The USEA Eventing By The Levels Handbook

52 Position, Balance, Aids Required at this level: The coach should confirm and strengthen all the elements of position, balance, and application of the aids as detailed under Starter through Training Level Cross-country Teaching Requirements. The ability to maintain control and support the balance of the horse's gallop using the rider's body position, half- halts, and the rein bridge, without constant rein pressure to manage the pace, is a key element of correct and effec- tive riding at this level. Additionally, riders at this level: • Can produce and maintain a variety of secure jumping po- sitions as appropriate for vertical fences, accuracy ques- tions, galloping fences and fences with terrain influence. • Can maintain a secure position and secure base of support in the approach, take off, in the air, and particularly on landing for drop jumps, banks, ditches and water. • Use the galloping position, rebalancing position, approach position, jumping position and landing position for various cross-country obstacles: • With appropriate timing, • With smooth, balanced, transitions from one position to another, • With effective application of the position to achieve the desired effect, • While maintaining a following, elastic, and independent rein connection. The riding and training of accuracy questions becomes very important at this level. To this end, the confirmation of an independent position, centered over the horse, with a low center of gravity is paramount, such that the rider may: • Use effective and independent turning aids, including eye control, to influence the line of direction before and be- tween jumps, as well as during the jumping effort. • Maintain contact and connection throughout the jumping effort to maintain an accurate line without interfering with the horses' jumping effort. Modified Specifications for Cross-Country Competition (for complete specifications refer to USEF Rules For Eventing): • Distance: 2200-3000m • Speed: 490mpm • Jumping Efforts: 22-28 • Fixed Height: 3'5" • Brush Height: 4'1" • Top Spread: 4'3" • Base Spread: 6'5" • Drop Height: 4'11" MODIFIED CROSS-COUNTRY Teaching and Rider Requirements

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