Sep 21, 2020

How Strong is Your Training Game?

Kendyl Tracy and Bobbie Burns had the second-highest finishing score at Training level in 2019. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

How competitive have your Training results been? What’s a good dressage score? What scores could earn you a top finish? We’ve been taking a look at each USEA level and as we continue this series, EquiRatings offers some stats and graphs to help evaluate your Training game.

How are People Scoring at Training?

These graphs show Training performance across the board, from sub-28 to DNF (Did Not Finish). Take a look to see what scores the Training crowd has been earning. What scores do you usually get? We give you some of our takeaways to get you started.

The Show Jumping Zones and the Cross-Country Zones include time and jumping penalties.

The Big Picture at Training

Finishing Score Zones

  • Sub-32 Zone: Around 3 in 25 Training starters (13%) finish sub-32.
  • 60+ Zone: On the other end of the spectrum, the same number of Training starters (13%) finish with 60 penalties or more.

Per-Phase Zones

  • About half of Training starters (47%) get a dressage score between 31 and 37.
  • Almost half of Training show jumping starters (45%) keep all the poles up and finish within the time.
  • Over half of Training cross-country starters (54%) finish clear and within the optimum time.

The Target Score for a Win at Training

Eventing is about putting all three phases together to finish strong, but what is a strong Training level finish? The graphs and tables below show you what it takes to win.

Top Finishing Scores

  • Two out of every 3 Training winners (66%) finish sub-32.
  • One-third of third-place finishers (33%) score between 32 and 36.

Dressage - What Does a Strong Start Look Like at Training?

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

29.3

48.9%

50.0%

1.1%

Third Place

33.0

6.1%

82.1%

11.8%

Using 2017-2019 Training data.

  • Training winners average a dressage score of 29.3.
  • Almost no Training winners (1.1%) have come back to win after starting more than 10 marks behind the dressage leader.
  • Most Training third-place finishers (over 4 in 5, 82.1%) are not the dressage leader but are within 10 marks after the first phase.

Show Jumping - Can You Afford to Knock a Pole at Training?

Final Position

0 Show Jumping Penalties

1 to 4 Show Jumping Penalties

5 or More Show Jumping Penalties

Winner

81.9%

15.0%

3.1%

Third Place

63.5%

26.1%

10.4%

Using 2017 – 2019 Training data. This table includes show jumping time penalties and jumping penalties.

  • A clean show jumping round is important to a Training win. Over 4 in 5 winners (81.9%) keep all the rails up and finish under time.
  • More than 1 in 3 third-place finishers (36.5%) do have show jumping faults.

Cross-Country - Do You Need to be Clear Inside the Time at Training?

Final Position

Clear Inside the Time

Average Cross-Country Time Penalties

Winner

88%

0.4

Third Place

75%

1.1

Using 2017 – 2019 Training data. Clear Inside the Time includes all runs that were clear jumping with no time penalties (whether for going over the optimum time or for going too far under the time).

  • A clean cross-country jumping round is critical to success, but it’s also important to get the time right. Almost all Training winners (nearly 9 in 10, 88%) finish cross-country clear and without time penalties.
  • About 3 out of every 4 third-place finishers (75%) complete cross-country clear and without time penalties.

What are the 2019 Record Performances?

Lastly, we have pulled the 2019 record dressage scores and record finishing scores from Training level. There are some recognizable names on these lists but also some combinations who may not always make the eventing headlines.

How Can You Use These Numbers?

Now that you know how your Training peers are performing, what are some goals you can set? Do you want to improve toward the middle of the pack or aim for a top finish? Either goal is great. Progress is progress. Of course, long-term goal-setting is not about comparison - you have to stay in your lane or risk being robbed of joy. If your main aim is to enjoy your horse with a few outings a year, these numbers can just be fun! But, if you want to be competitive, now you know what it takes. Either way, enjoy the journey.

Apr 22, 2025 News

In Memoriam: Dr. Timothy Holekamp (1946-2025)

The USEA is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Timothy “Tim” Holekamp on April 19. He was 79.

Apr 22, 2025

Shop New USEA Merchandise at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

While we all attend the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event for the competition, the next best thing about the event is definitely the shopping! The USEA is excited to be back on-site at the Kentucky Horse Park for the competition this year and to debut some all-new apparel items for the 2025 season. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect to see at our booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, this year.

Apr 22, 2025 Competitions

Fast Facts: 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

They don't call it the "Best Weekend All Year" for no reason! If you love the sport of eventing (or just horses in general) the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is most likely a staple on your calendar or a must-see on your bucket list. This week, thousands of eventing lovers will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for one of two U.S.-based five-stars that takes place each year, as well as top-shelf CCI4*-S competition and two nights of spectacular show jumping.

Apr 22, 2025 Adult Riders

USEA Adult Riders Program to Host Course Walk with Derek di Grazia at 2025 #K3DE

Will you be at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this year? Are you a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program? Then you will not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to join cross-country course designer Derek di Grazia on a walk of the CCI5*-L cross-country course. The USEA-hosted event will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24.

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