For newcomers to the thrilling world of equestrian sports, the star ranking system can seem confusing at first glance. However, once broken down, it's easy to grasp and adds a layer of appreciation to the incredible athleticism and skill on display at events like the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S*. Whether you're a seasoned spectator or a first-time attendee, understanding the star system will enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of this exciting sport.

The Different Star Levels

Here's a breakdown of the star levels:

1* (Training/modified Level)

• Fixed Fence Height: Up to 1.05m
• Brush Fence Height: Up to 1.25m
• Cross-Country Course Length: 1,800m to 3,200m
• Speed Requirements: 500 meters per minute

This is where horses and riders begin their international journey. A 1* competition offers a more forgiving introduction to international eventing, with lower fences, shorter cross-country courses, and slower paces.

2* (Preliminary Level)

• Fixed Fence Height: Up to 1.10m
• Brush Fence Height: Up to 1.30m
• Cross-Country Course Length: 2,400m to 3,600m
• Speed Requirements: 520 meters per minute

At this level, the courses are longer, the fences are higher, and the speeds are faster. It represents a more challenging test for horses and riders who want to advance beyond the introductory levels of the sport.

3* (intermediate Level)

• Fixed Fence Height: Up to 1.15m
• Brush Fence Height: Up to 1.35m
• Cross-Country Course Length: 2,800m to 4,000m
• Speed Requirements: 550 meters per minute

At 3*, the competition becomes significantly tougher. Horses and riders are expected to handle more technical challenges on both cross-country and show jumping courses, while dressage tests are more complex.

4* (advanced Level)

• Fixed Fence Height: Up to 1.20m
• Brush Fence Height: Up to 1.40m
• Cross-Country Course Length: 3,200m to 4,800m
• Speed Requirements: 570 meters per minute

A 4* event, such as the Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S* held at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, is where you see top-level competitors honing their skills. The stakes are higher, and the physical demands on both horse and rider are intense. It can take several years of consistent training for a horse and rider duo to qualify for 4* events.

5* (World Championship Level)

• Fixed Fence Height: Up to 1.20m
• Brush Fence Height: Up to 1.45m
• Cross-Country Course Length: 3,800m to 6,000m
• Speed Requirements: 570 meters per minute

5* events, such as the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5-L*, are the pinnacle of international eventing. Riders competing at this level are seasoned professionals, and their horses are among the best in the world. The cross-country course is long, grueling, and filled with formidable obstacles. Precision is key in the Show Jumping round, where even a single knocked pole can change the outcome. It’s widely estimated that less than 1% of riders advance to this level.

Visual Breakdown: Star Levels and Jump Heights

When reading event names, you’ll often see designations like CCI or CSI, but what do they mean? These letters are abbreviations of French terms used to classify different types of equestrian competitions.

• CCI stands for Concours Complet International, which refers to international eventing competitions. You'll often see the star rating followed by "-L" or "-S." An "L" means it's a long-format event, while an "S" denotes a short-format event. For example, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5-L* is a long-format 5* event and in 2024 the fastest horse and rider duo finished in under 11 minutes. Compare this to the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S with a shorter format where in 2024 the fastest horse and rider duo finished in under 7 minutes.
• CSI stands for Concours de Saut International, which designates international show jumping competitions. The Kentucky International CSI5* is a prime example, offering some of the toughest and most exciting show jumping you can witness, with jumps reaching up to 1.60m (5'3").

As a fan, understanding the star ranking system can deepen your appreciation for the sport. When you attend the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event or the Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S*, you'll know exactly how challenging the courses are and the level of experience required to compete. You can better grasp the physical and mental demands of the horse and rider as they navigate each phase of the competition.

For instance, at a 5* event like the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, you’ll be watching riders who are at the very top of their game. These competitors have years of experience, and their horses are conditioned to handle the extreme physical demands of the sport. The jumps are higher, the Cross-Country course is longer, and the atmosphere is electric as the world’s best eventers compete for glory.

At the same venue, the Kentucky International CSI5* showcases elite Show Jumpers in a breathtaking display of precision and speed. The stakes are high, and the skill level is off the charts, with riders negotiating obstacles of up to 1.60m.

Whether you're cheering on riders at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5-L*, Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S*, or witnessing top show jumpers at the Kentucky International CSI5*, knowing how the star ranking system works will enrich your experience. You'll be able to follow the action with greater insight and appreciate the incredible athleticism required at each level. So, next time you’re at the Kentucky Horse Park, you’ll be ready to root for your favorites with a new understanding of the competition levels.