United States Eventing Association

Riders in Area X got the chance to experience the thrill of the USEA Classic Series on July 9-12 in Flagstaff, Arizona, as the Coconino HT and Western Underground, Inc. Three-Day Event hosted Novice and Beginner Novice three-day divisions. We caught up with the winners to learn more about their experiences.

Novice Three-Day

Maggie Stevens, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and her own Agent 007 moved up from third after dressage in the Novice Three-Day division to take the win on a score of 32.1.

Stevens has had “Bond,” a 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Forestry x Winning Kiss) since he came off the racetrack at age 4. After taking a long break from competing due to injury, college, and grad school, Stevens says she’s excited to be back out competing, and so is Bond.

“He has a big personality but loves his job and tries his heart out for me,” she said, adding that the gelding for his name from his racing tattoo which ends in 007.

Stevens had always been curious about trying a three-day and thought the format would suit Bond. “I liked the challenge of it while paying tribute to the roots of our sport,” she added.

Stevens said she felt Bond gained confidence taking fences at speed during the steeplechase phase and appreciated the educational activities for the three-day riders throughout the week where they learned about conditioning, recovery, veterinary care, and how to be a better partner for their horses.

She added that if you’re able to compete in a Classic Series event, go for it. “Do it! It’s an experience that I think every eventer should have under their belt,” she said. “Do your homework, build up your horse’s fitness slowly, and don’t forget to thank your horse regardless of the outcome at the end of the day.

Beginner Novice Three-Day

Christine Murphy, Desert Hill, Arizona, won the Coconino Novice Three-Day in 2023 with her own Made You Look, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Bridon Beale Street x Local Motion), and had a very successful 2024, but this year Murphy says she’s struggled a bit and gotten too much in her head, so she opted to drop down to Beginner Novice for the three-day this year.

The pair took home the win on a score of 43.5, but most importantly, Murphy said they gained back some confidence.

“I thought the roads and tracks would be helpful in getting us moving forward again,” said Murphy. “I've been trying to micro-manage too much, and she's been doubting me as a result. She loves to do her big trot during Phases A and C, and steeplechase particularly is great at teaching us to jump out of stride. My focus was on keeping light, positive support, and it worked just as I'd hoped. Our last couple of shows she didn't feel confident, but after cross-country at the three-day, she felt like she could jump anything.

Murphy advised other riders that while it’s a lot of hard work leading up to a three-day, “it has an amazing effect on your partnership with your horse. This is my third long format, so I obviously think they're worth it!

“I'd like to thank the organizers who are still offering the long formats,” she added. “It's expensive for them, and entries don't always cover the cost. This year Coconino didn't have any entries for the Training Three-Day which was so disappointing. I always hear people say, ‘maybe next year I'll do it,’ but if entries are low, it might not be offered near you next year. Stop putting it off and try it!”

For full results, click here.

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long ­format three­-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross­-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long ­format three-­day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Three-Day Event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors and earn leaderboard points. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank bronze sponsors D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, PulseVet, and Schneiders Saddlery, as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles for supporting the USEA Classic Series.