2023 USDF Member Guide

USDF MEMBER GUIDE

About USDF

United States Dressage Federation™(USDF)

4051 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511

Phone: (859) 971-2277

Fax: (859) 971-7722

usdressage@usdf.org www.usdf.org

USDF’S MISSION:

Dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.

USDF is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation comprised of nearly 30,000 members, and over 100 Group Member Organizations (affiliated clubs). Founded in 1973, USDF was established for the purpose of promoting and encouraging a high standard of accomplishment in dressage, primarily through educational programs. USDF offers a variety of educational programs and opportunities through virtual events, live events such as clinics, education at the annual convention, and GMO Education Initiative events, as well as online through USDF University. USDF University features an extensive online educational library, as well as learning modules and online courses. USDF also accredits events through USDF University, allowing attendees to earn credits toward their USDF University recognition diplomas.

USDF administers a national year-end awards program based on test scores that horses and riders earn during the competition year. Award opportunities exist for every level of competition, and there are special categories for different breeds, as well as for juniors/young riders, adult amateurs, and riders aged 50 and over.

The USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program offers yearly awards and rankings in each of the nine USDF regions to USDF Group Members, competing in non-USEF-licensed/non-USDF-recognized competitions that have applied to participate in the program. The program runs December 1 through November 30 and recognizes many levels of dressage, within four award divisions.

USDF also offers several championship programs, including the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, the USDF Breeders Championship Series, the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals, and the USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program, presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply.

Publications include USDF Connection (the official magazine of USDF) which includes the annual yearbook and is now available by subscription. USDF Connection focuses on the USDF educational mission, as well as the interests and needs of the dressage community. The magazine offers educational articles and commentaries by many of the most recognized and respected experts in the sport.

Other print and electronic publications include YourDressage (USDF’s publication website), the USDF Member Guide, Instructor/Trainer Manuals (Lungeing, Training, and Teaching), Pyramid of Training, Guide for Scribes, Underfoot, ShowBiz, Musical Freestyle, Quadrille, and Pas de Deux Rules and Guidelines, Judge’s Checklist, Glossary of Judging Terms, and Technical Delegates’ Checklist.

Advertisers’ Index

Adequan® 23

Arenus 4, 111

Auburn Laboratories, Inc. 53

Bates Saddles 61

CUatX Tack ..................................................................................................................... 74

Dressage Today OnDemand........................................................................................34

Dressage Extensions ....................................................................................................... 31

Emory and Henry College

Espoir Equestrian 40

Essential Equine 20

GumBits 24

Iron Spring Farm 71

Interschoolastic Equestrian Association 49

Kentucky Performance Products 1

Kraft Horse Walkers 6

N2 Saddlery 55

Piaffe Performance ......................................................................................................IFC

Platinum Performance

Premiere Equestrian

SmartPak ............................................................................................................................. 3

Sox For Horses 40

Taylor Select Bedding 114

The Rider Project 68

United States Lipizzan Federation BC

Walkabout Station IBC

World Equestrian Center 5

Zen Equestrian Elite Center 58

USDF MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

USDF Membership Information 8

USDF Member Perks Partners 10

USDF Regions 11

Horse Registration ........................................................................................... 12 Master Verification 12

USDF EDUCATION PROGRAMS

About USDF Education

USDF Education Programs

USDF AWARDS PROGRAMS

USDF Awards Programs 15

Rider Awards ..................................................................................................... 16

Horse Performance Certificates 19

Adequan /USDF Year-End Awards 21

USDF Awards Equivalency Chart 22

Adequan®/USDF Jr/YR Awards .......................................................................26

Adequan /USDF Adult Amateur Awards 26

Adequan /USDF Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle Awards 26

Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup Awards 27

Adequan®/USDF Para-Dressage Rider of the Year Awards ................. 27

Adequan /USDF Musical Freestyle Awards ............................................. 27

Adequan /USDF Musical Freestyle Challenge 27

Adequan®/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year 29

Adequan®/USDF DSHB Horse of the Year ............................................. 29

Adequan /USDF Materiale Horse of the Year ........................................30

Adequan /USDF USEF Four-Year-Old or FEI Five- or Six-Year-Old Awards 30

Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards 33

Adequan /USDF Breeder of the Year Awards 36

USDF Breeder of Distinction Awards 37

USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

USDF Regional GMO Volunteer of the Year Award 39

USDF Volunteer of the Year Award 39

Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame 40

USDF Lifetime Achievement Award

USDF Member of Distinction 41

USDF Recognition Programs 43

USDF COMPETITION PROGRAMS

USDF Competition Programs

USEF/USDF Dressage Seat Medal Program 46

USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program 47

USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program 50

Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championship Dates

Great American I nsurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championship Rules

USDF Membership Information

MEMBERSHIP TYPES USDF

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS (PM, GM, BM)

PARTICIPATING MEMBERSHIP (PM)

The USDF membership year begins December 1. If dues are received after December 1, the effective date of membership is the date the application and correct dues are received by USDF. If joining USDF (including changing membership to PM status) at a competition, membership begins the date the application and appropriate dues are accepted by the show secretary, provided the application is signed and dated by the competition secretary and the member (or representative of the member) on that same day. All PMs, except for USDF Lifetime Participating Membership, expire on November 30.

1-year PM = $90 Adult, $72 Youth (Must be under 21 prior to 12/1/22, the start of the 2023 membership year)

5-year PM = $360 (Guarantees all PM benefits through November 30 of the fifth year of membership)

Life PM = $1,800 (Guarantees all PM benefits for the lifetime of the member)

GROUP MEMBERSHIP (GM)

USDF GM is obtained by joining a USDF Group Member Organization (GMO). GMOs are integral in bringing dressage and dressage education to the masses. Stay connected with your local dressage community and support dressage at the local level by joining a GMO in your area. Each GMO sends a roster of members, along with appropriate dues, to USDF. The USDF GM year is December 1 to November 30.

EDUCATION MEMBERSHIP (EM)

USDF EM is an online, education-only membership obtained through the USDF website. EM begins the date the online application is submitted and expires twelve months from the effective date of the membership. USDF EM does not fulfill membership requirements for competing in USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions.

EM = $35 Adult, $10 Youth (Must be under 21 on the date of application)

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP (BM)

USDF BM offers a variety of advertising benefits, in addition to the benefits of USDF Participating Membership. For competition purposes, USDF BM fulfills only the owner membership requirements when competing at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions. A person who is associated with the business cannot compete as a rider with a USDF BM.

The USDF BM year begins December 1 and expires on November 30. After December 1, the effective date of membership is the date the application and correct dues are received by USDF. If joining USDF at a competition, membership begins the date the application and appropriate dues are accepted by the show secretary, provided the application is signed and dated by the competition secretary and the member (or representative of the member) on that same day.

BM = $240

MEMBER PERKS:

RESOURCES:

Full access to USDF’s online learning opportunities (Some restrictions may apply.)

Full access to USDF’s digital publications, including USDF Connection and YourDressage.org

Printed USDF Connection magazine

Printed USDF Member Guide

Full access to USDFScores.com, the official USDF source for the most accurate and complete dressage scores

Join, Renew, or Register Online

Online registration is a convenient way to join USDF, renew your USDF membership, or register your horse. This method will immediately provide you a temporary membership/registration transaction verification, which can be used as proof of membership or horse registration until your application has been processed.

Memberships are processed in the most timely manner possible. Please allow two business days for processing. Once your application has been processed, you will be able to print official membership and horse verification at www.usdf.org. Members can change their e-mail subscriptions, address, e-mail, and phone number online at any time, by logging into the USDF website.

USDF Membership Information

USDF EDUCATION PROGRAMS MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

USDF Jr/YR Clinics – auditor

USDF Jr/YR Clinics – participant

Earn Credit toward University Recognition

L Education Program-Part 1 - auditor

L Education Program-Part 1 - participant

L Education Program - Part 2

Continuing Education in Dressage Judging - auditor

Continuing Education in Dressage Judging - participant

Instructor Certification - Workshops

Instructor Certification - Final Exam

Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference

USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program

Sport Horse Seminars - auditor

Sport Horse Seminars - participant

Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention

Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum – auditor

Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum – participant

Sport Horse Online Video Submission

USDF Apprentice Technical Delegate Clinic

USEF/USDF Dressage Technical Delegate Training Program (‘r’, ‘R’)

USEF/USDF Dressage Judge Training Programs (‘r’, ‘R’, ‘S’)

USEF/USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Judge Training Programs (“r”, “R”)

USDF GMO Education Initiative - auditor

USDF GMO Education Initiative - rider

AWARD AND CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAMS MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Compete at USEF-licensed/USDFrecognized competitions

Qualify for GAIG/USDF Regional Dressage Championships

Compete at GAIG/USDF Regional Dressage Championships

Qualify for USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Finals

Compete at a USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Finals

Compete at US Dressage Finals

Qualify for USDF Breeders Championship Series Finals

Compete at USDF Breeders Championship Series Finals

Qualify for USDF Breeders Championship Series Materiale Class

Compete in USDF Breeders Championship Finals Materiale Class

Qualify for USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals

Compete at USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals

DressageClinic.com

Educational videos from the top dressage trainers around the globe.

Dressage Extensions

Luxury dressage boutique certain to delight the most discerning of dressage enthusiasts. $100 worth of free product by receiving a $50 member card two times per year

Dressage Today OnDemand

Dressage training video library with training advice and tips from the world’s most respected judges and trainers.

45% discount on membership

Horses 4 Your Consideration

The Sport Horse Marketplace for listing your horses, finding your next equine partner, and posting your equestrian business or products locally and globally.

USDF Members receive a 15% discount https://www.horses4yc.com/

Horse & Country

Leading international equestrian sports network, available globally via connected TVs, mobile, and web and on leading digital and pay-TV platforms.

15% discount on a subscription for H&C’s annual membership, H&C+

Premier Equestrian

Full line of exceptional products including dressage arenas, footing, horse jumps, and barn and stable equipment.

5% discount on all Premier Equestrian items www.dressagearena.net

Printastic

Custom banners to fit every business need, budget, and size.

20% discount www.printastic.com

USRider

24/7 nationwide roadside assistance for you and your horse.

Join USRider with no activation fee for a savings of $29 off the normal new membership rate www.usrider.org

REGION 1

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Eastern West Virginia (Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties)

REGION 2

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia (except Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties), Wisconsin

REGION 3

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee

REGION 4 Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

REGION 5

Arizona, Colorado, East Montana (zip codes of 59000 to 59399 and 59500 to 59599), New Mexico, West Texas (zip codes of 7980099999), Utah, Wyoming

REGION 6

Alaska, Idaho, West Montana (zip codes of 00000 to 58999, 59400 to 59499, and 59600 to 59999), Oregon, Washington

REGION 7

California, Hawaii, Nevada

REGION 8

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

REGION 9

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas (except West Texas) (zip codes of 80000 - 99999)

REGION 10 International

USDF Horse Registration

Horses entered in USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions must have either a USDF Horse Identification (HID) number or a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR). USDF HID numbers and USDF LHRs do not need to be renewed. Please refer to award and program criteria for specific horse registration requirements.

Horse registration applications can be found on the USDF website and may be mailed or faxed to the USDF office. USDF HID number and LHR applications submitted online will be processed the following business day.

EXCEPTION: Horses competing only in Individual Breed Classes (IBCs) at DSHB competitions, sires and dams of horses in DSHB group classes, where those sires or dams are not actually competing in the same competition, horses competing only in breed restricted dressage or DSHB classes at regular competitions (e.g. all Arabian, all Friesian, all Morgan classes, etc.) or in USDF Introductory Level tests, pas de deux or quadrille, are exempt from this requirement. Also exempt are horses ridden in leadline, exhibitions, games and races, classes for 4-H members, walk-trot, academy, and opportunity classes. For foreign-owned horses competing in a CDI, USDF accepts copies of the horse identification pages from an FEI passport in lieu of a USDF HID or LHR.

USDF HORSE IDENTIFICATION (HID) NUMBER: $35

The USDF HID number, a one-time tracking number, is the minimum USDF horse registration requirement to compete at a USEF-licensed/ USDF-recognized competition. The USDF HID number can be upgraded to a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration for a fee of $80.

USDF LIFETIME HORSE REGISTRATION (LHR): $115

USDF’s LHR is the highest level of horse registration, which allows eligibility for award and championship programs, assuming all other criteria have been met. If a horse has a USDF LHR, it does not need a USDF HID number. (For certain programs, the horse must also have a USEF Annual or Lifetime Recording. See specific program criteria for details.)

USDF LEASE RECORDING: $35

Leased horses must be registered with USDF in the name of the owner. Once USDF horse registration has been applied for, a USDF Lease Recording Form and the lease recording fee can be submitted to USDF. The lessee will be recognized as “owner” for the duration of the lease and, therefore, will be subject to owner membership requirements for competition, award, and championship programs. The effective date of a lease recording is the date the notarized USDF Lease Recording Form and the lease recording fee are received by USDF. At the conclusion of the lease, the horse’s ownership will revert to the USDF owner of record. Visit the USDF website for complete information and to download the form.

 You should send a copy of your horse’s breed registration papers to USDF. Registry, pedigree, and breeder information will not be considered official until breed registration papers are received in the USDF office. Copies can be sent by mail/fax/e-mail to Attn: Horse Registration, 4051 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, (fax) (859) 971-7722, or horseregistration@usdf.org.





USDF allows a youth to be a recorded owner of a USDF registered horse.

To be eligible for Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards, please refer to the USDF website for complete declaration instructions. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that an all-breeds declaration has been made for his/her horse by August 1. Please refer to the USDF website to confirm that a declaration has been made. Once a declaration has been made, it will remain the same for the lifetime of the horse, unless the All-Breeds Awards Declaration Form and declaration change fee are submitted to USDF. Send questions to horsedeclarations@usdf.org.

 USDF horse registration must be in the name of the current owner or lessee.

 Horse must be exhibited in the name of the current USDF owner or lessee of record. If a lease is on file with USDF, the horse must be exhibited in the ownership of the lessee.

Master Verification

ONLINE MASTER VERIFICATION

The USDF Master Verification allows a competitor to compile proof of membership and registration for rider, owner, and horse, and customize it for the particular show entry for which they are preparing. The horse’s registration, as well as the rider’s and owner’s USDF membership information can be printed from the website, all on one sheet. This alleviates making copies of all the certificates and cards for each competition. It can be customized and printed at any time, thus creating the most up-to-date USDF membership verification.

USEF/USDF JOINT VERIFICATION ONLINE SERVICE

Are you also a member of USEF? If so, this joint verification simplifies the process for you to search for, verify, and print membership and registration information for horses, owners, and riders for competition entry purposes. Visit the USDF website, follow a simple process, and print all of your USEF and USDF cards on one sheet of paper.

About USDF Education

USDF continually strives to offer a variety of educational opportunities for all members. Education programs include live symposia, clinics, virtual events, and seminars for adult amateurs, professionals, and youth, as well as instruction and continuing education for instructors, trainers, and licensed officials. USDF provides members with the opportunity to earn recognition in their pursuit of dressage knowledge by attending USDF’s programs and completing online courses, as well as attending accredited educational events offered by affiliated organizations and educational partners. USDF also produces educational books, DVDs, program guidelines, and test apps made available through the USDF store.

USDF provides members access to a searchable database of educational articles, videos, and audio on topics including training through the levels, competition, equine health, rider fitness, and more.

USDF Education Programs

INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER PROGRAM

The USDF Instructor/Trainer Program is designed to educate amateurs and professionals who wish to further their education in the classical system of dressage. This program offers educational workshops on lungeing, riding/training, and teaching, and includes a recommended reading list. In addition to educational workshops, USDF offers Instructor Certification for dressage instructors who meet specified proficiency standards. Certification is currently offered at the following levels:

• Certified Instructor/Trainer: Training through First Level

• Certified Instructor/Trainer: Second Level

• Certified Instructor/Trainer: Third through Fourth Level

• Certified Instructor/Trainer: FEI B

• Certified Instructor/Trainer: FEI A

L EDUCATION PROGRAM

The USDF L Education Program offers a comprehensive curriculum created to teach participants and auditors how to evaluate dressage performance at Training through Second Level. This program is designed with several goals in mind: to provide trainers, instructors, competitors, and spectators insight into the evaluative techniques of judging dressage; to prepare and evaluate candidates who wish to pursue entry into the USEF/USDF ‘r’ Dressage Judge Training Program; and to provide continuing education for USDF L Graduates. Using a faculty of experienced, USDF-approved, USEF-licensed ‘S’ Dressage Judges, this program is divided into two parts, each consisting of three two-day sessions. Part 1 “A Judge’s Perspective” is open to all USDF members and is the educational foundation of the program. After completing Part 1, USDF Participating Members, who meet the competition score requirements, may enter Part 2 “The Candidate’s Evaluation.” These evaluative sessions are geared towards those who are

USDF Education Programs

interested in graduating from the program to officiate at schooling shows, or those who plan to apply for the USEF/USDF ‘r’ Dressage Judge Training Program.

CONTINUING EDUCATION IN DRESSAGE JUDGING

Developed by the USDF Judges Committee, this program provides continuing education opportunities, at a local level, for USDF L Graduates, and those enrolled in the USDF L Education Program. Licensed Judges are also encouraged to attend. Auditors may also be interested in the topics presented. This program is organized through a USDF Group Member Organization (GMO), USDF region, or other USDF- approved organization. Please note: These Continuing Education Programs do not fulfill the USEF Licensed Dressage Judge Maintenance Requirements. Grants for this program are funded by The Dressage Foundation’s Edgar Hotz Judges’ Fund.

ADEQUAN®/USDF FEI-LEVEL TRAINERS CONFERENCE

The Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference is designed to provide continuing education for dressage trainers and instructors. Presenters give trainers the opportunity to explore new teaching and training techniques. Attendees must meet certain criteria in order to attend.

ADEQUAN®/USDF ANNUAL CONVENTION

Held each year to conduct the business of the federation, the annual convention also includes networking opportunities and education sessions oriented towards amateurs, professionals, youth, and enthusiasts at all levels.

MUSICAL FREESTYLE

Dressage musical freestyle combines the elegance and beauty, as well as the power and strength, of the horse with the stirring impact of music. Movements and figures are choreographed to meet the technical requirements of the particular level, with carefully chosen music that highlights the horse/rider combination. Musical freestyles are entertaining and offer great audience appeal.

Freestyle tests are available from Training through Fourth Levels through USDF, while the FEI is responsible for Para-Equestrian, Junior Riders, Young Riders, Intermediate I, Intermediate A/B, Grand Prix, and FEI Pony.

There is an eligibility requirement for entering and competing in a freestyle class at a USEF-licensed dressage competition. Check the USDF Freestyle Rules, Guidelines, and Definitions for details.

PAS DE DEUX

Pas de deux is an artistic program, created and ridden by two riders, to present their horses in an artistic, musical context. It is judged according to technical execution and artistic impression. It is performed in a standard dressage arena, unless otherwise specified, and may be offered at any level through Grand Prix. There is no eligibility requirement for entering and competing in pas de deux.

USDF Education Programs

EDUCATION

QUADRILLE

Quadrille is most simply defined as team riding. Competitive teams of three or more riders may perform both standard and musical freestyle routines. It is an activity suitable for persons of all ages, including youth groups, such as 4-H and the United States Pony Clubs (USPC). There are no qualifying requirements for quadrille. Team members do not need to be USDF members or pay non-member fees to enter a quadrille class at a recognized show.

SPORT HORSE PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT FORUMS

USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Forums are designed to provide a correct, fundamental system for starting sport horse prospects. The forums are intended to bridge the current educational gap related to the training of sport horse prospects as they progress from in-hand to under saddle, and eventual competition.

ONLINE VIDEO SUBMISSION FOR EVALUATION BY SPORT HORSE PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT FORUM FACULTY

This online opportunity is intended for riders, owners, and trainers of three and four-year-old dressage prospects. Videos are submitted via an online portal for review and evaluation by members of the Sport Horse Prospect Development Forum Faculty. Horses must be at least 36 months of age at the time of a video’s submission to USDF, and under saddle.

SPORT HORSE SEMINARS

USDF Sport Horse Seminars are two-day programs designed to educate breeders, riders, trainers, and potential sport horse owners about the qualities desired in a sport horse, and how to rate these qualities. These seminars are also a prerequisite to become a USEFlicensed Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Judge.

HANDLERS CLINICS

USDF Sport Horse Handlers Clinics are designed to teach owners and exhibitors of sport horses the basics of preparing horses to be shown in-hand, as well as show ring rules and procedures.

YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT DRESSAGE SPORT HORSE BREEDER AND HANDLER SEMINARS

These seminars are designed to familiarize youth and young adults with the dressage sport horse industry. Held over two days, seminars may consist of classroom instruction, practical handling sessions, and the opportunity to observe competition classes and practice judging. Participants have the opportunity to interact with breeders, handlers, and judges who will address a variety of topics.

USDF FEI YOUTH CLINIC SERIES

The USDF FEI Youth Clinic Series is designed to provide educational opportunities for riders ages 14-21 (and riders ages 12-14 competing in FEI Pony or FEI Children classes, and U25 riders where space allows), and to provide the opportunity for clinic participants to become part of the youth pipeline. Riders are coached by well-known and highly respected instructors, including George Williams and Anne Gribbons. Each clinic is open to eight riding participants, as well as auditors of all ages. A theory session is offered each day to all attendees.

USDF YOUTH OUTREACH CLINICS

USDF Youth Outreach Clinics are an educational opportunity for our “grassroots” youth riders, ages 10-21, riding Training Level and above, and are held in conjunction with the USDF FEI Youth Clinic Series. The goal of these clinics is to introduce those youth members, who are dedicated dressage riders, to the youth pipeline and the opportunities it offers.

USDF UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION

Through USDF University, members can earn credits towards a recognition certificate and diplomas (bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond). The certificate and diplomas recognize USDF members who strive to continue their education in dressage and related equine subjects by attending accredited events or completing approved online content. Credits are cumulative and can be earned over an unlimited number of years. USDF tracks the credits earned by each member and awards the certificate and diplomas to those who accumulate the appropriate number of credits, for the corresponding recognition level. Visit USDF University on the USDF website for information on recognition, event accreditation, to take online courses, and experience everything else USDF University has to offer.

USDF APPRENTICE TECHNICAL DELEGATE CLINIC

This clinic is classroom focused and is open to those who may be interested in becoming a dressage technical delegate, or anyone seeking to learn about the role and function of a dressage technical delegate. This clinic also serves as a prerequisite to become a USEF ‘r’ Dressage Technical Delegate.

USDF GMO EDUCATION INITIATIVE

The purpose of this initiative is to support GMOs in creating and maintaining affordable riding and educational opportunities. As part of USDF University, this initiative offers four event formats that can be adapted to each GMO’s needs: riding clinics/symposia, ride-a-tests, camps, and unmounted events. USDF will work with GMOs, and their chapters, to develop new events to enhance the education offerings in their local communities. GMOs will plan and facilitate approved events, with organizational and advertising support from USDF.

In addition, approved events will be eligible to apply for a USDF GMO Education Initiative Grant. These grants will offer funding

USDF Education Programs USDF Awards Programs

opportunities to help GMOs, and their chapters, get their education programs started. Event and grant applications are due to the USDF office at least 60 days prior to the start of the event, with regional/ geographical representation considered for grants.

USDF/USEF YOUNG RIDER GRADUATE PROGRAM

This biennial program is a two-day educational seminar that focuses on crucial topics that young adults, ages 20-28, need to know to prepare for a professional career in the equine industry. Topics include goal setting, sponsorship, international competition, and business subjects such as contracts, insurance, and tax practices. These subjects are taught by top professionals in the country to foster strong role models for the future.

USDF VIRTUAL EDUCATION SERIES

This Virtual Education Series hosts education sessions with industry professionals over a variety of dressage and equine education topics for all current members. The Virtual Education Series is USDF University accredited. Virtual sessions are hosted quarterly, with information available on the USDF website.

Have you ever wondered, “How does my horse compare with others showing in dressage?”

Every year, thousands of owners, and riders, with USDF registered horses, compete for USDF awards and the opportunity to find out where their horses rank against others competing at their level, nationwide.

As part of its mission, USDF offers a variety of award programs to recognize achievement in dressage and dressage sport horse breeding (DSHB). In the USDF awards system, there is a goal for nearly every type and level of riding, starting with the USDF Rider Performance Award for achievement at Training Level, up to the Adequan®/USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year. Along the way are the popular USDF Rider Medals (gold, silver, and bronze), Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards, and many more.

Most USDF awards are based on the quality of a horse’s performance, as demonstrated by scores earned during the competition year. USDF awards are designed to reward horses that consistently earn strong scores, regardless of where they place in a class.

USDF promotes and encourages a high standard of accomplishment in dressage throughout the United States. To recognize this high standard, USDF has developed a comprehensive awards program to reward excellence within our sport. USDF encourages all members to strive for excellence, by offering award programs for everyone.

USDF employs the best practices to ensure that information published is accurate and current. Rule and/or policy changes by USEF and/or the FEI that impact USDF awards programs will be addressed as needed. USDF assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or changes. Refer to USDF Policies and Procedures for more information.

USDF Rider Awards

GENERAL RULES

The following guidelines apply to all USDF Rider Awards; dressage seat equitation, rider performance awards, bronze, silver, and gold medals, freestyle bronze, silver, and gold bars, and master’s challenge awards.

ELIGIBILITY

• Rider must have a USDF Participating or Group Membership and be a member in good standing of USDF when scores are earned.

• Owner must meet minimum competition eligibility requirements at the time the scores are earned.

• Horse must have a USDF Horse Identification Number or a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration at the time the scores are earned. Exception: Horses competing only in breed restricted competitions.

• USDF horse registration must be in the name of the current owner or lessee.

• Horse must be exhibited in the name of the current USDF owner or lessee of record. If a lease is on file with USDF, the horse must be exhibited in the ownership of the lessee.

RECORDED SCORES AND APPLICATION

• Application and $25 fee must be submitted online using the rider performance awards application after all required scores are earned. Certificates are issued as received and verified.

• Application and fee must be received by September 30 for inclusion in current competition year. Applications submitted from October 1 through October 15, with all rider award requirements completed in the previous competition year, may be recognized in the previous competition year with payment of a $75 late fee in addition to the $25 fee.

• Any score earned at a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competition, from a regular USEF or FEI test, may be used, including scores earned in test of choice classes. Scores need not be earned in one year.

• Eligible scores earned at USEF Special Competitions, held in the U.S., are also applicable.

• If two or more judges score one ride, the average of their scores counts as one score. A judge panel will be considered different if at least one member of the panel is changed.

• Scores may be used multiple times for progressive awards. Scores may be earned at any test of the level and freestyle scores only count for freestyle awards.

• Riders may earn an award only once at each level and scores may be earned on one or more horses.

• Awards may be earned in any order, except for the freestyle bars.

