Whether you’re heading to your first event or setting your sights on the upper levels, understanding the structure of eventing levels is key to navigating the sport with purpose.

Eventing blends dressage, cross country, and show jumping into a single, demanding test of horsemanship—and the level system is designed to guide horse and rider pairs forward with consistency, while building skill and confidence along the way.

This guide walks through each recognized eventing level in the United States, as outlined by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Eventing Association (USEA), so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of the journey.

Eventing—also called combined training or the triathlon of equestrian sport—is a three phase competition made up of dressage, cross country, and show jumping.

Riders aim for the lowest possible score, with penalties added for errors along the way. It’s a true test of versatility: your horse must be supple and obedient in the dressage arena, bold and forward thinking across solid cross country fences, and careful and accurate in the show jumping ring.

In the United States, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) oversees the national level structure, while the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) governs the upper levels recognized on the international stage.

The national level structure in the United States runs from introductory grassroots divisions all the way up to the threshold of international competition. Here’s a complete breakdown:

✦ Intro Level

The Intro level is the gateway to eventing. It is a non-scored, low pressure entry point designed to give horses and riders their first taste of competition without overwhelming them.

Fences are small (typically 18 inches), dressage tests are walk-trot only, and the atmosphere is welcoming and educational.

Many event organizers run Intro as a schooling style division. While it doesn’t always appear at recognized USEA events, it’s commonly included at local schooling shows—and it’s often the ideal first step into the sport.

Who it’s for: 

• Absolute beginners—both horses and riders that are new to eventing

Key details:

• Jump height: approximately 18 inches
• Dressage: walk-trot only
• Goal: introduction to the format, not competitive ranking

✦ Beginner Novice (BN)

Beginner Novice is the first fully recognized USEA level, and for many riders it becomes home for their first year or two—and there’s absolutely value in that—it’s where solid foundations are built.

Cross country fences are solid but still very manageable in height, while dressage and show jumping remain straightforward and introductory in nature.

At this stage, riders begin to see the basics of combination work and simple cross country questions: direct approach lines, introductory water complexes, and small, straightforward ditches.

Who it’s for: 

• Riders and horses just starting their competitive careers in recognized eventing

Key details:

• Cross country and show jumping fence height: 2’7″ (80 cm)
• Dressage: introductory movements, large circles, simple transitions
• USEA points: yes—earns year end points toward awards
• The goal is confidence building above all else

✦ Novice

Novice marks a meaningful step up from Beginner Novice. Fence heights increase, and cross country courses start to introduce more technical questions—tighter turns, combinations, banks, and more complex water elements. Dressage tests also expect greater consistency in rhythm, straightness, and overall balance.

This is often considered the level where riders truly begin to learn to event. Lines require more planning, horses need to be more adjustable and responsive off the leg, and time penalties start to carry more weight in the overall result.

Who it’s for: 

• Riders and horses who have mastered Beginner Novice and are ready for more technical questions

Key details:

• Cross country and show jumping fence height: 2’11” (90 cm)
• Dressage: medium level introductory test
• A popular long term home for amateur riders and young horses

✦ Training Level

Training Level is a major milestone in any eventing career. Cross country fences increase noticeably in both height and width, and courses begin to introduce more complex questions—combinations such as coffins (ditch to fence or fence to ditch elements), more technical water efforts, and tighter, more deliberate lines that demand accuracy, rhythm, and a forward, confident ride.

For many experienced eventers, Training Level sits in a kind of sweet spot—challenging enough to be genuinely exciting, yet still very achievable for well-prepared partnerships. It’s also the point where the sport starts to ask for a deeper level of connection between horse and rider, where clarity, trust, and commitment begin to matter just as much as technique.

Who it’s for: 

• Established partnerships ready for genuine technical challenges

Key details:

• Cross country fence height: 3’3″ (1.0 m); spreads up to 3’7″
• Show jumping height: 3’3″
• Dressage: requires lengthenings, accurate geometry, and consistent rhythm
• Coffin complexes and more demanding water questions introduced

✦ Modified Level

Modified is a relatively newer level within the USEA structure, introduced to smooth the often challenging transition from Training to Preliminary. It sits neatly between the two, offering a stepping stone for horses and riders who are ready for more intensity than Training, but not quite prepared for the full demands of Preliminary.

Courses at Modified include more technical questions, wider spreads, and increased cross country complexity—without making the full leap in scope or intensity required at Preliminary. It’s been a welcome addition to the system, particularly for amateur riders and developing horses who benefit from a more gradual progression.

Who it’s for: 

• Riders bridging the gap between Training and Preliminary

Key details:

• Cross country fence height: 3’5″ (1.05 m)
• Show jumping height: 3’5″
• Purpose: bridge the gap between Training and Preliminary
• Dressage: increased collection and accuracy required

✦ Preliminary (Prelim)

Preliminary is the first level many eventers consider truly “upper level” in character. Cross country becomes significantly more demanding—fences are larger, questions are more technical, speeds increase, and combinations require accurate, educated riding.

Horses need to be fit, well-schooled, and genuinely brave, while riders must arrive with a clear plan for nearly every fence on course.

At this level, mistakes carry more weight. Coffin complexes, larger water combinations, skinnies, and challenging terrain are all standard features. It’s not a level to rush—it’s one that rewards preparation, patience, and solid fundamentals.

Who it’s for: 

• Experienced, established partnerships with solid foundations at the lower levels

Key details:

• Cross country fence height: 3’7″ (1.10 m); spreads up to approximately 5’7″
• Show jumping height: 3’7″
• Dressage: medium level test with counter canter and more refined transitions
• Fitness and rider experience become critical factors

✦ Intermediate

Intermediate is the penultimate national level and a true proving ground for horses and riders with upper level ambitions.

