How It Works
Disciplines & levels
Disciplines & Levels
Ten disciplines across English, Saddleseat, Western, Driving, and Endurance — each with distinct stat weights, competition formats, and level progressions. A specialist horse will always outperform a generalist at the top levels.
Click any discipline to expand its full level ladder.
Key stats:
Rhythm
Suppleness
Collection
Rideability
Straightness
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Level Test ATest BTest C | 3+ | — | Open entry | Optional. Walk/trot only. Horses may skip to Training directly. |
| Training Level Test 1Test 2Test 3Musical Freestyle | 3+ | 60%+ × 10 | First scored level. No prior qual required — age + stat gate only. | |
| First Level Test 1Test 2Test 3Musical Freestyle | 4+ | 62%+ × 10 at Training | Lengthenings, leg yields. | |
| Second Level Test 1Test 2Test 3Musical Freestyle | 5+ | 62%+ × 10 at First | Shoulder-in, travers, medium gaits. | |
| Third Level Test 1Test 2Test 3Musical Freestyle | 6+ | 62%+ × 10 at Second | Half-passes, flying changes. | |
| Fourth Level Test 1Test 2Test 3Musical Freestyle | 7+ | 62%+ × 10 at Third | Tempi changes, pirouettes. Max starting level. | |
| Prix St. Georges Qual. Only | 7+ | 63%+ × 10 at Fourth | First FEI level. | |
| Intermediate I Qual. Only Freestyle | 7+ | 62%+ × 10 at Psg | ||
| Intermediate A Qual. Only | 7+ | 62%+ × 10 at I1 | ||
| Intermediate B Qual. Only Freestyle | 8+ | 62%+ × 20 at Ia | piaffe/passage intro. | |
| Intermediate II Qual. Only | 9+ | 62%+ × 20 at Ib | ||
| Grand Prix Qual. Only FreestyleSpecial | 9+ | 63%+ × 25 at I2 | Full piaffe, passage, one-tempi changes. Grand Prix Special is a championship class. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse · 4-Year-Old Young Horse · 5-Year-Old Young Horse · 6-Year-Old Young Horse · 7-Year-Old Developing Horse · Developing Horse Prix St. Georges · Developing Horse Grand Prix
Key stats:
Scope
Bravery
Carefulness
Power
Athleticism
Stamina
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | Height | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossrails / 2' Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 3+ | — | 2' / 61cm | Open entry | |
| 2'6" / 0.76m Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 3+ | 2'6" / 76cm | 25 pts from Crossrails | ||
| 3' / 0.90m Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 4+ | 2'11" / 90cm | 25 pts from Ft2 6 | ||
| 3'3" / 1.0m Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 4+ | 3'3" / 100cm | 30 pts from Ft3 | ||
| 3'6" / 1.10m Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 5+ | 3'7" / 110cm | 30 pts from Ft3 3 | Max starting level. | |
| 3'9" / 1.15m Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 5+ | 3'9" / 115cm | 30 pts from Ft3 6 | ||
| 3'11" / 1.20m Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 5+ | 3'11" / 120cm | 35 pts from Ft3 9 | ||
| 4' / 1.25m Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 6+ | 4'1" / 125cm | 35 pts from Ft3 11 | ||
| 4'3" / 1.30m Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 6+ | 4'3" / 130cm | 35 pts from Ft4 | ||
| 4'6" / 1.40m Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 7+ | 4'7" / 140cm | 40 pts from Ft4 3 | ||
| 4'9" / 1.50m Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 7+ | 4'11" / 150cm | 40 pts from Ft4 6 | ||
| Grand Prix / 1.60m+ Qual. Only Round 1Round 2Jump-Off | 8+ | 5'3" / 160cm | 45 pts from Ft4 9 | Top national level. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse · 5-Year-Old Young Horse · 6-Year-Old Young Horse · 7-Year-Old Young Horse
Key stats:
Rhythm
Bravery
Stamina
Athleticism
Scope
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | Height | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 4+ | — | 2'3" | Open entry | Entry point. No combinations. No qualifications. |
| Beginner Novice DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 4+ | 2'7" | 10 MERs at Starter | ||
| Novice DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 4+ | 2'11" | 10 MERs at Beginner Novice | ||
| Training DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 5+ | 3'3" | 10 MERs at Novice | ||
| Modified DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 5+ | 3'5" | 5 MERs at Training | Bridge level. | |
| Preliminary DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 6+ | 3'7" | 10 MERs at Modified | First upper level. Max starting level. | |
