How to get into following riding as a sport?

[Pr1nc3ssP3rdy]

I've been riding for about 13 years, and it's my favourite hobby by far. However, I've never really followed the world of professional equestrians. I feel like it's odd as if anyone asked me my favourite sport I'd say horse riding (it's the only sport I've ever been remotely interested in), yet I wouldn't be able to name any pro riders at all. I grew up in a completely non sporty and non horsey family so it's just never been on my radar, but now I've decided that it's time to actually get into the sport. The trouble is, I just don't know where to start?? I'm completely out of my depth, what do I need to research? Do I need to find old footage on YouTube? Who are the big names to look out for? If anyone could point me in the right direction, that'd be marvelous 😂
I'm planning on getting tickets for an event once they're open again (I also have no idea which one to start with for that!)
I'm definitely most interested in eventing out of all the disciplines if that helps!
Thanks in advance

Fence judging is such a good idea. I never knew you could volunteer to do that! I'll definitely look more into that as it sounds really fun and I think I'd learn a lot. Thanks for all your ideas guys, there's so many things i never considered. As for bramham - I looked it up and it's a couple of hours from me but that's definitely one to consider once it's possible.

If you’ve got Virgin TV check if you’ve got the Horse and Country channel! Channel 293.