Eventing tests were created to offer a low-key and inviting introduction to the sport of eventing. Eventing tests typically consist of one or more of the three eventing phases – dressage, cross-country, and show jumping – and are designed to prepare competitors, horses, and officials for USEA recognized horse trials. Eventing tests can also be a hybrid version of two phases like the Young Event Horse classes or DX Eventing and can be held as a standalone event or in conjunction with a recognized horse trials. Organizers typically use the USEF Rules for Eventing as guidelines when conducting eventing tests of any kind.
Several examples of eventing tests include Young Event Horse, Future Event Horse, New Event Horse competitions, combined tests, cross-country test, coaching-allowed test, dressage fix-a-test, and Intro or Starter level horse trials. For more information on the different eventing tests offered by the USEA, click here.
Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing with emphasis added by the USEA.
Cross-Country Tests consist of distinct competitions involving various cross-country skills. The tests may include pace, taking your own line, following unknown course, top score competitions with obstacles of different values, clear round cross-country, etc. The conditions under which the Cross-Country Tests will be conducted will be printed in the prize list.
Combined Tests consist of two distinct tests during which a competitor rides the same horse throughout. The tests may include two of the following—dressage, cross-country, jumping; or may include one discipline (such as cross-country) repeated twice under different conditions. Combined Tests will be conducted under guidelines published by the USEA.
Open to riders of any age who have never competed in a horse trial, on any horse. The test shall involve a short dressage test (30%), jumping 6 or 7 fences in an arena (30%), and galloping in the open over 3 or 4 fences (40%). The fences will not exceed 2’6”. Each competitor will be judged on position, seat, and effective use of aids. The competitor must ride the same horse throughout.
Open to riders 14 to 18 years of age, on any horse. The test shall involve a short dressage test (40%), and jumping approximately 10 cross-country-type obstacles not to exceed 3’7” (60%). The jumping may be in an arena or on a short cross-country course. Each competitor will be judged on position, seat, and effective use of aids. The competitor must ride the same horse throughout.
Open to 4- and 5-year-old horses with any rider. The test shall involve a short dressage test, a jumping test that may involve cross-country obstacles of 8-12 fences up to 3’3” (4YO) or 3’7” (5YO) in height, and a final judging of horses shown in hand for conformation, suitability, and presence. The same competitor must ride or show the horse throughout.
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A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.
Trainers are some of the most important people in our lives. They develop our skills, ensure that our horses receive quality care, and look out for our best interests as equestrians.
The USEA is saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, Virginia. Margaret passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born October 8, 1929, in Clay Township, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Jane Pfiefer.
At The Event at TerraNova last November, Canadian Jessica Phoenix narrowly missed winning the CCI4*-L with Fluorescent Adolescent, finishing second overall with two rails down. Today, the Olympic veteran found redemption and not only won the B&D Builders CCI4*-S with Freedom GS, but finished second once again with Fluorescent Adolescent.