The Modified level was introduced to eventing in 2017 to bridge the gap between the Training and Preliminary levels, a gap that has frequently recognized as being the biggest “jump” between levels. After watching the Modified level grow successfully over the last four years and with the addition of the new CCI* level as the FEI equivalent to the national Modified level, the USEA is very pleased to announce the addition of the Modified Three-Day Event in 2021.
In the USEF Rules for Eventing Appendix 3 – Participation in Horse Trials, the new Modified Three-Day division is outlined as follows:
“Open to competitors of any age on horses 5 years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse as a combination must have obtained MERs at three horse trials at the Training level or higher, plus an additional MER at Modified level or higher, with no jumping penalties at obstacles on the cross-country test. A competitor established at the Preliminary level may compete on a horse that has obtained two MERs at the Training level or higher. Qualifying competitions must be completed within a 24-month period of the start of the Classic Competition.”
The specifications for dressage, endurance day, and show jumping for the new Modified Three-Day are below:
Modified | |
Dressage |
Modified Test A |
Phase A |
|
• Distance |
2640-3960 meters |
• Speed |
220 meters per minutes |
• Time |
12-18 minutes |
Phase B |
|
• Distance |
1650-1925 meters |
• Speed |
550 meters per minute |
• Speed Fault |
n/a |
• Time |
3 or 3.5 minutes |
• Jumping Efforts |
5-7, 4’1” maximum brush height |
Phase C |
|
• Distance |
2880-6160 meters |
• Speed |
160 or 220 meters per minutes |
• Time |
18-28 minutes |
Phase D |
|
• Jump Height | Fixed 1.05m (3'5") Brush 1.25m (4'1") |
• Jump Spread | Highest Point 1.30m (4’3”) Base 2.04m (6’5”) Without Height 2.6m (8’6”) |
• Drops | 1.5m (4'11") |
• Distance |
2695-3675 meters |
• Speed |
490 meters per minute |
• Speed Fault |
n/a |
• Time |
5.5-7.5 minutes |
• Jumping Efforts |
24-30, no more than one effort commenced per 130 meters. |
Show Jumping |
|
• Distance |
600 meters |
• Speed |
325 meters per minute |
• Jumping Efforts |
10-13 |
• Height |
1.05 meters (3’5”) |
• Overall Spread of Oxers |
1.25 meters (4’1”) |
• Overall Spread of Triple Bars |
1.45 meters (4’9”) |
Two events have already signed on to offer Modified Three-Day Events at their competitions in the fall:
The USEA Classic Series Guidelines have been updated to reflect the addition of the Modified Three-Day. The Guidelines can be viewed here.
Organizers interested in hosting a Modified Three-Day Event in 2021 should contact either USEA Senior Director of Competitions Sharon Gallagher at [email protected] or USEA Director of Programs and Marketing Kate Lokey at [email protected].
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 Series event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.
The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, FITS, SmartPak Equine, Parker Equine Insurance, and Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles for sponsoring the USEA Classic Series.
The USEA is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Timothy “Tim” Holekamp on April 19. He was 79.
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.
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.
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.