The USEF Eventing Developing Horse Series is a nationwide ranking system that identifies and tracks promising 6–9-year-old event horses as they compete in USEF-recognized FEI levels. Designed to be simple, automatic, and accessible, the Series helps athletes benchmark progress, supports organizers, and provides fans with a dynamic way to follow rising talent.
Vision of the USEF Eventing Developing Horse Series:
The USEF Eventing Developing Horse Series seeks to strengthen the U.S. Eventing Pathway by providing an accessible and engaging platform that identifies and tracks promising young horses as they progress towards the upper levels of the sport. The Series aims to cultivate a deeper talent pool of horses capable of achieving Pathway Program criteria and ultimately participating on future U.S. Eventing Teams.
How It Works:
The Series Leaderboards automatically track scores to populate the ranking list. Rankings are calculated by taking the average of the athlete/horse combination's 2 lowest scores from the qualifying period.
What Scores Count Towards the Leaderboard?
Six-Year-Old Leaderboard: Open to horses that are six years old, per their FEI recorded age.
- From January 2026 through July 2026 - Scores can be achieved at any U.S. CCI1* or CCI2* competition.
- From July 2026 through December 2026 - Scores can be achieved at any U.S. CCI2* competition.
Seven-Year-Old Leaderboard: Open to horses that are seven years old, per their FEI recorded age.
- From January 2026 through July 2026 - Scores can be achieved at any U.S. CCI2* or CCI3* competition.
- From July 2026 through December 2026 - Scores can be achieved at any U.S. CCI3* competition.
Eight-Year-Old Leaderboard: Open to horses that are eight years old, per their FEI recorded age.
- From January 2026 through December 2026 - Scores can be achieved at any U.S. CCI4* competition.
Nine-Year-Old Leaderboard: Open to horses that are nine years old, per their FEI recorded age.
- From January 2026 through December 2026 - Scores can be achieved at any U.S. CCI4* or CCI5* competition.
Athlete Participation:
The Series is available to all U.S. FEI Athletes - no need to opt in! By entering an FEI competition with an eligible horse, your scores will automatically be added to the Leaderboard.
Organizer Participation:
- Every venue that hosts FEI Eventing levels in the U.S. will provide an opportunity for Athletes to earn contributing scores.
- Organizers are encouraged to host separate YH classes at the 2* and 3* level to enhance the promotion of the horses at these levels. The USEF Eventing Staff are happy to work with organizers to review their numbers of horses in the applicable age levels.
USEA/USEF Developing Horse National Championships:
The USEA/USEF Developing Horse National Championships are a standalone event and do not require a score to qualify. For more information on the Championships, click HERE.
FAQs:
- Q: Does my horse need an FEI passport?
- A: This depends on the level you wish to compete at. More information on the passport and membership requirements can be found HERE.
- Q: How do I know if I am qualified for the FEI level I want to compete in?
- A: Check out this webpage for more information!
- Q: What if my horses changes riders mid-season?
- A: Rankings are calculated by ATHLETE/HORSE combinations. Scores would need to be achieved with the new rider in order to be included on the Leadboard.
- Q: Do these scores count towards the USEF Developing Horse Championships?
- A: No, the Series Leaderboards are seperate from the Championships, which are a standalone event. More information on the Champioships can be found HERE.
Questions? Contact Gemma Stobbs at g[email protected] or +1 (859) 225-6929.