• Scores must be from score sheets that are current at the time of the competition.

EQUIVALENCIES

• Please see equivalency chart on page 22. Tests not listed as equivalencies in the current USDF Member Guide are not eligible for USDF awards.

YEARBOOK PHOTOGRAPHS

• Deadline to submit rider award photographs (bronze, silver, and gold medalists, freestyle bar recipients, and master’s challenge recipients) for the yearbook issue of USDF Connection is the first Friday in October.

• USDF will only accept digital photograph submissions and the USDF Photo Release Form must accompany the photograph.

• USDF does not guarantee that any submitted photograph will be used.

DRESSAGE SEAT EQUITATION AWARDS

• All riders, including those who compete in the professional, adult amateur, and junior/young riders divisions are eligible.

• Only scores earned in dressage seat equitation classes are eligible. Scores from walk/trot equitation classes are not eligible.

• Scores must be from classes that were scored using the USEF Dressage Equitation class score sheet or the USEF Dressage Seat Medal class score sheet.

• Scores earned prior to August 1, 2011 must be submitted by competitor with appropriate verification.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

• From at least three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• From at least three different judges

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

• Must have five scores of 65% or higher

ACCOMPLISHED LEVEL

• Must have five scores of 72% or higher

ELITE LEVEL

• Must have five scores of 80% or higher

RIDER PERFORMANCE AWARDS

• Award may be achieved at Training, First, and Second Levels

• Must have four scores of 60% or higher at the respective level:

From at least two different USEF-licensed/USDFrecognized competitions

From four different judges

From four different rides

BRONZE MEDAL RIDER AWARDS

• Must have six scores of 60% or higher:

Two at First Level from two different judges and two different rides

Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides

Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides

USDF Rider Awards

NEW! BRONZE MEDAL WITH DISTINCTION RIDER AWARDS

• Must have been awarded the USDF Bronze Medal

• Must have six scores of 67% or higher:

ƒ Two at First Level from two different judges and two different rides

ƒ Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides

ƒ Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides

SILVER MEDAL RIDER AWARDS

• Must have four scores of 60% or higher:

ƒ Two at Fourth Level from two different judges and two different rides

ƒ Two at Prix St. Georges from two different judges and two different rides

NEW! SILVER MEDAL WITH DISTINCTION RIDER AWARDS

• Must have been awarded the USDF Silver Medal

• Must have four scores of 67% or higher:

ƒ Two at Fourth Level from two different judges and two different rides

ƒ Two at Prix St. Georges from two different judges and two different rides

GOLD MEDAL RIDER AWARDS

• Must have four scores of 60% or higher:

ƒ Two at Intermediate I, Intermediate A, Intermediate B, and/or Intermediate II from two different judges and two different rides

ƒ Two at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides

NEW! GOLD MEDAL WITH DISTINCTION RIDER AWARDS

• Must have been awarded the USDF Gold Medal

• Must have four scores of 67% or higher:

ƒ Two at Intermediate I, Intermediate A, Intermediate B, and/or Intermediate II from two different judges and two different rides

ƒ Two at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides

MASTER’S CHALLENGE AWARDS

• Award may be achieved at each level, Training through Fourth, and FEI levels.

• Competitor must:

ƒ Submit birthdate to USDF before September 30 of the award year

ƒ Earn scores after January 1, 1990

ƒ Be age 60 or older at the time the scores are earned

TRAINING, FIRST, OR SECOND LEVELS

• Must have four scores of 60% or higher: ƒ From four different judges ƒ From four different rides

THIRD, FOURTH, OR FEI LEVELS

• Must have three scores of 55% or higher: ƒ From three different judges ƒ From three different rides ƒ FEI levels are combined. Scores may be earned from one level or any combination thereof.

MUSICAL FREESTYLE RIDER AWARDS

• Musical freestyle rider awards can be awarded only after a rider has earned the respective USDF Bronze, Silver, or Gold medal.

• Riders can earn a freestyle bar in the same year they are earning the respective medal.

FREESTYLE

BRONZE BAR AWARDS

• Must have six scores of 65% or higher: ƒ Two freestyle scores at First Level from two different judges and two different rides

Two freestyle scores at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides

Two freestyle scores at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides

FREESTYLE SILVER BAR AWARDS

• Must have four scores of 65% or higher: ƒ Four freestyle scores at Fourth Level from four different judges and four different rides

FREESTYLE GOLD BAR AWARDS

• Must have four scores of 65% or higher: ƒ Two freestyle scores at Intermediate I from two different judges and two different rides

Two freestyle scores at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides

DIAMOND ACHIEVEMENT

• Awarded to all individuals that have: ƒ Been awarded the USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals and

Been awarded the USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Freestyle Bars

• Diamond Achievement recipients will be: ƒ Identified by USDF as of September 30 each year

Recognized on the USDF website

Recognized with their name engraved on a plaque housed at USDF

Mailed a certificate and lapel pin at the end of the competition year

Sabine Schut-Kery

USDF Horse Performance Certificates USDF Horse Performance Certificates

GENERAL RULES:

• Certificates may be earned at:

ƒ Training Level through Grand Prix (Intermediate A/B is considered one level)

ƒ Young horse (any combination of USEF Four- and FEI Five-, Six- or Seven-year-old tests)

• Must have ten scores of 60% or higher per level or 6.0 or higher for young horse tests

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ

From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

ƒ Must include four scores from the highest test of the level

EQUIVALENCIES

• Please see equivalency chart on page 22. Tests not listed as equivalencies in the current USDF Member Guide are not eligible for USDF awards.

ELIGIBILITY

• Horse must have a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration when scores are earned.

• USDF horse registration must be in the name of the current owner or lessee.

• Horse must be exhibited in the name of the current USDF owner or lessee of record. If a lease is on file with USDF, the horse must be exhibited in the ownership of the lessee.

• Owner must have a USDF Participating or Business Membership and be a member in good standing of USDF when scores are earned.

• Rider must meet minimum competition eligibility requirements.

• Memberships and horse registrations begin as of the date of application. When applying at a competition, this date must be in accordance with USEF dressage division rules.

RECORDED SCORES AND APPLICATION

• Application and $35 fee must be submitted online, using the horse performance certificate application, after all required scores are earned. Certificates are issued after payment is received and application is verified.

• Scores need not be earned in one year. Freestyle scores do not count.

• Any score earned at a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competition, in a regular USEF or FEI test, may be used, including scores earned in test of choice classes.

• Scores may be earned by more than one rider and breed restricted scores are eligible.

• Eligible scores earned at USEF Special Competitions, held in the U.S., are also applicable.

• If two or more judges score one ride, the average of their scores counts as one score. A judge panel will be considered different if at least one member of the panel is changed.

• Application and fee must be received by September 30 for inclusion in current competition year.

• To be published in year-end publications, current owner must be on file with USDF by September 30.

• Scores must be from score sheets that are current at the time of the competition

Adequan®/USDF Year-End Awards

GENERAL RULES

The following rules apply to these year-end awards:

• Junior/Young Rider Awards

• Adult Amateur Awards

• Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle Awards

• Vintage Cup Awards

• Para-Dressage Rider of the Year Awards

• Musical Freestyle Awards

• Musical Freestyle Challenge

• Dressage Horse of the Year Awards

• Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Horse of the Year Awards

• Materiale Horse of the Year Awards

• USEF Four-Year-Old Awards

• FEI Five-Year-Old Awards

• FEI Six-Year-Old Awards

• All-Breeds Awards

• Breeder of the Year Awards

AWARD YEAR

• The award year is October 1 through September 30.

• For USDF official year-end results or award standings, no corrections will be accepted after 5:00 pm ET on October 15 of the award year. If USDF is notified, in writing, of errors prior to 5:00 pm ET on October 15 of the award year, the placings will be corrected. If USDF is not notified, in writing, of errors prior to 5:00 pm ET on October 15 of the award year, including those caused by the competitor, the competition, or USDF, no changes will be made.

MEMBERSHIP AND HORSE REGISTRATIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Rider must have a USDF Participating Membership (PM) and be a member in good standing of USDF when scores are earned.

• Owner must have a USDF PM or Business Membership (BM) and be a member in good standing of USDF when scores are earned.

• Memberships and horse registrations begin when all application forms and fees are received by USDF. If joining USDF, or registering a horse at a competition, membership and registration begin the date the application and appropriate fees are accepted by the show secretary, in accordance with USEF dressage division rules.

• Horse must have a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration when scores are earned.

• USDF horse registration must be in the name of the current owner or lessee.

• Horse must be exhibited in the name of the current USDF owner or lessee of record. If a lease is on file with USDF, the horse must be exhibited in the ownership of the lessee.

RIDER STATUS ELIGIBILITY

• For junior/young rider, adult amateur, and vintage cup awards, rider’s birthdate must be on file with USDF by September 30 of the award year.

• Junior/Young Rider – must meet USEF dressage definition of junior or young rider when scores are earned. A rider’s status is determined on September 30 of the award year.

If a rider is a junior/young rider on September 30, all scores earned during the competition year will count towards junior/young rider awards. A competitor is a junior rider until the end of the calendar year in which he or she reaches age 18, and a young rider until the end of the calendar year in which he or she reaches age 21.

• Adult Amateur –must meet the USEF dressage definition of adult as of September 30 of the award year. A competitor is an adult from the beginning of the calendar year in which he or she reaches age 22. For Adequan®/USDF Year-End Award purposes, a rider’s status is determined on September 30 of the award year. If a rider is a dressage adult amateur on September 30, all scores earned during that competition year will count toward adult amateur awards.

• Rider must confirm annually, via the USDF website, that their adult amateur status is on file.

• Vintage Cup - a rider’s status is determined on September 30 of the award year. If a rider is 50 years or older on September 30, and has declared to be eligible for the Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup Awards, all scores earned during that competition year will count towards vintage cup awards.

• Para-Equestrian - a rider’s grade is determined on September 30 of the award year.

RECORDED SCORES

• Scores are recorded directly from competition results submitted by competition management.

• Scores can be checked at USDFScores.com.

• Any score earned at a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competition, in a regular USEF or FEI test, may be used, including scores earned in test of choice classes.

• Scores must be from score sheets that are current at the time of the competition.

• Scores earned at USEF Special Competitions, held in the U.S., are eligible.

• Scores from multiple levels may not be used to meet award requirements for a particular level.

• If two or more judges score one ride, the average of their scores will count as one score, regardless of whether judges evaluate on the same or separate score sheets. A judge panel will be considered different if at least one member of the panel is changed.

• For each USDF-recognized competition, if the competition starts prior to or on September 30 and ends after October 1, all scores earned in the competition will count in the competition year in which the competition started.

• Freestyle scores are only eligible for freestyle awards.

• Scores from restricted classes (with the exception of breed-restricted) will count towards year-end awards median score calculations.

• Breed-restricted scores will only count towards all-breeds awards.

EQUIVALENCIES

• Please see equivalency chart on page 22. Tests not listed as equivalencies in the current USDF Member Guide are not eligible for USDF awards.

AWARDS

FEI Children Individual and Team Tests

FEI Pony Rider Individual, Team, & Freestyle Tests*

Adequan®/USDF Year-End Awards

CALCULATING A MEDIAN SCORE FOR YEAR-END AWARD PURPOSES

Step 1: Once the minimum scores and requirements are met, use only the top two scores from each individual judge (if judged separately), or judge panel, to calculate the median. (A judge panel will be considered different if at least one member of the panel is changed.) Therefore, the median score (step 3) may be calculated using less than the minimum required number of scores.

Step 2: If the total number of eligible scores left, after removing any applicable scores from step 1, still exceeds the number of scores needed in the award criteria by at least one, the lowest score will automatically be dropped from the median score calculation.

Step 3: The median score is calculated at the end. When there is an odd number of eligible scores, the median score is the middle score. When there is an even number of eligible scores, the median is the average of the two middle scores.

AWARD RANKINGS: CONSECUTIVE LEVELS

• For the following awards: Dressage Horse of the Year (HOY), Musical Freestyle, Musical Freestyle Challenge, USEF Four-yearold, FEI Five- and Six-year-old, and the applicable divisions within the All-Breeds Awards, a horse may only be eligible to be ranked in the final USDF year-end award standings at a maximum of two consecutive levels, as defined per USEF DR. 119.2, within the same competition year. If a horse meets the criteria to be ranked in the final USDF year-end award standings in more than two levels in the same competition year, the horse will only be ranked at the

highest level, and if qualified, the next level consecutive to that highest level.

• For the following awards: Adult Amateur, Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle, Junior/Young Rider, Vintage Cup, and the applicable divisions within the All-Breeds Awards, a horse/rider combination may only be eligible to be ranked in the final USDF year-end award standings at a maximum of two consecutive levels, as defined per USEF DR. 119.2, within the same competition year.

If a horse/rider combination meets the criteria to be ranked in the final USDF year-end awards standings in more than two levels in the same competition year, the horse/ rider combination will only be ranked at the highest level, and if qualified, the next level consecutive to that highest level.

• A horse and/or horse/rider combination may appear in the preliminary standings in more than two consecutive levels prior to the standings being finalized. Appearing in the preliminary standings does not guarantee that a horse and/or horse/rider combination will appear in the final year-end and/or all-breeds standings.

COMPETITIONS

• Scores from dressage tests at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions will be recorded for USDF awards only when all judges who officiate the test are:

USEF-licensed dressage or dressage sport horse breeding (DSHB) judges officiating at levels or classes for which they are licensed,

All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc. © 2021, American Regent, Inc. PP-AI-US-0375 05/2021

Adequan®/USDF Year-End Awards

ƒ FEI-licensed dressage judges,

ƒ Individuals who have “Senior” status in dressage with another nation and for whom a USEF guest card has been issued, or

ƒ A judge guest-carded by USEF for DSHB classes.

• A USEF-licensed dressage technical delegate must officiate during USEF/USDF dressage or DSHB competitions and all open dressage classes at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions, classified as USEF Regular or Local competitions, in order for scores from those classes to be counted for USDF year-end awards, with the exception of the all-breeds awards.

• Scores earned in dressage classes at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Regular or Local competitions, where the dressage classes are restricted to certain breeds, or a USEF-licensed dressage technical delegate does not officiate during all non-breed restricted dressage classes, will be recorded only for all-breeds awards.

CLASSES

Scores may be from open, junior/young rider, FEI junior, FEI young rider, adult amateur, Great American Insurance Group/USDF qualifying or championship classes, and most restricted classes. Scores obtained from breed restricted classes will only count towards all-breeds awards.

• Open Class: A class that is open to all. There are no restrictions based on the horse (age, breed, sex, size, residence, or membership of owner) or rider (age, experience, qualifications, sex, residence, or membership).

• Adult Amateur Class: A class that is open to amateurs who meet the USEF dressage definition of adult.

• Junior/Young Rider Class: A class that is open to juniors and young riders who meet the USEF dressage definition of junior or young rider.

• Restricted Class: A class that is not open to all. There may be restrictions on the horse (age, sex, size, residence, or membership of owner) or rider (age, experience, qualifications, sex, residence, etc.).

AWARDS

• For the Junior/Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle, Vintage Cup, and Para-Dressage Rider of the Year Awards, the horse and rider are considered a pair at each level/ grade and certificates and prizes are awarded to the rider.

• For Dressage, Materiale, and DSHB HOY, Musical Freestyle, Musical Freestyle Challenge, USEF Four-Year-Old, FEI Five-, and Six-Year-Old awards, scores may be earned by more than one rider and certificates and prizes are awarded to the owner.

• Champions and reserve champions at each level will receive a commemorative award. Only champions recognized for Musical Freestyle Challenge.

• Third, fourth, and/or fifth place award recipients at each level or category, for each of the year-end awards, when applicable, receive a stall plaque.

• Certificates will be available online.

YEARBOOK AND PERPETUAL TROPHY RECOGNITION

• Deadline to submit year-end award photographs (first placed year-end award recipient only) for the yearbook issue of USDF Connection is the last Friday in October.

• USDF will only accept digital photograph submissions and the USDF Photo Release Form must accompany the photograph.

• USDF does not guarantee that any submitted photograph will be used.

• Perpetual trophies will be on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center.

AWARDS

Adequan®/USDF Junior/Young Rider Awards Adequan®/USDF Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle Awards

To recognize junior/young riders as defined by USEF.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Training, First, Second, Third, or Fourth Levels

• Must have a minimum of eight scores:

ƒ

From four different judges

ƒ

From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

ƒ

Including two at 60% or higher from highest test of level

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, or Grand Prix

• Must have a minimum of four scores:

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

Adequan®/USDF Adult Amateur Awards

To recognize adult amateur riders as defined by USEF.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Training, First, Second, Third, or Fourth Levels

• Must have a minimum of eight scores:

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

ƒ

Including two at 60% or higher from the highest test of the level

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, or Grand Prix

• Must have a minimum of four scores:

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ

From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

PERPETUAL TROPHY

The Adult Amateur Grand Prix champion will have their name engraved on a perpetual trophy, which is on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center. This bronze, titled “Pirouette”, was donated by the sculptor, Christine Collier-Trevino.

Adequan®/USDF Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle Awards

To recognize adult amateur riders, as defined by USEF, in musical freestyle.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

First, Second, Third, Fourth, Intermediate I, or Grand Prix Level Freestyles

• Must have a minimum of three freestyle scores: ƒ From three different judges ƒ From three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Must have two non-freestyle scores of 60% or higher at the highest test of the level, or any two tests with a score of 60% or higher at the next highest level, earned in the current USDF competition year.

• Must have a freestyle median score of 63% or higher to qualify.

RECORDED SCORES

• Median score for the Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle Award will not count towards the Musical Freestyle Challenge median score calculation.

• Required non-freestyle scores are not used to calculate the freestyle median score, but rather to serve as a qualifying tool to demonstrate the horse’s ability to perform movements required at that level.

Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup Awards

Awarding two divisions: Adult Amateur and Professional

To recognize riders 50 years and older.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Training, First, Second, Third, or Fourth Levels

• Must have a minimum of eight scores

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

ƒ Including two at 60% or higher from the highest test of the level

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, or Grand Prix

• Must have a minimum of four scores

ƒ

From four different judges

ƒ

From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

ELIGIBILITY

• Riders may declare to be eligible for the Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup award, during the current award year, via the USDF website and must do so by September 30 of the award year. Once declared, eligibility will be maintained until USDF is otherwise notified.

• The adult amateur division is limited to riders who are 50 years of age or older, and are designated as an adult amateur with USEF.

• The professional division is limited to riders who are 50 years of age or older, and are not designated as an adult amateur with USEF.

Adequan®/USDF Para-Dressage Rider of the Year Awards

To

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

I, II, III, IV,

or V Grades

• Must have a minimum of four FEI Para-Dressage scores:

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

ƒ

Including at least two at 60% or higher from the team and/ or individual tests

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

RECORDED SCORES

• Scores must be earned at the rider’s classified grade or above.

• Scores must be from the same grade.

• Scores must be from FEI Para-Dressage score sheets that are current at the time of competition.

Adequan®/USDF Musical Freestyle Awards

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

First, Second, Third, Fourth, Intermediate I, or Grand Prix Level Freestyles

• Must have a minimum of three freestyle scores: ƒ

From three different judges ƒ

From three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Must have two non-freestyle scores of 60% or higher at the highest test of the level, or any two tests with a score of 60% or higher at the next highest level, earned in the current USDF competition year.

• Must have a freestyle median score of 63% or higher to qualify.

RECORDED SCORES

• Required non-freestyle scores are not used to calculate the freestyle median score, but rather to serve as a qualifying tool to demonstrate the horse’s ability to perform movements required at that level.

Adequan®/USDF

Musical Freestyle Challenge

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

First, Second, Third, or Fourth Levels

• Must have a minimum of eight non-freestyle scores:

From four different judges

From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

Must have two at 60% or higher from the highest test of the level

Must have a median score of 60% or higher to qualify

• Must have a minimum of three freestyle scores:

From three different judges

From three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

Must have median score of 63% or higher to qualify

Intermediate I or Grand Prix

• Minimum of four non-freestyle scores:

From four different judges

From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

Median score of 60% of higher to qualify

• Minimum of three freestyle scores:

From three different judges

From three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

Median score of 63% of higher to qualify

recognize Para-Dressage equestrians.

Adequan®/USDF Musical Freestyle Challenge

ELIGIBILITY

• Award requirements for both the Dressage Horse of the Year and Musical Freestyle awards must be met in the current competition year.

RECORDED SCORES

• Overall score is calculated by combining the non-freestyle median (60%) and the freestyle median (40% of total).

• Ties will be broken by the highest freestyle score.

Adequan®/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Awards

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Training, First, Second, Third, or Fourth Levels

• Must have a minimum of eight scores:

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

ƒ Including two at 60% or higher from the highest test of the level

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, or Grand Prix

• Must have a minimum of four scores:

ƒ From four different judges

ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Median score of 60% or higher to qualify

PERPETUAL TROPHY

The Adequan®/USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year is the recipient of the Colonel Thackeray Award and will have its name engraved on a silver trophy, which is on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center.

Adequan®/USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Horse of the Year Awards

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of three scores:

ƒ

From at least three different judges

ƒ From three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Median score of 65% or higher to qualify

ELIGIBILITY

• No membership requirement for the handler.

• For competition purposes, the age of a horse is considered to be one-year-old on the first day of January, following the actual date of foaling.

ƒ A “young horse” is one that is three years of age or younger.

Adequan®/USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Horse of the Year Awards

ƒ A “mature horse” is one that is four years of age or older.

• Age/sex eligibility is determined as follows: ƒ Fillies, colts, and geldings, three years of age and under, may show only as sport horse prospects. ƒ Mares and stallions, age four and over, may only show in breeding stock classes. ƒ

Geldings of any age may not show in breeding stock classes/ categories. Geldings, age three and under, may show only in sport horse classes/categories.

• Horse must be eligible to compete in the class to be eligible for an award in that division, per USEF DR 203.

RECORDED SCORES

• Scores must be from the same age/sex category.

• Scores must be from USDF DSHB score sheets (which are appropriate to each judging category), current at the time of competition.

• Scores must be from classes where horses are judged individually in-hand, including USDF Breeders Championship Series (USDFBCS) Final in-hand classes.

• Scores from restricted classes that are otherwise eligible will count towards year-end awards median score calculations, with the exception of breed restricted classes. Some individual breed classes may count towards all-breeds awards if the Participating Organization (PO) chooses. Scores from amateur or junior/ young rider handler, group, and under saddle classes are not eligible for DSHB year-end awards.

• Only the final adjusted percentage score, after callbacks, for each class will be counted.

RECOGNITION

• Categories to be recognized:

Fillies of current calendar year

Colts/geldings of current calendar year

Yearling fillies

Yearling colts/geldings

Two-year-old fillies

Two-year-old colts/geldings

Three-year-old fillies

Three-year-old colts/geldings

Four-year-old and older maiden mares (never been bred) and yeld mares (not currently bred or nursing).

Four-year-old and older broodmares, either in foal as of January 1 of competition year or currently nursing (mare only to be judged)

Four-year-old and older stallions

PERPETUAL TROPHY

The highest scoring champion’s name will be engraved on a trophy that is on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center. This bronze sculpture titled, “Travelin’ Trot”, is by artist Barbara Noble.

AWARDS

Adequan®/USDF Materiale Horse of the Year Awards

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of three scores:

ƒ

From three different judges

ƒ From three different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions

• Median score of 65% or higher to qualify

ELIGIBILITY

• Horses must be at least 36 months of age to participate in materiale classes.

• For competition purposes, the age category of a horse is calculated based on the horse considered to be one year on the first day of January, following the actual date of foaling.

RECORDED SCORES

• Each score will be recorded only once.

• Scores must be from the same age/sex category.

• Scores must be from USDF Materiale score sheets that are current at the time of competition.

• If two or more judges are scoring one class, the average of their scores will count as one score, regardless of whether judges evaluate on the same, or with separate, score sheets.

• Must be listed as a materiale class, not an under-saddle class, in prize list/results to count for this award.

• Only the final adjusted percentage score for each class will be counted.

RECOGNITION

• Categories to be recognized:

ƒ Three-year-old fillies

ƒ Three-year-old colts/geldings

ƒ Four-and five-year-old mares

ƒ Four-and five-year-old stallions/geldings

PERPETUAL TROPHY

The highest scoring champion’s name will be engraved on the Sunshine Sport Horse Association perpetual trophy. This trophy was donated by the Sunshine Sport Horse Association and is on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center.

Adequan®/USDF USEF Four-Year-Old or FEI Five-or Six-Year-Old Awards

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a minimum of four different scores: ƒ From four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions ƒ From four different judges

• Minimum median score of 6.5 or higher to qualify

ELIGIBILITY

• For competition purposes, the age of a horse is considered to be one year on the first day of January, following the actual date of foaling.

RECORDED SCORES

• Awards for all three age categories will be recognized separately.

• Scores must be from the appropriate USEF Four-year-old or FEI Five- or Six-year-old score sheets that are current at the time of competition.

• Scores from different age-appropriate score sheets may not be combined to meet award requirements. Required scores must be earned on same age-appropriate score sheets.

Ben Ebeling

American Connemara Pony Society

American Dutch Harness Horse Association

American Hackney Horse Society

American Haflinger Registry

American Hanoverian Society

American Morgan Horse Association

*American Mustang & Burro Association

American Paint Horse Association

American Quarter Horse Association

American Rhineland Studbook

American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association

American Shire Horse Association

American Trakehner Association

American Warmblood Registry

American Warmblood Society & Sporthorse Registry

Appaloosa Horse Club

Arabian Horse Association

*Barock Pinto Association USA

Belgian Warmblood Breeding Association

-North American District

Canadian Horse Breeders Association

Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association

Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America

Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A.

Curly Sporthorse International

*Dales Pony Breeders Association

Draft Cross Breeders & Owners Association

Fell Pony Society of North America

Friesian Heritage Horse & Sporthorse International

Friesian Horse Association of North America

Friesian Horse Society

Friesian Sport Horse Registry

Friesian Sporthorse Association

German Sport Horse Association

Gypsy Horse Registry of America

These organizations, in partnership with USDF, promote and recognize

Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards Program.

Gypsy

Vanner Horse Society

Holsteiner Verband - North American Breeding District

Hungarian Horse Association of America

International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association

International Drum Horse Association

International Georgian Grande Horse Registry

International Rescue Horse Registry

International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg NA

Irish Draught Horse Society of North America

Knabstrupperforeningen for Danmark (KNN)

KWPN of North America

New Forest Pony Society of North America

*New Forest Pony Society of North America - Ambassador Performance

North American Danish Warmblood Association

North American Shagya-Arabian Society

NorthAmerican Sportpony Registry

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society/German Oldenburg Verband

Percheron Horse Association of America

Performance Horse Registry

Performance Shagya-Arabian Registry

Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International

Swedish Warmblood Association of North America

The Jockey Club

Trakehner Association of North America

United States Icelandic Horse Congress

United States Lipizzan Federation

United States P.R.E. Association

*United States Trotting Association

US Lusitano Association

Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America

Weser-Em Ponies & Small Horse Registry of the GOV Westfalen Verband NA

*Denotes a new Participating Organization for 2022.

