Three-day eventing provides a comprehensive test of all round ability for horse and rider, and tests the partnership between the two.

The sport was originally developed as a military event, drawing on the requirements for an Officer’s charger – steadiness on parade, the ability to cross the country at speed in battle and the fitness needed to carry on with duties the following day.

Known as Concours Complet International, or CCI, the modern international three-day event is overseen by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The sport has evolved from the original military requirements to the three modern-day disciplines that we see today – dressage, cross country and show jumping. In order to succeed, riders and their horses must be highly skilled in all three disciplines.

Internationally there are four levels of competition, rated by ‘stars’. The first three-day event at Blair was held in 1989, as a national two-star competition. In 2007, Blair ran competition on three levels – CCI*, CCI** and CCI*** - and also hosted the FEI European Young Rider Eventing Championships, held at CCI** level, to find the best young riders in Europe aged between 18 and 21. This year, we will run CCI*, CCI** and CCI*** level competitions.

The CCI* caters for those horses or riders entering probably their first three-day event, and is at Novice level. The CCI** is for Intermediate combinations, whilst the CCI*** attracts riders with Advanced horses competing at the top of the sport, who may go on to greater International success at CCI**** and Championship events.

For more information about the three disciplines of eventing - dressage, cross country and show jumping – and the scoring system, click here

To see a list of past winners, click here