The USEA Eventing By The Levels Handbook

60 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 Modified Level Cross-country Teaching Requirements. The Preliminary level rider should demonstrate a supple, strong, and effortless galloping position which works in harmony with the horse's gallop while supporting and encouraging the horse's balance. They should be able to: • Maintain the gallop position at Preliminary pace, adjusting as needed across varied terrain, and for appropriate sus- tained intervals. • Maintain a variety of secure jumping positions as appropri- ate for vertical fences, accuracy questions, galloping fenc- es and fences with terrain influence. • Use the correct timing and application for the galloping position, rebalancing position, and appropriate approach and jumping positions for various cross-country obsta- cles. • Demonstrate how to improve or regain the horse's balance using the rider position, weight distribution and weight displacement. Accuracy is an important element of cross-country riding at this level; therefore, rider position should support the increased difficulty. The rider should be able to: • Maintain contact and connection through the jumping ef- fort, without interfering with the horse, to maintain an ac- curate line. • Use their eyes and concentrated focus to ride accurate turns, challenging lines, and more acute angles. Rider Skills Required at this level: The coach should confirm the rider's understanding of and ability to perform all skills identified under Starter through Modified Level Cross-Country Skills. The necessary skills for riding at the Preliminary level prepare the horse and rider for the increased technical relationship between speed, the horse's balance, obstacle difficulty, accuracy tests and terrain variations. Riders must be strong enough to maintain a balanced gallop at Preliminary speed for sustained intervals as appropriate for the level, across the country, adjusting for variations in terrain as necessary. Transitioning from the gallop to the correct balance and energy for jumping should include the following considerations: Preliminary Specifications for Cross-Country Competition (for complete specifications refer to USEF Rules For Eventing): • Distance: 2200-3120m • Speed: 520mpm • Jumping Efforts: 22-30 • Fixed Height: 3'7" • Brush Height: 4'3" • Top Spread: 4'7" • Base Spread: 6'11" • Drop Height: 5'3" PRELIMINARY CROSS-COUNTRY Teaching and Rider Requirements

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