jumping test while trying not to incur
additional penalties.. This is a test of true
stamina, as well as amazing agility and
precision.
In both the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games, the U. S. Three Day
team won gold medals, as well as individual gold and silver. At the
1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, The U. S. Three Day team won the
silver medal and the individual bronze medal. At the 1999
Pan-American Games the United States won the team gold medal,
and the individual silver and bronze medals. In Sydney in 2000, with
an Olympic record breaking score, U. S. Team member, David
O'Connor won the individual gold medal. At the 2002 World
Equestrian Games, the U. S. Eventing Squad captured the team
gold medal. The U. S. will be fielding a competitive squad this
summer for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The World Equestrian Games will be hosted in 2010 in Lexington,
Kentucky. This event will bring hundreds of thousands of spectators
to the United States and to Kentucky. It will be the largest
equestrian event ever held in the United States. This highly
anticipated event will offer sponsors remarkable opportunity for
corporate visibility and image enhancement.
team won gold medals, as well as individual gold and silver. At the
1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, The U. S. Three Day team won the
silver medal and the individual bronze medal. At the 1999
Pan-American Games the United States won the team gold medal,
and the individual silver and bronze medals. In Sydney in 2000, with
an Olympic record breaking score, U. S. Team member, David
O'Connor won the individual gold medal. At the 2002 World
Equestrian Games, the U. S. Eventing Squad captured the team
gold medal. The U. S. will be fielding a competitive squad this
summer for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The World Equestrian Games will be hosted in 2010 in Lexington,
Kentucky. This event will bring hundreds of thousands of spectators
to the United States and to Kentucky. It will be the largest
equestrian event ever held in the United States. This highly
anticipated event will offer sponsors remarkable opportunity for
corporate visibility and image enhancement.
Continuing the Legacy
Clark Montgomery is part of a long legacy of riding and training. Since
1999, Clark has trained full-time with Olympians David and Karen
O'Connor. Clark has gained invaluable knowledge, experience and
notoriety. Poised as the next generation in this line of equestrian
greatness, with the necessary financial support and ongoing experience,
Clark hopes to continue this legacy.
Clark was named to the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation
Eventing Winter Training List. As one of only 18 riders in the country he
will have the opportunity to train with Chef d'Equipe, Mark Phillips and
Laura Kraut, a member of the US Show Jumping team, in preparation for
the 2008 Summer Olympics.
1999, Clark has trained full-time with Olympians David and Karen
O'Connor. Clark has gained invaluable knowledge, experience and
notoriety. Poised as the next generation in this line of equestrian
greatness, with the necessary financial support and ongoing experience,
Clark hopes to continue this legacy.
Clark was named to the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation
Eventing Winter Training List. As one of only 18 riders in the country he
will have the opportunity to train with Chef d'Equipe, Mark Phillips and
Laura Kraut, a member of the US Show Jumping team, in preparation for
the 2008 Summer Olympics.
| Clark and David O'Connor |
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| Montgomery Equestrian |