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.
Training—The Training Level is an elementary examination of competitors and horses with some experience and training.
a. Dressage: The dressage test may ask for further development of the basic gaits, including lengthening at the trot and canter, as well as 10-meter trot and 15-meter canter figures.
b. Cross-Country: The cross-country may include:
c. Show Jumping: The jumping course must include either (i) two doubles; or (ii) simple triple combination in the second part of the course with only one oxer.
MODIFIED: The Modified Level is for the training level horse with the intent on progressing to the FEI CCI1* and Preliminary level.
a. Dressage: The dressage may include medium paces at trot and canter, as well as the introduction of leg yielding, and changes of lead through trot.
b. Cross-Country: The cross-country course should introduce tests of accuracy, agility and boldness, control, judgment and jumping ability.
c. Show Jumping: The show jumping course shall include two doubles, or a double and a triple combination.
Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to welcome back StableSecretary as a Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP). A valued supporter of the program, StableSecretary continues to demonstrate its commitment to the education and advancement of eventing coaches across the country.
The second edition of the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, will be underway in just three days! Along with the 154 Collegiate entries that will contest their national championship, 70 IEL entries representing 15 Clubs will form 18 teams to go head-to-head in this year's event on May 2-4.
It's officially time for the "Happiest Horse Trials in the World" this weekend! There will be 155 intercollegiate entries representing 16 schools joining forces to create 41 teams to compete in the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship. Alongside the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championships for the second year in a row, collegiate members will converge on Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina this Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4.
For Lily Dal Cin, college has been as much about grit and growth as it has been about horses and art. As a member of NC State’s intercollegiate eventing team, she’s weathered setbacks with her horses while continuing to ride, support her teammates, and pursue a demanding degree. Through it all, the team has been her anchor.