Courses are demanding and complex, requiring a high degree of fitness, precision, and confidence from both horse and rider. Fence heights and spreads also begin to approach international dimensions, and cross country speeds increase significantly.

At this level, horses should be experienced, confirmed Preliminary competitors with multiple solid completions. Dressage requires a high degree of submission and thoroughness, while show jumping demands genuine scope, adjustability, and carefulness. This is elite national level eventing at its most competitive tier.

Who it’s for: 

• Serious competitors with strong Preliminary records looking toward the top of the sport

Key details:

• Cross country fence height: 3’9″ (1.15 m)
• Show jumping height: 3’9″
• Courses are physically and mentally demanding for horse and rider
• Gateway to Advanced and FEI competition

✦ Advanced

Advanced is the pinnacle of USEA national competition and aligns in standard with FEI CCI2* and CCI3* levels.

Courses demand maximum boldness, athleticism, fitness, and technical precision. Only a small percentage of eventers ever reach this level, and doing so reflects years of structured development, careful progression, and significant competitive experience.

Advanced horses are typically well-established, proven athletes with consistent records at the upper levels. Riders competing here are highly skilled professionals or deeply committed amateurs with extensive experience across the sport.

Who it’s for: 

• The elite of national level eventing
• Horses and riders competing at the highest domestic levels

Key details:

• Cross country fence height: 3’11” (1.20 m)
• Show jumping height: 3’11”
• Top-tier fitness, technical ability, and experience required
• Directly comparable to lower FEI international levels

Above the national Advanced level lies the FEI competition structure, which governs international eventing worldwide and includes the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, and the prestigious 5* events.

FEI events are graded by stars (one through five) and by format: Long Format (classic 3 day format with roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross country) or Short Format (the modern format used at most competitions).

CCI1* (One Star)

• The entry point to FEI competition
• Comparable to upper national levels
• 1* provides an international introduction for developing horses and riders
• Fence heights are around 1.10 m

CCI2* (Two Star)

• A solid mid-level FEI event
• 2* courses present genuine technical challenges
• This is the level at which many ambitious amateurs and young professionals compete internationally
• Fences reach 1.15 m

CCI3* (Three Star)

• The level where international eventing begins in earnest
• 3* events require proven experience, exceptional horse and rider partnerships, and serious fitness
• This is a major milestone in any competitor’s career
• Fences reach 1.20 m

CCI4* (Four Star)

• Elite international competition that includes top level professionals and Olympic caliber athletes
• Only a handful of riders in the world have horses capable of competing at this level
• Fence heights approach 1.25 m

CCI5* (Five Star)

• The highest level in eventing—5* events are the Super Bowls of the sport
• In the United States, the Kentucky 3 Day Event (Land Rover Kentucky) is the sole 5* event and one of only a handful in the world
• The Olympic eventing competition is conducted at 5* standard
• Courses are designed to test the absolute limits of horse and rider ability
• Fence heights reach 1.25 to 1.30 m

Notable 5* Events Worldwide:

• Badminton (UK)
• Burghley (UK)
• Pau (France)
• Adelaide (Australia)
• Luhmühlen (Germany)
• Kentucky (USA)

Progressing through the levels is one of the most rewarding parts of eventing, but it’s something that works best when approached with patience and intention. A few core principles help keep that progression safe, steady, and sustainable:

1. Don’t rush. 

The USEA recommends gaining multiple clean completions at each level before moving up. It’s not just about results—it’s about experience. Confidence, consistency, and mileage at each stage matter just as much as finishing on a good score.

2. Listen to your horse. 

A horse that is bold, relaxed, and genuinely happy in its work is far better prepared to move up than one who is simply getting through the questions. Cross country especially is unforgiving, and confidence has to be built—not assumed.

3. Work with a qualified coach. 

Once you move beyond Intro level, the sport introduces real speed, solid fences, and meaningful risk. A sport psychologist who has experience working with equestrian athletes can provide objective feedback, assess mental readiness, and help you progress in a structured, intentional way—especially as the psychological demands of competition begin to play a larger role in performance.

4. Use schooling shows. 

Unrecognized competitions are a valuable tool for riding above your current level in a lower pressure environment. These shows help build experience without the same stakes as recognized events.

5. Fitness matters at every level. 

As you progress, demands on both horse and rider increase. Greater speed, longer courses, and more technical questions all require a higher level of rider conditioning—not just skill.

6. Know the rules. 

Stay current with both the USEF and USEA rulebooks. Level specifications, eligibility requirements, and fence standards do change over time, and being informed is part of responsible preparation.

USEA Membership and Competition Eligibility

• To compete at recognized USEA events in the United States, both horse and rider must hold current USEA memberships, and the horse must have a USEA Horse Recording number.

• Membership also provides access to year end awards, the American Eventing Championships (AEC), insurance programs, and a range of educational resources.

• The American Eventing Championships is held annually and welcomes riders from all recognized USEA levels, from Beginner Novice through Advanced. It’s one of the highlights of the U.S. eventing calendar and a milestone goal for many amateur competitors.

Eventing is one of the most demanding, challenging, and rewarding disciplines in all of equestrian sport.

The way the levels are structured isn’t there to gatekeep—it’s there to protect horses and riders, ensuring that each step forward is built on real competence, confidence, and partnership.

Whether you’re preparing for your first Beginner Novice start or dreaming of the start box at the Kentucky 3 Day Event, the path forward stays beautifully consistent: patient, systematic development, an honest look at where you and your horse truly are, and a genuine love for the sport that keeps you showing up at the barn day after day.

Happy competing—and ride forward. 🏇

For official level specifications, rulebooks, and competition listings, visit USEA and USEF.