Rules and Regulations

Traverse City Schooling Shows 

 Dressage and Western Rules and Regulations 2025 

Facility:  

● Riders should aim to show their horses according to USDF standards.

● Each horse must have an up to date negative Coggins and must be presented prior to unloading.

● Tests may be ridden in a small or standard (large) dressage ring.

● Tests may be called by a person standing at E or B.

● In case of the weather, horse shows schedules may be altered, or exhibitors may be expected to show in the rain/wind/etc. 

● Lunging area may be available, check with show manager, only lunge in designated area 

● No dogs or smoking allowed

● Stalls must be stripped prior to departure failure to do so will result in a $150 fine.

● Camping spots can be reserved through the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds.

Entries:  

● Dressage Show registrations must be received at least ONE WEEK before the show date. You may register through the website. 

● Late entries are only accepted at the show managers discretion and there will be a $20 late fee. 

● Cancellations after the closing date are not refundable.  

● Stalls are limited and non-refundable, stall reservations can be made through the website.

Rules:

● A horse may only be ridden in two consecutive levels, even if there are multiple riders.

○ Allowed example: Intro A and Training test 3 

○ Not allowed example: Training test 3 and 2nd level test 1 

● Each horse and rider combination must have a number when entering the ring

● At the judges or show managers discretion, riders may be excused from the ring for safety concerns, mis-use of the whip or spurs, and unsafe riding.

Horses:  

● Horses must have a negative Coggins test within the year to date.  

● Horses are required to wear United States Dressage Federation (USDF) approved equipment for USDF tests. 

● Horses may wear protective leg gear (Please note this is contrary to USDF horse shows where leg protection is not allowed in the show ring).  

● Horses may not be entered in more than six classes (leadline class does not count).

● The horse’s soundness will be taken into consideration

Riders:  

● All riders must wear ASTM/SEI approved helmets at all times while mounted, anywhere on the show grounds

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

● Riders are recommended to wear USDF regulated show attire, but it is not required. 

Awards:  

● Each show will award 1st – 6 th place ribbons for each class as well as Champion and Reserve ribbons for each level.  

● For each test, horse and rider combinations will earn points as follows:

○ 1st place 7 points

○ 2nd place 5 points

○ 3rd place 4 points

○ 4th  place 3 points

○ 5th place 2 points

○ 6th place 1 point

○ All ties will be broken by the collective marks.  

● The two horse and rider combinations who earn the most points at the show in a level will earn Championship and Reserve Champion. Ties will be determined at the judge's descretion. Judge's decision is final.   

● Judge’s decisions are final. 

Year End Points and Awards: 

● Awards will be calculated using the placing points from all horse shows

● Awards will be earned for horse and rider combinations 

○ If the rider rides different horses, scores will be accrued separately 

● Year-end awards will be awarded for Intro, Training Level, First Level, Second Level, Western Dressage Training Level and Western Dressage First Level; Champion-4th place.