Dressage and Western Dressage Rules and Regulations 2025

Riders:  

• All riders must wear ASTM/SEI approved helmets at all times when mounted anywhere on show grounds.

• Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult while at the horse show.

• Riders should aim to show according to USDF standards.

• Riders are encouraged to wear show attire, but it is not required.

• Unsafe horse and riders or mis-use of spurs/whips will result in dismissal.

Horses:  

• Horses must have a negative coggins test within one year of show date.

• Horses are required to use USDF approved equipment.

• Protective leg wear is allowed for schooling and showing. 

• Unsound horses will be dismissed at judge's discretion.

Entries:  

• Horses may compete in a maximum of six classes (leadline does not count).

• A horse may only be ridden in two consecutive levels (even with multiple riders).

  • Allowed: Intro Test A and Training Level Test 3

  • Not Allowed: Intro Test C and First Level Test 1

• Entries are due online via Horse Spot one week before the show date. 

• Late entries accepted at the show manager's discretion with $20 late fee.

• Cancellations after the closing date are non-refundable.

Facility:  

• Tests may be ridden in a small (20x40m) or large (20x60m) dressage arena.

• Tests may be called/read by a person standing at E or B.

• Extreme weather may alter horse show schedules. Be prepared to ride in rain, wind, etc. as our facility is outdoor only!

• Longing available only in designated area.

• No dogs or smoking allowed.

• Stalls must be stripped before departure or subject to $150 fee.

• Camping can be reserved directly through Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds.

Awards:

• 1st-6th place awarded for each class plus Champion and Reserve for each level per day.

• Judge's decisions are final.

• Ties broken based on collective marks (located at the bottom of the test sheet).

• Champion and Reserve determined by number of points earned per test:

  • 1st Place: 7 Points

  • 2nd Place: 5 Points

  • 3rd Place: 4 Points

  • 4th Place: 3 Points

  • 5th Place: 2 Points

  • 6th Place: 1 Point

Year End Points and Awards: 

• Year end awards for Intro, Training, First, and Western Dressage divisions.

• Awards are calculated using the placing points (see above) from all horse shows in the series. 

• Awards are calculated for each horse/rider combination.

  • Horses with multiple riders will be scored separately.