I have recently been thinking about switching to Eventing. Can anyone send me some good information on intro level?

Intro? Are you in the US or a different country?


Here are some US eventing links-
www.useventing.com
http://useventing.com/resources.php?section=links
http://useventing.com/start.php?id=26

It has three phases, as you know, dressage, xc and stadium.

there are six levels of "horse trials". three day eventing doesn't begin until the Preliminary level

BN-beginner novice-
w/t/c test,
2'7" fences,
350 meters/minute pace on xc,
Small up bank or a small ditch/run through water on XC
Stadium is basic, one certified combination

N-Novice
w/t/c test, slightly more complex
2'11" fences,
350 m/m
Unbank/down bank, 1-2 xc combinations, run through or upbank involved with water
Stadium has 1-2 combinations

T-Training
W/T/C, changes within gaits, 15m figures, stretch circles
3'3" fences
420-450 m/m
Bank cominations, water combinations, jump combinations, more challenging fences, half coffins
Stadium has 1-3 combinations including a triple

P-Preliminary
Changes within the gaits, back-up, Canter to walk, 10m circles, counter canter
3'7" Fences
520 m/m
More complex combinations, jumping into water, corners, large trakheners, coffins, Wide fences prevalent, introducing skinnies
Stadium has 1-3 combinations with a triple

Thats the first four levels, the others are Intermediate and Advanced...Advanced with 4'3", which doesn't seem like much, but try saying that when you walk the courses!


There are 10 Areas, Area1 starting in New England. They each havea website, and through that, barn websites and local tack shops, you can find a reputable eventing trainer. Often its best to train with a dressage trainer if jumping is your strength.

Make sure you have access to fields to conditon in, and hopefully a good sized hill too


Events at the lower levels can cover one to three days, depending on the size. One days are best to start at, so that way you don't have to worry about stabling, etc. Enty fees range from $100-200, and the scene tends to be very relaxed and friendly.

any questions, just ask. good luck!

Attire:
Dressage: Black velvet helmet, tan or white breeches[white are looked on as professional], white shirt, dark coat, tall boots, dark gloves. Number is on the left of the bridle, and black tack is the usual, but there are no rules on tack color. No Boots allowed
Stadium: Same dress, some people use a different jacket or a skullcap with a black cover. Some people use boots, if needed
CrossCountry: Galloping boots and and bellboots if needed. Manditory safety vests, and usually color coordination

Once you join the USEA[us eventing association], you will be sent a rule book and Omnibus.

Also, there are tons and tons of local schooling shows! This is the very best way to start eventing, and they go from crossrails to 3'3" usually. Tends to be a smaller, informal show to get the hang of eventing Two phases are also great practice, too, and they make great tune-ups if you think about moving up a level.

Intro is before beginner novice, I think the fences are like 18" inches and the courses usually include some small banks, ditches, and usually just going through the water, not jumping in, (my friend used to do it but decided she liked hunters better). Sorry I don't have any other info.

Oh, well I've heard that called Pre-Elementary or Greenie or something.. never intro before

I think the levels below BN are just whatever they're called in your local area since they aren't 'official' levels. Here green is x-rails, and advanced green is 2'3 verticals.

stewie had a lot of good information and links. I'd start out doing a combined training event or two first so you get the hang of it before going on to the three phase. Combined training is just dressage and stadium jumping, and sometimes there is a 'pace track' which is like a short cross country course with no jumps. Also before your first 3 phase event, try to go cross country schooling so your horse gets used to water, banks, ditches, and jumping from a really forward canter, ect.

Eventing is really fun and it is easy to get hooked. If you've been doing hunters [assuming from your name] you will be really pleased with the prices, everything is cheaper in eventing from stabling to entries to actual horses. It is also more relaxed and less "clique" oriented, IMO. People are generalyl friendlier in eventing world too. And if you ever decide to go back to hunters/jumpers you will probably have advantages; I know after eventing my mare and then going back to hunters, dressage had improved her all around, she was more fit, bold, and the courses were easy compared to twisty SJ courses

Good luck and have fun!