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General

The 3 Equestrian Events – Complete Guide

10 Jul 2025·5 min read
General

The Complete Horse Riding Competition (CCE) is an exciting Olympic discipline. It tests horses and riders in three events: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It is an international event that attracts many enthusiasts.

The CCE combines agility, endurance, and technique. With its integration into the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, its popularity will grow.

3 horse riding events

Key points to remember:

  • The Complete Horse Riding Competition (CCE) is an Olympic discipline consisting of 3 events: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
  • The CCE tests the agility, endurance, and jumping abilities of horses and riders.
  • This equestrian discipline attracts enthusiasts from around the world and will be present at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
  • The CCE is a true “equestrian triathlon” that combines different equestrian skills.
  • The complete guide will allow you to discover in detail the specifics of each CCE event.

What is the complete horse riding competition?

The complete horse riding competition (CCE) has been an exciting equestrian discipline since the early 20th century. French military riders inspired this competition with their equestrian raids. The “horse of arms competition” gave birth to the current CCE.

Overview of the complete competition

The complete horse riding competition has evolved to become a very popular international sporting competition. Riders and their horses go through three events: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This showcases their versatility and adaptability.

Origin and history of the CCE

The first equestrian raids of the French military gave rise to the complete horse riding competition. These competitions highlighted the qualities of a sport horse. The CCE has become a recognized international equestrian competition, thanks to cross-country.

The 3 horse riding events in detail

The complete horse riding competition (CCE) includes three disciplines. Each discipline tests different skills of the rider and their horse. Let’s take a closer look at the equestrian events.

Dressage

The equestrian dressage is the first event. The rider and horse must demonstrate a smooth and harmonious dressage routine. Their goal is to showcase their level of dressage and their partnership.

Cross-country

The cross-country is the emblematic event of the CCE. The rider and horse navigate a course with natural obstacles. They must be bold, powerful, and determined to succeed.

Show jumping

The last event is the show jumping. The duo must clear obstacles within the time limit. This is an opportunity for the rider to demonstrate the technique and precision of their horse.

These three CCE events test the versatility, endurance, and partnership of riders and their mounts.

equestrian dressage

Rules and scoring of the 3 horse riding events

The complete horse riding competition (CCE) is a demanding sport. Each event is scored according to specific rules. We will see how judges evaluate performances in the three disciplines: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

Scoring and penalties in dressage

Dressage evaluates the precision and elegance of movements. Judges give scores from 0 to 10 for each exercise. The final result is the sum of penalty points. Errors such as disobedience are severely penalized.

Scoring and penalties in cross-country

Cross-country evaluates incurred penalties. Riders can be penalized for disobedience or course errors. These penalties are added to the course time.

Scoring and penalties in show jumping

Show jumping evaluates the ability to clear bars without knocking them down. Penalties are given for each fault. The final ranking is established by adding the penalty points from the three events.

Event Scoring Penalties
Dressage Scores from 0 to 10 per judge Disobedience, attitude faults
Cross-country Course time Disobedience, course errors, exceeding time
Show jumping Course time Knocking down obstacles, disobedience, exceeding time

Club and Pony events of the 3 horse riding events

The world of equestrian competition has events for beginners and youth. The Club events and Pony events are perfect for this. They allow participants to discover dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

The Club events are open to riders of Gallop 2. They offer cross-country and show jumping courses that are suitable. It’s a great way for beginner riders to start.

The Pony events are for riders under 18 years old. They feature small obstacles, ideal for younger participants. This allows them to safely get acquainted with the Pony CCE events.

The goal is to make equestrian competition appealing to youth. They thus learn the basics of the CCE.

The 3 horse riding events – Complete guide

Amateur events of the 3 horse riding events

The complete horse riding competition (CCE) has events for amateurs. They must have at least Gallop 7 and an Amateur license. These events are a step before the Pro events for the best.

The Amateur events range from Amateur 4 to Amateur Elite. They offer increasingly challenging cross-country and show jumping courses. This allows experienced riders to showcase their skills.

These Amateur CCE events allow riders to train and compete against others. It is a key step for amateurs who want to improve. They may one day reach the Pro events.

3 horse riding events – Pro events

The pinnacle of competition in complete horse riding is reached with the Pro events. These events are open to riders with a minimum of Gallop 7 and a Pro license. The cross-country and show jumping courses are very demanding. They prepare members of the French CCE team.

Only the best experienced riders can participate in these high-level equestrian competitions. These Pro CCE events represent the elite of the discipline. They showcase the highest level of competition in complete horse riding.

  1. Pro events 4: Designed for very high-level riders, these events require exceptional technical and physical mastery.
  2. Pro events 3: An even higher level, with cross-country and show jumping courses of great technicality.
  3. Pro events 2: The highest level before the elite, with events requiring remarkable experience and physical condition.
  4. Pro Elite events: The summit of competition in complete horse riding, reserved for exceptional riders who are part of the French CCE team.

These Pro CCE events offer the best French riders the opportunity to stand out on the international stage of high-level equestrian competition. They represent an exceptional technical and physical challenge. They showcase the excellence of the discipline.

Conclusion

The complete horse riding competition, with its 3 events, is a unique experience. It combines maneuverability, endurance, and show jumping. It is an exciting Olympic discipline.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, the CCE is a rewarding adventure. It teaches you respect, perseverance, and excellence. Dive into the world of the 3 horse riding events and discover its beauty.

The CCE celebrates the relationship between man and horse. It is more than a sport; it is a passion. Join the community of complete horse riding enthusiasts.

FAQ

What is the complete horse riding competition (CCE)?

The CCE is an equestrian discipline at the Olympic level. It combines 3 events: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. These events highlight maneuverability, endurance, and show jumping.

What are the origins of the complete horse riding competition?

The CCE began in the early 20th century. French military riders created this competition. They wanted to test the skills of their sport horses.

What do the 3 events of the complete horse riding competition consist of?

The CCE includes three events: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Dressage showcases the horse's maneuverability. Cross-country is a test of speed and endurance. Show jumping evaluates the horse's ability to jump without faults.

How are the 3 events of the CCE scored?

Each event has a penalty point system. In dressage, judges score. In cross-country, penalties are given for faults. In show jumping, penalties come from knockdowns or exceeding time. The final ranking is made by adding the penalty points.

What CCE events are accessible to beginner and young riders?

For beginners and youth, there are Club and Pony events. These events have adapted courses to help them discover equestrian competition.

What CCE events are reserved for experienced riders?

For more experienced riders, there are Amateur and Pro events. Amateur events range from Amateur 4 to Amateur Elite. Pro events, from Pro 4 to Pro Elite, are for the best.

What is the place of the complete horse riding competition in equestrian competitions?

The CCE is an Olympic discipline, like show jumping and dressage. It will be present at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The cross-country event is highly followed.

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