Editing Eventing (section)

==Turnout of the horse and tack==

===Turnout and grooming===
Event horses are turned out similarly to dressage horses, with the legs and face (muzzle, jaw, sides of ears, [[bridle path (horse)|bridle path]]) neatly clipped. The tail is usually "banged" (cut straight across), usually to a length between the fetlock joint and lower hock. Additionally, most event riders clip the sides of their mount's tails, to give them a finer appearance. Braiding of tails is fairly uncommon, probably because the tail can not be braided if the hairs along the sides of the dock are clipped.

{{Citations|date=May 2024}}

The [[mane (horse)|mane]] is pulled to about {{Convert|3|in|cm}} in length and is usually braided for dressage as well as the show jumping phase. However, most riders prefer to leave it loose for cross-country in case they need to grab it for security. Some riders also place [[quarter marks]] (decorative stenciling) on the hindquarters.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

===Tack===
[[Image:Rolex XCountry.JPG|right|thumb|A horse on cross-country, showing the "eventer's grease" on his legs to help him slide over obstacles]]
Most event riders have a jumping saddle as well as a dressage saddle since each places them in a position better-suited for its purpose. At the lower levels, however, a rider can ride all three phases without difficulty in a well-fitted jumping saddle. At the upper levels, riders usually have a saddle specifically designed for cross-country, giving them more freedom for such fences as [[bank (obstacle)|banks and drops]].

Dressage tack is usually black in color, with a [[saddle blanket|white square pad]], giving a formal look. Except for the upper levels, where a [[double bridle]] is permitted, horses may only be ridden in [[snaffle bit]]s. There are strict guidelines as to what type of snaffle may be used, and the more severe types (such as any twisted bit) are prohibited. If a double bridle is used, a plain cavesson or crank [[noseband]] must be worn. With a snaffle bridle, the rider is also free to use the drop, flash, or grackle noseband, with the flash and plain cavesson being the most common. [[Breastplate (tack)|Breastplates]] are also fairly common in dressage at an event, despite the fact that they are not seen at regular dressage shows. Other forms of equipment, such as [[Martingale (tack)|martingale]]s, [[Horse leg protection#Boots|protective boots]], gadgets/training devices, bit guards, [[Horse leg protection#Exercise bandages|exercise bandages]], or tail wraps, are not allowed during the test.

[[Image:R3DE StadiumJump.jpg|right|thumb|Horse and rider well turned-out for the show jumping phase. Note the rider wears a medical armband.]]
In show jumping, the rider uses a jumping saddle, usually with a square or fitted white pad. Rules on tack are less-stringent, and most forms of bridling and bitting are allowed, including the use of [[gag bit]]s, [[hackamore]]s, and any type of noseband. Breastplates and open front boots are usually worn. [[Martingale (tack)|Running martingales]] are also allowed, but must be used with rein stops. Standing and Irish martingales are not allowed.

For the cross-country phase, the rider usually uses similar tack as for the show jumping. However, cross-country boots are used for extra protection, to help prevent injury if they were to hit the solid obstacles. Most horses that wear shoes are also fitted with [[horse shoe studs]], to prevent slipping. At the upper levels, riders may also apply a grease or lard to the front of the horse's legs, to help the horse slide over fences if they hang a leg. Riders also tend to color-coordinate their cross-country tack to their colors. For example, using the same color saddle pad and tape for their boots, to match their shirt and protective vest.