Eventing, known as the “complete competition,” requires the same horse-and-rider team to complete a dressage test, a demanding cross-country obstacle course, and a show-jumping round on the same or successive days.

The author, one of this country’s most successful competitors and trainers, offers a range of advice on selecting a compatible horse and appropriate tack and rider apparel, creating suitable and realistic training programs for all three phases, and preparing for and then competing in an entry-level event.

James C. Wofford competed on U.S. Equestrian Team three-day event squads for two decades, during which he won two Olympic team silver medals and an individual World Championship bronze medal. Now based in Upperville, Virginia, Wofford is one of this country’s leading trainers whose students have won many major national and international eventing titles. He is also a well-known television commentator and magazine columnist.