“The good old days” have made a comeback through The United States Eventing Association’s (USEA) revitalization of the long format three-day event in the USEA Classic Series. Roads and tracks, steeplechase, vet boxes, formal horse inspections, and three phases taking place over three days are all adrenaline-pumping elements of USEA Classic Series events. Blending the past with the present, the USEA offers this throwback format of eventing for competitors from the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels.
While the USEF Rules for Eventing only includes information for the Training and Preliminary three-day events, The USEA Classic Series Task Force has put together a Classic Series Guidelines for organizers and competitors to use as a resource, including specifics for Beginner Novice through Preliminary Classic Series events. This includes guidelines and regulations for Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels, a specification chart, helpful hints for competitors riding the roads and tracks, and checklists and time tables for organizers to follow.
The USEA Classic Series continues to gain popularity and is offered at many events spanning from coast to coast. If you are interested in galloping over brush jumps, experiencing the excitement of vet boxes, or simply want an excuse to dress up and present your pretty pony at the formal horse inspection, the USEA encourages you to review the guidelines and sign up for your next Classic Series three-day event.
To see if you’re qualified to compete at one of these events please check out the list of Classic Series Qualifications and take a look at the 2018 Classic Series Calendar to find an event near you.
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 have the opportunity to 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 and will also be entered into a drawing held at the USEA Year End Award Ceremony for a year’s supply of SmartPak supplements and a custom fitted Stackhouse and Ellis saddle. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.
The USEA would like to thank SmartPak Equine, Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, Eventing Training Online, and Parker Equine Insurance for sponsoring the USEA Classic Series.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
As eventing competitors, you know how demanding the sport can be. Three phases (often in one day!) means there’s quite a lot to think about, tons to prepare for, and there are a lot of people involved in making everything run smoothly. A key player in making any USEA-recognized event a success is the Technical Delegate (TD).
The USEA Office will be closing at 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 27, and will be closed Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The USEA staff will return to the office on Monday, December 2.
The USEA is honored to carry forward the legacy of the traditional long-format, three-day event through the USEA Classic Series. These events celebrate the roots of our sport, offering riders a chance to step back in time and experience the original format that shaped the sport we enjoy today. From the excitement of steeplechase to the strategic demands of roads and tracks, endurance day serves as a true test of the preparation and partnership between horse and rider. In addition, horse inspections and educational opportunities add to the depth of these competitions, making them an unforgettable milestone, particularly for those experiencing the long-format for the first time.