Classic Series Qualifications
Preliminary Three-Day Event (P3D): Open to competitors beginning the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse as a combination must have obtained an MER at three horse trials at the Preliminary level or higher, plus an additional MER at the Preliminary level or higher with no more than 20 jumping penalties at obstacles on the cross-country test. Qualifying competitions must be completed within a 24-month period of the start of the competition.
Modified Three-Day Event: Open to competitors of any age, on horses five years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse as a combination must have obtained MER’s at three Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher, plus an additional MER at Modified Level or higher with no jumping penalties at obstacles on the Cross-Country test. A competitor established at the Preliminary Level may compete on a horse which has obtained two MERs at the Training Level or higher. Qualifying competitions must be completed within a 24-month period of the start of the Classic Competition.
Training Three-Day Event (T3D): Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse as a combination must have obtained MERs at three horse trials at the Training level or higher, plus an additional MER at the Training level or higher with no more than 20 jumping penalties at obstacles on the cross-country test. A competitor established at the Preliminary level may compete on a horse which has obtained 2 MERs at the Training level or higher. Qualifying competitions must be completed within a 24-month period of the start of the competition.
Novice Classic Three-day Event (N3D) - Effective May 1, 2023: Open to competitors of any age, on horses 4 years of age or older. The competitor and horse together must achieve one or more Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) at a recognized Novice level or higher horse trial or event. A competitor established at the Training Level may compete on a horse which has obtained a MER at the Novice Level or higher with a different rider. All qualifying competitions must be completed within 18 months of the start of the competition.
Beginner Novice Classic Three-day Event (BN3D) - Effective May 1, 2023: Open to competitors of any age, on horses 4 years of age or older. The competitor and horse together must achieve one or more Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) at a recognized Beginner Novice level or higher horse trials or event. A competitor established at the Training Level may compete on a horse which has obtained a MER at the Beginner Novice Level or higher with a different rider. All qualifying competitions must be completed within 18 months of the start of the competition.
MER (minimum eligibility requirement):
- Dressage – no more than 45 penalty points
- Cross-country – no jumping penalties and not more than 30 time penalties
- Show jumping – no more than 16 jump penalties
For questions regarding qualifications, please email USEA Sr. Director of Competitions, Sharon@useventing.com