THANK YOU TO THE 2022

All-Breeds Participating Or ga niza tions

a high standard of accomplishment within their breed, through their participation in the

Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards

Designed to recognize the accomplishments of specific breeds in dressage.

SPECIFIC ALL-BREEDS AWARD RULES

These rules are in addition to the General Rules and specific requirements for the Adequan®/USDF Year-End Awards found on pages 20–30.

• A horse must be declared with USDF, for a Participating Organization (PO), by August 1 of the award year in order to participate in the allbreeds award program.

• Late declarations will be accepted (August 2-31) with payment of a $100 late fee, and declarations will be accepted (September 1-30) with payment of a $300 late fee. No declarations will be accepted after September 30 for the current competition year.

• Declarations can be made by submitting a copy of the horse’s breed registry papers, USDF All-Breeds Awards Declaration Form, and $35 declaration fee to USDF.

• Owners should access the list of all-breeds awards POs on the USDF website.

• Once an all-breeds declaration has been made, it does not need to be renewed and can only be changed by submitting the All-Breeds Awards Declaration Form, a copy of the horse’s breed registry papers from the new organization, and the $50 declaration change fee by August 1 of the award year.

• PO’s may have additional requirements that must also be met. It is the riders and/or owners’ responsibility to contact the PO directly and verify that all of the POs all-breeds awards requirements are met yearly.

• Open is the standard division and Training Level through Grand Prix are the standard levels for all-breeds recognition.

• The open division includes all riders, regardless of rider status.

• Other divisions may be recognized. It is the PO’s choice as to which additional divisions they would like to recognize. Optional divisions include freestyle, adult amateur, junior/young rider, vintage cup, para-dressage rider of the year, FEI Five- and Six-year-old, USEF Four-year-old, materiale, and DSHB. Specific eligibility criteria pertaining to these categories must be met.

ELIGIBILITY

• Owner must verify on the USDF website that an all-breeds declaration has been made and is correct.

• If interested in competing for awards in an optional division, it is the owner’s responsibility to determine which of the optional divisions will be awarded by their PO.

RECORDED SCORES

• If scores are earned in open and breed-restricted classes, the combination of the scores is used to calculate the median score.

AWARDS

• Given that there are enough horses that have met the minimum award criteria as detailed above, in the standard open division,

POs must award first and second place in each level (Training through Grand Prix). They have the option of awarding up to five places per level.

• Given that there are enough horses that have met the minimum award criteria as detailed above, POs must award at least first place in each level of the optional divisions that they have chosen to recognize.

• Champion and reserve champion at each level in the open division will receive a custom cast USDF medal.

• For optional divisions that the PO has chosen to recognize, champions will also receive a custom cast USDF medal, as will reserve champions if recognized by the PO.

• Other prizes may be given by the PO at their discretion.

SPECIFIC ALL-BREEDS DSHB AWARD RULES

• Owners of foals who have not yet received breed registry papers from their organization may submit, prior to September 30 of the award year, a letter from the PO stating that the foal is eligible for the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards, USDF All-Breeds Awards Declaration Form, and $35 declaration fee.

• Foal letters of eligibility will remain on file only through December 31 of the foal year.

• It is the responsibility of the owner to submit the horse’s breed registry papers, once issued.

ELIGIBILITY

• There is no membership requirement for the handler.

AWARDS

• Given that there are enough horses that have met the minimum award criteria as detailed above, POs must award first place in each of the age/sex levels, if they have chosen to award the DSHB or materiale divisions. They have the option of awarding up to five places per age/sex level.

• Champions in each of the age/sex levels will receive a custom cast USDF medal. If the PO chooses to award additional placings below first, second place winners will also receive a custom cast USDF medal.

AWARDS

Circle of Friends

Adequan®/USDF Breeder of the Year Awards

GENERAL RULES

• A breeder must have at least two, and a maximum of five, horses in the standings to qualify for a breeder award.

• If a breeder has more than five horses ranked in the eligible awards, only points from the top five horses will be counted.

• Horses will be ranked in each category and points will be assigned based on a point system (see point chart on USDF website). The total ranking for each breeder will be determined by adding the points earned by the horses with the most points.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DSHB BREEDER OF THE YEAR

• Points will be assigned to all horses that are ranked in the Adequan®/USDF DSHB and/or Materiale HOY awards.

• Horse rankings within each level will be determined using the current DSHB and Materiale HOY criteria. If a horse has met all eligibility criteria to be ranked for DSHB and Materiale HOY awards in the current competition year, it will receive breeder award points.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DRESSAGE BREEDER OF THE YEAR

• Points will be assigned to all horses that are ranked in the Adequan®/USDF Dressage HOY, USEF Four-Year-Old, and FEI Five- or Six-Year-Old Awards.

• Horse rankings within each level will be determined using the current Dressage YOY, USEF Four-Year-Old, and FEI Five-or Six-Year-Old’s criteria. If a horse has met all eligibility criteria to be ranked for Dressage YOY, USEF Four-Year-Old, and FEI Five-or Six-Year-Olds awards in the current competition year, it will receive breeder award points.

• If a horse earns points in more than one dressage level, all points will be counted.

ELIGIBILITY

• Breeder must have a USDF PM or BM, and be a member in good standing of USDF, by September 30 of the award year.

• Breeder is the person or entity listed on a horse’s registration papers. A change in the name or recorded breeder can only be authorized or performed as an official entry on the registration paper, by the registry that issued the paper.

PERPETUAL TROPHIES

• The Adequan®/USDF Dressage Breeder of the Year will have his or her name engraved on the Hilltop Farm perpetual trophy. This trophy was donated by Hilltop Farm and is on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center.

• The Adequan®/USDF DSHB Breeder of the Year’s name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy donated by StallionExpo.com, a stallion directory. This trophy was donated by StallionExpo. com and Beverly Rapp and is on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center.

USDF Breeder of Distinction Awards

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following guidelines apply to all USDF Breeder of Distinction (BoD) award levels; bronze, silver, gold, ruby, sapphire, and platinumdiamond.

Breeder is defined as the person or entity listed on the horse’s official breed/performance (b/p) registry papers as defined by the b/p registry. A change in the name of the recorded breeder can only be authorized or performed as an official entry on the official b/p registry papers.

Award recipients will be recognized on the USDF website and in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

ELIGIBILITY

• Breeder must have a current USDF Group, Participating or Business Membership, at the time of application.

• Must have official b/p registry papers on file for all relevant horses at the time of application.

• For current year foals without b/p registry papers, a letter of eligibility from the b/p registry or foal registration certificate may be submitted in lieu of official b/p registry papers. Official b/p registry papers must be submitted after January 1 of the horse’s yearling year for the scores to remain eligible.

• There are no membership requirements for the breeder at the time the scores are earned.

• Minimum competition eligibility requirements for the horse, rider and owner must be met at the time the scores are earned. USDF membership is not required for handlers. Please see USDF membership requirements chart on page 9.

APPLICATION

• Application and $35 fee must be submitted online using the BoD award application, after all the required scores and points are earned. Certificates are issued after payment is received and application is verified.

• Application and fee must be received by September 30 for inclusion in current competition year. Applications submitted from October 1 through October 15, with all BoD award requirements met in the previous competition year, may be recognized in the previous competition year with payment of a $75 late fee in addition to the $35 fee.

SCORES AND POINTS CONVERSION

• Scores must be earned in competitions held on or after October 1, 2000.

• In-hand scores must be earned in USEF-licensed/USDFrecognized Dressage (includes Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB)) competitions which are open to all horses and ponies of the appropriate age and sex or USDF Breeders Championship Series (USDFBCS) Final (in-hand championship) classes.

• Materiale scores must be earned in USEF-licensed/USDFrecognized Dressage (includes DSHB) competitions, or in nonbreed restricted class(es) in USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized

Regular or Local competitions, which are open to all horses and ponies of the appropriate age and sex or USDFBCS Final (materiale championship) classes.

• Dressage performance scores (Training through Grand Prix) must be earned in USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage competitions or in non-breed restricted class(es) in USEFlicensed/USDF-recognized Regular or Local competitions.

• If two or more judges score one ride or in-hand presentation, the average of their scores counts as one score. A judge panel will be considered different if at least one member of the panel is changed.

• Scores may be used multiple times for progressive awards. Freestyle & Dressage Seat Equitation scores and scores earned in USEF and FEI Young Horse classes do not count.

• Scores may be earned at any test of the level and in test of choice classes.

• A breeder may be awarded only one award at each level and may be awarded more than one level in the same year.

• Scores must be from score sheets that are current at the time of the competition.

• Scores earned in breed restricted classes, including Individual Breed Classes (IBC), are not eligible.

• Scores from eligible in-hand or materiale classes will be converted to point values as follows: ƒ 80% or higher = 3 points ƒ 77-79.999% = 2 points

75-76.999% = 1 point

72-74.999% = ½ point

• No points will be awarded for any scores 71.999% and below, regardless of class type.

EQUIVALENCIES

• Please see equivalency chart on page 22. Tests not listed as equivalencies in the current USDF Member Guide are not eligible for USDF awards.

BRONZE

• A total of 30 points required from in-hand classes:

1. Earned by three or more horses

2. From at least four different judges

3. At least one score must be 72% or higher from a USDFBCS Final class

4. Materiale scores are not eligible

SILVER

• A total of 60 points are required: ƒ

Must have 50 points accrued from in-hand classes and 10 points accrued from materiale classes:

1. Earned by four or more horses

2. From at least five different judges

3. At least three scores must be 72% or higher from USDFBCS Final classes

USDF Breeder of Distinction Awards

GOLD

• A total of 100 points are required:

ƒ Must have 75 points accrued from in-hand classes and 25 points accrued from materiale classes:

1. Earned by five or more horses

2. From at least six different judges

3. At least five scores must be 72% or higher from USDFBCS Final classes

4. At least one score of 72% or higher must be from a USDFBCS Materiale Championship class.

NEW! RUBY

• Bronze BoD award must have been awarded.

AWARDS

• Must have 10 points accrued from materiale classes by one or more horses.

• Must have a minimum of eight scores, earned by at least four different horses. Each horse must have been awarded at least two scores:

1. Of 65% and higher

2. Earned at Third Level or above

3. From two different competitions

4. From two different judges

5. From two different rides

• Must have at least one score from a Great American/USDF Regional Championship class at any level.

NEW! SAPPHIRE

• Ruby BoD award must have been awarded.

• Must have a minimum of eight scores, earned by at least four different horses. Each horse must have been awarded at least two scores:

1. Of 63% and higher

2. Earned at Prix St. Georges or above

3. From two different competitions

4. From two different judges

5. From two different rides

6. Two or more of the horses must have earned at least four or more scores at Intermediate II or above

• Must have at least two scores from Great American/USDF Regional Championship class(es), earned at Prix St. Georges or above.

NEW! PLATINUM-DIAMOND

• Awarded to all breeders that have:

1. Been awarded the USDF Bronze, Silver, Gold, Ruby, and Sapphire BoD awards

• Recipient will be

1. Identified by USDF as of September 30 each year

USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

A prestigious award of national scope that annually recognizes a USDF youth member who has demonstrated an exceptional volunteer effort and commitment toward carrying out USDF’s mission: “dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.”

CRITERIA

• Nominee must be 21 years of age or younger.

• Nominee must be a current USDF Participating Member (PM) or USDF Group Member (GM) in good standing.

• Current members of the USDF staff are not eligible.

• Nominee must have volunteered a minimum of 25 cumulative hours, during the current membership year, in any dressage related events at the local, regional, or national level. Examples of appropriate events include, but are not limited to:

Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, USDF Breeders Championship Series Finals, Adequan®/USDF Annual Conventions, USDF FEI Youth Clinics, USDF L Education Programs, USDF Instructor/ Trainer Programs, Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conferences, and any GMO sponsored educational activities.

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations can be made by any current USDF GM or PM. Person nominating will be required to complete a questionnaire containing detailed information on the volunteer efforts of the individual being nominated.

• Nomination forms are available on the USDF website.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations is August 31.

• The winner will be notified by October 1.

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD

The USDF National Youth Programs Committee will select the winner. The recipient will be recognized on a perpetual trophy. This trophy will be on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center.

In addition, the recipient will receive a “keeper” trophy, two complimentary tickets to the Salute Gala, for the year awarded along with a $100 gift certificate to the USDF store. There will be a press release announcing the recipient, who will also be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection. The recipient will also receive a $500 travel grant to attend the Adequan®/ USDF Annual Convention for the year awarded.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

A complete list of past award winners can be found at usdf.org/ awards/service/youth-voy.asp.

USDF Regional GMO Volunteer of the Year Award

A prestigious award that recognizes one volunteer, from each of the nine regions, and their exceptional commitment toward carrying out USDF’s mission: “dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.”

CRITERIA

• Nominee must be a current USDF Group Member in good standing (volunteer teams may be nominated).

NOMINATION PROCESS

• Nominations can only be made by a Group Member Organization (GMO) president or designee of the GMO president.

• Person nominating will be required to complete a questionnaire containing detailed information on the volunteer efforts of the individual being nominated at the national, regional, and local level.

• Nomination forms are available on the USDF website.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations is August 31.

• Winners will be notified by October 1.

• Winners will be recognized at the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention.

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD

A panel of judges from the USDF Group Member Organizations Committee will select one winner from each region. Each winner will receive a trophy and a complimentary registration to the following year’s convention. There will also be a press release and the winners will be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

USDF Volunteer of the Year Award

A prestigious award of national scope that recognizes a USDF member who, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment toward carrying out USDF’s mission: “dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.”

CRITERIA

• Nominee must be a current USDF Group Member (GM) or USDF Participating Member (PM) in good standing.

• Nominee must have had a USDF membership (GM or PM) for a minimum of five years.

• Nominee should demonstrate consistent and cumulative volunteer activities over the past five years at USDFrecognized events, such as Great American Insurance Group/ USDF Regional Dressage Championships, USDF Breeders Championship Series Finals, Adequan®/USDF Annual Conventions, USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Programs, USDF L Education Programs, USDF Instructor/Trainer Programs, and Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conferences.

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations can be made by any current USDF GM or PM. Person nominating will be required to complete a questionnaire containing detailed information on the volunteer efforts of the individual being nominated at the national, regional, and local level. Current members of the USDF Executive Board and staff are not eligible.

• Nomination form is available on the USDF website.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations is May 1.

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD

The USDF Executive Board will select the recipient. This award includes special recognition on the Volunteer of the Year perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta. This trophy will be on permanent display in the USDF National Education Center. In addition, the recipient will also receive a commemorative plaque, two complimentary tickets to the Salute Gala, complimentary registration to the convention the year in which they receive the award, and a $100 gift certificate for use in the USDF store. There will also be a press release and the winner will be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

A complete list of past award winners can be found on the USDF website at www.usdf.org.

2021 YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Jouelle Kimura

AWARDS

Roemer Foundation/ USDF Hall of Fame

The USDF Hall of Fame was established to honor and preserve the achievements of the people and horses that made outstanding contributions to the growth, development, quality, popularity, and appreciation of dressage in the United States.

CRITERIA

Individuals who will be considered for inclusion will be those who:

• Have demonstrated longevity of excellence in the sport of dressage.

• Have made outstanding contributions to the growth, development, quality, popularity, and appreciation of the sport of dressage in the United States.

• Individuals may be considered posthumously.

Horses that will be considered for inclusion will be those who:

• Contributed to excellence in dressage through their performance records in the dressage arena, or their breeding records.

• Served as ambassadors of the sport.

• Are nearing the end of their careers, retired from competition, or are considered for nomination posthumously.

NOMINATION PROCESS

The person nominating will be required to complete a questionnaire containing detailed information on the individual or horse being nominated.

• Nominations may be made online through the USDF website.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations is May 1.

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD

A nomination may be moved to an appropriate award category, within the Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award, or Member of Distinction nominations, at the discretion of the USDF Historical Recognition Committee. The USDF Historical Recognition Committee will make a recommendation to the USDF Executive Board who will select the award recipient winner. The recipient will be recognized in a portrait, and a copy of this portrait will be housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. The winner will also receive USDF Lifetime Participating Membership, lifetime registration to the annual convention, two complimentary tickets to the Salute Gala for the year awarded, along with one hotel room for two nights at the host hotel. There will also be a press release and the winner will be featured on the website and in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

INDUCTEES

A complete list of inductees can be found at usdf.org/halloffame.

USDF Lifetime Achievement Award

The purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to recognize long and faithful volunteer service to USDF. Individuals who will be considered for the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award are those who have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to USDF and its mission, as shown by attendance at annual meetings and a long history of membership in USDF.

CRITERIA

A nominee’s dedication to USDF can be evidenced by service as:

• A member of the Executive Board

• A Committee or Council Chair

• A president of a Group Member Organization (GMO) who influenced the development of dressage in his or her area, or who influenced the direction of USDF while serving the GMO

• A Participating Member Delegate who influenced his or her region, or influenced the direction of USDF directly

• A USDF member who developed, or assisted in the development of, a new project or committee which greatly influenced USDF

NOMINATION PROCESS

The person nominating will be required to complete a questionnaire containing detailed information on the individual being nominated.

• Nominations may be made online through the USDF website.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations is May 1.

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD

A nomination may be moved to an appropriate award category, within the Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award, or Member of Distinction nominations, at the discretion of the USDF Historical Recognition Committee. The USDF Historical Recognition Committee will make a recommendation to the USDF Executive Board who will select the winner. The recipient will be presented with a crystal plaque. A portrait recognizing the recipient will be housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. The winner will also receive USDF Lifetime Participating Membership, lifetime registration to the annual convention, and two complimentary tickets to the Salute Gala for the year awarded. There will also be a press release a nd the winner will be featured on the website and in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

A complete list of past award recipients can be found at usdf.org/ halloffame.

USDF Member of Distinction

The USDF Member of Distinction is a prestigious, national award that recognizes USDF members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, in his or her local area or region, toward carrying out USDF’s mission: “dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.”

CRITERIA

• A nominee’s dedication to USDF can be demonstrated through longevity of excellence in dressage and making outstanding contributions to the growth, development, quality, popularity, and appreciation of the sport, at a local or regional level

• Individuals may be considered posthumously.

• Nominee must have been a USDF Group or Participating Member (GM or PM) for a minimum of five years.

• Nominee should have demonstrated consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, over a minimum of five years, at the local or regional level.

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations can be made by any current USDF GM or PM. Person nominating will be required to complete a questionnaire containing detailed information on the individual being nominated.

• Nominations may be made online through the USDF website.

• Deadline for receipt of nominations is May 1.

SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD

A nomination may be moved to an appropriate award category, within the Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award, or Member of Distinction nominations, at the discretion of the USDF Historical Recognition Committee. The USDF Historical Recognition Committee will make a recommendation to the USDF Executive Board, who will select the winner. The recipient will be presented with a “keeper trophy”. A plaque will be permanently housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame and inscribed with each recipient’s name. The winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate to the USDF store, two tickets to the Salute Gala, for the year awarded, and recognition on the USDF website and in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

A complete list of past award recipients can be found at usdf.org/halloffame.

USDF Recognition Programs

SHINING STAR

The USDF Shining Star Program recognizes outstanding sportsmanship among youth. All award recipients will receive a USDF Shining Star lapel pin and will also be recognized in the USDF Connection. Shining Star recipients who are current USDF Participating Members are eligible to apply for an education grant.

ARTS CONTEST

USDF conducts this annual contest to highlight the creativity and beauty behind dressage, and to encourage our members to express their interest in the sport, outside of the competition arena. This contest is open to all members. The grand prize winning entry is selected as the cover of the USDF Member Guide. First and second place winners, in each category, will have their work published in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection and on the USDF website. Grand prize and first place winners will receive a gift certificate from Jane Heart Jewelry.

DRESSAGE SPIRIT AWARD

The new USDF Dressage Spirit Award will begin to be awarded in April 2022. This award acknowledges USDF youth members who have made significant contributions to their local equestrian communities and who promote the sport of dressage in a variety of ways. All award recipients will receive a USDF Dressage Spirit Award lapel pin and will also be recognized in USDF Connection.

YOUTH CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP

These scholarships provide financial assistance to young dressage enthusiasts ages 21 and under who wish to attend the Adequan®/ USDF Annual Convention, and also encourage youth attendance at the convention.

YOUTH DRESSAGE RIDER RECOGNITION PIN

The USDF Youth Dressage Rider Recognition Pin Program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of youth in the dressage community, at all levels. This program is open to students who are currently enrolled in grades 6-12 of a middle/high school or home school program, and are a USDF Group or Participating Member. Pins can be earned in each year of enrollment in the program. The program year runs from July 1 through June 30.

Thank You for Supporting USDF

The Official Joint Therapy Sponsor of USDF

Title Sponsor

Adequan®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference

Annual Convention and Awards

Official Equine Insurance Provider of USDF

Title Sponsor

Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships

Official Supplement Feeding System of USDF

Presenting Sponsor

Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships

Presenting Sponsor US Dressage Finals 800-458-0163 www.adequan.com

Supporting Sponsor US Dressage Finals

Official Supplier

Supporting Sponsor US Dressage Finals 800-553-2400 www.platinumperformance.com 800-303-7849 www.dressageextensions.com 402-434-8585 www.dressagefoundation.org 800-611-6109 www.dressagearena.net 800-942-4258

Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championship Jackets 800-461-8898 www.smartpakequine.com

USDF Competition Programs

US DRESSAGE FINALS

Presented by Adequan®

This is a national, head-to-head competition that showcases competitors in adult amateur and open divisions, at Training Level through Grand Prix and junior/young riders at Training Level through Fourth Level. Riders can qualify for the US Dressage Finals by competing and qualifying at their regional championships. For complete information visit www. usdressagefinals.com.

GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP/USDF REGIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Presented by SmartPak

The Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships are designed to promote and recognize the pursuit of excellence, by providing a showcase competition that meets established quality standards for riders within each of the nine USDF regions. Riders can qualify for the regional championships by riding in designated qualifying classes at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions. The regional championship competitions provide an excellent opportunity for spectators to view the top horses and riders in their region.

USDF BREEDERS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

The USDF Breeders Championship Series is designed to promote breeders and quality sport horses. Each series consists of at least two qualifying events in designated geographical areas of the United States, which will lead to a final event in each series. Each series final will also hold materiale championships for three-, four-, and five-year-olds.

NORTH AMERICAN YOUTH DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS (NAYC)

Held as part of the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), the NAYC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, age 14-21 competing in dressage. Young equestrians vie for team and individual FEI medals. This competition is run under rules of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sport, and is the only FEI Championship held annually on this continent.

USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SEAT MEDAL PROGRAM

The USEF/USDF Dressage Seat Medal Program is designed to celebrate excellence in equitation for riders, ages 18 and under, to promote and reward correct seat, position, and use of aids in dressage, and to help develop a solid foundation for future success in the dressage arena. Riders who qualify, by one of the two established methods, may participate in the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals, which are held in conjunction with each of the nine regional championship competitions. Riders can qualify for the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals by earning a score of 70% or higher in any eligible dressage seat equitation class, at a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competition, during the qualifying period of January 1 through the end of the qualifying period for the regional championship the rider plans on attending. In addition, riders can also qualify for the USDF DSM Semi-Finals by qualifying for the Great American Insurance Group/ USDF Regional Dressage Championships at any level (excluding freestyles).

USDF BENEFIT CLASSES

USDF Benefit Classes benefit all USDF members. Funds received from Benefit Classes support dressage education in the US through USDF educational programs. Any USDF-recognized competition may choose to offer a Benefit Class and any class listed in the prize list may be designated as a USDF Benefit Class. Competitors competing in USDF Benefit Classes receive special USDF awards.

USDF REGIONAL ADULT AMATEUR EQUITATION PROGRAM

The USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program, presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply, is an opportunity for adult amateur competitors competing at all levels. Adult amateurs may qualify to compete in a USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class which will be held in conjunction with each of the nine USDF regional dressage championship competitions. Adult amateurs who have earned a 70% or higher, in an eligible dressage seat equitation class, or have qualified to compete in any regional dressage championship class (excluding freestyles), will be eligible to compete in a USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply.

USDF REGIONAL SCHOOLING SHOW AWARDS PROGRAM

The USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program offers yearly awards and rankings in each USDF region to USDF Group Members, competing in non-USEF-licensed/non-USDF-recognized competitions, that have applied to participate in the program. The program runs December 1 through November 30. Four award divisions, including open, junior/young rider, adult amateur, and nonprofessional are recognized per region. The open division offer six levels of recognition (Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth and FEI), with the junior/young rider, adult amateur, and non-professional divisions offering an additional seventh level (Introductory).

COMPETITIONS

USEF/USDF Dressage Seat Medal Program

The USEF/USDF Dressage Seat Medal (DSM) Program celebrates excellence in equitation and strives to develop a solid foundation for future success in the dressage arena.

The DSM Program is for riders ages 18 and under and is made up of three types of classes: Dressage Seat Equitation classes, the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals, and the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals.

• Dressage Seat Equitation classes are offered at USEF-licensed/ USDF-recognized dressage competitions. If you compete in an eligible Dressage Seat Equitation class and earn a qualifying score, you may qualify to compete in the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals.

• The USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals are held in conjunction with each of the nine Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships. There are two age divisions in the USDF DSM Semi-Finals: 13 and under, and 14–18. The top two placed riders in each division at the USDF DSM Semi-Finals are invited to compete in the USEF DSM Finals.

• The USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals are held in conjunction with the US National Dressage Championships, or other designated competition. The top two riders in each Semi-Finals class will qualify to advance to the annual USEF DSM Finals. Riders will compete in the USEF DSM Finals in the same age division in which they rode at the Semi-Finals. In case one of the top two riders in either Semi-Finals class does not compete in the Finals, the third-place rider in the respective class will be allowed to compete.

RIDER, OWNER, AND HORSE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

TO COMPETE IN A DRESSAGE SEAT EQUITATION CLASS

• Rider must have a USDF Participating Membership (PM) or Group Membership (GM) or pay the USDF non-member fee.

• Owner must have a USDF PM, GM, or Business Membership (BM) or pay the USDF non-member fee.

• Horse must have either a USDF Horse Identification Number (HID) or USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR).

TO COMPETE IN A DRESSAGE SEAT EQUITATION CL ASS AND RECEIVE A QUALIFING SCORE FOR THE USDF DRESSAGE SEAT MEDAL SEMI-FINALS

• Rider must have a USDF GM or PM at the time of the qualifying ride.

• Owner must meet minimum competition eligibility requirements.

• Horse must have either a USDF HID or a USDF LHR at the time of the qualifying ride.

