United States Eventing Association: Area IV

Welcome to the Dark Side

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 educational organization committed to providing enthusiasts of the Olympic equestrian sport, eventing, with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers strong and continuous training opportunities for a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. The USEA is divided into 10 affiliate areas encompassing the United States. USEA Area IV includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. USEA members are automatically assigned to their affiliate area.

Known as the "equestrian triathlon" - eventing originated as a cavalry test and is comprised of three phases: dressage, cross-country and show jumping that are completed as a single horse and rider pair.

Dressage

Dressage is the first of three phases in eventing competition. From the French word meaning "training," dressage was originally created to show the horse's submission and ability to perform intricate movements required for cavalry exercises. Today's dressage still consists of a sequence of movements ridden in an enclosed arena and scored by judges. The goal remains very similar, the horse should demonstrate balance, rhythm, suppleness and most importantly obedience based on the rider’s cues or "aids."

Cross Country (XC)

The cross-country phase takes place after the dressage phase. Cross-country is the cornerstone of eventing, and proves the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse over varied terrain and solid obstacles. Carrying forward their penalty points from the dressage phase as their score, riders want to finish with the fewest penalties possible by jumping every fence on the first effort and finishing the course within the prescribed time limit, which is known as optimum time.

Stadium Jumping

The third phase, show jumping, tests horses and riders precision over a series of colorful fences made of lightweight rails which are easily knocked down. This final phase tests the stamina and recovery of the horse after the very tiring cross-country phase. Consisting of 12 to 15 jumps in an enclosed arena, show jumping requires exact riding as the slightest bump could cause a rail to fall, resulting in four penalty points.