| Intermediate Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 7+ | 3'9" | 20 MERs at Preliminary | ||
| Advanced Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 8+ | 3'11" | 20 MERs at Intermediate | Highest national level. | |
| 1* Short Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 7+ | 3'11" | 20 MERs at Preliminary | International entry — short format. | |
| 1* Long Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 7+ | 3'11" | 20 MERs at 1star Short | ||
| 2* Short Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 7+ | 4'1" | 20 MERs at 1star Long | ||
| 2* Long Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 8+ | 4'1" | 20 MERs at 2star Short | ||
| 3* Short Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 8+ | 4'3" | 20 MERs at 2star Long | ||
| 3* Long Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 9+ | 4'3" | 20 MERs at 3star Short | ||
| 4* Short Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 9+ | 4'5" | 20 MERs at 3star Long | ||
| 4* Long Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 10+ | 4'5" | 20 MERs at 4star Short | ||
| 5* Long Qual. Only DressageCross-CountryShow Jumping | 10+ | 4'7" | 20 MERs at 4star Long | Pinnacle level. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse · Young Event Horse 4–5yo · Young Event Horse 6–7yo
Key stats:
Rhythm
Suppleness
Rideability
Scope
Carefulness
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | Height | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossrails Hunter Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 3+ | 2' / 61cm | Open entry | Entry over-fences. No qualifications. | |
| Starter Hunter / 2'6" Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 3+ | 2'6" / 76cm | 6 top-3 placings at Crossrails | ||
| Schooling Hunter / 2'9" Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 3+ | 2'9" / 84cm | 8 top-3 placings at Starter | ||
| Children's / Adult Hunter / 3' Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 4+ | 2'12" / 91cm | 10 top-3 placings at Schooling | Max starting level. | |
| Low Hunter / 3'3" Qual. Only Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 4+ | 3'3" / 99cm | 12 top-3 placings at Childrens Adult | ||
| Junior / Amateur-Owner Hunter / 3'6" Qual. Only Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 5+ | 3'6" / 107cm | 14 top-3 placings at Low Hunter | ||
| Performance Hunter / 3'9" Qual. Only Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 5+ | 3'9" / 114cm | 16 top-3 placings at Junior Amateur | ||
| Open Hunter / 4' Qual. Only Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 6+ | 4' / 122cm | 18 top-3 placings at Performance | ||
| Regular / Conformation Hunter / 4' Qual. Only Over Fences 1Over Fences 2Under Saddle | 6+ | 4' / 122cm | 20 top-3 placings at Open Hunter | Top national hunter divisions. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Breeding · Green Hunter 4–5yo · Green Hunter 6yo
Key stats:
Rhythm
Animation
Rideability
Collection
Disposition
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk/Trot | 3+ | Open entry | Entry. Walk and trot only. | |
| Country Pleasure | 3+ | 25 pts from Walk Trot | Three-gaited. Natural movement, calm manners. | |
| Country Pleasure Amateur/Junior | 4+ | 30 pts from Country Pleasure | ||
| Country Pleasure Open | 5+ | 35 pts from Country Amateur | Open professional division. |
Key stats:
Rhythm
Animation
Rideability
Collection
Disposition
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk/Trot | 3+ | Open entry | Entry. Walk and trot only. | |
| Park Pleasure | 4+ | 25 pts from Park Pleasure Walk Trot | Three-gaited. Elevated action, showy movement. | |
| Park Pleasure Amateur/Junior | 4+ | 30 pts from Park Pleasure | ||
| Park Pleasure Open | 5+ | 35 pts from Park Pleasure Amateur | Open professional division. |
Key stats:
Rhythm
Animation
Rideability
Collection
Disposition
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk/Trot | 3+ | Open entry | Entry. Walk and trot only. | |
| Three-Gaited Amateur/Junior | 4+ | 25 pts from Three Walk Trot | Walk, trot, canter. Roached mane. | |
| Three-Gaited Show Pleasure | 4+ | 30 pts from Three Gaited Jr | ||
| Three-Gaited Open | 5+ | 35 pts from Three Gaited Show | Open professional division. |
Key stats:
Rhythm
Animation
Rideability
Collection
Disposition
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five-Gaited Amateur/Junior | 5+ | Open entry | Entry. Walk, trot, slow gait, rack, canter. Full mane. | |
