United States Eventing Association

New Event Horse Program Calendar for 2025

Would you and your horse like to dip your toes in the sport of eventing without the stress of starting with a recognized event? Consider participating in the USEA New Event Horse Program. The program was created to be an introduction to the sport of eventing for both horse and rider no matter the horse’s age. View the 2025 NEH Calendar here.

Modeled after the USEA Young Event Horse Program, The New Event Horse (NEH) classes evaluate a horse’s potential for eventing while serving as a bridge to recognized competition. These classes emphasize education and proper preparation for a correct and progressive introduction to sport.

While many outstanding upper-level prospects may find the New Event Horse classes helpful, these classes are intended to be more introductory in nature and to place a greater emphasis on temperament and suitability. The ultimate goal of the New Event Horse Program is to choose the horse that possesses the talent and mindset and who, with proper training, would be the horse most likely to become a competent, safe, and fun adult amateur, junior, or young rider horse at the Preliminary levels and below.

To participate in an NEH class, horses must be 4 years old or older, and in their first year of eventing. During the competition, horses are asked to complete two sections: a dressage phase and a combined jumping test, gallop, and general impression phase. Courses, at the discretion of the event organizer, may be offered at different jump height specifications from intro, starter, and beginner novice. No NEH course will exceed Beginner Novice specifications, and the dressage test will be the 4-year-old Young Event Horse qualifying dressage test.

USEA members with a Supporting Membership or higher, as well as horses with a Limited Registration or higher, are eligible to compete. Non-registered participants may also complete their USEA registration on the day of the competition.

View the list of 2025 USEA NEH competitions below, and keep in mind that the calendar is subject to change. New competitions can be added regularly, so members are encouraged to reach out to their favorite local events to encourage them to participate. Please continue to check here for any updates throughout the year.

2025 USEA New Event Horse Calendar

Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Area VIII) | March 15, 2025

Snowdonia Sport Horse Complex YEH/NEH/OEH (Area V) | March 30, 2025

Caroline Pamukcu Eventing YEH/NEH (Area III) | April 11, 2025

The Vista Spring YEH/NEH Qualifier (Area III) | May 7, 2025

Snowdonia Sport Horse Complex YEH/NEH/OEH (Area V) | June 22, 2025

Woodloch Midsommer Combined Test YEH/NEH (Area IV) | July 27, 2025

Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Area VIII) | August 9, 2025

The Vista Fall YEH/NEH Qualifier (Area III) | September 10, 2025

*There is no championship for the NEH program

Are you interested in hosting a USEA New Event Horse competition? Learn more about NEH program requirements here, and contact staff liaison Kate Lokey at [email protected] to register.

Don’t see a USEA New Event Horse competition near you? Please contact your local USEA Horse Trial organizers to express interest and ask if they are willing to host the New Event Horse Program at their venue.

About the USEA New Event Horse (NEH) Program

The USEA New Event Horse (NEH) Program is designed to be an introduction to the sport of eventing for horse and rider. Adapted from the Young Event Horse Program, the NEH classes are intended to assess a horse’s capability for eventing and to provide a steppingstone to recognized eventing. New Event Horse classes focus on education and preparation to begin eventing in a correct and progressive manner. Horses are asked to complete two sections: dressage and jumping test/gallop/general impression.

While many outstanding upper-level prospects may find the New Event Horse classes helpful, these classes are intended to be more introductory in nature and to place a greater emphasis on temperament and suitability. The ultimate goal of the New Event Horse Program is to choose the horse that possesses the talent and mind set and who, with proper training, would be the horse most likely to become a competent, safe, and fun adult amateur, junior, or young rider horse at the Preliminary levels and below. Click here to learn more about the New Event Horse program.