The USEA Eventing By The Levels Handbook

6 Using The Handbook - Important Information Before You Start! The Handbook is divided by competition level, Starter through Advanced. It begins with a Universal Overview—which should be reviewed as an important introduction to the language, terms and concepts contained in this handbook. • The Universal Overview contains overarching principles, definitions and information which are universal to all levels, and this material is a key element of the information contained at each level. It should be reviewed thoroughly prior to using this handbook. • Each level, Starter through Advanced, has a description of the Purpose of the Level, an overview of the Rider Expectations for that level, and an overview of the Coach Expectations for that level. • Each level is further detailed according to the Teaching Requirements for each Phase: Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross-country. • Each of the three phases, in each of the Levels, is described according to three headings: • Position, Balance, Aids • Rider Skills • Exercises and Concepts The Handbook has been structured with the intent that each level creates a progression to the next level, and assumes that the Position, Balance and Aids, the Rider Skills, and the Exercises and Concepts for all three phases have been mastered at the previous level. It is the Rider's responsibility to: • Ascertain that they understand the over-arching princi- ples, concepts, language, and definitions contained in the "Universal Overview" chapter of this document, which are key to comprehending the principles and concepts pre- sented at each level. • Review all requirements from the previous levels and eval- uate their ability to execute those requirements to ensure a strong foundation, which is vitally important to being suc- cessful at the current level. It is the Coach's responsibility to ensure: • That the requirements for the previous levels have been met. • They produce in their riders the elements of Position, Bal- ance, and Application of the Aids as described for each phase at each level. • They teach and develop the Rider Skills for each phase at each level, and ensure that the rider incorporates those skills into their regular practice until they are mastered. • They teach and develop the Rider Skills required for each level as well as an introduction to those skills which lay the groundwork for further development. • They teach the recommended Exercises and Concepts for each phase at every level, and ensure these Exercises and Concepts are implemented in regular practice with suffi- cient repetition to prepare the horse and rider for the three phases of competition.

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