How competitive have your Advanced results been? What is a strong final score? What is a good dressage score? What scores do you need to place high? In the final installment of our level-by-level analysis, EquiRatings offers some stats and graphs to help evaluate your Advanced game.
These graphs show Advanced performance across the board, from sub-28 to DNF (Did Not Finish). Take a look to see how the Advanced crowd is typically scoring. What scores do you usually get? We offer some of our takeaways to get you started.
Finishing Score Zones
Per-Phase Zones
Eventing is about putting all three phases together to finish strong, but what is a strong Advanced finish? How are the top finishers performing? The graphs and tables below show you what it takes to win.
Final Position |
Average Dressage Score |
Started as Dressage Leader |
Started 10 Marks or Less from Dressage Leader |
Started More Than 10 Marks from Dressage Leader |
Winner |
30.9 |
40.0% |
55.0% |
5.0% |
Third Place |
34.1 |
6.9% |
70.8% |
22.2% |
Using 2017 – 2019 Advanced data.
Final Position |
0 Show Jumping Penalties |
1 to 4 Show Jumping Penalties |
5 or More Show Jumping Penalties |
Winner |
57.5% |
28.8% |
13.8% |
Third Place |
38.9% |
36.1% |
25.0% |
Using 2017 – 2019 Advanced data. This table includes show jumping time penalties and jumping penalties.
Final Position |
Clear Inside the Time |
Average Cross-Country Time Penalties |
Winner |
18% |
6.2 |
Third Place |
13% |
10.0 |
Using 2017 – 2019 Advanced data.
Lastly, we have pulled the 2019 record dressage scores and record finishing scores from the Advanced level. In 2019, there were no sub-28 finishing scores, illustrating just how tough it is to score that low. These numbers might be worthy reach goals for you.
Seeing how your fellow competitors are doing can provide clarity and help you set realistic targets. Of course, long-term goal-setting is not about comparison; you have to stay in your lane or risk being robbed of fulfillment. But these numbers can help you figure out where you stand. And if you do want to be more competitive, now you know what it takes. Maybe we will see your name in the record books soon.
Boyd Martin claimed the win aboard Fedarman B on a final score of 29.0 in the CCI4*-L division to claim the CCI4*-L USET Foundation National Championship, adding nothing to their dressage score after two double-clear jumping rounds. In reserve, and the highest-ranked international rider, Colleen Loach and Vermont, the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Van Helsing x Heraldik XX) owned by Peter Barry, also completed their weekend without adding any points, ending on a score of 29.3. Clinching third place honors via double-clear stadium round for a total of 31.0 points was Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley, the 11-year-old Holsteiner mare (Connor 48 x Mytens XX) owned by Lesley Grant-Law, Jackie Brown and Steve Brown.
In 2021, Strides for Equality Equestrian (SEE) and the United States Eventing Association (USEA) established the Ever So Sweet Scholarship which provides a fully-funded opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with five-star eventing Sara Kozumplik Murphy for one season (winter or summer). The scholarship funds cover full board and training costs for one horse, several lessons per week, housing, a stipend for living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions. During the duration of their working student opportunity, participants learn to manage, care for, and compete horses in an immersive program and will have the opportunity to work as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn, in addition to making critical professional connections that would otherwise be unattainable.
Reddick, FL - The organizing committee of the Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. is sad to report that No Limits, Oops a 16-year-old gelding ridden by Aline Briot in the Training Rider division experienced a fall at fence 17 on the cross-country course. The horse received immediate veterinary attention at the fence and was euthanized onsite. Aline Briot was uninjured in the fall.
This story first appeared in the May 2022 issue of Sidelines Magazine.
In all horse sport, there’s a risk that you might hit the deck. But if you’re an event rider, that is pretty much guaranteed.