Thursday, April 17th
8:30-5:00  CCI**, Advanced Combined Test and Training Level 3-Day

Friday, April 19th
8:00-3:30  CCI*  

In Eventing, the first phase of competition is called a "dressage" test.  Dressage is a French word meaning training.  Originally designed to show the horse's capability on the parade grounds by performing various movements used to review troops, today the dressage test comprises a set series of complicated movements performed in an enclosed arena.  Precision, smoothness, suppleness, and complete obedience show off the horse's gymnastic development.  Ideally, it should look as if the horse is performing on its own accord, carrying its rider in complete harmony.  The test is scored on each movement, rather like the scoring in figure skating, and the overall harmony and precision of the whole exercise is taken into consideration.

At the Festival of the Horse, we will run four divisions, CCI* (One-Star), CCI** (Two-Star), a Training Level 3-Day (1/2 Star) and an Advanced Combined Test.  The Advanced Combined Test consists of only the Dressage and Show Jumping portions of the competition and is designed for advanced riders training for the Rolex 4-Star Event in Kentucky and the Olympics.