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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Until this past May, qualifying for the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds let alone actually making plans to compete, seemed like a far-off dream. Going into this show season the AEC was a goal I had set in the back of my mind but maybe only said out loud a few times.
The Millbrook Horse Trials kicked off on July 25 with lower level dressage at Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park in Millbrook, New York. There are more than 400 total entries competing at Millbrook, from Beginner Novice to Advanced level. Today the upper level horses cantered down the centerline, while the lower levels headed out on cross-country.
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce Adams Horse Supply as the new title sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the American Eventing Championships (AEC). The ATC will now be titled “The Adams Horse Supply USEA Adult Team Championships at the AEC.”
The world’s best eventing horses and riders will be first out of the starting blocks when the equestrian action gets underway at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Versailles, France, tomorrow morning with the opening dressage test.