United States Eventing Association

Core Memories from Classic Three-Day Events Across the Country

The Classic Three-Day Event Series, which features seven competitions each year, is a beloved program of the USEA that gives Beginner Novice to Preliminary level competitors the chance to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic long-format three-day event. At each event, competitors are immersed in an educational weekend that revives all the elements that we know and love from the old school competition format—roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections and more!

The USEA asked our members to share their favorite memories from their Classic Three-Day Event experiences, and the response was overwhelming! Keep reading for some heartwarming stories that are sure to convince you to start your journey towards a Classic near you!

Melissa Davis Warden & Deadpool - “At the Hagyard Three-Day 2019, I was 3-months post shattering my left leg. I could barely walk, couldn’t jog my own horse, but I had the best team, including the one and only Deadpool. It would be my last Classic, as 2020 hit and in 2021, the salvage had failed and my leg was amputated, leading to other life changes.

Course designer William Robertson rode Deadpool for me in the TIP Hunter Derby a month before while also coaching my daughter on him in the jumpers, since I was still in a cast/walking boot. These two will always have a special bromance. On cross-country morning at Hagyard in 2019, I arrived at the barn to this moment [bottom photo]. Not only did William meet me in the assistance box on cross-country with a Goody Powder and water for Phase C, but he jogged Fred for me at the final horse inspection.”

Tori Traube & HSH Chase de Muze – “My 5-year-old winning both of our first Classic Series at The Event at Rebecca Farm in 2024! Such a wonderful training opportunity for this young horse before he moves up to training level this fall.”

Tracey Hopper & Scooby – Tracey and her 18-year-old Appendix Quarter Horse gelding Scooby, have competed in two Classic Three-Day Events together at the Spokane Sport Horse Annual 8^th Fall H.T. in 2022 and The Event at Rebecca Farm in 2023. “I love the FEI feel the Classic offers us amateurs! [Spokane was] our first classic and qualified us for the AEC in Kentucky in 2023! Rebecca Farm was hands down our best cross-country despite a second attempt at the corner. I love that the roads and tracks just gets the horses going and ready.”

Courtney Calnan & Little Red Dragon – “All of my friends coming together to help the D box go smoothly! There’s nothing quite like finishing Phase D and knowing how much better your horse and your partnership is because of it!”

Liz Harrison & Bombero – “When this event was all over, I couldn’t stop smiling, and I wished that every event was a long format. My AMAZING partner is a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred by Fresian Fire out of Double Delta, named Bombero, who has one eye! The long format highlighted all of his best characteristics, and I became a better horsewoman that weekend."

Merrilyn Ratliff & Koda Bear – “I compete in the 2021 Waredaca Classic Three-Day. I can transport myself back to that joyous rush of steeplechase with my tiny little Thoroughbred with the heart and stride of a lion. We almost didn’t make it to endurance day because I couldn’t get my very forward, brave horse over the practice steeplechase. Turns out, I was in my head about him being so small and tried to punch him too hard and fast to the jumps. I learned to support and let him find his own perfect pace. The next day we had the ride of my life and went double-clear on all phases of endurance day. I loved the three-day so much and absolutely cherish the experience with him. It still makes me emotional to think about how many Jimmy Wofford books and anecdotes I read about how it tested partnership and horsemanship and how badly I wanted to be in that league, but how I didn’t think I was good enough or brave enough… until Koda said 'Yes you are...' "

Olivia Brakefield & Navigator – “My Clydesdale/Thoroughbred and I at both of our first ever Novice Three-Day competitions! We won on our dressage score of 26.8. I also competed with my 5-year-old in the Novice Three-Day at Spokane last fall. My trainer and I competed with our 4- and 5-year-olds together. It was fun to ride back-to-back all weekend and to have our horses finish first and third!”

Jeannette Lussi & Rock’N Ranger – “We competed in the Waredaca Three-Day in 2022 and came in sixth in the Beginner Novice division. It is one of my most fond memories, especially the steeplechase section. Rock’N Ranger loved the long format!”

Sondra Barr & Jubilee - “My first classic three-day trot up with my wonderful 19-year-old paint horse last month at the Coconino Horse Trials. She rocked every phase like a pro!”

Erin Tomson & With Gusto – “I love this picture of me and With Gusto, or "Gus" at Rebecca Farm 2017. He was 21 at the time and slayed the Training Classic! Amazing experience and memories."

Tiffany McDermott & Makin’ Waves – “Everyone should do a long format event at least once in their life! This was from my first training three-day two years ago!”

Shannon Zupan & Crickett – “We competed in the 2023 Beginner Novice Waredaca Classic Three-Day. This is Cricket and I on the steeplechase course, one of my favorite pictures from that special event! We earned third place.”

Kate McGown & Curious George – “Hagyard Three-Day in 2022, exactly one year since our first show as a pair!"

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, Schneiders Saddlery, and SmartPak Equine as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles and Parker Equine Insurance for supporting the USEA Classic Series.