TO COMPETE IN A USDF DRESSAGE SEAT MEDAL SEMI-FINALS CLASS

• Rider must have a USDF PM and USEF Active or Life Membership.

• Owner must meet minimum competition requirements for USDF and USEF.

• Horse must have either a USEF HID or be USEF Recorded and must have a USDF HID or USDF LHR.

• Refer to the USEF Rule Book for all rules regarding USEFlicensed competitions; DR 133 and the USDF website for complete specifications for the USDF DSM Semi-Finals

TO COMPETE IN THE USEF DRESSAGE SEAT MEDAL

FINALS

• Rider must have a USDF PM and a USEF Active or Life Membership.

• Owner must meet minimum competition requirements for USDF and USEF.

• Horse must have either a USEF HID or be USEF Recorded and must have a USDF HID or USDF LHR

• Refer to the USEF Rule Book for all rules regarding USEFlicensed competitions; DR 133 and the USEF website for complete specifications USEF DSM Finals.

PLEASE NOTE: Borrowed horses are permitted in all Dressage Seat Equitation, USDF DSM Semi-Finals, and USEF DSM Finals classes. A rider would be permitted to ride a different horse in each of the three phases of the DSM program.

*Substitution of horse or pony is permitted at any time before the start of a Semi-Finals or Finals class, as long as the appropriate changes are made through the competition secretary to the entry records.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE USDF DRESSAGE SEAT MEDAL SEMI-FINALS

A competitor can qualify for the USDF DSM Semi-Finals by one of two methods.

1. Earning a qualifying score (70% or higher) in any eligible dressage seat equitation class (except walk/trot), held at a USEF-licensed/ USDF-recognized dressage competition between January 1 and the end of the qualifying period for the regional championship the rider is attending. Riders qualified by score can be found on the USDF website.

a. Classes restricted by criteria other than normal dressage rider categories of open, junior, or junior/young rider are not eligible.

b. Classes offered as Test of Choice (TOC) will not count.

c. Opportunity classes will not count.

2. Qualifying for the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships. Competitors who earn the necessary qualifying scores to participate in the regional championships at any level (excluding freestyles), and are otherwise eligible, are automatically qualified to participate in the USDF DSM Semi-Finals. A list of riders qualified for the regional championships is maintained and updated continuously on the USDF website.

USEF/USDF Dressage Seat Medal Program

GENERAL RULES FOR THE DRESSAGE SEAT MEDAL PROGRAM

• Dressage Seat Equitation classes may be offered for Juniors, Young Riders, Adult Amateurs and/or Open riders.

• USDF DSM Semi-Finals and the USEF DSM Finals, there are two age divisions offered. These age divisions are defined as:

ƒ 13 and under: A rider is eligible for the 13 and under SemiFinal class until the end of the calendar year in which he/she reaches the age of 13 (DR 133.2 (f)).

ƒ

14 through 18: A rider is eligible for the 14 through 18 SemiFinal class from the beginning of the calendar year in which he/she reaches 14 until the end of the calendar year in which he/she reaches the age of 18 (DR 133.2 (f)).

o Riders will compete in the USEF DSM Finals in the same age division in which they rode at the Semi-Finals.

• Riders can elect to compete in any one of the nine USDF DSM Semi-Finals. No declaration of region is required, but riders must submit an entry for the USDF DSM Semi-Finals class at the regional championship of their choosing, in order to compete.

ƒ Riders may only compete in one DSM Semi-Final competition per calendar year.

ƒ Riders are not required to ride in a USDF DSM Semi-Finals class in the same region as they participate in regional championship classes.

ƒ Riders who qualify for the USDF DSM Semi-Finals by qualifying for regional championships, may compete in the DSM Semi-Finals even if they do not compete in the regional championships.

ƒ Riders can choose to compete on the same horse in a regional championship in one region, and in a USDF DSM SemiFinals class in another region.

• For DSM Semi-Final Classes and DSM Finals Classes, competitors must comply with all championship rules for those championships pertaining to horses entered in championship classes, including but not limited to the rule that only the rider entered in the championship class may ride that horse. Borrowed horses that are only entered in open (i.e. USDF or USEF nonchampionship) classes at these shows are not subject to the onerider restriction. Additionally, horses and ponies may be ridden by only one rider in each division but may compete in both divisions.

USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program

Through the USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program, opportunities for yearly awards and regional rankings abound for USDF Group Members who compete in non-USEF-licensed/nonUSDF-recognized competitions. Each program year, December 1 through November 30, USDF offers four award divisions (junior/young rider, non-professional, adult amateur and open) per USDF region.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Program year is December 1 through November 30.

• Scores must be earned in competitions participating in the program.

• Scores may be earned in any USDF region.

• Late nominations, scores and applications will not be accepted.

RIDER ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

1. Rider must have a USDF Group Membership that is recorded by the Group Member Organization (GMO) at the time the scores are earned.

2. Riders affiliated with an International GMO must declare a USDF region.

3. There are no ownership requirements for the owner of the horse and no USDF non-member fee is required. USDF Group Membership is only required for the rider.

4. Horse must have at least a USDF Horse Identification Number at the time the scores are earned.

5. Nominations of horse/rider combinations, along with the $35 nomination fee, can be made at any time during the program year. The deadline to submit a nomination for the program year is December 21 (after the 11/30 end of the program year).

6. Riders may change their division status during the program year. A rider’s status will be determined at the end of the program year.

7. Riders must submit scores through the USDF website, and they may be submitted at any time during the program year. The deadline to submit a score for the program year is December 21 (after the 11/30 end of the program year).

8. Results submitted by competition management are only used to verify scores submitted on the USDF website by the nominee.

9. Only USDF members in good standing are eligible to compete in the USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program and receive awards.

AWARD DIVISIONS & LEVELS

1. Four award divisions will be recognized per region:

a. Open: from the beginning of the calendar year the rider reaches age 22, not a USEF Adult Amateur (AA), not a nonprofessional.

b. Junior/Young Rider (Jr/YR): up until the end of the calendar year the rider reaches age 21.

USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program

c. AA: from the beginning of the calendar year the rider reaches age 22 and possesses a current USEF AA card.

d. Non-Professional: from the beginning of the calendar year the rider reaches age 22, not a current USEF AA, not a professional.

2. Seven levels (freestyle, pas de deux and quadrille not included) will be recognized per division. Exception: only six levels are recognized in the open division:

a. Introductory (only in Jr/YR, AA, and non-professional divisions) b. Training c. First d. Second e. Third f. Fourth

g. FEI – combination of Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, and Grand Prix scores.

3. Equivalencies listed in the current USDF Member Guide are eligible. Tests not listed as equivalencies will not be eligible.

4. Preliminary standings will be ranked using a median of all eligible scores and will be available on the USDF website.

5. Final awards standings will be based on the rider’s region of primary residence in the USDF database as of November 30.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

1. Introductory Level:

a. Must have a minimum of three scores b. From two different judges c. From two different competitions

2. Training through Fourth Levels (levels may not be combined to meet requirements):

a. Must have a minimum of three scores b. From two different judges c. From two different competitions d. At least one score must be earned from the highest test of the level

3. FEI Level (levels may be combined to meet requirements):

a. Must have a minimum of three scores

b. From two different judges

c. From two different competitions

PRIZES

1. Up to ten placings per division/level will be recognized.

2. Prizes will be mailed to the rider.

3. Certificates will be available online.

COMPETITION MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Any non-USEF-licensed/non-USDF-recognized competition may participate.

2. To participate, competition management must submit online application and $25 participation fee to USDF at least 30 calendar days prior to the start date of the competition.

3. The prize list must be submitted to USDF no later than 14 calendar days prior to the competition.

4. Competition management is prohibited from charging competitors a fee for their scores to be eligible for the USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program.

5. Competition judges must be one of the following: a. Current USDF L Graduate, with or without distinction, which has met USDF continuing education requirements and Safe Sport training.

b. USEF or retired FEI dressage judge.

6. FEI classes must be judged by USEF or retired FEI dressage judges or USDF L Graduates with distinction

7. Competition arenas must be in compliance with US Equestrian DR126 for level 1 competitions.

8. All classical dressage scores must be submitted to USDF regardless if competition management was provided with USDF numbers for the riders and/or horses.

9. Competition results must be submitted to USDF as a .dat or excel file via the USDF Electronic Results Submission Standard (ERSS) format (using the USEF Universal Spreadsheet Template) or the simplified blank results template provided on the USDF website by no later than 21 calendar days from the end date of the competition.

10. A $25 fee will be assessed for late competition results.

COMPETITIONS

USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program

Presented by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply

The USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply is designed to recognize adult amateurs competing in equitation and promote correct seat, position, and use of aids in dressage. The program culminates with an Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class which is held in conjunction with each of the nine Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championship competitions, providing adult amateurs with additional opportunity for recognition.

A. MEMBERSHIP AND HORSE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Rider must have a USDF Participating Membership at the time the qualifying score is earned, and at the time of the Regional Final class.

2. Rider must be an adult amateur, in accordance with GR 1306 & GR 1307 of the USEF rules, and be designated with USEF as an adult amateur when the score is earned, and at the time of the Regional Final class.

3. Owner must have a USDF Participating or Business Membership when the qualifying score is earned, and at the time of the Regional Final class.

4. Horse must have a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration when the qualifying score is earned, and at the time of the Regional Final class.

B. ELIGIBILITY:

1. To be eligible for the USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class, rider must have

a. Earned a score of 70% or higher in any dressage seat equitation class, within the qualifying period of the applicable regional championship.

or

b. Qualified to compete in any regional dressage championship class (excluding freestyles).

2. Any dressage seat equitation class (except walk-trot), held at a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competition during the qualifying period, may be used to qualify for that year’s USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply.

3. Qualifying periods for this program vary for each region. The period during which an adult amateur may qualify for a particular Regional Final class starts the day after the closing date of that region’s previous year’s championship, and ends on the closing date of that region’s current year championship.

4. A rider can elect to compete in any one of the nine USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final classes presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply, but may only compete in one USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class per calendar year.

C. REGIONAL FINAL CLASS REQUIREMENTS

1. Current USEF Dressage Seat Equitation score sheets must be used and all rules in the USEF Dressage Division section, including USEF DR 133.1 must be followed.

2. Two Federation Registered (R) or Senior (S) judges, one of who must have USEF Dressage Equitation certification must officiate in each regional finals class using the same scribes and same class score sheet.

3. Tied scores will be broken by requiring riders to perform an additional independent test, which will be scored by both judges together. The higher score on the additional independent test will receive the higher placing.

4. Competitors must comply with all rules pertaining to horses entered in regional championship classes, including but not limited to the rule that only the rider entered in the championship class may ride the horse.

5. Riders do not need to qualify for and compete in the Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class on the same horse.

6. All USEF rules apply. See USEF DR 133.1 for complete specifications of Dressage Seat Equitation. Per rule DR133.1.h two numbers (min. 3”x5”) must be provided to equitation riders and they must be positioned on each side of the saddle pad to be clearly visible at all times.

7. Dress, saddlery, and equipment rules apply as required for First Level, except that horses also showing in dressage classes at Third Level, and above, may warm up for the USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final class in a simple double bridle.

8. The rider’s position, seat, use, and effect of the aids will be judged as described in USEF DR 117.

9. Movements shall be performed simultaneously by all competitors, however judges may request for independent execution of certain exercises. All instructions must be publicly announced.

10. Riders must be judged at the medium walk, sitting and rising working trot, and working canter in both directions. When rising trot is requested, the rider should change the diagonal when changing directions, except during a lengthening. The correct diagonal is considered to be when the rider is sitting when the outside front foot and inside hind foot are on the ground.

11. In judging the position, seat, and use of aids, judges may include the following exercises to be ridden as a group, as required at Training and First Level: free walk, transitions from one gait to another, transitions from walk to halt and vice versa, change of direction via across the diagonal, down centerline, or half circle at the trot or walk.

12. Additional exercises from which judges may choose to request riders complete in small groups or independently include the following: ƒ Transitions, leg-yield, changes of lead through trot, serpentine at the trot, shallow loop serpentine with counter-canter, and trot and/or canter lengthening.

13. The size of a group shall be limited to no more than 25 riders. Groups may be divided into smaller sections, at the discretion of the judges, for safety and convenience. Judges may limit the number of horses required to canter at the same time, at their discretion. (DR 133.1.E)

14. Classes should be held in an enclosed ring that is larger than a standard dressage arena, if available. If such a space is not available, an open schooling area is permitted. If classes must be held in a dressage arena, it must be at least 20m x 60m, and no more than 6 horses shall be asked to canter at the same time. (DR 133.1.l)

Step onto the National Stage

2023 GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP/ USDF REGIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP DATES

Information listed is subject to change. See the calendar at www.usdf.org for the most current dates, locations, and competition contact information.

REGION 1

October 5–8, 2023

Virginia Horse Center Lexington, VA

REGION 2 September 21–24, 2023 Lamplight Equestrian Center Wayne, IL

REGION 3 October 5–8, 2023

Florida Horse Park Ocala, FL

REGION 6

October 5–8, 2023

DevonWood Equestrian Centre Sherwood, OR

REGION 7 September 21–24, 2023 Murieta Equestrian Center Rancho Murieta, CA

REGION 8 September 21–24, 2023

HITS on the Hudson Saugerties, NY

REGION 4 September 28–October 1, 2023 Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center Cumming, IA

REGION 5 September 29–October 1, 2023 West World of Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ

REGION 9 October 5–8, 2023

Great Southwest Equestrian Center Katy, TX

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Sarah Tubman

2023 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Rules

The Regional Championship program rules published herein are effective for the 2023 Regional Championship year, unless otherwise stated. The program rules and qualifying criteria published herein are subject to additions or revisions.

While every effort has been taken to avoid mistakes in this publication, the United States Dressage Federation Inc. assumes no liability to anyone for errors or omissions. USEF rules supersede all other rules when qualifying for this championship program.

USEF rules are subject to change at any time. Changes and corrections subsequent to this publication are published in the USDF Connection and on the USDF website.

Refer to the United States Equestrian Federation’s website for official rule changes and the most up-to-date version of their rulebook.

A single Regional Dressage Championship program organized by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and licensed by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF), will be held in each of the nine USDF regions. In addition, Alaska and Hawaii may each hold state championships if an official request from a Group Member Organization (GMO) is received by April 1 of the prior year.

The 2023 Regional Championships will be sponsored by the Great American Insurance Group (Great American), as the title sponsor. The official title of the Regional Championships shall be:

GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP/ UNITED STATES DRESSAGE FEDERATION REGION (#) DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Licensed by United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.

A Regional Championship is a Level 4 Competition. In each region, USEF/USDF Regional Championship classes must be offered at each level through Grand Prix, in three divisions: open, adult amateur (AA), and junior/young rider (Jr/YR). FEI Junior Team Test and FEI Young Rider Team Test championship classes must also be offered. Freestyles at First, Second, Third, Fourth, Intermediate I, and Grand Prix levels must also be offered in the open division and a combined adult amateur and junior/young rider division. If freestyle classes are combined, each championship level must be awarded separately.

The official prize list for all of the championships will be available on the USDF website on a page called Regional Championship Prize Lists by no later than May 1.

For the remainder of this document USEF/USDF championship classes will be considered the same as Great American/USDF championship classes.

A. MEMBERSHIP/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFYING AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

All memberships and registrations/recordings must be correct and current at the time qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships.

Rider:

• Must have a USDF Participating* Membership (PM).

• Must have a USEF membership (Active or Life).

Horse:

• Must have a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR).

• Must have a USEF (Annual or Lifetime) Horse Recording.

• USDF horse registration and USEF horse recording must be in the name(s) of the current owner(s) or lessee(s).

• A horse is not required to have breed registry papers.

Owner:

• Must have a USDF Participating or Business Membership and a USEF membership (Active or Life, or Annual or Life Recorded Farm/Business). If the horse has more than one owner, at least one owner must have both active USEF membership and active USDF Participating or Business Membership and must be the owner of record with USEF and USDF. For a business or farm to be the valid owner under this requirement, it must be listed as an owner of the horse with both USEF and USDF.

* PMs are USDF members who join USDF directly. USDF Group Members (GM) are ineligible.

B. QUALIFYING CLASS AND CHAMPIONSHIP ELIGIBILITY

1. Having won a USEF/USDF Regional Championships three times (in any region over their lifetime), a horse/rider combination may no longer compete in USEF/USDF Regional Championship competition at that or a lower level (Grand Prix excepted), if they received the minimum qualifying score or higher for that division and level in the championship test per USEF DR127.5.

2. A horse may not be entered in more than one USEF/USDF Regional Championship at a particular level in the same calendar year.

3. USDF will presume qualified horse/rider combinations will compete in the region in which the rider resides as determined by the address associated with the rider’s membership information on file as of July 1. Riders are NOT required to be a resident of the region to compete in that region’s championship. Riders, who wish to compete at Regional Championships in a region other than their region of residence, must submit a Change of Region Form. This form must be submitted with a $25 fee prior to July 1. Change of Region Forms may be accepted from July 2 up to August 1, with a late fee of $100; from August 2, up to the closing date of the championship region the rider is declaring for, with a late fee of $300. No changes of region may be made after the closing date of the region in which a rider wishes to enter, for any reason. In addition, all persons living outside of the United States, who intend to compete in a Regional Championship, must submit a Change of Region form and applicable fee to USDF to declare a region.

4. A rider may not compete in more than one Regional Championship competition in the same calendar year.

2023 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Rules

5. In the event a competitor is unable to produce copies of the USDF membership or lifetime horse registration documents required to enter a qualifying class, a USDF competition affidavit with appropriate fee may be completed and filed with the competition secretary. The affidavit and appropriate fee must be submitted to USDF by the competition secretary. Copies of the required memberships and registrations MUST be included with the championship entry. Affidavits will not be accepted for USEF or USDF membership or horse recording verification purposes for entry in championship classes.

6. Horses must be entered in qualifying and championship classes under their official recorded names and ownership as specified in USEF GR1102.3, and transfers of ownership or lease registrations must be completed in compliance with USEF rules GR1105 and GR1108 prior to the competition in order for the horse to compete under the name of the new owner or lessee. (USEF DR127.2)

C. QUALIFYING SYSTEM

1. There is currently one qualifying system with nationallystandardized minimum percentages (see Section D for qualifying percentages).

2. Prior to competing in a Great American/USDF qualifying class, a horse/rider combination must be eligible according to the USDF/ USEF membership and registration requirements for qualifying.

3. To qualify for a Regional Championship, horse/rider combinations must earn a total of two qualifying scores (each score must be the average of all judges officiating in a designated Great American/USDF qualifying class), at two different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage Competitions, from two different judges, or combination of judges. In addition, the same judge may not have officiated in classes from which qualifying scores are earned, unless the following conditions are met: A panel of judges will be considered as a different judging entity if 50 percent or more of that panel is changed (e.g. a panel of two judges must have one new person, a panel of three judges must have two new people and a panel of five judges must have three new people; exception, CDI panels exempt from this requirement. Scores earned where CDI panels officiate are eligible to be used for qualifying if there are no changes to the judging panel in two separate CDI competitions where both scores are earned).

4. To qualify, eligible riders must enter an official Great American/ USDF qualifying class at a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage Competition. The Great American/USDF qualifying class will be the highest or single test of the level and the class must be designated as Great American/USDF qualifying in the prize list.

5. To qualify at freestyle, riders must earn a total of two freestyle qualifying scores at the level at which they wish to qualify, earned in designated Great American/USDF qualifying classes, at two different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized Dressage

Competitions from two different judges or combinations of judges as described in Section C.3. All FEI Pony Rider are equivalent to Second Level; all FEI Junior Rider Tests are equivalent to Third Level; all FEI Young Rider Tests are equivalent to Prix St. Georges; and the USEF Brentina Cup (Young Adult) Test and FEI Young Rider Grand Prix 16-25 Test are equivalent to Intermediate II. For purposes of freestyle qualification, all are considered equivalent to the highest test of that level and may be used to enter a freestyle at that level or below. Young Horse and FEI Children Tests cannot be used for freestyle qualification at any level.

6. Horse/rider combinations may enter more than one qualifying test, and one qualifying freestyle, at each level per day as Great American/USDF qualifying. (USEF DR 127.4)

7. Eligible competitors must be given the option to enter the class as “USDF qualifying” for a maximum additional fee of $15 which must be paid to the show secretary prior to riding in the class.

8. USEF/USDF qualifying and/or championship classes must be designated as such in the prize list and the results. (USEF DR127.4). The $15 qualifying fee will be sent to USDF from the show secretary along with the Report of Fees. All qualifying rides must be marked as such in the results. Once qualifying fees are received by USDF they will not be refunded to competitors for any reason. All regional championship qualifying fees paid to show management must be submitted to the USDF, including fees from riders that scratched, were eliminated, excused or did not show up for the class. Exceptions: Competition Refund policy must clearly state that these fees will be refunded to the competitor; or fees are reapplied to cover indebtedness to the competition not paid by the competitor.

9. Separate ribbons or trophies are not awarded for Great American/USDF qualifying entries.

10. Any and all eligible horse/rider combinations who achieve the minimum qualifying score in a Great American/USDF qualifying class will receive one qualifying score toward their two score requirement to be eligible to enter a Regional Championship if all other conditions are met.

11. FEI classes at CDI/CDI-Y/CDI-J/CDI-P or USEF High Performance qualifying competitions must be designated as Great American/USDF qualifying in the prize list in order for classes to be counted as qualifying by USDF. Prior to riding in the class, riders must pay the qualifying class fee to the competition secretary.

12. USDF will presume qualified horse/rider combinations will compete in the region in which the rider resides as determined by the address associated with the rider’s membership information on file as of July 1. Riders are NOT required to be a resident of the region to compete in that region’s championship. Riders, who wish to compete at Regional Championships in a region other than their region of residence, must submit a

2023 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Rules

Change of Region Form. This form must be submitted with a $25 fee prior to July 1. Change of Region Forms may be accepted from July 2 up to August 1, with a late fee of $100; from August 2, up to the closing date of the championship region the rider is declaring for, with a late fee of $300. No changes of region may be made after the closing date of the region in which a rider wishes to enter, for any reason. In addition, all persons living outside of the United States, who intend to compete in a Regional Championship, must submit a Change of Region form and applicable fee to USDF to declare a region.

13. There is no limit on the number of horses on which a rider may qualify.

14. Qualification is based on horse/rider combination. If a new rider wishes to compete with the horse at the championships, she/he must requalify. (USEF DR 127.9)

15. One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash may be carried in all qualifying classes (including NAYC) unless such use is otherwise prohibited by FEI or Federation rules or selection procedures for the classes. (USEF DR 120.7) An adjustable-length whip may not be carried by a mounted rider.

16. Tests may be read in qualifying classes except in FEI level classes and freestyle classes.

17. Qualifying seasons vary for each region. The season during which scores may be earned to qualify for a particular Regional Championship starts the day after the closing date of that region’s 2022 championship and ends on the closing date of that region’s 2023 championship. Horse/rider combinations may earn qualifying scores in another region but only at shows within the current qualifying year of the region in which that show is held.

18. The closing date of each Regional Championship will be the fourth Monday prior to the start of the Regional Championship competition. Competitions will count for only one calendar year’s championship. The qualifying year of each competition is based upon the location of where that show is held, not the region the rider wishes to compete in.

19. USDF will maintain a database of qualified horse/rider combinations and will post a provisional list for each level and division on the USDF website. USDF will verify eligibility of championship class entries with the championship’s secretary prior to each championship’s competition.

D. MINIMUM QUALIFYING SCORES

One set of nationally-standardized qualifying scores has been established for all USEF/USDF Regional Championships, for levels through Grand Prix, in three divisions: open, adult amateur, and junior/young rider. FEI Junior and FEI Young Rider classes have only one respective division.

The minimum percentages are as follows:

OPEN AA JR/YR

Training Level (Test 3) 68% 63% 63%

First Level (Test 3) 66% 62% 62%

Second Level (Test 3) 64% 61% 61%

Third Level (Test 3) 62% 60% 60% Fourth Level (Test 3) 62% 60% 60%

FEI Junior (Team Test) 60%

FEI Young Rider (Team Test) 60% Prix St. Georges 62% 60% 60%

Intermediate I 62% 60% 60% Intermediate II 62% 60% 60% Grand Prix 60% 60% 60%

FREESTYLE OPEN Combined AA/JR/YR

First Level 65% 65%

Second Level 65% 65%

Third Level 65% 65%

Fourth Level 65% 65% Intermediate I 65% 65% Grand Prix 65% 65%

E. CHAMPIONSHIP RULES

1. All Regional Championship competitions are considered Level 4. Please refer to USEF Dressage Level Requirements for specifics. (DR 126.4)

2. Each entry must designate the division being entered (open, adult amateur or junior/young rider) and must meet minimum percentage requirements for the championship division entered.

3. Cross entering open and junior/young rider divisions or open and adult amateur divisions for a horse/rider combination is permitted at adjacent levels. It is not permitted at the same level. Exception: freestyle or equivalent FEI Junior or FEI Young Rider levels.

4. If a rider intends to enter a Regional Championship as an adult amateur, the rider must be an adult by the current USEF definition (DR 119.3) and a current amateur by the USEF definition. (USEF GR 1306, 1307)

5. If a rider intends to enter a championship as a junior/young rider, the rider must be a junior/young rider by the current USEF definition and her/his birth date must be on file with USDF by July 1 of the championship year.

6. Verification of USDF/USEF membership cards and horse recording and registration certificates must accompany championship entry (USDF PM for rider, USDF PM or BM for owner, etc.).

7. Under penalty of elimination, whips may not be carried in championship tests (Exception: Competitors riding sidesaddle may carry a whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120 cm), including lash, in USEF/USDF Championships.) An adjustable-length whip may not be carried by a mounted rider.

2023 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Rules

8. Under penalty of elimination, all championship tests must be ridden from memory. (USEF DR 122.1)

9. The gate at “A” must be closed for every USEF/USDF championship ride. (USEF DR 126.2.f.5)

10. Under penalty of disqualification from all championship classes for the horse/rider combination, within 24 hours prior and at no time during a USEF/USDF Regional Championship competition may any horse entered in that Championship competition be ridden by anyone other than the rider entered in the Championship competition on that horse (exception: grooms riding on loose rein). Further, any horse entered in a championship competition, even entered at two levels, must be ridden by the same rider throughout competition. (USEF DR 127.6) (NOTE: This applies throughout the entire competition, even after a horse has completed its championship classes.)

11. In the event of a tie (equality of total points) for champion and/ or reserve champion in USEF/USDF championships classes, the collective marks will determine first, second, and/or third or all three places; (i.e. when a tie for first place is broken by collective marks, tied competitors will receive first and second places, etc.). If collective marks are equal, the tie will remain unbroken (i.e. two first places will be awarded next third place, etc.). For ties in freestyle classes refer to USEF DR129.5 which states the highest score shall be declared the winner of the class. In the case of a tie, the higher artistic sore shall determine the winner. Ties (equality of total points) after second place will be broken by collective marks. Ties (equality of total points and collective marks) occurring in third through eighth places will remain unbroken. In the case of a tie (equality of total points and collective marks) for champion, prize money designated for champion and reserve champion will be combined and divided equally between the two competitors.

