One Big Thing: New USEA Intro Level & Combined Test Leaderboard
Carmen Defelice and Bazinga. Photo by Chelsea Spear for Erin Gilmore Photography.
Even since adopting the recognition of the Starter Level by the USEA, we all may still frequently note the presence of such levels as “Grasshopper”, “Tadpole”, or “Pre-Starter” at recognized events, offering younger riders or those new to eventing a taste of competition before tackling a recognized division. As feedback for such levels grew and the need for a lower division was recognized, the USEA Membership Committee is pleased to announce the addition of a welcoming new entry-level division: Intro.
This division is designed to provide our youngest riders and those new to riding in open environments with an accessible, low-pressure introduction to the sport of eventing. Recently approved by the USEA Board of Governors, the USEA staff are working to implement the Intro level on August 1, 2026.
What makes Intro different from Starter?
A key feature of this division is the allowance of coaching assistance throughout all three phases. Cross-country courses at the Intro level will be thoughtfully designed to build rider confidence outside the arena, while still offering the opportunity to experience the excitement of competing in a Horse Trial.
- The rider may be of any age. USEA membership optional, albeit required for year-end point accumulation or Championship qualifications.
- The horse must be at least 4 years of age or olderl. USEA membership optional, albeit required for year-end point accumulation or Championship qualifications.
- Dressage: 2023 USDF Intro C test or 2026 USEA Starter Test
- Competitors should be prepared to do a walk, trot, and canter dressage test with 20-meter figures and a halt.
- Tests CAN BE called to the rider.
- Cross-Country: 8-10 jumping efforts at a Fixed Height of .45m (18″)
- Obstacles, solid in appearance, with ground lines where appropriate to enhance the fence profile. Obstacles may be completed in trot or canter.
- There must be no flagged water crossing.
- There must be no ditches, drops, or combinations allowed.
- The track of the course is recommended to be viewable from one place and must avoid turns with less than a 20-meter radius
- Verbal coaching CAN BE provided to the rider while on course.
- Show Jumping: 6-8 jumping efforts at a Height of .45m (18″)
- The jumping course should be inviting and straightforward.
- Recommend lines of 25m (82 ft) or more.
- Combinations and spreads are not allowed.
- Verbal coaching CAN BE provided to the rider while on course.
[Click here for the full Intro Level Requirements & Regulations]
USEA Combined Test Leaderboard
The USEA also recently announced the establishment of a new national Combined Test (CT) Leaderboard, creating an additional pathway for recognition within the existing competition framework. This initiative is designed to highlight and reward competitors participating in combined tests across the country, with plans to be implemented on December 1, 2026.
The Combined Test Leaderboard will track official results of all levels from USEA registered CTs (which include the dressage and show jumping phases only) with standings calculated from the current competition year using the USEA’s established point tabulation system. Year-end national awards will recognize the top three finishers in each division, with future expansion of categories to be considered based on participation levels.
CT Leaderboard Participation Requirements:
- Riders must be current USEA members at the Community Level or higher.
- Community Level memberships are free for anyone wishing to join the USEA.
- Horses must be USEA registered at the Restricted Level or higher. Restricted level registration for horses is free.
- The USEA will collect a $20 starter fee post competition
[Click here to learn more about the Combined Test Leaderboard]
[Click here to learn more about the Leaderboard Point System]
Major International Events This Weekend
New Zealand Three-Day Event CCI4*-L (NZL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Belsay International CCI4*-S (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Marbach Eventing International CCIO4*-NC-S (GER): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Quirindi Eventing International CCI4*-S (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
US Events This Weekend
USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bouckaert Equestrian HT (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Course Brook Farm Spring HT (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Fair Hill International Recognized HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Hunt Club Farms HT (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Kentucky May-Daze HT (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Otter Creek HT (WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [XC Maps] [Volunteer]
Spokane Sport Horse Spring HT (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Spring Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Other Links and Reading
- IOC Looks to Curb Expansion at Brisbane 2032, Reduce Number of Sports and Events
- Framing Welfare: This study examined how horse enthusiasts read partnership and interpret positive practice from 2024 Paris Olympic photos
- Burghley Horse Trials unveil their venue’s new showground layout
- Andrew Heffernan: A Career by Design
Training Tip of the Day
Different fences, different approaches — Lainey Ashker explains and demonstrates how to navigate an oxer to a vertical and a vertical to an oxer, and why it’s crucial to approach each differently. [Click here for the full video and breakdown]
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Go Eventing
Visit Louise Robson’s stable where retired racehorses are retrained for future dressage careers — including one of the King and Queen’s former racers!
