Frequently Asked Questions
This is a little helpful hint guide for those new to dressage or new to showing.
Where do I find the rules?
Since most schooling shows, IEO shows included, follow the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) rules and this includes cruelty rules, you should print off the complete set of Dressage Division rules.
What about those tests?
Make sure you have copies of the new/correct tests. You can print off just the tests you need or you can order a test booklet. If you are a participating member of the USDF they will be in the back of the yearly USDF directory that you should automatically receive. You will find links to all the tests here.
What are all those letters for?
The tests are usually ridden in the 20x60 standard arena but occasionally the training and some of the first level tests can be scheduled in the 20x40 small arena. The letters around the arena are what guide you through the test. They tell you where to start and stop movements, and which directions to go, etc. There is no real meaning to them except through history but an easy way to remember the order of the letter is “ All Kinds of Elephants Have Caring Mothers BigFathers”. Or " All King Edward's Horses Can Make BigFences." For the higher tests you will need to remember to “ RSVP” as well.
Where do I find the rules?
Since most schooling shows, IEO shows included, follow the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) rules and this includes cruelty rules, you should print off the complete set of Dressage Division rules.
What about those tests?
Make sure you have copies of the new/correct tests. You can print off just the tests you need or you can order a test booklet. If you are a participating member of the USDF they will be in the back of the yearly USDF directory that you should automatically receive. You will find links to all the tests here.
What are all those letters for?
The tests are usually ridden in the 20x60 standard arena but occasionally the training and some of the first level tests can be scheduled in the 20x40 small arena. The letters around the arena are what guide you through the test. They tell you where to start and stop movements, and which directions to go, etc. There is no real meaning to them except through history but an easy way to remember the order of the letter is “ All Kinds of Elephants Have Caring Mothers BigFathers”. Or " All King Edward's Horses Can Make BigFences." For the higher tests you will need to remember to “ RSVP” as well.
Preparing to Show
Make sure you have a photocopy of your horse’s coggins test with you at all times and include one with your entry form to a show. Plan to arrive about 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your scheduled ride time. This will give you plenty of time to park, check in and warm up. It is mandatory that you check in with the secretary at the Secretary’s booth. This lets the show management know that you are there and you can receive your number and take care of any unfinished business or pay any outstanding fees before you can show. It is required that your horse have a number on at all times
What do I wear?
It is required that you wear appropriate head gear/safety helmet at all times while mounted. No ball caps, visors, etc. Formal show attire is recommended at schooling shows and required at recognized shows. At schooling shows, nice polos or button down shirts with short sleeves are appropriate. Do not wear sleeveless shirts or T-shirts. Keep colors conservative. Hunt seat show attire is OK.
Tack & EquipmentTack and equipment for the horse will follow the USEF rules.
Warming Up
Be considerate in the warm up arena. Look where you are going, pass left hand to left hand and call out where you are headed if it may interfere with another rider.
It's Show Time!When it is your turn to show in front of the judge, you may enter the competition area as soon as the competitor in front of you has completed the final halt and salute. It is recommended that you go in as soon as you can to let the horse see the judges hut/tent, letters, chains, flowers, etc. When the judge rings the bell, blows the whistle, etc, you have only 45 seconds to enter the arena at A or be eliminated. When your test is finished it is appropriate to walk towards the judge and say thank you. Sometimes at schooling shows the judges will make comments to you after your ride. Be polite and listen to what they have to say. At recognized shows, other than Good afternoon and thank you, no other conversation with the judge is allowed.
And the winner is...After you have finished all of your rides for the day, your scores will be posted and you can pick up your dressage tests, and hopefully ribbons, at the secretary’s booth or awards table. Often the scores and test sheets are available very soon after the specific class is complete.
It is usual to enter 2 classes. However, according to the USEF rules, horses may compete in no more than one licensed competition on the same day and are limited to a maximum of three Dressage rides per day at Fourth level and below or two dressage rides per day above Fourth level. Horses may enter no more than 2 consecutive levels, Freestyle levels included, at any one competition. (i.e. Intro/training, training/first, first/second, etc). Dressage seat Equitation and materiale (a class that judges both the horses movement under saddle and confirmation at the same time) classes are excluded from the maximum limit of rides per day and horses in these classes may compete at any level for which they are otherwise eligible during the same competition. At all shows, schooling or recognized, you may have a reader except at FEI (Federation Equestrian International) levels and in championship classes. The most important thing is to relax, have fun and enjoy your horse. Showing is a good way to test your training and to make sure you are on the right track. There is no need to be nervous, it is like having a mini lesson only you read about it after your ride. Judges really are nice people and really want you to do well. Sometimes they have to be honest to put you back on the right track. Take what they say and learn from it, whether it be what to do or what not to do. Schooling shows are a place for learning and gaining experience. Use them to their full advantage.
Make sure you have a photocopy of your horse’s coggins test with you at all times and include one with your entry form to a show. Plan to arrive about 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your scheduled ride time. This will give you plenty of time to park, check in and warm up. It is mandatory that you check in with the secretary at the Secretary’s booth. This lets the show management know that you are there and you can receive your number and take care of any unfinished business or pay any outstanding fees before you can show. It is required that your horse have a number on at all times
What do I wear?
It is required that you wear appropriate head gear/safety helmet at all times while mounted. No ball caps, visors, etc. Formal show attire is recommended at schooling shows and required at recognized shows. At schooling shows, nice polos or button down shirts with short sleeves are appropriate. Do not wear sleeveless shirts or T-shirts. Keep colors conservative. Hunt seat show attire is OK.
Tack & EquipmentTack and equipment for the horse will follow the USEF rules.
Warming Up
Be considerate in the warm up arena. Look where you are going, pass left hand to left hand and call out where you are headed if it may interfere with another rider.
It's Show Time!When it is your turn to show in front of the judge, you may enter the competition area as soon as the competitor in front of you has completed the final halt and salute. It is recommended that you go in as soon as you can to let the horse see the judges hut/tent, letters, chains, flowers, etc. When the judge rings the bell, blows the whistle, etc, you have only 45 seconds to enter the arena at A or be eliminated. When your test is finished it is appropriate to walk towards the judge and say thank you. Sometimes at schooling shows the judges will make comments to you after your ride. Be polite and listen to what they have to say. At recognized shows, other than Good afternoon and thank you, no other conversation with the judge is allowed.
And the winner is...After you have finished all of your rides for the day, your scores will be posted and you can pick up your dressage tests, and hopefully ribbons, at the secretary’s booth or awards table. Often the scores and test sheets are available very soon after the specific class is complete.
It is usual to enter 2 classes. However, according to the USEF rules, horses may compete in no more than one licensed competition on the same day and are limited to a maximum of three Dressage rides per day at Fourth level and below or two dressage rides per day above Fourth level. Horses may enter no more than 2 consecutive levels, Freestyle levels included, at any one competition. (i.e. Intro/training, training/first, first/second, etc). Dressage seat Equitation and materiale (a class that judges both the horses movement under saddle and confirmation at the same time) classes are excluded from the maximum limit of rides per day and horses in these classes may compete at any level for which they are otherwise eligible during the same competition. At all shows, schooling or recognized, you may have a reader except at FEI (Federation Equestrian International) levels and in championship classes. The most important thing is to relax, have fun and enjoy your horse. Showing is a good way to test your training and to make sure you are on the right track. There is no need to be nervous, it is like having a mini lesson only you read about it after your ride. Judges really are nice people and really want you to do well. Sometimes they have to be honest to put you back on the right track. Take what they say and learn from it, whether it be what to do or what not to do. Schooling shows are a place for learning and gaining experience. Use them to their full advantage.