Preparing for your first horse trial and not sure what is expected of you at each level? Over the course of the next few Rule Refreshers, we will be diving into each level and the performance expectations of each phase. Want to better prepare yourself or your students for their first competition or a move-up? The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels is a free resource to all USEA members that outlines clear and consistent guidelines for riders and trainers to refer to when navigating their way through the competition levels. You can access this guide by logging into your online services account.
Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing with emphasis added by the USEA.
For an additional description of the types of obstacles that may be presented at a given level, please refer to the USEA Cross-Country Obstacle Design Guidelines, which are not specifically incorporated by reference.
Beginner Novice—The Beginner Novice level is designed to introduce green horses and riders to Horse Trials, combining dressage, cross-country and Beginner jumping tests. It is for competitors and horses that have already had experience in schooling competitions in all three disciplines. The goal for the experience should be educational to build confidence and a desire to progress.
a. Dressage: Competitors should be prepared to do a walk, trot and canter dressage test with 20-meter figures and a halt.
b. Cross-Country: Obstacles, solid in appearance, with ground lines where appropriate to enhance the fence profile.
c. Show Jumping: The jumping course should be inviting and straightforward, preferably with lines of 82 feet or more and may include only one double set on two strides, a minimum of 34 feet, which may include only one oxer at the a) part of the combination.
Novice—The Novice Level is a continuing introduction to Horse Trials. It is designed for competitors and horses with some experience at lower levels or for experienced riders and horses new to the sport.
a. Dressage: The dressage will not differ greatly from Beginner Novice.
b. Cross-Country: Obstacles, solid in appearance, with ground lines where appropriate to enhance the fence profile
c. Show Jumping: The jumping course should be inviting and straightforward, preferably with lines of 82 feet or more and shall include only one or two doubles, set on two strides of a minimum of 34 feet. Each combination may include only one oxer at the a) part of the combination.
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Sunshine was Friday's first star at Galway Downs International after Thursday's long afternoon of heavy rain and Tamie Smith ended the day in her same starring role with the first, second, and third spots in the CCI4*-S after show jumping.
Myakka City, Fla. – March 31, 2023 – At the end of the second dressage session in The Estates at TerraNova CCI4*-S, Will Coleman (USA) took the morning lead with a whopping 19.6 with the stunning Chin Tonic (Chin Champ x Wildera/Quinar Z). Coleman and the Hyperion Stud LLC-owned Holsteiner bay gelding won the Carolina International CCI4*-S two weeks ago.
Temecula, Calif.—March 30— "World class." That's what Galway Downs Spring International dressage judges Helen Brettell and Robyn Fisher said in unison of the two rides that put Tamie Smith in the one and two spots in the CCI4*-S after dressage.
Myakka City, Fla.—March 30—In the third year of hosting FEI three-day events and recognized horse trials, TerraNova Equestrian Center welcomes an eventing date to their busy spring competition schedule. Riders from all walks of life, Olympians to young eventers, flocked to TerraNova to experience the previous two fall three-day events. The addition of the spring date gives riders an opportunity to run an FEI event and horse trials before heading home after the winter season.