United States Eventing Association

Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? In the last few editions of Rule Refresher we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase and in this final edition we outline the Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.

Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? Over the course of the next few Rule Refreshers, we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase. Want to better prepare yourself or your students for their first competition or a move-up? The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels is a free resource to all USEA members that outlines clear and consistent guidelines for riders and trainers to refer to when navigating their way through the competition levels.

Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? Over the course of the next few Rule Refreshers, we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase. Want to better prepare yourself or your students for their first competition or a move-up? The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels is a free resource to all USEA members that outlines clear and consistent guidelines for riders and trainers to refer to when navigating their way through the competition levels. You can access this guide by logging into your online services account.

Nothing strikes panic in the heart of eventers like trotting through the ring only to hear ding ding. So many thoughts run through your head: "Was that bell for me? Why did they ring the bell?" Check out all of the reasons why you might hear the sound of a bell while you are competing below.

Looking to change up your horse’s tack for the new season? Be sure to read through the rules to familiarize yourself with what is acceptable for each phase. In this month’s Rule Refresher, we highlight what tack is deemed acceptable for dressage. Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules For Eventing, with emphasis added by the USEA.

With EHV-1 positive cases on the West Coast resulting in the cancellations of competitions in impacted areas, it is pertinent now more than ever that USEA members are reminded of the vaccination log requirements as set forth by the USEF General Rules and take the necessary steps to ensure their horse is properly vaccinated prior to arriving at their next competition.

In an attempt to create a clear picture for consistent scoring amongst judges, the following clarification has been made by the USEA Eventing Licensed Officials Committee regarding the 2022 USEF Novice Test B dressage test for eventing. This clarification is effective immediately.

Sometimes things just don't go according to plan and can result in a disqualification. Are you aware of the many reasons a disqualification might happen? To help you prepare for your 2022 competition season, be sure to read over section EV117 Disqualification in the USEF Rules for Eventing.

Following the rollout of the new 2022 USEF Eventing Dressage Tests, USEA Educational Collaborator Ride iQ spoke with international eventer and USEA 2020 Rider of the Year Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp, who played a large part in the development of the tests, to hear her perspective about the new tests and her experience developing them. Halliday-Sharp was a member of the committee who worked tirelessly to write tests that are efficient, flowing, and hopefully well-received by organizers and riders alike.

Marilyn Payne, chair of the Test Writing Task Force, presented the 2022 USEF Eventing Dressage Tests at the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During her session, Payne discussed reasonings behind certain movements, updates for clarity that were being made (updated tests have since been published and may be reviewed here), and even shared video demonstrations of certain tests to help attendees get a better understanding of what to expect this competition season. Watch Payne's presentations from Convention below: