Eventing Canterbury caters for horses and riders from Pre Training through to Advanced. Although most competitors would start in the Pony Club System which offers the two lower levels of Pre Intro and Intro, with the correct training and schooling, it is possible to begin at Pre Training level.

Pre Training is an introduction for both horse and rider to Eventing. The dressage test is simple, and the jumping phases are designed to be inviting and forgiving. Although penalties are given in the SJ and XC if the optimum time is exceeded, you are not required to go fast to come within the time allowed.

Pre Training and Training Eventing are comparable for both ESNZ and Pony Club, with Pre Novice being the equivalent of Open Pony Club. The next level from there is Novice, which is the first of the Graded classes, followed by Intermediate, and then the ultimate challenge of Advanced. Occasionally there will be a combination of the two, for example Advanced Intermediate (AI) which comprises of an Advanced Dressage and Show Jumping test, followed by an Intermediate Cross Country (XC).

As the level increases, so does the technicality of the dressage test. The jumps get higher and wider and a greater degree of accuracy and courage is needed from both horse and rider. In the non graded clases (Pre Training to Pre Novice) there is no obligation to progress to the next level, however there is a grading system from Novice onwards. Most competitions offer an 'Open' section for graded classes which means that you are able to compete in classes below your horses graded level. For example if your horse is graded Intermediate but you want to compete at Novice level, you are able to enter an Open Novice. As safety is a very important aspect of our sport, these systems and classes have been put in place so that riders are not pushed above the level where they feel comfortable.