If you’re new to eventing or looking to better understand the sport’s progression, this guide breaks down the official eventing levels recognized by the United States Eventing Association (USEA). From beginner divisions to the elite international stages, each level has distinct requirements, challenges, and goals. Whether you’re a rider planning your competitive journey or a fan wanting to grasp the sport’s structure, this list clarifies what each eventing level entails and why it matters.
Introductory Level (Beginner Novice)
Introductory Level, often called Beginner Novice, is designed for riders and horses new to eventing. The dressage test is simple, focusing on basic gaits and transitions, while cross-country fences max out at 2 feet 7 inches (0.79 meters). This level emphasizes confidence-building and safe exposure to eventing’s three phases, making it ideal for young horses or riders just starting their eventing careers.
Novice Level
Novice Level is the first official USEA recognized level, featuring dressage tests with more complex movements such as lengthened strides and simple changes. Cross-country fences reach up to 2 feet 11 inches (0.89 meters) and include more technical questions like corners and ditches. Novice is a crucial stepping stone for developing precision and stamina before moving on to more demanding levels.
Training Level
Training Level ramps up difficulty significantly, with dressage tests that introduce lateral work such as leg yields and shoulder-in. Cross-country fences top out at 3 feet 3 inches (1 meter), and courses require riders to manage tighter turns and combinations. This level is often where horses and riders begin to demonstrate real athleticism and skill, preparing them for more competitive environments.
Preliminary Level
Preliminary Level is the first intermediate step, with dressage tests requiring accurate collection, extension, and more advanced transitions. Cross-country fences reach up to 3 feet 7 inches (1.1 meters), and courses include water complexes, banks, and more technical obstacles. Preliminary is often the level where riders start to compete seriously regionally and nationally, testing both horse and rider’s conditioning and partnership.
Intermediate Level
Intermediate Level demands higher precision and fitness, with dressage tests including flying changes and more challenging lateral movements. Cross-country fences can be as high as 3 feet 11 inches (1.2 meters), with more complex technical questions such as angled fences and combinations. This level serves as a bridge to the highest tiers of eventing, where mistakes become more costly and competition more intense.
Advanced Level
The Advanced Level is for experienced riders and horses, featuring dressage tests that require polished collection, impulsion, and precision. Cross-country fences reach the maximum height for national competitions at 3 feet 11 inches (1.2 meters), but the complexity and technicality of the courses increase significantly. This level often serves as a proving ground for riders aiming to compete internationally and includes events like the USEA Advanced division and some CCI4*-L competitions.
CCI1*-L (One Star Long Format)
CCI1*-L is the entry-level international eventing competition under the FEI system, with dressage tests similar in complexity to the Preliminary Level but held over a longer format. Cross-country fences max out at 3 feet 7 inches (1.1 meters), but the course length and endurance requirements are greater than national events. Competing at CCI1*-L exposes riders to international rules and standards, a necessary step for those aiming to progress globally.
CCI2*-L (Two Star Long Format)
CCI2*-L raises the bar with dressage tests that demand more collected and extended work, including flying changes. Cross-country fences max out at 3 feet 11 inches (1.2 meters), with technical combinations and water obstacles becoming more challenging. This level is often targeted by riders and horses building experience before stepping up to three-star events and beyond.
CCI3*-L (Three Star Long Format)
CCI3*-L is recognized internationally as a strong test of skill, fitness, and partnership. Dressage tests require advanced movements and precision, while cross-country fences remain at 3 feet 11 inches but feature complex technical elements and longer courses. Success at this level often signals readiness for the highest levels of international competition and is a common goal for ambitious eventers.
CCI4*-L and CCI5*-L (Four and Five Star Long Format)
The CCI4*-L and CCI5*-L levels represent the pinnacle of eventing, with the five-star being the highest and most challenging international competition. Dressage tests demand the highest level of collection, expression, and accuracy, while cross-country fences reach up to 4 feet 3 inches (1.3 meters) at five-star events, alongside highly technical and demanding courses. These levels include prestigious events like Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (5*), Badminton (5*), and Burghley (4*), reserved for elite horse and rider combinations with extensive experience and exceptional skill.
How to Choose
Choosing the right eventing level depends primarily on your and your horse’s experience, skill, and fitness. Beginners should start at Introductory or Novice to build a solid foundation without overwhelming either the horse or rider. As you both gain confidence and competence, moving up to Training or Preliminary levels introduces more technical challenges and prepares you for serious competition. Always consider your horse’s age, soundness, and mental readiness alongside your own goals—pushing too fast can lead to injury or loss of confidence. Consulting with a trainer and assessing past competition results are essential steps in determining the appropriate level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Novice and Training levels?
Novice is an introductory recognized level with simpler dressage tests and lower fences (2 feet 11 inches max), while Training level increases technicality, with dressage requiring lateral work and fences up to 3 feet 3 inches.
What does CCI stand for in eventing?
CCI stands for Concours Complet International, meaning an international three-day event under FEI rules. The star rating (1* to 5*) indicates the competition’s difficulty and prestige.
Why is cross-country fence height important?
Fence height directly impacts the technical and physical challenge for horse and rider. Higher fences require more skill, strength, and confidence, making it a key factor in level progression.
Can a horse start at a higher level if it’s well-trained?
While some horses may be capable, it’s generally safer and more effective to progress gradually through levels to build experience and confidence, reducing risk of injury or mistakes.
Are dressage tests different at each eventing level?
Yes, dressage tests become progressively more complex, introducing new movements like lateral work, flying changes, and collection as levels increase.
What is the difference between short and long format events?
Long format events include phases like roads and tracks and steeplechase, testing endurance, while short format events focus on dressage, show jumping, and cross-country only.
Final Thoughts
Understanding eventing levels is key to navigating the sport safely and successfully. Each level builds on the last, progressively challenging horse and rider with more complex dressage, higher fences, and tougher cross-country courses. Whether your goal is local competitions or international championships, knowing what each stage demands will help you plan your training and competition calendar wisely. Remember, patience and steady progression are essential to a long, rewarding eventing career.
This comprehensive breakdown equips riders and enthusiasts alike with the clarity needed to appreciate and engage with eventing’s structured challenge and excitement.
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