| Five-Gaited Show Pleasure | 5+ | 25 pts from Five Gaited Jr | ||
| Five-Gaited Open | 6+ | 30 pts from Five Gaited Show | Open professional division. |
Key stats:
Rhythm
Animation
Rideability
Collection
Disposition
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Harness Pleasure | 3+ | Open entry | Entry. Walk and trot in harness. Saddlebred/Morgan only. | |
| Fine Harness Amateur/Junior | 4+ | 25 pts from Fine Harness Pleasure | ||
| Fine Harness Open | 5+ | 30 pts from Fine Harness Amateur | Extreme animation and refinement. Open professional. |
Key stats:
Collection
Rideability
Bravery
Rhythm
Cow Sense
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory DressageEase of Handling | 4+ | — | Open entry | EOH only. No speed phase. Entry level. |
| Novice A DressageEase of HandlingSpeed | 4+ | 3 MERs at Introductory | Speed phase introduced. | |
| Novice B Qual. Only DressageEase of HandlingSpeed | 5+ | 3 MERs at Novice A | Max starting level. | |
| Intermediate A Qual. Only DressageEase of HandlingSpeed | 6+ | 3 MERs at Novice B | ||
| Intermediate B Qual. Only DressageEase of HandlingSpeed | 6+ | 3 MERs at Intermediate A | ||
| Advanced Qual. Only DressageEase of HandlingSpeed | 7+ | 3 MERs at Intermediate B | Full obstacle course. Most technical EOH. | |
| Master Qual. Only DressageEase of HandlingSpeed | 8+ | 3 MERs at Advanced | Highest national level. Qualification required. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse
Key stats:
Cow Sense
Athleticism
Bravery
Sliding Stop
Spins
Rollbacks
Rate
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Reiner L1 Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 3+ | — | Open entry | Entry level. |
| Green Reiner L2 Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 3+ | 25 pts from Green L1 | ||
| Snaffle Bit Futurity Aged Event Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 3–3 yo | Open entry | 3yo only. Two-handed. | |
| Limited / Rookie Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 4+ | 30 pts from Green L2 | Max starting level. | |
| Intermediate Qual. Only Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 5+ | 35 pts from Limited | ||
| Open / Non-Pro Qual. Only Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 5+ | 40 pts from Intermediate | Full open competition. | |
| Prime Time Qual. Only Pattern 1Pattern 2Freestyle | 12+ | Open entry | Veteran horses. Open entry within age gate. |
Key stats:
Cow Sense
Athleticism
Bravery
Sliding Stop
Spins
Rollbacks
Rate
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Futurity Aged Event | 3–3 yo | Open entry | 3yo only. | |
| Derby Aged Event | 4–4 yo | Open entry | ||
| Classic / Challenge Aged Event | 5–6 yo | Open entry | ||
| Limited Cut 1Cut 2Cut 3 | 3+ | Open entry | Earnings-based entry point. Max starting level. | |
| Intermediate Qual. Only Cut 1Cut 2Cut 3 | 4+ | 25 pts from Limited | ||
| Open / Non-Pro Qual. Only Cut 1Cut 2Cut 3 | 5+ | 30 pts from Intermediate | Full open competition. | |
| Senior Classes Qual. Only Cut 1Cut 2Cut 3 | 8+ | Open entry | Aged horses. Open within age gate. |
Key stats:
Cow Sense
Athleticism
Bravery
Sliding Stop
Spins
Rollbacks
Rate
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | Equipment | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Horse Rein WorkCow WorkFence Work | 3+ | — | Snaffle | Open entry | Entry level. No fence work. |
| Snaffle Bit Futurity Aged Event | 3–3 yo | Snaffle | Open entry | 3yo only. Two-handed. | |
| Hackamore Derby Aged Event | 4–5 yo | Hackamore | Open entry | ||
| Novice Horse Rein WorkCow WorkFence Work | 3+ | Snaffle | 25 pts from Green | Max starting level. | |
| Limited Qual. Only Rein WorkCow WorkFence Work | 4+ | Hackamore | 30 pts from Novice | ||
| Intermediate Qual. Only Rein WorkCow WorkFence Work | 5+ | Hackamore | 35 pts from Limited | ||
| Two-Rein Qual. Only Rein WorkCow WorkFence Work | 6–6 yo | Two Rein | 40 pts from Intermediate | One transition year. | |
| Open / Non-Pro Bridle Qual. Only Rein WorkCow WorkFence Work | 7+ | Bridle | 45 pts from Two Rein | Finished bridle horse. |
Optional parallel classes:
Halter / In-Hand
Key stats:
Cow Sense
Athleticism
Bravery
Sliding Stop
Spins
Rollbacks
Rate
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3yo Futurity Aged Event | 3–3 yo | Open entry | ||
| Rookie | 3+ | Open entry | Max starting level. | |
| Level 1 Qual. Only | 3+ | 25 pts from Rookie | ||
