In the early 2000s, eventing shifted away from the traditional long format events with roads and tracks and steeplechase on endurance day at the highest levels of the sport, opting for the modern short format event we see today. In an effort to preserve the history, tradition, and horsemanship of the long format three-day event, the USEA Classic Series was formed.
The USEA Classic Series offers long format three-day events for the Preliminary level and below. In addition to dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, horses and riders also participate in formal veterinary inspections and get to experience endurance day - roads and tracks and steeplechase phases prior to the cross-country phase of competition. In addition, educational opportunities have been build into the USEA Classic Series experience on topics ranging from horse care and proper in-hand presentation to mounted steeplechase practice.