United States Eventing Association

Moving Up To Preliminary – When Are You Ready? Making the decision to move up the levels is one which should never be taken lightly. Both horse and rider should be over-prepared rather than under-prepared and never is this truer than when making the 4” (height of fences) step up from the training level to the preliminary level. Most advanced riders will tell you that out of all move-ups, training to preliminary is the biggest. Not only do jumps at three feet seven look so much bigger, the questions asked are starting to become technical and require a higher level of skill from the rider and balance from the horse.

I spoke with Mark Phillips, USEF Chef d’Equipe and National Course Advisor about what a rider should be doing to prepare herself and her horse for the challenge.

“First, riders should get sound instruction from a USEA ICP Certified Instructor who has been certified to teach the classic principles of cross-country riding,” said Mark. “Second, you should not just be jumping clear at the training level but be very comfortable at the level so you have a good rhythm on the cross country, with no stand off’s and no chipped strides in front of fences. Do not move to preliminary unless you are schooling 3’7” to 3’9” show jumps at home. You should also be comfortable with the dressage movements in the prelim tests.

When schooling cross-country, never school at the next level up. Advanced riders never school cross-country at the advanced level always a level below that at which their horse is competing.

If you feel the need to school the higher fences and shorter distances (see USEA Cross Country Guidelines) then use show jump poles, don’t do it over fixed fences.”

So, as the coach to the US Team tells us it is all about preparation and making the right decisions. Good luck and have a great ride!