| Level 2 Qual. Only | 4+ | 30 pts from Level 1 | ||
| Level 3 / World Show Qual. Only | 5+ | 35 pts from Level 2 | Top level AQHA competition. | |
| Select Amateur (50+) Qual. Only | 3+ | Open entry | Rider-based class. Any age horse. Open within rider category. |
Optional parallel classes:
Halter / In-Hand
Key stats:
Speed
Agility
Athleticism
Stamina
Cow Sense
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth / Leadline | 3+ | — | Open entry | Entry level. No qualifications. |
| Amateur / Novice Horse | 3+ | 16.5s or faster × 3 at Youth | Threshold time in seconds. Max starting level. | |
| Open Qual. Only | 4+ | 15.5s or faster × 3 at Amateur | Regional open competition. | |
| Pro / 1D Qual. Only | 5+ | 14.5s or faster × 3 at Open | Top regional/national level. 1D bracket times. | |
| 4yo Futurity Aged Event | 4–4 yo | Open entry | 4yo only. NBHA/WPRA futurity. |
Key stats:
Rhythm
Suppleness
Rideability
Collection
Straightness
Disposition
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Test 1Test 2Test 3 | 3+ | — | Open entry | Walk/jog only. No qualifications. |
| Basic Level Test 1Test 2Test 3Freestyle | 3+ | 58%+ × 2 | Walk, jog, lope. First scored level. | |
| Level 1 Test 1Test 2Test 3Freestyle | 4+ | 60%+ × 2 at Basic | Lengthenings, simple transitions. No starting level. | |
| Level 2 Qual. Only Test 1Test 2Test 3Freestyle | 5+ | 61%+ × 2 at Level 1 | Shoulder-in, medium gaits. | |
| Level 3 Qual. Only Test 1Test 2Test 3Freestyle | 6+ | 62%+ × 2 at Level 2 | Half-pass, flying changes. | |
| Level 4 Qual. Only Test 1Test 2Test 3Freestyle | 7+ | 63%+ × 2 at Level 3 | Pirouettes, tempi changes, collection. | |
| Level 5 Qual. Only Test 1Test 2Test 3Freestyle | 8+ | 64%+ × 2 at Level 4 | Highest level. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse
Key stats:
Rhythm
Rideability
Collection
Power
Stamina
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasure — Introductory | 3+ | Open entry | Walk/trot. No qualifications. | |
| Pleasure — Open | 4+ | 5 completions at Pleasure Intro | ||
| Pleasure — Championship | 5+ | 5 completions at Pleasure Open | Regional and national championship classes. | |
| Driven Dressage — Training | 4+ | Open entry | Can enter alongside pleasure classes. | |
| Driven Dressage — Preliminary | 5+ | 5 completions at Driven Dr Training | ||
| Driven Dressage — Intermediate Qual. Only | 6+ | 5 completions at Driven Dr Prelim | ||
| Driven Dressage — Advanced Qual. Only | 7+ | 5 completions at Driven Dr Intermediate | ||
| Model / Turnout | 3+ | — | Open entry | Horse shown in harness. Open entry. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse
Key stats:
Stamina
Constitution
Health
Rideability
Athleticism
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | Distance | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Distance 25 mi | 5+ | — | 25 mi | Open entry | Entry level. Walk/trot pace. Completion only. |
| Limited Distance 35 mi | 5+ | 35 mi | 8 completions at Ld 25 | Upper LD. Completion only. No Best Condition. | |
| Endurance 50 mi | 6+ | 50 mi | 10 completions at Ld 35 | First full endurance level. Placing + Best Condition eligible. Max starting level. | |
| Endurance 75 mi Qual. Only | 7+ | 75 mi | 12 completions at End 50 | Advanced endurance. | |
| Endurance 100 mi (1-Day) Qual. Only | 7+ | 100 mi | 15 completions at End 75 | The Hundred. Pinnacle of single-day endurance. | |
| Multiday / Stage Race Qual. Only | 8+ | 150 mi | 10 completions at End 100 | Multi-day stage racing. Highest endurance level. |
Optional parallel classes:
In-Hand / Young Horse
Key stats:
Collection
Rhythm
Stamina
Bravery
Accuracy
Power
| Level | Min Age | Stat Min | To Move Up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training Driven DressageMarathonCones | 4+ | Open entry | ||
| Preliminary Driven DressageMarathonCones | 5+ | 25 pts from Training | ||
| Intermediate Driven DressageMarathonCones | 6+ | 30 pts from Preliminary | ||
| Advanced Qual. Only Driven DressageMarathonCones | 7+ | 35 pts from Intermediate | Highest national level. Max starting level. | |
| FEI 1* Qual. Only Driven DressageMarathonCones | 7+ | 40 pts from Advanced | International entry level. | |
| FEI 2* Qual. Only Driven DressageMarathonCones | 8+ | 45 pts from Fei 1star | Top international level available in the US. |
Optional parallel classes:
Carriage Horse Breeding / In-Hand · Young Driving Horse 4–5yo · Young Driving Horse 6yo