12. Hors de Concours entries are not permitted in USEF/USDF championship classes. (USEF DR 119.5)

13. In a USEF/USDF championship class, the horse/rider combination must obtain the necessary minimum percentage score to be named champion or reserve champion. (USEF DR 123.7) If the highest placed horse/rider combination receives less than the minimum percentage, no championship awards or prize money will be issued, however an awards ceremony will be held for the entire class. In lieu of a champion and/or reserve neck sash, a first and/or second place ribbon will be awarded.

14. In USEF/USDF championship classes, a steward must be appointed to check the saddlery, bits and spurs, on both sides of each horse immediately after it has completed its test and has left the arena. Any discrepancy to the saddlery rules will result in immediate elimination. (USEF DR 126.2.i.6)

15. A Registered “R” Dressage Technical Delegate (TD), who is a current Participating Member of USDF, is required to officiate at USEF/USDF championships. TDs for competitions offering qualifying and/or championship classes must investigate incidents of non-compliance and report violations to USEF. “R”

Dressage TDs hired to officiate Regional Championship classes must be selected from outside the region. This applies only to the primary competition TD, who is the person responsible for filing the TD report for the competition with USEF. (See section H.3. c, and USEF GR 1018.3 and DR 127.3)

16. Entries in USEF/USDF dressage championship classes are limited to competitors who have met the qualifications, membership, horse recording and registration requirements, and deadlines outlined in USEF DR 127 and published by USDF. Competitors who are properly qualified, whose completed entries are received by the closing date for a particular Regional Championship, and who have complied with all championship rules may not be denied entry into the Regional Championship classes for which they have qualified. Only one class per division and/or level may be held to determine USEF/USDF regional champions. (USEF DR 127.7)

17. USEF/USDF championships classes may not be split. (USEF DR 126.2a.4)

18. Championship classes for juniors and young riders must only be held on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday. Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals classes must only be held Saturday or Sunday. Juniors and young riders’ entries (horse/rider combinations) are limited to entry in only two championship classes, excluding freestyle.

19. Except for freestyles, the FEI Junior Team Test, and FEI Young Rider Team test, championship classes at consecutive levels, for the same division, may not be held on the same day.

20. Ribbons and prizes cannot be distributed prior to the arrival at the awards ceremony.

21. All horses competing in Regional Championships classes must be stabled on the competition grounds and must remain on the grounds for the duration of their participation in the event, from the time of arrival until the horse has finished competing in all classes. If the horse has been found to have left the grounds, and returned, it would be eliminated from championship classes, but not in non-championship classes. (USEF DR 127.8)

22. For USEF/USDF freestyle championship classes, the competitor must provide the show with music in two formats. One of the formats must be a CD which will play on a CD player (i.e. no rewriteable CDs). Only one freestyle music per CD. Other acceptable formats/methods must be specified in the prize list. All music must be submitted in the time frame specified in the prize list. Formats must include CDs and/or digital files (MP3 and/or WAV). See also H.7.

23. The test ridden for national level USEF/USDF championship classes will be the highest test of the level.

F. ADDITIONAL RULES AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Competition managers of USEF Dressage Competitions which hold USEF/USDF qualifying and/or championship classes are responsible to USEF for knowing and complying with all USEF rules and USDF guidelines regarding qualifying and/

Be as one

2023 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Rules

or championship classes. Please refer to USEF Dressage Level requirements. (USEF DR 127.3)

2. A host GMO officer or CEO of the competition licensee, and the competition manager must sign an agreement with USDF which includes the organizer’s agreement to abide by USEF and USDF rules and regulations, and releases USDF from liability, financial or otherwise, during or in connection with the event.

3. Once an application to hold a USEF/USDF regional dressage championship has been submitted, no changes to date, facility, organizer, manager or secretary may be made without prior notification and written consent of USDF with consultation with the respective Regional Director, when appropriate. In addition, USDF reserves the right to select an alternate host site and management if the facility, organizer, manager, or secretary named in the original host site application is changed without written permission from USDF.

4. Mounted awards ceremonies must be scheduled for each championship class.

5. A tentative schedule for the awards ceremonies must be printed in the “Show Program”.

6. The confirmed schedule for the awards ceremonies must be posted in the show secretary’s office by noon on the day prior to the beginning of the competition. If the posted awards schedule is changed, all affected competitors must be notified.

7. Riders placing in Great American/USDF Regional Championship classes must be present, mounted and in full riding attire for awards ceremonies. Failure, without prior permission of the competition manager (see F.9) to be present and properly attired, will eliminate the official score and placing and the next highest score will move up in placing. For safety reasons competitors may decline to participate in the victory round. Unmounted awards ceremonies may be held if weather or other calamity prevents mounted awards ceremonies. Riders must be in full riding attire.

8. Specific requirements and penalties for failure to participate in prize-giving ceremonies must be announced in the prize list. It is recommended that saddlery for ceremonies be the same as in the competition, but that black or white leg bandages are allowed. Whips may be carried in prize giving ceremonies. Rosettes should be placed on the horses’ bridles prior to the ceremony. The judge at “C” should be invited to participate in the prize-giving. Competition management is responsible for the safe conduct of ceremonies and must excuse any horse that threatens the safety of participants. (USEF DR 123.13)

9. Except in the case of an emergency requests to be excused from the awards ceremony must occur one hour before the scheduled ceremony. The requests must be made to the Awards Coordinator who must confer with the USDF Representative, the Competition Manager, and the Technical Delegate in the decision-making process.

10. Date applications may not use the name or title of a championship that has not been assigned to that licensed

competition for the competition year named in the application. The fees are waived when a competition changes its name to include the title of a regional or national championship or when the name reverts back to its original name. Using the name or title of a championship that has not been assigned to that licensed competition during the same competition year is a violation of USEF rules. (USEF GR 706.1.p)

11. Copies of documents submitted by competitors to verify USEF and USDF membership and horse recording must be available to the TD in the competition office. (USEF DR 127.2)

12. Management must post the USDF Statement on Animal Welfare on the competition grounds.

13. USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals: All junior riders through age 18 who have qualified at any level for the Regional Championships (excluding freestyle) are automatically eligible to compete in the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals. Additionally, any rider that earns a score of 70% or higher, from an eligible Dressage Seat Equitation class, during the DSM qualifying period will be qualified to participate in the USDF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Finals. The DSM qualifying period runs from January 1, 2023 through the end of the qualifying period for the regional championship that will host the DSM Semi-Finals the rider plans to attend. One Semi-Final class will be offered for juniors, ages 13 and under, and a second SemiFinal class for riders 14 through 18 at each Great American/ USDF Regional Championship. A rider is eligible for the 13 and under Semi-Final class until the end of the calendar year in which he/she reaches the age of 13 (DR133.2(f)). A rider is eligible for the 14 through 18 Semi-Final class from the beginning of the calendar year in which he/she reaches 14 until the end of the calendar year in which he/she reaches the age of 18 (DR133.2(f)). A regional champion and reserve champion for each age group will be named in each USDF region. For more details on this program and the Semi-Finals, see the USEF Rulebook, DR133 or visit the dressage page of the USEF website.

14. USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program: All adult amateurs who have qualified at any level for the Regional Championships (excluding freestyle) are automatically eligible to compete in the USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Finals class presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply.

Additionally, any adult amateur rider who earns a score of 70% or higher from an eligible Dressage Seat Equitation class, during the applicable regional championship qualifying period, will be qualified to participate in the USDF Adult Amateur Equitation Regional Final presented by Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply.

G. FACILITIES

1. Please refer to USEF GR 1216 and USEF Dressage Level Requirements for facility requirements.

H. PERSONNEL

1. Management must provide a sufficient number of trained and experienced personnel to manage the event.

2023 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Rules

2. Level 4 requires that a veterinarian and farrier be present on the grounds during competition. In the year after a competition has hosted a USEF/USDF Regional Championship, a veterinarian will be required to be present only if 200 or more horses competed the year prior to hosting the championships. (USEF GR 1211.4) The official veterinarian shall be a licensed graduate of an accredited veterinary school in good standing in his/her state of practice, be familiar with the current USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Rules and have experience in equine veterinary practice. (USEF GR 1204.1)

3. Management must contract a sufficient number of officials and pay all their expenses, as agreed upon in their contracts.

a. Two judges (at least one of whom must be an “S” or FEI dressage judge) must officiate in each championship class at Second Level and above. It is recommended that three judges officiate in FEI level championship classes. For Training and First level, two “R” judges may be used provided at least one of those judges resides outside the region.

b. Fifty percent of judges hired to officiate in Regional Championship classes must have permanent residence outside the region.

c. “R” Dressage TD(s) hired to officiate Regional Championship classes must be selected from outside the region and must be a USDF PM. This applies only to the primary competition TD, who is the person responsible for filing the TD report for the competition with USEF. One or more “r” TD(s) can be hired to assist the primary TD, preferably from within the region.

d. It is required that the judge at ‘C’ have the USEF Freestyle designation for the regional championship freestyle classes.

4. Two people should be assigned to score each championship test unless e-scribing and e-scoring is used. Results must be posted promptly.

5. A professional photographer must be retained, at the expense of competition management, to photograph the awards ceremonies and champions.

6. Both competition manager and competition secretary must be USEF Active or Life Members. The manager and secretary must have a USDF PM or GM at time of application and championship

7. Announcer and/or show management must have two methods to play CDs for freestyle classes (i.e. computers and/or CD players). The equipment supplied (i.e. computers and/or CD players) must be compatible with and able to connect to the sound system used at the competition. If the competition can accept other forms of music (besides .WAV or .MP3), it must be stated in the prize list.

I. USDF RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Produce the Official Prize List for all 2023 Regional Championships as part of a Regional Championship prize list page for the Great American/USDF Regional Championship Program. This will be published on the USDF website by May 1. Printed copies are available upon request from USDF.

2. On behalf of Great American Insurance Group, USDF will provide:

a. Grant money to each championship. Grant money will be paid to the organizer of a Regional Championship. Half of the grant money will be paid before the competition. The remaining half will be paid post-competition, once all results have been submitted, banners and other materials have been returned, and all provisions of the contract have been met.

b. The first and second place prizes for all USEF/USDF championship classes.

c. USEF/USDF championship ribbons for each level and each division to eighth place.

3. USDF may send a representative to each championship. The USDF representative can and should advise management on Regional Championship requirements and report on infractions. However, enforcement of championship requirements is solely within the role and obligations of competition management. The USDF representative will also be available to provide information about USDF and its programs and policies.

4. USDF will publish complete results for each championship in USDF Connection and on the website.

5. USDF reserves the right to change, alter, or retract any placings and/or prizes for up to 60 days after the last day of the championship if an error or violation is discovered, after which no changes will be made.

J. PRIZE MONEY AND RECOGNITION

1. The qualifying fee will be $15 per class entered. $7.50 from each qualifying fee will be deposited into a prize money fund. Prize money is accumulated during the USEF competition year (December 1–November 30). All prize money allocated from qualifying fees will be divided equally among all USDF regions and all Regional Championships classes, with 60% of the amount per class to go to the champion; the remaining 40% will go to the reserve champion.

2. Prize money for the nine Great American/USDF Regional Championships will be paid directly by the USDF office to the recorded horse owner within 30 days of the last day of each championship. The amount of prize money to be awarded to each champion and reserve champion in all levels and divisions (open, AA and Jr/YR) of the Regional Championships will be announced by February.

3. The horse/rider combination must obtain the necessary minimum percentage score to be named champion or reserve champion and receive prize money and other prizes. (DR 123.7)

4. Ribbons through eight placings and prizes, will be provided.

K. POSSIBLE SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO FOLLOW USDF CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM RULES

1. Withholding all or part of grant money;

2. USDF penalties;

3. USEF penalties for rule violations; and/or

4. Ineligibility of organizer to host future USDF Championships.

5. Fineable sanctions and action taken will be published in USDF Connection and on the USDF website.

2023 USDF

Breeders Championship Series Rules

The USDF Breeders Championship Series (USDFBCS) is a program intent on recognizing quality bloodlines and dressage prospects across the nation. Through a combination of in-hand and materiale classes, the USDFBCS program strives to provide top-notch competition opportunities for dressage prospects and breeding stock.

• The USDFBCS is scheduled on a calendar year basis, which means that the USDFBCS competition year runs from January 1-December 31.

• A series must have a minimum of two qualifying events to host a series final competition.

• Series boundaries are determined by USDF. Please be advised that the boundaries of any given series may cross the regional boundaries established for dressage competitions.

• All Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) and USDFBCS exhibitors and management staff are responsible for knowing the rules pertaining to USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions holding DSHB classes, as well as USEF-licensed/ USDF-recognized competitions in general. The USEF Rule Book Chapter Dressage, Subchapter DR-2, contains the DSHB class rules, and can found online at www.usef.org. All recent rule changes in the online USEF Rule Book will be noted in color.

I. IN-HAND CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

A. HORSE REGISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY (IN-HAND CLASSES)

1. All horses entered in any USDFBCS qualifying or series final competition must have either a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR) or USDF Horse Identification Number (HID) and submit identification information. Horses registered with a breed organization should have a copy of their registration papers submitted directly to USDF.

2. Owner is not required to be a USDF member for qualifying or series final competitions. If the owner does not have a current USDF Group, Participating, or Business Membership, non-member fees will apply. Should non-member fees not be paid by the USDF owner of record and/or not collected by competition management and submitted to USDF following the completion of an in-hand championship class, elimination from the championship class in question may result due to noncompliance with USDF requirements for competition.

3. Neither USDF membership nor a USDF non-member fee is required for the handler.

4. Horses participating in USDFBCS qualifying or final events are not required to be registered with any studbook, but “if a horse is registered with any breed organization, the name of the breed, sire, dam, damsire, and breeder must be given on the entry blank. For unregistered horses competing in DSHB classes, the information is strongly recommended, if available” (GR907).

5. It is strongly recommended that horses not registered with a breed registry be listed as “unregistered”.

6. Should any USDF membership or horse registration applications with related fees fail to be submitted to USDF with

the completion of a series final competition, elimination of a horse from its relevant series final class may result.

B. REQUIREMENTS FOR USDFBCS QUALIFYING EVENTS (IN-HAND CLASSES)

1. Classes must be offered and judged according to DR 209.

2. All qualifying competitions must offer every Sport Horse Prospect In-Hand and Breeding Stock In-Hand division of the USDFBCS.

3. Only a single set of Sport Horse Prospect In-Hand and Breeding Stock In-Hand Dressage Sport Horse Breeding classes may be offered to serve as qualifying classes for the USDFBCS per competition. These classes must be open to all horses and ponies of the appropriate age and sex, and not subject to any entry restriction.

4. A separate championship class must be held for all divisions, even those that have only one class or one horse in the division. For example, if there is only one class of mares, the top two mares from that class would then be shown in the championship class. If there is only one stallion in the one stallion class, that stallion would then show again in the championship class. All horses must be reevaluated by the judge(s) at both the walk and the trot in the championship class. If any one of the judges adjudicating this class has not previously judged all of the horses in this class, conformation must also be reevaluated on every horse.

5. Current Year Foal Championship class: Each qualifier event must offer a current year filly class, a separate current year colt/gelding class and a current year foal championship class. This current year foal championship class is a series final qualifying class. This class must be held and judged (i.e. reevaluated at the walk and the trot, and conformation if required) in accordance with DR210.

The current year foal championship class, at qualifier events, must be open to first and second place winners of Sport Horse Prospect In-Hand classes for all foals of current calendar year, as listed below. First and second place fillies and colts/geldings of current year will compete against each other in the same class. (Organizers have the option of including third placed horses in qualifier championship classes.) No scores are given. Ties are not allowed.

Current Year Foal Championship: Fillies of current calendar year

Colts/Geldings of current calendar year

The champion and reserve champion current year foals at each qualifier event are eligible to compete in their respective USDFBCS series final class. A third-place foal in the championship class must be named as well.

6. Filly and Colt/Gelding Championship classes: Each qualifier event must offer a Filly Championship class and a Colt/Gelding Championship class. These classes are USDFBCS qualifying classes. These classes must be held and judged (i.e. reevaluated at the walk and the trot, and possibly the conformation) in accordance with DR210.

COMPETITIONS

2023 USDF Breeders Championship Series Rules

The filly and colt/gelding championship classes must be open to first and second placed winners of Sport Horse Prospect In-Hand classes for all horses, as listed below. (Organizers have the option of including third placed horses in qualifier championship classes). No scores are given. Ties are not allowed.

Filly Championship Colt/Gelding Championship: Yearling Fillies Yearling Colts/Geldings

Two-year-old Fillies Two-year-old Colts/Geldings

Three-year-old Fillies Three-year-old Colts/Geldings

The champion and reserve champion filly and the champion and reserve champion colt/gelding at each qualifier event are eligible to compete in their respective USDFBCS series final class. A thirdplace horse in each championship class must be named as well.

Current Year Foals ARE NOT ALLOWED in Filly Championship and Colt/Gelding Championship classes.

7. Four-Year-Old Prospect Championship class

Each qualifier event must offer a Four-Year-Old Old Prospect Championship class. This championship class is a USDFBCS qualifying class. This class must be held and judged (i.e. reevaluated at the walk and the trot, and possibly the conformation) in accordance with DR210. The Four-Year-Old Prospect Championship class, at qualifier events, must be open to first and second place winners of Sport Horse Prospect In-Hand classes for all four-year-old prospects, as listed below. First and second place Four-Year-Old Prospect mares and stallions/geldings will compete against each other in the same class. (Organizers have the option of including third placed horses in qualifier championship classes.) No scores are given. Ties are not allowed.

Four-Year-Old Prospect Championship: Four-Year-Old Mare Sport Horse Prospects Four-Year-Old Stallion/Geldings Sport Horse Prospects

The champion and reserve champion Four-Year-Old Prospects at each qualifier event are eligible to compete in their respective USDFBCS series final class. A third-place Four-Year-Old Prospect in the championship class must be named as well.

8. Mare and Stallion Championship (Breeding Stock) classes:

Each qualifier event must offer a Mare Championship class and a Stallion Championship class. These championship classes are USDFBCS qualifying classes. These classes must be held and judged (i.e. reevaluated at the walk and the trot, and possibly the conformation) in accordance with DR210. Mare and Stallion Championship classes must be open to first and second placed winners of Breeding Stock In-Hand classes for horses age four years old and over, as listed below. (Organizers have the option of including third placed horses in qualifier championship classes). No scores are given. Ties are not allowed. For details on determining breeding status for competition purposes, please refer to DR203.

Mare Championship (Breeding Stock): Mare classes may be divided by age, competition and/or breeding status (as of January 1st of the current competition year), as in the following example: ƒ Four-year-old and older maiden mares – never bred ƒ Four-year-old and older yeld mares – previously bred but not currently bred or nursing ƒ Four-year-old and older broodmares – in foal or currently nursing (mare only to be judged)

Stallion Championship (Breeding Stock) : Stallion classes may be divided by age or competition status, as in the following example: ƒ Four-year-old and older stallions showing only in-hand ƒ Four-year-old and older stallions showing also under saddle

The champion and reserve champion mare and the champion and reserve champion stallion at each qualifier event are eligible to compete in their respective USDFBCS series final class. A thirdplace horse in each championship class must be named as well.

9. Age/sex eligibility is determined as follows:

a. Fillies, colts, and geldings three years of age or under may show ONLY as sport horse prospects, not in breeding stock classes/categories. Note: Two and three–year-olds are ONLY eligible to compete in the filly or colt/gelding championships. They are NOT eligible for the mare or stallion championships.

b. Mares, Stallions and Geldings age four are eligible to compete in the Four-Year-Old Prospect division. Mares and stallions age four and over, may also show in breeding stock classes/categories.

c. Geldings of any age may NOT show in breeding stock classes/categories. Geldings age four and under may show ONLY in sport horse prospect classes.

10. S coresheets: Age group classes must be judged using the appropriate scoring categories and percentages. Sport horse prospects four years old and under MUST be evaluated on the current USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospect In-Hand scoresheets and breeding stock MUST be evaluated on the current USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stock scoresheets.

11. Horses in all USDFBCS classes must be evaluated for movement according to DR210.

12. Each horse may only enter the USDFBCS qualifying class(es) for which it is eligible and may only qualify for the specific USDFBCS championship class(es) for that division(s). For example, a four-year-old mare must enter and qualify in a mare breeding stock class in order to qualify for the USDFBCS mare championship. For that same mare to qualify for the USDFBCS Four-Year-Old Prospect championship, she must separately enter and qualify in a Four-Year-Old Prospect in-hand class for the Four-Year-Old Prospect championship.

2023 USDF Breeders Championship Series Rules

13. During awards ceremonies, the current year foal champion and reserve, the filly champion and reserve, the colt/gelding champion and reserve, the four-year-old prospect champion and reserve, the mare champion and reserve, and the stallion champion and reserve, must be named USDFBCS qualifying champions and reserve champions for the show. A third-place horse in each championship class must be named as well. Ties are not allowed. Announcements must identify sponsors and horses’ breeding information.

14. For each USDF Breeders Championship Series qualifier class, the champion and reserve champion must be presented with a qualifier ribbon. These ribbons will be supplied to the show by USDF. Only the champion and reserve champion will receive the qualifier ribbons, even if they have previously qualified. The third-place horse in the qualifier championship class will not receive a qualifier ribbon. The qualifier ribbons for champion and reserve champion are identical.

15. All champions and reserve champions will be eligible to compete in any USDFBCS series final. In the event that a champion and/or reserve has already qualified for a final, the third-placed horse from the pertinent qualifying championship class will be eligible to compete in a final. Competition management is required to have judges place qualifying championship classes to three places, with no ties. In addition, any other horse receiving a 75% or higher in its age/sex class will be qualified and eligible to compete in the USDFBCS series finals.

16. A list of qualified horses is maintained on the USDF website.

17. Horses may compete in any series final competition, regardless of where qualification is earned, but may compete in only one series final competition.

C. CONDUCT OF IN-HAND CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION CLASSES AT SERIES FINAL COMPETITIONS

1. At least two USEF DSHB judges (DR202) must officiate in each series final class; one of the two required judges must be a USEF ‘R’ DSHB judge. Each judge will evaluate each entry independently, and scribes must be provided for each judge. Winners will be determined by the average of all judges’ scores. The highest scoring horses will be declared champions and the second highest will be declared reserve champions of the series final.

2. Ties in series final classes must remain unbroken.

3. There are six in-hand championship classes in USDFBCS series final competitions. Current year foal champions and reserves from each qualifying event will compete together in a USDFBCS current year foal series final class. Filly champions and reserves from each qualifying event will compete together in a USDFBCS filly series final class. Colt/gelding champions and reserves from each qualifying event will compete together in a USDFBCS colt/gelding series final class. Four-year-old prospect champions and reserves from each qualifying event will compete together in a USDFBCS four-year-old prospect series final class. Mare (Breeding Stock) champions and reserves from each qualifying

event will compete together in a USDFBCS mare series final class. Stallion (Breeding Stock) champions and reserves from each qualifying event will compete together in a USDFBCS stallion series final class. Horses that qualified with a score of 75% or higher in their respective qualifying classes will also be eligible for these series final championship classes.

4. A grand champion and reserve grand champion current year foal, a grand champion and reserve grand champion filly, a grand champion and reserve grand champion colt/gelding, a grand champion and reserve grand champion four-year-old prospect, a grand champion and reserve grand champion mare (Breeding Stock), and a grand champion and reserve grand champion stallion (Breeding Stock), will be named at each USDFBCS series final event. Grand and reserve champions will receive awards and prizes provided by USDF. Third through sixth placed horses in series final classes will receive ribbons provided by USDF. After the last series final competition in a competition year, special certificates will be available from USDF via the website to owners of all horses that competed in USDFBCS series final classes.

5. USDF reserves the right to change, alter, or retract any placings and/or prizes for up to 60 days after the last day of the championship if an error or violation is discovered.

6. Horses must be shown individually on the triangle at the walk and trot and standing for conformation. Each horse must be evaluated in the same manner. Callbacks are permitted. If horses may be recalled, the prize list or program must state that this procedure will be used (DR209).

7. Owner must enter must enter the qualified horse in the USDFBCS series final championship class. The horse is NOT automatically entered in the series final championship class because it qualified earlier in the day or at another show.

8. Horses in the current year foal final class, filly final class, colt/ gelding final class and four year old prospect final class MUST be evaluated using the USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospect InHand scoresheets. Horses in the mare final class and the stallion final class MUST be evaluated using the USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stock scoresheets.

9. Management must collect all required USDF membership, horse registrations, and related fees prior to the commencement of series final classes for eligible entries that wish to compete in a series final class. Should the required USDF membership, horse recording, and related fees fail to be submitted to USDF following the completion of a series final competition, elimination of a horse from its relevant series final class may result due to noncompliance with USDF membership and horse recording requirements for competition. These applications and related fees must be submitted to the USDF office within 24 hours of the series final classes. Refer to section I.A for all USDF membership and horse recording requirements for competition.

10. Series final events must agree to allow late entries in series final classes for horses that qualified for the series final event after the official closing date.

2023 USDF Breeders Championship Series Rules

II. MATERIALE CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

Materiale Championships will be held at each USDFBCS series final competition. Each USDFBCS series final will hold a ThreeYear-Old Materiale Championship class, a Four-Year-Old Materiale Championship Class, and a Five-Year-Old Materiale Championship class. Fillies, colts, mares, stallions, and/or geldings, will compete in the same championship classes of their respective age groups. A Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be named for each materiale championship class at each series final event. These specific age categories of three-year-olds, four-year-olds, and five-year-olds are the only eligible categories to be offered as USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes.

A. HORSE REGISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY (FOR MATERIALE CLASSES)

1. All horses entered in any materiale class or Materiale Championship held at a USEF/USDF recognized Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) or dressage competition must have either a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR) or USDF Horse Identification Number (HID), and submit identification information. Horses registered with a breed organization should have a copy of their registration papers submitted directly to USDF.

2. Owner is not required to be a USDF member for a horse to compete in materiale classes, earn USDFBCS materiale championship qualification scores at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized DSHB or dressage competitions, or compete in a USDFBCS Materiale Championship class. If the USDF owner of record does not have a current USDF Group, Participating or Business membership, non-member fees will apply. Should non-member fees not be paid by the USDF owner of record and/or not collected by competition management and then submitted to USDF following the completion of a materiale championship class, elimination from the materiale championship class in question may result due to noncompliance with USDF requirements for competition.

