The sport, which began as a cavalry exam, is divided into three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Eventing puts horse and rider combinations to the ultimate test. The first element, dressage, demonstrates the horse and rider's beautiful connection via a series of moves on the flat. The second phase, cross-country, requires the pair to navigate through fields, woods, and other obstacles without getting stuck in mud or fallen trees. The final leg, show jumping, includes various obstacles--such as fences, pools, and jumps--that must be cleared safely to receive credit. In addition to winning prizes, riders earn points toward international championships. Horse eventing is more than just a sport; it's an activity that allows people to experience the joys of riding and competing together. Anyone can learn how to event horses, but some individuals are better suited to this type of competition based on their skill level and the number of times they have done it before. No matter your experience, if you want to take part in this fun sport, there are many places around the country where you can do so with others who have never mounted a horse before. Horses are required to meet certain requirements to compete in eventing competitions. They need to be trained to walk calmly on a lead, stand for inspections, and stop on command. Riders use both reins and a loose-reined hand signal to communicate with their partners during exercise tests and events.