Grades and Classes

Grading System

In Ireland, competition horses are graded according to the amount of points that are won at Eventing Ireland events. Here are the competition grades:

The Classes

Points are gained according to the class that you compete in, and the placing which you achieve within the class. The National classes within Eventing Ireland are explained below and full details can be found in the Eventing Ireland Rule Book:

CNC***

For horses with 51 points or more

A/CNC**

For Advanced & Intermediate horses. Dressage and Show Jumping is advanced standard and X-country is intermediate standard. Intermediate points are awarded.

O/CNC**

Restricted to Advanced & Intermediate horses and run at intermediate level.

OPEN NOVICE: O/CNC*

Restricted to Novice & Intermediate horses with less than 50 points. Dressage and show jumping is intermediate standard and X-country of novice standard. Novice points awarded.

NOVICE CLASSES:

CNC1*, 5&6yo CNC1*, CNC1* U25, CNCJ1*, CNCP2*, Sportsman A

For horses with 0-20 points. Ponies 0 points

CNC1* U25

Riders must be in their 18th year and under 25 years of age to compete in this class

Sportsman A Class

The rider must be classified as a Sportsman, over 25 years of age and not derive any income in any form from equestrian sports.

This class is run at Novice dressage, show jumping and X-country.

PRE-NOVICE CLASSES:

Sportsman B, CNCP1*, Junior C, Pre-Novice 4&5yo Pre-Novice

Restricted to horses without points. Prize money or prizes in kind may be awarded, but no points will be awarded in this class. Combinations who are placed in the first three on five occasions must thereafter compete "Hor Concours" within this class.

Sportsman B Class

The rider must be classified as a Sportsman and over 25 years of age and not derive any income in any form from equestrian sports.

This class is run at Novice dressage, with Pre-Novice show jumping and X-country.

INTRO CLASSES:

Sportsman C, Intro, Pony C

Sportsman C Class

The rider must be classified as a Sportsman and over 25 years of age and not derive any income in any form from equestrian sports.

This class is run at Pre-Novice dressage, with Intro show jumping and X-country.

Intro

Open to any horse. Open to riders from the beginning of their 14th year who are fully paid up members. No points will be awarded. Combinations who are placed in the first three on five occasions MUST thereafter compete "Hors Concours" within this class.

Pony C

Open to any pony over 5 years of age, minimum height 138cms. Open to riders from the beginning of their 12th year. No points will be awarded.

International Events

International Events are also given a star rating according to their level of difficulty. There are specific qualifications that have to be obtained to compete at each level. Please see below the star ratings:

Points

In National competition, your horse earns points when you are placed in the class, or when you finish on your dressage score. Points are allocated as follows:

NB: Numbers of starters will determine the lowest placing to which points will be awarded within the class (see Rule Book - Downloads)

Completion on Dressage Score

Points awarded at International classes differ from the above - please refer to EI Rule Book for further information.