3. Rider is required to have a current USDF PM at the time a horse’s qualifying score is earned and at the time of the USDFBCS Materiale Championship class.

4. Horses participating in USDFBCS qualifying or final events are not required to be registered with any studbook, but, “if a horse is registered with any breed organization, the name of the breed, sire, dam, dam sire and breeder must be given on the entry blank” (GR907).

5. It is strongly recommended that horses not registered with a breed registry be listed as “unregistered”.

6. It is the responsibility of the horse owner to ensure that the owner’s and rider’s USDF membership and USDF horse registration are correct and current. Should any required USDF membership or horse registration application and related fees fail to be submitted to USDF following the completion of a series final competition, elimination of a horse from its relevant series final class may result due to noncompliance with USDF membership and horse recording requirements for competition.

B. REQUIREMENTS FOR MATERIALE CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION

1. It is the responsibility of the horse owner to ensure that the owner’s and rider’s USDF membership and USDF horse registration are correct and current. Should any required USDF membership or horse registration application and related fees fail to be submitted to USDF following the completion of a series final competition, elimination of a horse from its relevant series final class may result due to noncompliance with USDF membership and horse recording requirements for competition.

2. Scores must be earned at competitions licensed by USEF as Dressage competitions. Scores earned at competitions licensed by USEF as Regular or Local competitions are not eligible to be used as qualifying scores for the USDFBCS Materiale Championships.

3. The USDFBCS Materiale Championships will run on the same calendar year as the USDFBCS (January 1-December 31). Qualifications to compete in a USDFBCS Materiale Championship class must be earned in the calendar year that the championship will occur. Any qualifications earned in other calendar years will not apply.

4. Qualifying scores must be earned in materiale classes run under DR134 and DR204. Fillies and/or mares may not be combined in classes with colts, geldings and/or stallions (exception: championship materiale classes – see DR204).

5. At each USDFBCS series final competition, materiale championship classes will be held for three age groups. All qualified horses regardless of sex will compete against one another in their respective age groups. This means that all qualified three-year-olds will compete in one class to determine the USDFBCS Materiale Champion Three-Year-Old, and all qualified four-year-olds will compete in one class to determine the USDFBCS Materiale Champion FourYear-Old, and all qualified five-year-olds will compete in one class to determine the USDFBCS Materiale Champion Five-Year-Old. Horses will be evaluated according to the criteria listed on the current “USDF Materiale Class” score sheet, and classes must be conducted according to the current USDF “Procedures to Host USDF Materiale Classes”.

6. Qualifying scores to compete in a class may be earned up until the championship class occurs.

7. Once a horse has qualified to compete in a USDFBCS Materiale Championship class, the horse is eligible to compete at the USDFBCS series final of the owner’s choice. This means that the horse does not have to attend the series final being held within the same geographical area or series that the qualifying score was earned in. However, a horse may only compete in one USDFBCS Materiale Championship class in a given calendar year.

8. A list of qualified horses is maintained on the USDF website.

9. A horse may qualify with a different rider than the rider who competes the horse in the championship class.

10. Dressage competitions with materiale classes scheduled after the USDFBCS series finals are held, are not eligible to participate in the USDFBCS program, and will not be qualifying events for the next year’s series final.

2023 USDF Breeders Championship Series Rules

C. CONDUCT OF MATERIALE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES

AT THE SERIES FINAL

1. At least two USEF DSHB judges must officiate in each USDFBCS Materiale Championship class. One of the two required judges must be a USEF “R” DSHB judge. The other judge may be a USEF “r” DSHB judge. Guest Cards to judge DSHB classes are not allowed, per USEF GR1011. Each judge will evaluate each entry independently, and scribes must be provided for each judge. Winners will be determined by the average of all judges’ scores. The highest scoring horse will be declared grand champion, and the second highest will be declared reserve grand champion for their respective age-group classes. Scores must be awarded to all competitors competing in materiale classes, as well as USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes.

a. Ties in USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes must remain unbroken.

b. A Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be named for the three-year-old, four-year-old, and five-year-old USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes at each series final competition. Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champions will receive awards and prizes provided by USDF. Third through sixth placed horses in these materiale championship classes will receive ribbons provided by USDF.

c. After the conclusion of the last scheduled series final competition, special certificates will be available from USDF via the website to owners of all horses that competed in USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes.

d. USDF reserves the right to change, alter, or retract any placings and/or prizes for up to 60 days after the last day of the championship if an error or violation is discovered.

e. Owner must enter the qualified horse in the horse’s appropriate USDFBCS Materiale Championship class prior to commencement of the class. The horse is NOT automatically entered in the class because the horse qualified earlier in the day or at another show.

f. Management must collect all required USDF membership, horse registrations, and related fees prior to the commencement of materiale championship classes for eligible entries that wish to compete in a materiale championship class. Should required USDF membership, horse recording, and related fees fail to be submitted to USDF following the completion of a series final competition, elimination of a horse from its relevant materiale championship class may result due to noncompliance with USDF membership and horse recording requirements for competition. These applications and related fees must be submitted to the USDF office within 24 hours of the series final classes. Refer to section II.A for all USDF membership and horse recording requirements for competition.

g. Horse numbers must be provided by management per USEF DR207.

h. USDFBCS series final events must agree to allow late entries in the USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes for horses that qualified for the championship after the official closing date.

i. Series final events must hold materiale classes allowing for qualification opportunities prior to holding the USDFBCS Materiale Championship classes.

III. THREE-YEAR-OLD PROSPECT AWARD

The Three-Year-Old Prospect Award will be awarded to the three-yearold horse earning the highest combined scores from their in-hand series final championship class and series final materiale championship class at each USDFBCS Series Final annually. USDF will provide each USDFBCS Series Final competition with the prize for the ThreeYear-Old Prospect Award. This award must be presented to the award winner at the competition, and a photo taken of the award winner.

IV. AWARD CEREMONIES

A. REQUIREMENTS

1. For all series finals, a USDF sponsor banner must be prominently displayed. If the banner is misplaced or damaged, the event will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Banners must be returned to USDF within 30 days of the competition.

2. In addition to the general requirements above, the awards presentation ceremonies and award presenters at each series final event must be arranged in cooperation with USDF. USDF will contact sponsors to determine if they or a representative plan to attend the award ceremonies. USDF will forward this information to the appropriate management team.

3. All USDFBCS sponsors (or their representatives) should be invited to participate in the final event award ceremonies. Award ceremony announcements must identify the sponsoring organizations. Any sponsors in attendance at these events should be provided with a complimentary copy of the competition program and be given free admission to the event.

4. Management must send two champion photos of in-hand competitors, two champion photos of materiale championship competitors, and two champion photos of the Three-Year-Old Prospect award winner, electronically to USDF for publication with the final results. Persons and horses in the photos must be identified. A photographer’s release must also be submitted.

5. Public announcements must be made, which credit sponsors and promote the program to the public. These announcements are required to be made throughout the event, in particular, during the awarding of Current Year Foal, Filly, Colt/Gelding, Four-Year-Old Prospect, Mare, and Stallion Championships and Three, Four, and Five-Year-Old Materiale Championships. The name of the breeder(s) must be announced during award ceremonies. It is also strongly recommended that breeder(s) and owners of placing horses be invited to participate in award ceremonies.

6. All unused ribbons and prizes must be returned to USDF within 30 days of the competition. If awards are misplaced or damaged, the event will be responsible for the cost of replacement. For series qualifiers, USDF will provide twelve qualifier ribbons (two per in-hand division). For series finals, USDF will provide neck sashes

2023 USDF

Breeders Championship Series Rules

and prizes for Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion and ribbons for third through sixth place. Ribbons and prizes will be sent directly to the designated competition contact about two weeks prior to the event.

7. Show management is responsible to have a professional photographer for USDFBCS series final competitions.

V. COMPETITION MANAGEMENT

A. APPLYING FOR AND SCHEDULING QUALIFIER AND FINAL EVENTS

1. The USDFBCS is scheduled on a calendar year basis (January 1-December 31).

2. A series must have a minimum of two qualifying events in order to hold a series final. All shows in the series, including qualifier classes held in conjunction with the series final, are qualifying events.

3. Competitions intending to host USDFBCS qualifying classes must submit their USDFBCS qualifier application to USDF no less than sixty days prior to the start of the competition. Any competitions submitting USDFBCS qualifier applications less than sixty days prior to the start of the competition will be considered on a case-bycase basis and subject to a $50 late application fee.

4. Competitions may not advertise themselves as being qualifying opportunities for the USDFBCS prior to submitting a qualifier application and related $75 fee to USDF.

5. The official USDFBCS host site application form for qualifiers and series finals will be available from the USDF office during the summer, prior to the start of the next competition year. USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions interested in hosting a final for a series must submit a completed USDFBCS event application form and contract to the USDF office by February 1 of the same year as the series final to request consideration for hosting the series final.

6. Fees for USDFBCS Final Host Site Applications are as follows:

a. USDFBCS Final application submitted by February 1: $100

b. USDFBCS Final application submitted after February 1: $150 c. USDFBCS Final application submitted less than 60 days prior to the start of the competition will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

7. The final event of each series is often the last USEF-licensed/USDFrecognized dressage competition holding DSHB classes scheduled in a particular geographical area of the United States. However, a series final must also be held in conjunction with a USDFBCS qualifying event. Host sites of series finals will be designated on or about April 1 of the same year as the series final year.

8. The series final must meet the minimum requirements for a series final: 1) minimum USEF Level 2 competition 2) Show manager and secretary must both be members of USEF and USDF (USDF Participating or Group Membership is required) at the time of championships. 3) all other requirements as stated in the USDFBCS Series Final Host Site Application.

9. It is recommended that a series final be held in conjunction with a USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competition unless it has a proven stand-alone history.

10. All applications for a series final will be considered on a case-bycase basis.

11. A series final will be considered “definite” when at least two qualifying events have registered with USDF to participate in the series for the year. If it meets the minimum requirements, a series final will be considered “tentative” until at least two events have registered for the series.

12. If two or more qualified events in the same series wish to host the series final, a working group appointed by the Sport Horse Committee, will select the host site of the series final, after consultation with the chair of the Sport Horse Committee, the regional director(s) of the region(s) with qualifying events in the series and the Sport Horse Committee liaison. Priority for the final will be given to 1) the date of event, which must be after all qualifying events are normally scheduled, and ideally, between August 1 and October 1 of the series final year, 2) the most prestigious DSHB show, or USDF Regional Dressage Championship in the geographical area, 3) location and accessibility to competitors, 4) experience of the competition management with DSHB competitions and 5) history of rule compliance with USEF and USDF.

13. All USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions with DSHB classes scheduled prior to the series final in the same calendar year and geographical area are eligible to participate in the USDFBCS program. Dressage competitions with DSHB classes scheduled after the series final in their area are not eligible to participate in the USDFBCS program and will not be qualifying events for the next year’s series final.

14. Only one USDFBCS series, or part of a series, may be held in any particular geographical area in the same calendar year. The boundaries of a series will be determined by USDF in consultation with regional directors and the chair of the Sport Horse Committee. Series will include clusters of DSHB shows and may cross the regional boundaries established for dressage competitions.

15. If a USDFBCS series does not have at least two qualifying events recognized by USDF by June 1 of the series final year, the final will not be held. Exceptions will be considered in extenuating circumstances.

16. Series Final competitions are required to submit an initial entry file to USDF for verification at least seven days prior to the start of the series final competition. Additional entries may be submitted to USDF for verification as they are received by the show secretary

B. ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

1. In order to receive full promotional benefits from USDF, qualifying and final events must be approved at least six months prior to the competition.

2. Qualifiers and final events must be approved by USDF in writing each year before they advertise that they are participating as qualifying or final events in the USDFBCS program.

2023 USDF Breeders Championship Series Rules

3. “USDFBCS” or “USDF Breeders Championship Series” must be used in its entirety if included as the title of an event, or if referred to anywhere within the prize list or program. (In other words, you cannot title a competition the “XYZ Breeders Competition”).

4. The title “USDF Breeders Championship______________ Series Final” must be prominently listed in the final event official prize list, show program, promotional materials, and advertisements once the competition has received written approval of its status as a designated USDFBCS series Final competition.

5. Series final prize lists must include the prize list insert for the USDFBCS program as provided by USDF.

6. Unless a competition has received written confirmation from USDF of the Federation’s approval to host a USDFBCS series final competition, the competition cannot utilize any competition name or title that would include a USDFBCS series final designation. Any failure on the part of the competition management to follow this protocol will result in a $100 fine.

C. PRIZES

1. Prizes will be awarded during the finals competition award ceremonies.

2. Prizes and/or other awards may be withheld by USDF to series winners if the following information is not provided to USDF or show management by required deadlines: name of owner; name, age and sex of horse; and if known, the breed of horse, sire, dam, damsire, and breeder.

3. Prizes and/or other awards may be withheld by USDF if it is found that a series award winner or owner was not in compliance with USDF series final membership, horse registration requirements, and related fees, for competition. These requirements can be seen at I.A and II.A.

D. RULES REGARDING CONTRACTS AND RECOGNITION

1. Qualifying and final events must be USEF-licensed/USDFrecognized dressage competitions and all classes must be conducted under USEF rules.

2. USDFBCS event application, contract and rules for the upcoming competition year will be available to show managers during the summer of the year prior to each USDFBCS competition year.

3. Rule changes and requirements will be fully approved and publicized by July 1 of the year prior to each USDFBCS competition year.

4. Changes of rules, requirements, or contract obligations for competition management (and/or competitors, if applicable) are not permitted after August 1 of the year prior to the start of the USDFBCS competition year, except when changed by the USEF and/or USDF Executive Board.

5. USDFBCS rules and procedures must be listed in the official prize list for the event and must be available sufficiently in advance to all potential competitors, or the event may be in violation of USEF rules.

6. For qualifying events whose dates fall after the closing date for their series final event, the results must be emailed to USDF at results@usdf.org within 24 hours of completion of the qualifying event. USDF will verify those horses who have qualified with the series final event secretary.

E. CONDUCT AND COMPETITION STANDARDS FOR USDFBCS QUALIFYING AND FINAL EVENTS

Series Final events must meet the minimum requirements for a series final:

1. A minimum Level 2 competition.

2. Show manager and secretary must both be members of USEF and USDF (USDF Participating or Group Membership is required) at the time of championships. All other requirements are as stated in the USDFBCS Finals Host Site Application.

3. DSHB competitions are not permitted to exclude horses from competing in an event that have previously qualified for a USDFBCS series final. Such exclusion is not permitted by USEF rules, and penalties could result.

4. Neither foals nor horses of any other age may be shown loose.

5. Note the following clarification on “stallion”: No geldings may compete in the USDFBCS classes for stallions even if they are gelded after qualifying for the finals and are breeding via frozen semen.

VI. LICENSED OFFICIALS

A. REQUIREMENTS

1. According to DR202 a competition with a USEF- licensed Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) division must have a USEF- licensed DSHB judge and a USEF- licensed dressage technical delegate (TD). Guest Cards to judge DSHB classes are not allowed, per USEF GR1005.

2. Apprentice judging is NOT permitted during USDFBCS series final classes.

3. Hunter Breeding judges or USEF judges with other licenses or in other disciplines are NOT permitted to judge DSHB classes.

4. It is recommended that the USEF (TD) officiating at a USDFBCS series final have significant experience officiating as a TD at DSHB shows.

VII. UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION RULES

Please note that competition management, licensed officials and competitors must be aware of all USEF DSHB and applicable USEF general rules. Be sure to check the online version of the rules for any clarifications or changes that may have occurred for the current competition year.

USEF Rule Book Subchapter DR-2 Dressage Sport Horse Breeding

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National & International Organizations

UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION, INC. (USEF)

4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511

Phone: (859) 258-2472 www.usef.org

The United States Equestrian Federation Inc. (USEF), as the National Governing Body (“NGB”) of Equestrian Sport in the United States, provides leadership and vision for equestrian sport by regulating competitions and promoting the safety and welfare of horses and riders while encouraging interest, participation, and excellence at every competitive level. USEF embraces the Olympic movement and the spirit of fair play while supporting all breed and discipline affiliates within the Federation family equally.

The USEF also licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year. As the country’s largest multi-breed organization, USEF has over 80,000 members and recognizes more than 2,800 competitions nationwide each year. It governs all aspects of competition, including educating and licensing all judges, stewards, and technical delegates who officiate at these shows. The USEF trains, selects, and funds our United States Equestrian Team which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games.

THE FEDERATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE (FEI)

HM King Hussein I Building Chemin de la Joliette 8 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland +41 21 310 47 47 www.fei.org

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving & ParaEquestrian Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, and Reining. It establishes the regulations and approves equestrian programs at Championships, Continental and Regional Games as well as the Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The FEI is based on the principle of equality and mutual respect between all 132 affiliated National Federations, without prejudice to race, religion or internal politics. They work alongside each of these National Federations, which are the sole authority (besides the FEI) for FEI equestrian disciplines in their respective country, to develop and promote the sport, ensuring the structures and rules in place foster fair and inclusive competition.

Tests Copyrights and Disclaimers

US DRESSAGE TESTS

©2022 United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited by law. Neither USDF nor USEF is responsible for any errors or omissions in the publication or for the use of its copyrighted material in an unauthorized manner.

Contact USDF for further information about usage of official US Dressage Tests.

Please be advised that USEF only gives advisory opinions, not binding opinions, regarding the rules since ultimately it is the Federation Hearing Committee which applies facts and circumstances to the relevant rules and determines whether or not each fact constitutes a violation of the rules; and then only after a protest or charge of rule violation is brought before them. Nevertheless, the Federation is often asked to provide guidance regarding the rules and Federation staff does try to be of assistance when the rules seem to have clear application to a described situation. It should be noted, however, that the opinion expressed by a USEF staff member would not be binding on the Hearing Committee.

THE FEI TESTS

© 2022 Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

FEI Dressage Tests reproduced under FEI License. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited by law. FEI is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the publication or for the use of its Copyrighted Materials in any unauthorized manner. The FEI Dressage Tests provided by USDF are not an official licensed FEI product.

FEI

FEI

Dressage Tests

Index of Dressage Tests

US DRESSAGE TESTS

USDF Test Introductory Level Test A 78

USDF Test Introductory Level Test B 79

USDF Test Introductory Level Test C 79

USEF Test Training Level Test 1 80

USEF Test Training Level Test 2 81

USEF Test Training Level Test 3 81

USEF Test First Level Test 1 82

USEF Test First Level Test 2 82

USEF Test First Level Test 3

USEF Test Second Level Test 1

USEF Test Second Level Test 2

USEF Test Second Level Test 3

USEF Test Third Level Test 1

83

83

84

84

85

USEF Test Third Level Test 2 85

USEF Test Third Level Test 3 86

USEF Test Fourth Level Test 1 86

USEF Test Fourth Level Test 2 87

USEF Test Fourth Level Test 3 87

FEI TESTS

FEI Prix St. Georges and Team Test Young Riders Test 89

FEI Intermediate I Test 90

FEI Intermediate A Test

FEI Intermediate B Test

FEI Intermediate II Test

90

91

91

FEI Grand Prix Test................................................................................................... 92

FEI Grand Prix Special Test

92

FEI Juniors Team Test 93

FEI Juniors Individual Test 93

FEI Young Rider Individual Test 94

FEI Grand Prix 16-25 Test 94

FEI Pony Rider Team Test 95

FEI Pony Rider Individual Test 95

FEI Children Team Test 96

FEI Children Individual Test 96

YOUNG HORSE TESTS

USEF Four-Year-Old Dressage Test 97

FEI Dressage Test for Five-Year-Old Horses - Final 97

FEI Dressage Test for Six-Year-Old Horses- Final 98

FEI Dressage Test for Seven-Year-Old Horses- Final 98

DEVELOPING HORSE TESTS

USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test

USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test

FEI FREESTYLE TESTS

FEI Pony Rider Freestyle Test 100

FEI Juniors Freestyle Test 100

FEI Young Rider Freestyle Test

FEI Intermediate I Freestyle Test

FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Test

USDF FREESTYLE TESTS

USDF Training Level Freestyle Test 103

USDF First Level Freestyle Test 103

USDF Second Level Freestyle Test 104

USDF Third Level Freestyle Test 104

USDF Fourth Level Freestyle Test 105

USDF Pas de Deux Training - Grand Prix Test 105

SPORT HORSE SCORESHEETS

USDF Materiale Class

USDF Amateur/Junior/Young Rider Handler

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (In-Hand)

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (Under Saddle) 107

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stock (In-Hand) 108 USDF Dressage Sport Horse Group Class 108

US Dressage Tests

PURPOSE OF USDF INTRODUCTORY TESTS

To introduce the rider and/or horse to the sport of dressage, confirming that they are beginning to develop an understanding of correct dressage basics. The horse should be ridden freely forward in a steady tempo and clear rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. An understanding of test accuracy and geometry should be demonstrated.

USDF Introductory Level Test A (Walk-Trot)

COMMENT:

• Horses should be ridden on a light but steady contact, with the exception of the free walk in which the horse is allowed complete freedom to stretch neck forward and downward.

COLLECTIVE MARKS FOR USDF INTRODUCTORY TESTS

• Gaits (freedom and regularity).

• Impulsion (desire to move forward with suppleness of the back and steady tempo).

• Submission (acceptance of steady contact, attention, and confidence).

• Rider’s position (keeping in balance with horse).

• Rider’s effectiveness of aids (correct bend and preparation of transitions).

• Geometry and accuracy (correct size and shape of circles and turns). Average time: 5:00 Standard Arena & 4:00 Small Arena; 160 maximum points

INSTRUCTION

All trot work to be ridden rising.

Transitions from walk to trot and trot to walk may be performed through sitting trot with the objective of performing a smooth transition. Turns from centerline to long side and long side to centerline should be ridden as a half circle, touching the track at a point midway between the centerline and the corner, and vice versa.

REQUIREMENTS: Free walk, medium walk, working trot rising, 20 meter circle, halt through walk

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

Average time: 5:00 Standard Arena & 4:00 Small Arena; 160 maximum points

(Walk-Trot)

TEST COF 1. A X Enter working trot rising Halt through medium walk Salute - Proceed working trot rising

C Track left, working trot rising

E Circle left 20 meters, working trot rising

Between K & A Medium walk

F-E Free walk

E-H Medium walk

Between H & C Working trot rising

B Circle right 20 meters, working trot rising

A X Down centerline Halt through medium walk Salute Leave arena in free walk. Exit at A.

Average time: 6:00 Standard Arena & 5:00 Small Arena; 200 maximum points

USDF Introductory Level Test C

(Walk-Trot-Canter)

TEST

1. A X Enter working trot rising Halt through medium walk Salute - Proceed working trot rising

C Track right, working trot rising

B Circle right 20 meters, working trot rising 4. A Before A

Circle right 20 meters developing working canter in first quarter of the circle, right lead Working trot rising 5. (Transition in & out of canter) 6. K-X-M Change rein, working trot rising 7. E Circle left 20 meters, working trot rising 8. A Before A

Circle left 20 meters developing working canter in first quarter of the circle, left lead Working trot rising 9. (Transition in & out of canter) 10. Between F & B Medium walk 11. B-H H

Free walk Medium walk 12. Between C & M Working trot rising to A 13. A X Down centerline Halt through medium walk Salute

Leave arena in free walk. Exit at A.

INSTRUCTION

All trot work to be ridden rising.

Transitions from walk to trot and trot to walk may be performed through sitting trot with the objective of performing a smooth transition.

Turns from centerline to long side and long side to centerline should be ridden as a half circle, touching the track at a point midway between the centerline and the corner, and vice versa.

REQUIREMENTS: Free walk, medium walk, working trot rising, 20 meter circle, halt through walk

INSTRUCTION

All trot work to be ridden rising.

Transitions from trot to canter and canter to trot may be performed through sitting trot with the objective of performing a smooth transition.

Turns from center line to long side and long side to centerline should be ridden as a half circle, touching the track at a point midway between the centerline and the corner, and vice versa.

REQUIREMENTS: Free walk, medium walk, working trot rising, working canter, 20 meter circle, halt through walk

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

•

• GAITS (Freedom and regularity) x1

• IMPULSION (Desire to move forward; elasticity of the steps; suppleness of the back; engagement of the hindquarters) x2

• SUBMISSION (Willing cooperation; harmony; attention and confidence; acceptance of bit and aids; straightness; lightness of forehand and ease of movements) x2

• RIDER’S POSITION AND SEAT (Alignment; posture; stability; weight placement; following mechanics of the gaits) x1

• RIDER’S CORRECT AND EFFECTIVE USE OF AIDS (Clarity; subtlety; independence; accuracy of test) x1

USEF Training Level Test 1

TEST

1. A X Enter working trot Halt, salute

•

•

•

PURPOSE STATEMENTS OF TRAINING - FOURTH LEVELS

PURPOSE OF TRAINING LEVEL TESTS

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, by showing suppleness both laterally and longitudinally, moving freely forward in a clear rhythm with a steady tempo, and readily accepting contact with the bit. Correct geometry and lines of travel should be shown.

PURPOSE OF FIRST LEVEL TESTS

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and in addition to the requirements of Training Level, has developed improved balance, lateral suppleness and throughness, as well as the thrust to perform lengthenings of stride. The horse should be on the bit.

PURPOSE OF SECOND LEVEL TESTS

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and now begins to accept more weight on the hindquarters as the collected and medium gaits develop. A greater degree of straightness, suppleness, throughness, and balance are required to perform the movements with ease and self-carriage.

PURPOSE OF THIRD LEVEL TESTS

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, while maintaining consistent uphill balance and self-carriage. Increased engagement facilitates clear differences in collected, medium, and extended gaits with well-defined, balanced transitions. Movements should be accomplished with harmony and ease due to the increased balance and collection. The horse must demonstrate a greater degree of throughness, suppleness, straightness and bending.

• PURPOSE OF FOURTH LEVEL TESTS

To confirm that the horse demonstrates correct basics, and has developed sufficient throughness, suppleness, balance, and impulsion to perform with ease the exercises at this medium level of difficulty. The horse has established consistent self-carriage and lightness through improved connection, engagement, and collection. The movements and transitions are performed with greater straightness, impulsion, and cadence.

Average time: 5:00 Standard Arena & 4:00 Small Arena; 260 maximum points

Proceed working trot 2. C E Track left Circle left 20m 2 3. A Circle left 20m developing left lead canter in first quarter of circle 4. A-F-B Working canter 5. Between B & M Working trot 2 6. Between C & H Medium walk 2

E-F F Change rein, free walk Medium walk 2 8. A Working trot 9. E Circle right 20m 2 10. C Circle right 20m developing right lead canter in first quarter of circle 11. C-M-B Working canter 12. Between B & F Working trot 2 13. A X Down centerline Halt, salute

Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: Working trot; Working canter; Medium walk; Free walk; 20m circles in trot and canter

All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless stated. Halts may be through the walk.

