United States Eventing Association

Lovers of the USEA Classic Series gathered together at the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention for an open forum, hosted by Waredaca’s Event Organizer and Chair of the USEA Classic Three-Day Task Force, Gretchen Butts. Butts opened up the session with a mission in mind: to facilitate an open conversation surrounding the long format and how to preserve its role as an educational competition and long-term goal for eventers across the country.

"I feel very, very passionate about it, its value, its importance to the camaraderie and development of the relationship of horse and rider together. It is something that has withstood itself through the years as being that type of experience," shared Butts.

Throughout the forum, many discussion points were brought forward regarding the continuation of the classic series and how to attract competitors to aim for a long format event as the pinnacle event of their competition calendar. Listen in to the entire open forum below.

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, now including the Modified level too. 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.