What does the three-day event test in a horse and rider?

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horsemanship An Icelandic horse moving swiftly at the *tölt*, a smooth four-beat, lateral running walk.

The three-day event, also known as Concours Complet d’Équitation or "Complete Competitive Examination in Horsemanship," is designed to test the overall abilities of both horse and rider through three distinct disciplines.1

The Three Disciplines

Dressage: Held on the first day, this phase tests the horse's obedience and the rider's skill through a series of movements at the walk, trot, and canter.1
Cross-Country and Endurance: Considered the most challenging and critical phase, the second day tests the horse’s speed, endurance, and jumping ability over a demanding course that includes steeplechase and cross-country elements.1
Show Jumping: On the final day, this phase demonstrates the horse's fitness and ability to perform after the physical rigors of the previous day's endurance test.1

Originating as a military test for cavalry officers' chargers, the event emphasizes the versatility and partnership required in high-level horsemanship. Performance is evaluated through a system of penalty marks for errors, such as failing to clear obstacles or exceeding time limits, with both individual and team scores recorded.1