The USEA Eventing By The Levels Handbook

54 Preliminary Level Teaching and Rider Requirements Required for ECP Coaches Levels III-V Preliminary Level Purpose The Preliminary Level is designed to test competitors and horses in a regular eventing training program, which provides a bench- mark evaluation for horses and riders who may be preparing for the FEI and upper levels. Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained the required MERs. PRELIMINARY Preliminary Specifications for Competition (for complete specifications refer to the USEF Rules For Eventing): Show Jumping • Maximum Course Length: 600m • Speed: 350 mpm • Jumping Efforts: 11-13 • Height: 3'7" • Spread: 4'3" • Spread Triple Bar: 4'11" Cross-Country • Distance: 2200-3120m • Speed: 520mpm • Jumping Efforts: 22-30 • Fixed Height: 3'7" Preliminary Level Rider Expectations Overview Preliminary Level Riders should ride with a strong, solid foundation of position and skills necessary for the require- ments of the level. Riders at the Preliminary Level should be able to execute all expectations of the Starter through Mod- ified Level Requirements as the foundation for competing at this level. They should consistently demonstrate a balanced, strong, supple, secure, and independent position which per- mits the seamless application of coordinated, independent, aids to produce rhythm, suppleness, connection, impulsion, and straightness in their horse in all three phases. They should produce an accurate and balanced dressage test, including clearly defined lengthening/shortening of strides in trot, correctly balanced medium canter, leg yields to and from centerline, changes of lead through trot, shallow loop serpentines in counter-canter and a correct rein back. They should ride with an elastic connection in harmony with a horse that is balanced and on the aids in all three phases. Preliminary Level riders must understand and demonstrate the link between their flat work exercises and the quality of their jumping. They should be able to adjust the canter stride length while maintaining the correct energy and balance for show jumping a course which includes multiple combina- tions, and various related distances on a straight or bending line. They should demonstrate the correct rider position, ac- curate line, balance, and appropriate speed on cross-country for changing terrain and a variety of questions requiring ac- curacy, agility and boldness, control, judgment and jumping ability. Preliminary riders should implement and adhere to a year- round program of work, education and practice which pre- pares and progresses the horse both physically and mentally for competition at this level, for progression up the levels, or in support of their training goals as appropriate. To this end riders at the Preliminary level should incorporate a com- prehensive conditioning program supported by strong horse management including proper nutrition and health mainte- nance. Preliminary level riders should know how to recognize potential soundness issues, adjust their program accordingly, and should assess the risk of injury to their horse in every aspect of their management program. Riders should have complete knowledge and understanding of all USEF rules governing participation in competition at the Preliminary Level, and FEI rules governing CCI 2* competitions as ap- propriate. • Brush Height: 4'3" • Top Spread: 4'7" • Base Spread: 6'11" • Drop Height: 5'3"

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