could someone outline the lowest levels of eventing or refer me to a good list? My trainer says that usea doesn’t show ALL the lower “divisions”. Like intro, starter, etc. DX, cat. explanation brief for these lowest of levels.
It’s all pretty regional. Some people in area 1 are trying to standardize a little bit; if you read the “The Levels” section on this page you’ll get a sense of what’s common around here:
http://schoolinghtc.com/organizers.html
…but while around here you’ll mostly see “elementary” and “pre-elementary” instead of “starter”, King Oak had an 18" “Starter”, Coyote Spring has an 18" “Tadpole”, and Pipestave previously had their own thing but this year they have levels that match the SHTC definitions, and Huntington had an “Elementary” down at 18" instead of the usual 24-27"… Definitely pays to read the fine print.
Olde Hope in Md has a green horn division that is about 8 inches max. The XC course is literally contained in the aisle between paddocks so fenced on each side with nowhere to go but forward. It is a fabulous place to start the little ones. I agree that is regional however. I have heard a lot of places start at 2’6". If that had been the case here I never would have started at all.
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The lowest level that is defined by USEA is Beginner Novice (2’7").
Anything below that is either run as a “Test” at a recognized HT, or is at an unrecognized event. In both cases the organizer is free to use any name, and any height, they want. You have to read the spec…
Similarly, DX and CAT, are run as tests. The USEA has example specs, but the organizer can adjust almost it any way they want.
Nothing under Beginner Novice (2’7) is recognized by USEA, so events can do what they want. It should give a general idea in the prizelist, but you can also contact the secretary or organizer to ask questions about specifics. I have definitely had people email to ask if there are ditches/ banks/ water/ combinations etc. In the MD area, many unrecognized events have levels at 18"(usually does an Intro dressage test) and 2’3 (usually does BN A dressage test) and relatively straightforward easy courses.
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Now THAT’S small - LOL
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Oh, very helpful, thank you
OK - so that’s why my trainer says that usea doesn’t “show” the lowst levels
What is DX? I’ve been seeing that designation but have no idea what it is. Thanks.
Derbycross
I’m in the PNW and several of our recognized shows offer a level below Beginner Novice - typically 18" to 2’ miniature version of the jumps seen at the other levels with water optional. A small number of unrecognized HT also offer a similar level as well.
