Many adult amateur members enjoy competition and there are several different types to choose from. Here is a breakdown of some ways you can get in the competition ring. You can find more information under the competition tab above. If you are a USDF member and need to know your current USEF Adult Amateur status for competing you can verify it here. For questions regarding your USEF Amateur status visit the USEF website.

Schooling Shows

Search for a group member organization in your area and visit their website to see if they are hosting any local schooling shows. While scores from schooling shows do not count for USDF awards, they are usually less expensive and a great way to begin your competition career in a less stressful environment.

Recognized Competitions

Search for recognized dressage competitions in your area. These competitions use licensed judges and can serve as qualifiers for the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships and other USDF Awards. More information under earn Awards.

Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships

Qualified riders can compete against other adult amateurs within their region. Also serves as the qualifier for the US Dressage Finals.

US Dressage Finals

Qualified riders can compete at this national level competition where adult amateurs go head to head at Training Level through Grand Prix.

Sport Horse Competitions

Adult amateurs can breed, raise and compete their young horses through the USDF Breeders Championship Series.

Musical Freestyle

Combine your love for music with your love for dressage. Musical freestyle combines the technical aspects of a dressage tests with the artistic aspect of unique choreography and music composition. Once qualified, riders can compete at recognized competitions for year end and rider awards.

Pas de Deux

Freestyle with a friend! Work as a pair to create a pas de deux, combining the elegance and impact of dressage musical freestyle with the added element of two horses and riders performing together. There are no prerequisites to compete in a pas de deux and you can even include costuming.

Quadrille

Quadrille is most simply defined as team riding. The most famous, readily identifiable quadrilles are those of the Spanish Riding School, the Cadre Noir and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Quadrille clubs are a great social activity. You can practice one of the standard quadrille tests, create your own freestyle and even travel as a group to perform demos at local shows or events.

USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program

The USDF Regional Adult Amateur Equitation Program recognizes adult amateurs competing in equitation and promotes correct seat, position, and use of the aids in dressage.

For more information on competitions, please contact us at 859-971-2277 or [email protected].