Average time: 5:30 Standard Arena & 4:30 Small Arena; 290 maximum points

TEST COF 1. A X Enter working trot Halt, salute Proceed working trot

C B Track right Circle right 20m

K-X-M Change rein 2 4. Between C & H Working canter left lead 2 5. E Circle left 20m 6. Between E & K Working trot 7. A Before A A

Circle left 20m rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward while maintaining contact Shorten the reins Working trot 8. F F-E Medium walk Change rein, medium walk 2 9. E-M M Change rein, free walk Medium walk 2 10. C Working trot 11. E Circle left 20m 12. F-X-H Change rein 2 13. Between C & M Working canter right lead 2 14. B Circle right 20m 15. Between B & F Working trot 16. A X Down centerline Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk.

Average time: 5:30 Standard Arena & 4:30 Small Arena; 250 maximum points

TEST COF 1. A X Enter working trot Halt, salute Proceed working trot 2. C H-X-K Track left Slightly after H begin a single loop to X returning to the track slightly before K 2 3. Between A & F Working canter left lead 4. B Circle left 20m 5. H-X-F X Change rein Working trot 6. A Medium walk 2 7. K-X-H H Free walk Medium walk 2 8. C M-X-F Working Trot Slightly after M begin a single loop to X returning to the track slightly before F 2 9. Between A & K Working canter right lead 10. E Circle right 20m 11. C Working trot 12. B Before B B

Circle right 20m in rising trot allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward Shorten the reins Working trot 2 13. A X Down centerline Halt, salute

Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: Stretch circle in trot.

All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless otherwise stated. Halts may be through the walk.

Introduce: Changing of bend on a shallow loop, canter-trot transition on diagonal.

All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless otherwise stated. Halts may be through the walk.

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

Average time: 5:30 Standard Arena; 270 maximum points

USEF First Level Test 1

TEST COF

1. A X Enter working trot Halt, salute Proceed working trot 2. C E-X Track left Half circle left 10m, returning to track at H 3. B-X Half circle right 10m, returning to track at M 4. C Before C C

Circle left 20m in rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward while maintaining contact Shorten the reins Working trot 2 5. H-P P Change rein, lengthen stride in trot Working trot 6. A Medium walk 2 7. V-R R Change rein, free walk Medium walk 2 8. M C Working trot Working canter left lead 2 9. E Circle left 15m 10. F-X-H X Change rein Working trot 11. C Working canter right lead 2 12. B Circle right 15m 13. A Working trot 14. K-R R Change rein, lengthen stride in trot Working trot 15. E X G

Half circle left 10m Down centerline Halt, salute

Leave arena at A in free walk.

TESTS

Introduce: 10m half circle at trot; 15m circle in canter; lengthening of stride in trot.

All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless stated.

Average time: 5:30 Standard Arena; 330 possible points

USEF First Level Test 2

TEST

1. A X Enter working trot Halt, salute Proceed working trot 2. C M-V V Track right Change rein, lengthen stride in trot Working trot 3. A L-M Turn down centerline Leg yield right 2 4. H-P P Change rein, lengthen stride in trot Working trot 5. A L-H Turn down centerline Leg yield left 2 6. C Medium walk 2 7. M-V V Change rein, free walk Medium walk 2 8. K A Working trot Working canter left lead 9. P Circle left 15m 10. P-M Lengthen stride in canter 2 11. Between M-C Develop working canter 12. H-X-F X Change rein Working trot 13. F Working canter right lead 14. V Circle right 15m 15. V-H Lengthen stride in canter 2 16. Between H-C Develop working canter 17. M Working trot 18. B

Circle right 20m rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward while maintaining contact

Shorten the reins Working trot 2 19. A X Down centerline Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk.

Before B B

Introduce: Leg yield; Lengthen stride in canter All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless stated.

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

Average time: 6:00 Standard Arena; 360 maximum points

TEST COF 1. A X Enter working trot Halt, salute Proceed working trot

C H-X-F F

Track left Change rein, lengthen stride in trot Working trot

V-I Leg yield right 2

I I C

Circle left 10m Straight ahead Track right

TEST

1. A X Enter collected trot Halt, salute Proceed collected trot 2. C H-P P

B Before B

Circle right 20m rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward while maintaining contact Shorten the reins 2 6. A Canter right lead 7. K-X-H Slightly after K begin a single loop to X returning to the track slightly before H, maintaining lead 2 8. C Circle right 15m 9. M-F F Lengthen stride in canter Working canter

K-X-M X Change rein Working trot

C Medium walk 2

H-X-K K Free walk Medium walk 2 13. A Working trot 14. P-I Leg yield left 2 15. I I C Circle right 10m Straight ahead Track right 16. M-X-K K Lengthen stride in trot Working trot 17. A Working canter left lead 18. F-X-M Slightly after F begin a single loop to X returning to the track slightly before M, maintaining lead 2 19. C Circle left 15m 20. H-K K Lengthen stride in canter Working canter 21. F-X-H X Change rein Change of lead through trot 22. C B X G

Working trot Half circle right 10m Down centerline Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: 10m circle at trot; change of lead through trot; shallow loops at canter.

All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless otherwise stated.

Average time: 5:20 sStandard Arena; 350 maximum points

Track left Change rein, medium trot Collected trot 3. P-F-A-K (Transitions H and P) Collected trot 4. K-E E Shoulder-in right Turn right 2 5. B B-M Turn left Shoulder-in left 2 6. C Halt, rein back 3 to 4 steps Proceed medium walk 2 7. C-S Medium walk 2 8. S-F F Change rein, free walk Medium walk 2 9. A Collected canter right lead 10. K-S S Medium canter Collected canter 11. C Circle right 10m 12. M-E E-V Change rein Counter canter 2 13. V K Collected trot Medium walk 14. A Collected canter left lead 15. F-R R Medium canter Collected canter 16. C Circle left 10m 17. H-B B-P Change rein Counter canter 2 18. P Collected trot 19. K-R R Medium trot Collected trot 20. R-M-C-H-S (Transitions K and R) Collected trot 21. S I G

Turn left Turn left Halt, salute

Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: Walk-canter transitions; collected and medium trot and canter; 10m circle at canter; shoulder-in; rein back.

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

Average time: 6:00 Standard Arena; 390 maximum points

TEST COF 1. A X Enter collected trot Halt, salute Proceed collected trot

C M-V Track right Medium Trot

V-K-A-F (Transitions M and V) Collected trot

F-B B-X Shoulder-in left Half circle left 10m

X-E E-H Half circle right 10m Shoulder-in right

M-P Medium trot

P-F-A-K (Transitions M & P) Collected trot 8. K-E E-X Travers right Half circle right 10m 2 9. X-B B-M Half circle left 10m Travers left 2 10. C H Between G & M

Medium walk Turn left Collect and half turn on haunches left Proceed medium walk 11. Between G & H Collect and half turn on haunches right Proceed medium walk 12. (Medium walk) [CHG(M)G(H)GMR] 2 13. M R-K K-A

Turn right Free walk Medium walk 2 14. A Collected canter left lead 15. F-R R Medium canter Collected canter 16. R-M-C (Transitions at F and R) Collected canter 1719. C-A Serpentine 3 equal loops, width of arena, simple changes of lead over centerline 17. (Score for first simple change) 18. (Score for second simple change) 19. (Score for quality of serpentine) 20. F-E E-H Change rein Counter canter 2 21. H Before C Medium walk Collected canter right lead 22. M-P P Medium canter Collected canter 23. P-F-A-K (Transitions at M and P) Collected canter 24. K-B B-M Change rein Counter canter 2 25. M Collected trot 26. E X G Turn left Turn left Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk. Introduce: Travers; Half turn on haunches; Simple changes.

Average time: 6:00 sStandard Arena; 420 maximum points

TEST

1. A X Enter collected trot Halt, salute Proceed collected trot 2. C H-X-F F Track left Change rein, medium trot Collected trot 3. F-A-K (Transitions H and F) Collected trot 2 4. K-E Shoulder-in right 5. E Circle right 10m 6. E-H Travers right 7. M-X-K K Change rein, medium trot Collected trot 8. K-A-F (Transitions M and K) Collected trot 2 9. F-B Shoulder-in left 10. B Circle left 10m 11. B-M Travers left 12. C Halt, rein back 3-4 steps Proceed medium walk 2 13. H Between G & M

Turn left Collect and half turn on haunches left Proceed medium walk 2 14. Between G & H M

Collect and half turn on haunches right Proceed medium walk Turn right 2 15. (Medium walk) [CHG(M)G(H)GMR] 16. R-V V Change rein, free walk Medium walk 2 17. K Collected canter left lead 18. F-M M Medium canter Collected canter 19. M-C (Transitions F and M) Collected canter 20. C-A Serpentine 3 equal loops, width of the arena, no change of lead 21. F-E L E-H-C-M Change rein Simple change Collected canter 2 22. M-F F Medium canter Collected canter 23. F-A (Transitions M and F) Collected canter 24. A-C Serpentine 3 equal loops, width of the arena, no change of lead 25. M-E I E-K Change rein Simple change Collected canter 2 26. K Collected trot 27. A X Down centerline Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: Counter canter in serpentine.

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

Introduce: Extended gaits; half pass at trot; single flying change.

Introduce: Renvers, release of reins at canter, half pass at canter.

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

Average time: 6:00 Standard Arena; 400 maximum points * Double bridle optional.*

USEF Third Level Test 3

TEST COF 1. A X Enter collected trot Halt, salute Proceed collected trot 2. C H-X-F F

Track left Change rein, medium trot Collected trot 3. K-E Shoulder-in right 4. E-X X-B Half circle right 10m Half circle left 10m

B-G C Half pass left Track right 2

M-X-K K Change rein, extended trot Collected trot

K-A (Transitions M and K) Collected trot 8. A Halt, rein back 4 steps Proceed collected trot 2

USEF Fourth Level Test

1

F-B Shoulder-in left

Half circle left 10m Half circle right 10m

E-G C Half pass right Track left

Between C & H H Between G & M

Collect and half turn on haunches right Proceed medium walk Turn right 14. (Medium walk) [CHG(M)G(H)CMR] 2 15. R-V V Change rein, extended walk Medium walk 2 16. K Collected canter left lead 17. F-X X-I Half pass left Collected canter 2 18. I-S S-F Half circle left 10m Change rein, flying change of lead near centerline 2 19. K-X X-I Half pass right Collected canter 2 20. I-R R-K Half circle right 10m Change rein, flying change of lead near centerline 2 21. F-M M Extended canter Collected canter 22. M-C-H (Transitions F and M) Collected canter 23. H Collected trot 24. E X G

Average time: 6:00 Standard Arena; 380 maximum points * Double bridle optional.*

Collected walk Turn right Half pirouette right proceed collected walk 10. Between G&M H Half pirouette left proceed collected walk Turn left 11. (Collected walk) CMG(H)G(M)GHS 2 12. S-P P Extended walk Collected walk 2 13. F Collected canter right lead 14. A D-B Down centerline Half pass right 15. B-M M Counter canter Flying change of lead 16. C Circle left 20m, 5-6 strides of very collected canter between quarterlines 2 17. H-K K Medium canter Collected canter 18. A D-E Down centerline Half pass left 19. E-H H Counter canter Flying change of lead 20. M-F F Extended canter Collected canter 21. F-A-K (Transitions at M and F) Collected canter 22. K-X-M Change rein, 3 single flying changes of lead, near first quarterline, near X, and near last quarterline 2 23. H Collected trot 24. E X G 9.

Introduce: Collected walk; very collected canter; walk pirouettes; multiple flying changes on diagonal.

TEST COF 1. A X Enter collected canter Halt, salute Proceed collected trot 2. C M-B Track right Shoulder-in right 3. B-K K Change rein, medium trot Collected trot 4. A D-E Down centerline Half pass left

E-G C Half pass right Track left 6. H-E Shoulder-in left

E-F

Change rein, medium trot Collected trot

K-R Collected walk Change rein, extended walk 2

R M Between G & H

Between G & M H

Collected walk Turn left Half pirouette left Proceed collected walk

TEST COF

2

Half pirouette right Proceed collected walk Turn right 2

(Collected walk) [AK/RMG(H)G(M)GHC]

C Collected canter right lead

M-F F Medium canter Collected canter

A D-B Down centerline Half pass right 2

B Flying change of lead

B-G C Half pass left Track left 2

H-X-F F Change rein extended canter Collected canter and flying change of lead 18. K-X Approaching X Toward F

On diagonal develop very collected canter Working pirouette right toward the letter F Proceed collected canter 2

K-X-M Change rein, three flying changes of lead every fourth stride 2 20. H-X Approaching X Toward M

On diagonal develop very collected canter Working pirouette left toward the letter M Proceed collected canter 2 21. H Collected trot 22. S-F F Change rein, extended trot Collected trot 23. A X Down centerline Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: Counter change of hand in trot and canter; tempi changes every fourth stride; working partial pirouettes in canter.

Average time: 6:00 Standard Arena; 360 maximum points * Double bridle optional.*

1. A X Enter collected canter Halt, salute Proceed collected trot 2. C H-X-F F

Track left Change rein, medium trot Collected trot 3. K-E Shoulder-in right 4. E-G C Half pass right Track right 5. M-X-K K Extended trot Collected trot 6. K-A (Transitions at M and K) Collected trot 2 7. A Halt, rein back 4 steps and proceed collected trot 2 8. F-B Shoulder-in left 9. B-G C Half pass left Track left 10. H Collected walk 2 11. S-R R-M-C Half circle 20m Extended walk Collected walk 2 12. C Collected canter left lead 13. H-K K-F Medium canter Collected canter 14. F-X I-S Half pass left Half 10m circle 15. S-P Between Centerline and P

Change rein Working half-pirouette left approximately 3m in diameter Proceed collected canter 2 16. Before S Flying change of lead 17. M-X L-V Half pass right Half 10m circle 18. V-R Between Centerline and R

Change rein Workinghalf-pirouette right approximately 3m in diameter Proceed collected canter 2 19. Before V Flying change of lead 20. F-X-H H Extended canter Collected canter and flying change of lead 21. M-X-K Three flying changes of lead every third stride 2 22. A X Down centerline Halt, salute Leave arena at A in free walk.

Introduce: Tempi changes every third stride; half working pirouettes in canter

READER PLEASE NOTE: Anything in parentheses should not be read.

2023 US Dressage Tests

Introductory – Fourth Level

Ways to Learn 3so many levels to achieve

US Dressage Tests Booklet

The 2023 US Dressage Tests booklet contains all of the USDF and USEF tests (Intro-Fourth Level) in one convenient guide - handy for carrying at shows, in your vehicle, or at home. The 2023 US Dressage Tests are effective December 1, 2022 through November 30, 2026.

Testpro: USDF App

The official test app of the USDF, Testpro: USDF features not only the tests, but also diagrams, audio, and many helpful reference links. This useful on-thego reference features all of the USDF and USEF tests (Intro-Fourth Level) and is a must-have for competitors, trainers, judges, and spectators. The 2023 US Dressage Tests are effective December 1, 2022 through November 30, 2026.

On The Levels

One of USDF’s premier test products, On the Levels features engaging videos to help athletes understand the requirements for tests within each level, commentary from top US trainers and judges, and segments geared toward improving difficult movements at each level. On the Levels is a great visual tool for riders of all levels to learn the new tests, while watching for common mistakes. The 2023 US Dressage Tests are effective December 1, 2022 through November 30, 2026.

Enter in collected canter Halt-immobility-salute; proceed in collected trot Collected trot 2. C MXK K KAF

Track to the right Medium trot Collected trot Collected trot 3. FB Shoulder-in left 4. B Volte left (8m Ø) 5. BG G C Half-pass to the left On centre line Track to the left

Time 5:50 (for information only) ; 340 maximum points COF 1. A X XC

[Collected walk] [Track to the left] [Turn left] Half pirouette to the left 12. Between G&H GM Half pirouette to the right [Collected walk] 13. The collected walk C-H-G-(M)-G-(H)-G-M 2 14. MRXV(K) Extended walk 2 15. Before K K KAF

Collected walk Proceed in collected canter left Collected canter 16. FX X Half-pass to the left Flying change of leg 17. XM M MCH Half-pass to the right Flying change of leg Collected canter

2 6. HXF F Extended trot Collected trot 7. FAK Transitions at H and F The collected trot 8. KE Shoulder-in right 9. E Volte right (8m Ø) 10. EG G Half-pass to the right On centre line 2 11. Before C C H Between G&M FEI Revision Schedule FEI revision schedule differs from USEF and USDF. Please refer to the FEI website, www.fei.org, to confirm the version currently in use. Visit FEI.org to confirm version currently in use.

18. H Between H&X Proceed towards X in collected canter Half pirouette to the left 2 19. HC C Counter canter Flying change of leg 20. M Betweem M&X Proceed towards X in collected canter Half pirouette to the right 2 21. MC C Counter canter Flying change of leg 22. HXF FAK On the diagonal 5 flying changes of leg every 4th stride Collected canter 23. KXM MCH On the diagonal 5 flying changes of leg every 3rd stride Collected canter 24. HXF Extended canter 25. F FA Collected canter and flying change of leg Collected canter 26. A X Down the centre line Halt—immobility—salute Leave arena at A in walk on a long rein. Minimum age of horse: 7 years 1. General Impression (harmonious presentation of the rider/ horse combination; rider’s position and seat, discreet and effective influence of the aids) COLLECTIVE MARK FOR FEI TESTS FEI Tests

Time 5:30 (for information only) ; 340 maximum points

A X XC Enter in collected canter Halt-immobility-salute; proceed in collected trot Collected trot

Track to the left Extended trot Collected trot Collected trot

Down the centre line Shoulder-in right

Half-pass to the right Collected trot

Down the centre line Half-pass to the right Flying change of leg

18. BIH I On the short diagonal Pirouette to the left 2 19. H HCM Flying change of leg Collected canter 20. MXK KA 7 flying changes of leg every 2nd stride Collected canter 21. A DV Between V & E Down the centre line Half-pass

to

the left Flying change of leg 22. EIM I On the short diagonal Pirouette to the right 2 23. M MCH Flying change of leg Collected canter 24. HXF FA 7 flying changes of leg every stride Collected canter 25. A D L Down the centre line Collected trot Transition to passage 26. LI Passage 27. IG G Collected trot Halt - immobility - salute Leave arena at A in walk on a long rein. FEI Intermediate A Test Time 5:10 (for information only) ; 340 maximum points Minimum age of horse: 8 years

FEI Intermediate

KAF Transitions at M and K Collected trot

Starting between F& P to S S Half-pass to the left Collected trot

Between S & H Transition to passage

Between S & H to C Passage

C Piaffe 7-10 steps (half steps 2 m forward allowed) 2

C Transitions passage - piaffe - passage

(C)M Passage 10. M Starting between M & R to V VKA

Collected trot Half-pass to the right Collected trot

2 11. AFL Passage 12. L Piaffe 7-10 steps (half steps 2 m forward allowed) 2

L Transitions passage - piaffe - passage

LE Passage 15. EIM Extended walk 2 16. MCHG Collected walk 2

G GMR

Halt - immobility Rein back 4 steps and immediately proceed in collected canter right Collected canter 18. RK KA On the diagonal 7 flying changes of leg every 2nd stride Collected canter 19. A Between D & G C

Down the centre line 4 half-passes to either side of centre line with flying change of leg at each change of direction, the first half-pass to the left and the last to the right of 4 strides, the others of 8 strides Track to the right

2 20. MXK K KAFP Extended canter Collected canter and flying change of leg Collected canter 21. PH HCM On the diagonal 9 flying changes of leg every stride Collected canter 22. MIE I On the short diagonal Pirouette to the right 2 23. E Before & after E Flying change of leg Collected canter 24. ELF L On the short diagonal Pirouette to the left 2 25. F Before & after F Flying change of leg Collected canter 26. A X Down the centre line Halt – immobility – salute Leave arena at A in walk on a long rein.

1. A X XC

Enter in collected canter Halt-immobility-salute; Proceed in collected trot Collected trot 2. C HXF F FA

Track to the left Extended trot Collected trot Collected trot 3. A DG C

Down the centre line 3 half-passes, 5 m to either side of the centre line, beginning and ending to the right Track to the right

2 4. Between R & B Transition to Passage 5. B(V) On the diagonal Passage 6. Crossing the center line Piaffe 8 to 10 steps (1 m forward permitted) 7. In/out of the piaffe Transitions passage - piaffe - passage 8. From piaffe VKA Passage 9. A Piaffe 8 to 10 steps (1 m forward permitted) 10. A Transitions passage - piaffe - passage 11. AFP Passage 12. PS Extended walk 2 13. S SHC Collected walk Collected walk 2 14. C CM Proceed in collected canter right Collected canter 15. MXK X KAFP

Medium canter Flying change of leg Collected canter 16. PX X Half-pass to the left Down the centre line 17. I C Pirouette to the left Track to the left 2 18. HXF Extended canter 19. F FAKV Collected canter and flying change of leg Collected canter 20. VX X Half-pass to the right Down the centre line 21. I C Pirouette to the right Track to the right 2

TESTS

FEI Grand Prix Special Test

Collected trot Half-pass to the right Collected trot

2 9. CHS Passage 10. SK Extended trot 11. Transitions passage - extended trot - passage 12. KAF Passage 13. FS Extended walk 2 14. SHG Collected walk 2 15. G Piaffe 12 to 15 steps 2 16. G Transitions collected walk - piaffe - passage 17. GMRI Passage 18. I Piaffe 12 to 15 steps 2 19. I Transitions passage - piaffe - passage 20. ISEX Passage 21. X XBFAK Proceed in collected canter right Collected canter 22. KB B Half-pass to the right Flying change of leg 23. BH H HCM Half-pass to the left Flying change of leg Collected canter 24. MXK KAF On the diagonal 9 flying changes of leg every 2nd stride Collected canter 25. FXH HCM On the diagonal 15 flying changes of leg every stride Collected canter

26. MXK K KA Extended canter Collected canter and flying change of leg Collected canter 27. A D Down the centre line Pirouette to the left 2 28. Between D & G On the centre line 9 flying changes of leg every stride 29. G C CM Pirouette to the right Track to the right Collected canter 2 30. M MR Collected trot Collected trot 31. RF F FA Extended trot Collected trot Collected trot 32. A DX Down the centre line Passage 33. X Piaffe 12 to 15 steps 2

Transitions passage - piaffe - passage

XG Passage

17.

18.

[Collected canter] [Turn left] Flying change of leg [Turn right]

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

[Collected canter] [Turn right] Flying change of leg [Turn left]

24.

25.

26.

27.

FEI Juniors Individual Competition Test

Minimum age of horse: 6 years

Average time: 5:15; 340 maximum points

1. AX X XC

Juniors Team Competition Test Average time: 5:40; 330 maximum points Minimum age of horse: 6 years COF COF

Enter in collected canter Halt-immobility-salute; Proceed in collected trot Collected trot 2. C HXF F FAK

Track to the left Medium trot Collected trot Collected trot 3. KE Shoulder-in right 4. EX XB Half volte right (10m Ø) Half volte left (10m Ø) 5. BG G C Half pass to the left On centre line Track to the right

2 6. RS SHCM Between S&H

Half circle right (20m Ø) Let the horse stretch on a long rein Collected trot Retake the reins 7. MXK K Extended trot Collected trot 8. KAF Transitions at M and K The collected trot 9. FB Shoulder-in left 10. BX XE Half volte left (10m Ø) Half volte right (10m Ø)

11.

[Collected walk] [Track to the left] [Turn left] Half pirouette to the left [Collected walk] 13. The collected walk C-H-G-H 14. HB Extended walk 2 15. B BPL Collected walk Collected walk 16. L L(P) Half pirouette to the right Collected walk 17. Before P PFAK Proceed in collected canter right Collected canter 18. KX X Half pass to the right Down the centre line

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

Half volte right (10m Ø) Down the centre line Simple change of leg Half volte left (10m Ø) Collected canter 24. FX X Half pass to the left Down the centre line

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

TESTS

Average time: 5:15; 340 possible points

FEI Young Rider Individual Competition Test

5. COF 1. AX X XC

FEI Grand Prix 16-25 Test

Average time: 6:00; 390 possible points

CMR R Collected trot Transition to passage Enter in collected canter Halt-immobility-salute; Proceed in collected trot Collected trot 2. C HE E

6. Track to the left Shoulder-in left Turn left 3. B BF Turn right Shoulder-in right 4. A DB Down the centre line Half pass to the right 2 5. B Volte left (8m Ø) 6. BH H HC

7. Medium trot Collected trot Collected trot 13. C CH Medium walk Medium walk 14. HB Extended walk 2 15. B BPL Collected walk Collected walk 16. L LVKA Proceed in collected canter left Collected canter 17. A DE E

8. Collected canter Half pirouette to the left Collected canter

RI Half volte right in passage (10m Ø) Medium trot Collected trot Collected trot 7. C Halt - immobility Rein back 5 steps and immediately proceed in collected trot 8. MXK K Extended trot Collected trot 9. KA Transitions at M and K The collected trot 10. A DE Down the centre line Half pass to the left 2 11. E Volte right (8m Ø) 12. EM M MC

I Piaffe 8 to 10 steps Down the centre line Half pass to the left Flying change of leg 18. EG G C Half pass to the right On centre line Track to the right 19. MXK KAF On the diagonal 5 flying changes of leg every 4th stride Collected canter 20. FX X XF

9. Collected canter Half pirouette to the right Collected canter

10.

SP Medium trot

I Transitions passage - piaffe - passage 2 21. FA A Counter canter Flying change of leg 22. KX X XK

IS Half volte left in passage (10m Ø) 2 23. KA A Counter canter Flying change of leg 24. FXH HCM On the diagonal 5 flying changes of leg every 3rd stride Collected canter 25. MXK Extended canter 26. K KA Collected canter and flying change of leg Collected canter 27. A X Down the centre line Halt - immobility - salute Leave arena at A in walk on a long rein. Visit FEI.org to confirm version currently in use.

PFD Passage 12. D Piaffe 8 to 10 steps 13. D Transitions passage - piaffe - passage 14. DKV Passage 15. VXR Extended walk 2 16. RHC Collected walk 2 17. C CM Proceed in collected canter right Collected canter 18. MXK Extended canter 19. K KAFP

11.

