Editing Eventing (section)

===Importance of dressage training===
In the early years, the dressage phase was fairly inconsequential in determining the final standings. It was quite possible for a horse to have a terrible dressage test, then run a clean cross-country and show jumping, and still finish near the top of the standings. Since then, correct dressage training has become increasingly important should a horse and rider wish to be placed (complete all sections and finish in the top 12). This can be traced back to [[Sheila Willcox]], who took a particular interest in dressage, becoming abundantly clear when she won Badminton three years running in the 1950s. She had a strong influence on [[Mary King (equestrian)|Mary King]] and [[Lucinda Green]] amongst others.

After the 2000 Olympic Games, the [[International Federation for Equestrian Sports|FEI]] hired British eventer and dressage rider [[Christopher Bartle]] to write new dressage tests for the upper-level events, which would include a greater deal of collection. This has since raised the standard even further in the dressage phase.

Additionally, the cross-country phase has become more technical, asking the horse to be adjustable and supple through [[Combination (jump)|combinations]]. A horse can no longer just be brave and athletic but must have a good deal of dressage training should his rider wish to successfully negotiate odd distances or bending lines at a gallop.  Also, in show jumping, a horse is asked to move with impulsion and engagement; this makes the jump more fluent, brings the horse to [[Bascule (horse)|bascule]] more correctly, and is less jarring for both horse and rider.