United States Eventing Association

Top Questions Answered on the USEA Classic Series

With many of the USEA Classic Series Events taking place in the Fall, the USEA recently asked their social media followers if they had any questions on the USEA Classic Series. Find out the answers to some of their questions below.

What is a USEA Classic Series Event? A USEA Classic Series Event is a long format three-day event offered at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels. Every USEA Classic Series Event includes an ‘Endurance Day’ which is made up of roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country. Every USEA Classic Series Event also includes two formal horse inspections. For more information, please visit the USEA Classic Series homepage or read the USEA Classic Series Guidelines.

2. Is there a warm-up before steeplechase?

Many competitors use Phase A (roads and tracks) as their warmup for Phase B (steeplechase) since there is very little time between the two phases. Learn more on what to expect on Endurance day by reading The ABCs of Cross-Country Day at a USEA Classic Series Event or watching the video Learn What to Expect at a USEA Classic Series Event.

3. Can anyone compete in a USEA Classic Series Event?

Yes, if both horse and rider are qualified, then any type of USEA member (junior, adult amateur, professional, etc.) can compete in a USEA Classic Series Event.

4. Where can you find qualifications for a USEA Classic Series Event?

Click here for the USEA Classic Series qualifications.

5. How should you prepare your horse for Endurance Day?

Since more conditioning and fitness work is required for a USEA Classic Series Event, the USEA has published many articles on the USEA website featuring this topic. Below are several helpful resources to guide you in preparing for Endurance Day.

• Preparing for Your First Three-Day Event
• Conditioning the Event Horse at the Novice and Training Levels
• The Classic Series Conditioning Schedule with Jim Wofford
• Training Tips for the Long Format with Dr. Jennifer Miller

6. How many Modified Three-Day Events are on the 2021 USEA Classic Series calendar?

The Modified Three-Day Event (M3D) was introduced in 2021 and there are two on the 2021 calendar (one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast). Spokane Sport Horse Farm H.T. in Spokane, Washington will offer a M3D on Sept. 30 – Oct. 3, 2021, and Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event in Laytonsville, Maryland will offer a M3D on Oct. 22 – Oct. 24, 2021. The 2021 calendar can be found here.

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long format three-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long format three-day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Series event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, FITS, SmartPak Equine, Parker Equine Insurance, and Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles for sponsoring the USEA Classic Series.