21. I C Pirouette to the left Track to the left 2 22. HXF FAKV On the diagonal 9 flying changes of leg every 2nd stride Collected canter 23. VX X Half-pass to the right Down the centre line 24. I C Pirouette to the right Track to the right 2 25. MXK On the diagonal 15 flying changes of leg every stride 2 26. A DL Down the centre line Collected trot

X Piaffe 8 to 10 steps

Time 5:20 (for information only) ; 350 maximum points

FEI Pony Rider Team Competition Test

Halt – immobility Rein back 5 steps and immediately proceed in collected trot Collected trot 11. FXH H Extended trot Collected trot 12. HC Transitions at F and H Collected trot 13. CM(G) Before G G [Medium walk] Collected walk Half pirouette to the right, proceed in medium walk up to M 14. The medium walk from the transition at C up to the transition to extended walk at M 2 15. MRXV Extended walk 2 16. V Between V&K KA

Medium walk Proceed in collected canter Collected canter 17. AX Serpentine with two loops, the 1st loop in true canter, the 2nd loop in counter canter 18. X Simple change of leg from counter canter to counter canter 19. XC Serpentine with two loops, the 1st loop in counter canter, the 2nd loop in true canter 20. CM MV VK

Collected canter Medium canter Collected canter (counter canter) 21. K KA Simple change of leg Collected canter 22. A L Down the centre line Volte left (8 m Ø)

23. LX X XI Collected

canter Simple change of leg

Collected canter

Volte right (8 m Ø)

canter

change of leg Track to the left

canter

TESTS

Average time: 3:55; 250 possible points

FEI Children Team Competition Test

COF 1. A X Enter in working trot Halt - immobility - salute 2. X XC Proceed in working trot Working trot

C MV V Track to the right Medium trot Working trot

VK Transitions at M and V Working trot

KD DE ES Half volte (10 m Ø) Leg-yielding Working trot 2

SR RBPF Half circle (20 m Ø), give and retake the reins for 3- 4 steps Working trot 2

FEI Children Individual Competition Test

2 19. E VPV VP PV VKA

2 20. A X Down the centre line Halt – immobility – salute Leave arena at A in walk on a long rein.

Young Horse Tests

USEF Four-Year-Old Dressage Test

*Snaffle only

Average time: 10:00 (including comments) ; Standard arena

A Enter in working trot

X Halt - salute, proceed in working trot C Track to the right

B-X Half circle right 10m returning to the track at M

E-X Half circle left 10m returning to the track at H

M-X-K Lengthen stride in trot

K Working trot

A-C 3 loop serpentine width of arena

C Medium walk

C-H Medium walk

H-P Free walk

P-F Medium walk

F Working trot sitting

Between A and K

Working canter right lead

E Circle right 15m

M-X-K Change rein

X Working trot

K Sitting trot

Between A and F Working canter left lead

B Circle left 15m

H-X-F Change rein X Working trot

K-X-M Lengthen stride in trot

M Working trot

C Circle right 20m, rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward

Before C Shorten the reins

C Working trot

E-X Half circle left 10m

X Down centerline

G Halt - immobility - salute

Leave arena at A in walk on a long rein. All trot work may be ridden sitting or rising, unless stated.

FEI Dressage Test for Five-Year-Old Horses - Final

Average time: 5:00 *Snaffle only

A Enter in working trot

X Halt - salute, proceed in working trot

C Track to the left

CA Serpentine 3 loops (touching the long side)

FXH Medium trot H Collected trot

Before C Medium walk

C Turn on the haunches through walk, proceed collected trot S Circle 10 m E Turn left B Turn right P Circle 10 m KXM Medium trot MC Collected trot CH Medium walk

HP Medium walk, let the horse stretch on a long rein P Retake the reins

PF Medium walk

F Proceed in working canter right

FAK Working canter KS Medium canter

Between S & H Collected canter

HGE Half circle 10 m, returning to the track at E VP Half circle 20 m, counter canter PR Counter canter R Simple change of leg RCH Collected canter HK Medium canter K Collected canter FE Change rein SR Half circle 20 m, counter canter RP Counter canter P Simple change of leg PFA Collected canter A Working trot VP Half circle 20 m, let the horse gradually stretch on a long rein, sitting trot

Between P & F Retake the reins

A Down the centre line X Halt - immobility - salute

TESTS

A Enter in working trot

X Halt - salute, proceed in working trot

C Track to the right

RK Medium trot

KAF Collected trot

FB Shoulder-in to the left

B Circle 10 m

BG Half-pass to the left

C Track to the left

HXF Medium trot

FAK Collected trot

KE Shoulder-in to the right

E Circle 10 m

EG Half-pass to the right

Before C Medium walk

CM Medium walk

MEV Extended walk

Before V Medium walk

V Turn left

Between L & P Collect to half pirouette - half pirouette to the left - medium walk

Between L & V Collect to half pirouette - half pirouette to the right - medium walk

L Collected canter right

P(FAK) Turn to the right

KVPF Medium canter, between V & P half circle 20 m

FAK Collected canter

KLB Change rein

L Flying change

BMCH Collected canter

HIB Change rein

I Flying change

BF Collected canter

FDB Half circle 10 m, returning to the track at B

Between R & M Flying change

MCH Collected canter

HEV Extended canter

V Collected canter

KDE Half circle 10 m, returning to the track at E

Between S & H Flying change

CM Collected trot

MXK Extended trot

K Collected trot

A Down the centre line

X Halt - immobility - salute

1. AX X XC

Enter in collected canter

Halt - immobility - salute

Proceed in collected trot Collected trot 2. C HXF F

Track to the left Medium trot Collected trot 3. FAK Transitions at H and F The collected trot 4. KE Shoulder-in right 5. EX XB

Half volte right (10 m Ø) Half volte left (10 m Ø) 6. BG G C Half pass to the left On centre line Track to the right 7. RS

SHCM Between S & H

10.

FB Shoulder-in left

BX XE Half volte left (10 m Ø) Half volte right (10 m Ø)

EG G Half-pass to the right On centre line

Before C C CH

14.

15.

BPL(V) Collected walk 2 16. Between L & V L(P) Half pirouette to the right Proceed in collected walk

Between L & V VKA Proceed in collected canter left Collected canter

EG C Half-pass to the right Track to the right

9. Counter canter Flying change of leg Collected canter 25. K (X) Between K & X Proceed towards X in collected canter Half pirouette to the right (Working pirouette with a radius approx. 1 - 3m allowed) 26. KA A AF

KAF Transitions at M and K The collected trot Counter canter Flying change of leg Collected canter 27. FS On the short diagonal 3 flying changes every 4th stride 28. SR Half circle right (20m diameter) Give and retake the reins for 3 canter strides 29. RK KA On the short diagonal 3 flying changes every 3rd stride Collected canter 30. A X Down centre line Halt - immobility - salute

USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test

Refer to scoresheets for collective marks.

lead

K-A-F (Transitions at M and K) Collected trot 4. F to 2nd quarterline between X&E Half pass left 2 5. 2nd quarterline between E&X to M Half pass right 2 6. Between C&H (C)H-I Develop passage Passage 7. I Piaffe 10-12 steps, advancing no more than 1m forward Proceed passage 8. (Transitions passage-piaffe-passage) 9. I-B Passage 10. B B-E Collected walk Half circle right 20m in collected walk 2 11. E-I-M M Extended walk Collected walk 2 12. C Collected canter left lead 13. H-X-F Extended canter 14. F Collected canter and flying change of lead 15. A G C

2 16. M-X-K Seven flying changes of lead every 2nd stride

17. F-X-H Eleven flying changes of lead every stride 18. M-X-K Between M&X Change rein Near first quarterline, pirouette right 2 19. X Flying change of lead 20. Between X&K Near second quarterline, pirouette left 2 21. A F-X-H Collected trot Extended trot 22. H-C-R (Transitions A, F and H) Collected trot 23. Between R&B B-P-L Develop passage Passage 24. X Piaffe 10-12 steps,

TESTS

Time allowed: Between 4:30 and 5:00; 200 maximum technical points 200 possible artistic points

FEI Freestyle Tests

FEI Pony Rider Freestyle Test

Minimum age of pony: 6 years

TECHNICAL MARKS

COF

1. Collected walk (minimum 20m) 2. Extended walk (minimum 20m) 2

Half pirouette in collected walk to the right and/or to the left 4. Shoulder-in right (collected trot) (minimum 12m)

Shoulder-in left (collected trot) (minimum 12m)

Half-pass right (collected trot) 2

Half-pass left (collected trot) 2 8. Extended trot 9. Counter canter right (minimum 20m) 10. Counter canter left (minimum 20m) 11. Simple change of leg to the right 2 12. Simple change of leg to the left 2 13. Collected canter including circle 8m diameter to the left and /or right 14. Extended canter 15. The entrance and halts at the beginning and the end of the test

FEI Juniors Freestyle Test

Minimum age of horse: 6 years

ARTISTIC MARKS

16. Rhythm, energy and elasticity 4 17. Harmony between rider and horse 4 18. Choreography. Use of arena. Inventiveness 4 19. Degree of difficulty. Calculated risks 4 20. Music and interpretation of the music 4

Time allowed: Between 4:30 and 5:00; 200 maximum technical points 200 possible artistic points

TECHNICAL MARKS

1. Collected walk (minimum 20m) 2. Half pirouette in collected walk to the right and/or to the left 3. Extended walk (minimum 20m) 4. Collected trot

Shoulder-in right (collected trot) (minimum 12m) 6. Shoulder-in left (collected trot) (minimum 12m)

Half-pass right (collected trot) 2 8. Half-pass left (collected trot) 2 9. Extended trot 10. Collected canter 11. Half-pass right (collected canter) 12. Half-pass left (collected canter) 13. Flying change to the right 2 14. Flying change to the left 2 15. Extended canter 16. The entrance and halts at the beginning and the end of the test

ARTISTIC MARKS

Rhythm, energy and elasticity 4 18. Harmony between rider and horse 4 19. Choreography. Use of arena. Inventiveness 4 20. Degree of difficulty. Calculated risks 4 21. Music and interpretation of the music 4

FEI Young Riders Freestyle Test

Minimum age of horse: 7 years

COF

Time allowed: Between 4:30 and 5:00; 200 maximum technical points 200 possible artistic points

TECHNICAL MARKS

1. Collected walk (minimum 20m) 2. Extended walk (minimum 20m) 2 3. Shoulder-in right (collected trot) (minimum 12m)

Shoulder-in left (collected trot) (minimum 12m)

Half-pass right (collected trot) 2

Half-pass left (collected trot) 2

Extended trot 8. Half-pass right (collected canter) 9. Half-pass left (collected canter) 10. Extended canter 11. Flying changes every fouth stride (minimum 5 times consecutively) 12. Flying changes every third stride (minimum 5 times consecutively) 13. Half pirouette in canter right 2 14. Half pirouette in canter left 2 15. The entrance and halts at the beginning and the end of the test

FEI Intermediate I Freestyle Test

ARTISTIC MARKS

16. Rhythm, energy and elasticity 4 17. Harmony between rider and horse 4 18. Choreography. Use of arena. Inventiveness 4 19. Degree of difficulty. Calculated risks 4 20. Music and interpretation of the music 4

Time allowed: Between 4:30 and 5:00; 200 maximum technical points 200 possible artistic points

TECHNICAL MARKS

1. Collected walk (minimum 20m) 2. Extended walk (minimum 20m) 2 3. Shoulder-in right (collected trot) (minimum 12m) 4. Shoulder-in left (collected trot) (minimum 12m) 5. Half-pass right (collected trot) 2 6. Half-pass left (collected trot) 2 7. Extended trot 8. Half-pass right (collected canter) 9. Half-pass left (collected canter) 10. Extended canter 11. Flying changes every third stride (minimum 5 times consecutively) 12. Flying changes every second stride (minimum 5 times consecutively) 13. Single pirouette in canter right 2 14. Single pirouette in canter left 2 15. The entrance and halts at the beginning and the end of the test

ARTISTIC MARKS 16. Rhythm, energy and elasticity 4 17. Harmony between rider and horse 4 18. Choreography. Use of arena. Inventiveness 4 19. Degree of difficulty. Calculated risks 4 20. Music and interpretation of the music 4

Minimum age of horse: 7 years Visit FEI.org to confirm version currently in

FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Test

USDF Freestyle Tests

Forbidden (All Levels)

Any movement or transition found only in tests above the level. Exceptions are listed under Additionally Allowed.

Additionally Allowed:

Training Level: Trot-halt-trot, trot-walk-trot, canter-trot-canter (12m minimum of trot).

First Level: Lengthen trot and/or canter on a curved line, canter serpentine, counter-canter.

Second Level: Half turn on haunches (no more than 180 degrees), renvers, medium trot and/or canter on a curved line.

Third Level: Walk half-pirouette (no more than 180 degrees), half-pass zig-zag in trot, canter to halt, counter-change of hand in canter (only one change of direction), medium trot and/or canter on a curved line. Flying changes shown in sequence of every five strides or more.

Fourth Level: Half-pirouettes in canter, half-pass zig-zag in trot and counter-change of hand in canter (only one change of direction), halt to canter, medium trot and/or canter on a curved line.

TECHNICAL EXECUTION

ELEMENTS & PRELIMINARY MARKS

USDF Second Level Freestyle Test USDF Third Level Freestyle Test

Medium canter on straight line

Transitions in and out of the medium canter

Halt with salute on centerline, first and final

continuous) 2

Extended walk (20m continuous) 2

Shoulder-in RIGHT in collected trot (12m min.)

Shoulder-in LEFT in collected trot (12m min.)

Trot half-pass RIGHT in collected trot 2

Trot half-pass LEFT in collected trot 2

Extended trot on straight line

Canter half-pass RIGHT in collected canter 2

Canter half-pass LEFT in collected canter 2

Flying change of lead RIGHT

Flying change of lead LEFT

Extended canter on straight line 2

Halt with salute on centerline, first and final

ARTISTIC IMPRESSION

ARTISTIC IMPRESSION

Complete Freestyle scoresheets, rules, guidelines and definitions, can be found at: www.usdf.org

Complete Freestyle scoresheets, rules, guidelines and definitions, can be found at: www.usdf.org

Freestyle

TECHNICAL EXECUTION

Requirements: no minimum time for any level, including FEI, including TrainingFourth level: 5 :00 max; PSGIntermediate: 5:00 maximum; Grand Prix: 6:00 max; 200 max points (100 technical; 100 artistic.) Second level and above: All trot work must be sitting.

USDF Freestyle Pas de Deux Training - Grand Prix Tests

TECHNICAL EXECUTION

TESTS

100 possible points; (decimals may be used in scoring)

USDF Materiale Class

Horse must be riding horse type. Movement should demonstrate purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge). Movement at trot and canter should be active, light & springy, with clear cadence. Should have scope & volume, maintaining uphill balance. Must show rideability, potential to become competitive dressage horse & potential to progress through the levels. Only basic gaits are required, no exercises or movements are allowed. Exception: Only four and five-year old horses may be asked to lengthen the stride at the trot and canter.

SPECIFICATIONS COEFFICIENT

Walk: Criteria:

Regular, four even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elastic & swinging back, overstep, reach, ground-covering steps with marching quality.

Trot: Criteria:

Regular, two even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, groundcovering steps, suspension, cadence, power from upward thrust & roundness.

Canter: Criteria:

Regular, three even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, ground-covering steps, suspension, cadence, power from upward thrust, roundness & “uphill” strides.

General Impression:

Criteria:

Includes rideability (acceptance of rider’s aids). Demonstrates character, presence & temperament necessary for training, harmony (relationship of conformation to movement), athleticism (strength & mobility), development related to age & condition.

x 3.0 or 30%

USDF Amateur/Junior/ Young Rider Handler

x 3.0 or 30%

100 possible points; (decimals may be used in scoring)

SPECIFICATIONS CRITERIA & DIRECTIVE IDEAS COEFFICIENT

Grooming and Turnout

Condition. Grooming. Appropriate tack and equipment to complement horse.

x 1.0 or 10%

Conformation

Presents horse to judge in correct stance to highlight horse’s strengths. Provides clear view of horse.

x 1.0 or 10%

Walk Presentation

Trot Presentation

x 3.0 or 30%

Presentation and Handling

Shows horse to best of its ability.

Horse unrestricted, straight, forward and attentive to handler. Shown on correct line of travel to & from judge.

Shows horse to best of its ability. Horse unrestricted, straight, forward and attentive to handler. Shown on correct line of travel to & from judge.

Demonstrates correct training, good horse care and understanding of In-Hand showing techniques. Handles any difficulties effectively. Appropriate attire, neatness, posture and attitude.

x 1.0 or 10%

General Impression

Well-mannered horse. Harmony and appropriate match between horse and handler.

x 2.0 or 20%

x 2.0 or 20%

x 3.0 or 30%

x 1.0 or 10%

For requirements refer to complete scoresheets available at www.usdf.org.

For requirements and diagrams of triangle, refer to the complete scoresheets available at www.usdf.org.

100 possible points; (decimals may be used in scoring)

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (In-Hand)

SPECIFICATIONS DIRECTIVE IDEAS COEFFICIENT

CONFORMATION:

Criteria: The quality and correctness of: overall frame and topline, balance and proportions, head, neck, saddle position, shoulder, back, forehand, hindquarters, angulation & formation of legs and joints.

Dressage type: Harmonious conformation with potential for trainability to FEI levels. Emphasis on function, not fashion. Predisposition to unsoundness, lack of correctness or limitations in quality of movement caused by weaknesses or conformation faults will be penalized. Blemishes are not to count unless resulting from conformation faults.

MOVEMENT:

Walk:

Criteria:

Regular, four even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elastic & swinging back, overstep, reach, ground-covering steps with marching quality.

Trot:

Criteria:

Regular, two even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, groundcovering steps, suspension, power from upward thrust & roundness.

GENERAL IMPRESSION:

Criteria: Includes harmony (relationship of conformation to movement), athleticism (strength & mobility), development related to age & condition. Demonstrates character, presence & temperament necessary for training.

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge).

Overall Frame & Topline: Balance & Proportions

Head/ Neck/ Shoulder

Back/ Loin/ Croup

x .75 or 7.5%

x .75 or 7.5%

x .75 or 7.5%

Legs/ Feet x .75 or 7.5%

x 3 or 30%

100 possible points; (decimals may be used in scoring)

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (Under Saddle)

SPECIFICATIONS

CONFORMATION:

Criteria:

The quality and correctness of: overall frame and topline, balance and proportions, head, neck, saddle position, shoulder, back, forehand, hindquarters, angulation & formation of legs and joints.

DIRECTIVE IDEAS COEFFICIENT

Dressage type: Harmonious conformation with potential for trainability to FEI levels. Emphasis on function, not fashion. Predisposition to unsoundness, lack of correctness or limitations in quality of movement caused by weaknesses or conformation faults will be penalized. Blemishes are not to count unless resulting from conformation faults.

x 3.0 or 30%

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge). Movement should be active, light & springy, with clear cadence. Should have scope & volume, maintaining uphill balance.

x 3 or 30%

MOVEMENT: Walk: Criteria:

Regular, four even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elastic & swinging back, overstep, reach, ground-covering steps with marching quality.

Trot: Criteria:

Regular, two even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, ground-covering steps, suspension, power from upward thrust & roundness.

Canter:

Criteria:

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge).

x 2.0 or 20%

Riding horse type. Shows potential to become competitive dressage horse & progress through the levels.

x 1.0 or 10%

Regular, three even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, ground-covering steps, suspension, power from upward thrust & roundness.

GENERAL IMPRESSION:

Criteria:

Includes rideability (acceptance of the aids). Demonstrates character, presence & temperament necessary for training, harmony (relationship of conformation to movement), athleticism (strength & mobility), development related to age & condition.

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge). Movement should be active, light & springy, with clear cadence. Should have scope & volume, maintaining uphill balance.

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge). Movement should be active, light & springy with clear cadence. Should have scope & volume, maintaining uphill balance.

Riding horse type. Shows potential to become competitive dressage horse & progress through the levels.

x 2.0 or 20%

x 2.0 or 20%

x 1.0 or 10%

For requirements and diagrams of triangle, refer to the complete scoresheets available at www.usdf.org.

For requirements refer to complete scoresheets available at www.usdf.org.

TESTS

100 possible points; (decimals may be used in scoring)

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stock (In-Hand)

SPECIFICATIONS DIRECTIVE IDEAS COEFFICIENT

CONFORMATION:

Criteria: The quality and correctness of: overall frame and topline, balance and proportions, head, neck, saddle position, shoulder, back, forehand, hindquarters, angulation & formation of legs and joints.

Dressage type. Harmonious conformation suitable for producing dressage performers with substance, condition and durability. Emphasis on function, not fashion. Heritable faults which affect soundness, trainability or breeding and weaknesses that lead to limitations in correctness or quality of movement will be penalized. Blemishes are not to count unless resulting from conformation faults.

Overall Frame & Topline: Balance & Proportions

Head/ Neck/ Shoulder

Back/ Loin/ Croup

MOVEMENT: Walk:

Criteria:

Regular, four even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elastic & swinging back, overstep, reach, ground-covering steps with marching quality.

Trot:

Criteria:

Regular, two even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, groundcovering steps, suspension, power from upward thrust & roundness.

GENERAL IMPRESSION:

Criteria: Includes masculinity (stallion) or femininity (mare), development related to age, harmony (relationship of conformation to movement), athleticism (strength & mobility) & condition. Demonstrates good character, presence & temperament.

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge).

x 1.0 or 10%

x 1.0 or 10%

x 1.0 or 10%

Legs/ Feet x 1.0 or 10%

x 2.5 or 25%

100 possible points; (decimals may be used in scoring)

USDF Dressage Sport Horse Group Class

The entire group is considered one entry and is given one total/combined score in each category. Only one number card per group. The following are considered group classes. In giving each score, the following relative weights are given to each portion of the group (Groups should consist of 2 and no more than 3 offspring/get):

• Broodmare & Foal, Dam & Produce - 50% mare & 50% offspring/get

• Sire & Get - 50% stallion & 50% get

• Produce of Dam, Get of Sire, Breeder’s Group - equal weight for each offspring

• Family Class - 50% overall quality & 50% improvement in successive breedings

SPECIFICATIONS DIRECTIVE IDEAS COEFFICIENT

CONFORMATION:

Criteria:

For the group: The consistent quality and correctness of: overall frame and topline, balance and proportions, head, neck, saddle position, shoulder, back, forehand, hindquarters, angulation & formation of legs and joints.

Dressage type. Harmonious conformation suitable for producing or becoming dressage performers with substance, condition and durability.

Emphasis on function, not fashion. Heritable faults which affect soundness, trainability or breeding and weaknesses that lead to limitations in correctness or quality of movement will be penalized. Blemishes are not to count unless resulting from conformation faults.

x 4.0 or 40%

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge). Movement should be active, light & springy, with clear cadence. Should have scope & volume, maintaining uphill balance.

x 2.5 or 25%

MOVEMENT: Walk:

Criteria:

Regular, four even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elastic & swinging back, overstep, reach, ground-covering steps with marching quality.

Trot:

Criteria:

Regular, two even beats, straight, active & even strides, with correctly aligned steps, articulation of joints, freedom of shoulders & haunches, balance, elasticity, swinging back, natural engagement & impulsion from hindquarters, groundcovering steps, suspension, power from upward thrust & roundness.

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge).

x 2.5 or 25%

Breeding horse type. Shows potential to produce competitive dressage horses that could progress through the levels.

x 1.0 or 10%

GENERAL IMPRESSION:

Criteria:

Includes masculinity (stallion) or femininity (mare), development related to age, harmony (relationship of conformation to movement), athleticism (strength & mobility) & condition. Demonstrates good character, presence & temperament.

Improvement in successive generations of family.

Purity & quality: clear rhythm, regularity & relaxation (judged mainly in profile); correctness (judged mainly coming to & going from judge). Movement should be active, light & springy, with clear cadence. Should have scope & volume, maintaining uphill balance.

x 2.5 or 25%

Uniformity of quality and overall quality of the group. Clear sex type in breeding stock. Shows potential to produce or become competitive dressage horses that could progress through the levels.

x 1.0 or 10%

For requirements and diagrams of triangle, refer to the complete scoresheets available at www.usdf.org.

For requirements and diagrams of triangle, refer to the complete scoresheets available at www.usdf.org.

Dressage Arena Set-Up

TESTS

For a comprehensive guide on building an arena, you can purchase Underfoot at the USDF store. www.usdf.org/store

Dressage Arena Set-Up

USDF OFFICE CONTACT DIRECTORY

Phone: (859) 971-2277, Fax: (859) 971-7722, E-mail: usdressage@usdf.org

Accounting .....................................................................(859) 271-7891 ...................................... accounting@usdf.org

Address and Email Updates (859) 971-2277 changes@usdf.org

Adult Education Programs .............................................(859) 271-7894 ........................................ education@usdf.org

All-Breeds Awards (859) 971-7361 allbreeds@usdf.org

Applications Submitted at Competitions (859) 271-7880 affidavits@usdf.org

Breeders Championship Series .........................................(859) 271-7878 ....................................... sporthorse@usdf.org

Demographics and Statistics (859) 271-7083 stats@usdf.org

Donations (859) 971-7826 donate@usdf.org

Group Membership (859) 971-7048 gmo@usdf.org

Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards (859) 271-7873 halloffame@usdf.org

Instructor Certification.....................................................(859) 271-7877........................instructorcertification@usdf.org

Horse Performance Certificates (859) 271-7884 ns@usdf.org

Junior/Young Rider Clinics (859) 971-7360 jryrclinics@usdf.org

L Education and Continuing Education (859) 971-7039 lprogram@usdf.org

Licensed Official Education (859) 271-7877 loeducation@usdf.org

Mailing Lists....................................................................(859) 971-7038 ........................................ mailinglist@usdf.org

Musical Freestyle (859) 971-7039 musicalfreestyle@usdf.org

NAYC Criteria and Procedures (859) 971-7317 nayc@usdf.org

Nominations – Delegates, Regional Directors ...................(859) 271-7897 .................................... nominations@usdf.org

Participating and Business Memberships (859) 271-7871 membership@usdf.org

Prize List Questions .........................................................(859) 271-7896 ............................................ prizelist@usdf.org

Regional Championships Program (859) 271-7886 regchamps@usdf.org Rider Awards (859) 271-7884 riderawards@usdf.org

Safe Sport .......................................................................(859) 271-7894 ......................................... safesport@usdf.org Score Corrections (859) 271-7895 scorecorrections@usdf.org

Secretary/Manager Services (859) 271-7895 competitions@usdf.org Show Results (859) 271-7895 results@usdf.org

Sponsorship Opportunities (859) 271-7887 sponsorship@usdf.org

Sport Horse Education and Programs

271-7894 ....................................... sporthorse@usdf.org Store Merchandise (859) 971-7828 merchandise@usdf.org

University Accreditation and Credit Check (859) 971-7317 university@usdf.org

USDF Glossary of Judging Terms

www.usdf.org/glossary

USDF Pyramid of Training www.usdf.org/pyramid

USDF Guide for Scribes www.usdf.org/scribes

Preliminary/Final Award Standings www.usdf.org/standings Safe Sport www.usdf.org/safesport

USDF University www.usdf.org/university

www.usdf.org/compcalendar

USDFScores www.usdfscores.com

Musical Freestyle www.usdf.org/freestyle

Pas de Deux www.usdf.org/pdd Quadrille www.usdf.org/quadrille Score

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