Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Dressage Arena
- Dimensions: 60 m × 20 m (197 ft × 66 ft) for Grand Prix and Olympic competition. A smaller 40 m × 20 m arena is used for lower levels but not at the Olympics.
- Letters: Marker letters placed around the perimeter define where movements must be performed. Perimeter letters: A (entrance), K, E, H, C (far end), M, B, F. Centerline letters: D, X (center), G.
- Surface: Sand, sand-fiber mix, or specialized equestrian footing. Must provide consistent, non-slip surface that is not too deep (impedes movement) or too hard (stresses joints). Typically 8–12 cm (3–5 in) depth.
- Surroundings: Low boards (approximately 30 cm / 12 in high) mark the arena boundary. Judges are positioned at designated points around the arena. Flowers and decorations are permitted but must not startle horses.
3.2 Show Jumping Arena
- Minimum area: 2,500 m² (26,910 ft²) for Olympic competition, though larger arenas (up to 5,000 m²) are preferred for Grand Prix courses
- Obstacles: 10–16 obstacles with 12–15 jumping efforts (including combinations of 2 or 3 elements). Fences include verticals (poles stacked vertically), oxers (spread fences with two frames), triple bars, water jumps, and walls.
- Fence heights: Olympic Grand Prix individual: maximum 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in). Team competition: maximum 1.60 m. Water jump: minimum 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in) spread.
- Course design: The course designer creates a track that tests the horse's scope, agility, and the rider's ability to maintain rhythm and manage distances. Courses include related distances (combinations), bending lines, and changes of lead.
- Footing: Sand, grass, or all-weather surface. Must be consistent and provide adequate grip for take-off and landing.
3.3 Eventing Cross-Country Course
- Course length: 5,700–6,270 m (3.5–3.9 miles) for Olympic-level (CCI5*-equivalent) competition
- Jumping efforts: 25–40 jumping efforts, including combinations
- Fence dimensions: Maximum height 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in), maximum spread 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) at the highest point, maximum spread at base 2.40 m (7 ft 10 in). Drop fences maximum 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) drop.
- Obstacle types: Solid, fixed obstacles including logs, stone walls, hedges, ditches, water crossings (splash fences), banks (up and down), corners, arrowheads, and combinations with multiple elements
- Speed: Optimum time calculated at 570 m/min (approximately 34 km/h or 21 mph) for top-level competition
- Terrain: Undulating terrain with varied footing — grass, packed earth, and purpose-built tracks. Natural features (hills, water crossings) are incorporated into course design.
- Frangible technology: MIM (Maximum Impassable Mechanism) clips or frangible pins on top rails allow fences to collapse when struck with excessive force, significantly reducing the risk of rotational horse falls