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 U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced the host location of the 2025-27 USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championship. They will take place at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials in Leesburg, Virginia, from Oct, 9-12, 2025. The USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championship will continue to feature two divisions—the first for 6-year-old horses competing at the CCI2*-S level, and the second for 7-year-old horses competing at the CCI3*-S level.
As riders, we spend a lot of time focusing on the strengthening and fitness programs of our horses, but as Amy Gibbs, MPT, pointed out on Thursday afternoon at the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, setting aside time to focus on our own balance and strength is imperative, not only in helping us meet our goals as riders but also in ensuring we are riding in a safe and secure manner.
Say hello to Seattle, USEA members! The 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention gets underway tomorrow and features four full days of educational seminars, committee meetings, and social gatherings all surrounding the sport of eventing! This year’s Convention takes place in Seattle, Washington, at The Westin Seattle from Dec. 12-15. Check out all of the items on this year's agenda that you won't want to miss!
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2025, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Development 25 Programs.