What is Arena Eventing? — A BE Prepared Guide
Feb 11
Arena Eventing is a unique, two-phase competition that blends show jumping and cross-country style fences within the safety and familiarity of an arena environment. It’s a dynamic way to build confidence, sharpen skills, and prepare both horse and rider for a full eventing season, whatever your level.
To find out more and explore qualifying opportunities, visit the official British Eventing Arena Eventing page:
https://www.britisheventing.com/arena-eventing
How Arena Eventing works
Competitors will jump a flowing course that combines 8–10 show jumps directly followed by 10–12 cross-country fences, including a water element (which may be a water tray), finishing with a show jump joker fence. The joker fence is approximately 10cm higher than the rest of the course, is not optional, and completes the round. There will be no more than 20 jumping efforts in total, and the entire round will be timed.
Penalties will be awarded for refusals, knockdowns, errors of course, falls of horse or rider, and for exceeding the time limit, with the winner being the competitor with the lowest number of penalties. In the event of a tie, the result will be decided by the competitor closest to the optimum time, which is set using speeds of 375mpm (100), 360mpm (90) and 350mpm (80), adjusted for arena size and terrain. The time allowed is twice the optimum time.
Classes are typically offered at multiple heights — such as 80cm, 90cm and 100cm — and are open to riders aged 12 and up. Successful combinations can qualify from October through to February for the Bates Saddles Arena Eventing Championships held at Aston-le-Walls at the end of February.
To find out more and explore qualifying opportunities, visit the official British Eventing Arena Eventing page:
https://www.britisheventing.com/arena-eventing
How Arena Eventing works
Competitors will jump a flowing course that combines 8–10 show jumps directly followed by 10–12 cross-country fences, including a water element (which may be a water tray), finishing with a show jump joker fence. The joker fence is approximately 10cm higher than the rest of the course, is not optional, and completes the round. There will be no more than 20 jumping efforts in total, and the entire round will be timed.
Penalties will be awarded for refusals, knockdowns, errors of course, falls of horse or rider, and for exceeding the time limit, with the winner being the competitor with the lowest number of penalties. In the event of a tie, the result will be decided by the competitor closest to the optimum time, which is set using speeds of 375mpm (100), 360mpm (90) and 350mpm (80), adjusted for arena size and terrain. The time allowed is twice the optimum time.
Classes are typically offered at multiple heights — such as 80cm, 90cm and 100cm — and are open to riders aged 12 and up. Successful combinations can qualify from October through to February for the Bates Saddles Arena Eventing Championships held at Aston-le-Walls at the end of February.
Who Arena Eventing is good for
Arena Eventing can be an excellent tool for a wide range of horses and riders:
Young horses experiencing eventing
For horses new to the sport, Arena Eventing provides a contained, lower-pressure introduction to jumping and cross-country type fences, helping them build confidence without the scale of an open country course.
Riders new to eventing If you’re just starting your eventing journey, Arena Eventing gives you experience in a competitive yet controlled atmosphere, teaching you course thinking, pace management and transitions between phases.
Experienced riders warming up for the season
4. Use Arena Eventing at home
Arena Eventing can be an excellent tool for a wide range of horses and riders:
Young horses experiencing eventing
For horses new to the sport, Arena Eventing provides a contained, lower-pressure introduction to jumping and cross-country type fences, helping them build confidence without the scale of an open country course.
Riders new to eventing If you’re just starting your eventing journey, Arena Eventing gives you experience in a competitive yet controlled atmosphere, teaching you course thinking, pace management and transitions between phases.
Experienced riders warming up for the season
For seasoned competitors, Arena Eventing is a fantastic early-season challenge that keeps skills sharp, highlights areas for improvement, and adds valuable competition experience before you head out onto full cross-country courses.
Arena Eventing also fits well into training calendars when weather or ground conditions make full cross-country schooling difficult — making it a practical winter or spring option.
How to train for arena eventing
Training for Arena Eventing should focus on three key areas: balance, transitions and confidence over varied fences.
1. Build a strong warm-up routine Arena Eventing courses come fast — make sure your warm-up prepares both you and your horse:
2. Practice two-phase thinkingArena Eventing forces you from show jumping precision straight into cross-country tactics. In training:
3. Maintain straightness and rhythm Consistency wins in Arena Eventing:
How to train for arena eventing
Training for Arena Eventing should focus on three key areas: balance, transitions and confidence over varied fences.
1. Build a strong warm-up routine Arena Eventing courses come fast — make sure your warm-up prepares both you and your horse:
- Begin with soft contact and light transitions
- Include simple pole work or cavaletti to encourage rhythm
- Introduce gentle bending and lengthening to improve adjustability
2. Practice two-phase thinkingArena Eventing forces you from show jumping precision straight into cross-country tactics. In training:
- Combine show jumps with small cross-country features
- Practice balancing early in the course and maintaining rhythm
- Work on riding your plan rather than reacting
3. Maintain straightness and rhythm Consistency wins in Arena Eventing:
- Ride balanced transitions and straight lines over fences
- Use poles on the flat and at trot to help visualise correct take-off points
- Develop soft rein skills so your horse stays attentive between phases
4. Use Arena Eventing at home
Even if you’re not competing yet:
Why Arena Eventing?
Arena Eventing is more than a competition — it’s a training bridge between arena schooling and full eventing. It helps you and your horse work on:
✔ Confidence in transitions
✔ Technical accuracy over fences
✔ Line choice and pacing
✔ Reaction to varied obstacles
✔ Competition readiness
It’s also a fun and engaging way to get motivated early in the season, giving you and your partner something clear to aim for as your training progresses.
- Set up small courses in your arena
- Include a variety of jumps and cross-country questions
- Turn your training sessions into micro “phase combinations” for confidence
Why Arena Eventing?
Arena Eventing is more than a competition — it’s a training bridge between arena schooling and full eventing. It helps you and your horse work on:
✔ Confidence in transitions
✔ Technical accuracy over fences
✔ Line choice and pacing
✔ Reaction to varied obstacles
✔ Competition readiness
It’s also a fun and engaging way to get motivated early in the season, giving you and your partner something clear to aim for as your training progresses.
Arena Eventing provides a practical, confidence-building path into eventing — whether you’re new to the sport, warming up for a big season, or training a young horse. Combine course practice with solid preparation and you’ll step into each competition with clarity and confidence.
Find out more about Arena Eventing:
https://www.britisheventing.com/arena-eventing
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