OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AT THE 2010
YOUTH DRESSAGE FESTIVAL
Division
Championships
Provided they meet the qualifying
requirements, riders may compete in any of
the six USDF and USEF levels, as well as the
three FEI levels, described below, and the
ParaEquestrian divisions.
USDF
Introductory Walk-Trot and
USEF Training,
First, Second, Third & Fourth Levels
Each division consists of
three sections: Written Test, Equitation
Class and Dressage Test. Divisions are
further divided by age.
The Written
Test assesses knowledge of riding theory and
stable management learned from the required
reading and knowledge of the rules detailed
in the Prize List.
The
Equitation class judges competitors riding
in a group at the walk, trot and canter.
The rider’s position and seat are judged
along with the correct and effective use of
the aids.
The Dressage
Test, ridden individually and in a
prescribed sequence of patterns and
movements, assesses the forward and supple
nature of the horse, its balance and harmony
with the rider, the rider’s position and
seat, and the correct and effective use of
the aids.
Each section
is worth 100 points for a total of 300
points for the division. The winner of a
division is the rider with the highest
points. (Introductory Walk-Trot Division
new in 2006)
FEI Pony, FEI
Junior and FEI Young Rider
In addition
to the taking the Written Test and riding in
the group Equitation class, competitors also
execute the FEI (International Equestrian
Federation) Team Dressage Tests. FEI youth
tests are more intricate than the comparable
USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) tests.
Also, FEI youth tests assess the riding
ability of the rider more than the
brilliance of the horse, by, for example,
requiring far more transitions. (New in
2004)
USDF Region
8 Youth Team Competition
Three or four riders, of any
level (except Introductory) or combination
of levels and from any region, may form a
team. This is not a separate ride or class.
Riders do not need to be from Region 8 or be
members of USDF. But riders may be on only
one team. The highest three scores from
each section are combined. For riders
entered in more than one division, the
scores from the highest division will be
used in calculating the team score. The sum
of the highest three scores for each section
of each team determines the team’s placement
in the USDF Region 8 Youth Team
Competition.
Stand-Alone
Classes
These classes
are not part of the Division Championships
or USDF Region 8 Team Competition
Dressage Trail Class
In the
Dressage Trail test, riders will guide their
horses through a preset pattern that will
demonstrate the practical goals of Dressage
training. This may include backing between
poles, getting a letter out of a mail box,
crossing a bridge, etc. (Beginner Level new
in 2006; Advanced Level new in 2007)
Leadline
Class
This class is open to aspiring riders aged 4
through 8. Riders ride their own short and
simple test, led at a walk both directions
of the ring. Riders may be asked to turn,
halt, salute, walk or trot a 20 meter circle
and will be asked to answer a simple
question about the pony or tack
Musical Freestyle Class
In
Dressage Musical Freestyle, movements
and figures are choreographed to meet the
technical requirements of the particular
level with carefully chosen music that
highlights the horse/rider combination. A
Musical Freestyle ride is judged on both
technical execution and artistic impression.
The aspects
of a Musical Freestyle that are judged are:
Rhythm, Energy and Elasticity; Harmony
between Horse and Rider; Choreography (use
of the arena, inventiveness, design
cohesiveness, balance, ingenuity, and
creativity); Degree of Difficulty; Choice of
Music and Interpretation of Music.
Pleasure
Class
The Pleasure
Class is a class in which competitors ride
in groups. Groups may be divided if the
number of entries warrants. Horses will be
shown on a long rein at walk, trot, and
canter demonstrating relaxation, basic
obedience, and a soft acceptance of the bit.
Horses may be asked to halt from the trot
and remain standing quietly. Horses may be
asked to rein back. Transitions between
gaits should be smooth. The head should be
carried in a relaxed manner, while the horse
remains obedient and alert. The overall
impression should be of horses that are a
pleasure to ride, with steady, balanced,
regular gaits accepting a light contact with
the mouth. Misconduct or resistance will be
penalized. There are no qualifying
requirements for this class. (New in 2007)
Prix Caprilli
Class
The Prix Caprilli class,
named after the great Italian rider who was
the father of the modern forward seat for
jumping, is a dressage test with jumps
included. This class is offered at two
levels, a Training Level dressage test with
jumps no higher than 2 feet and a First
Level dressage test with jumps no higher
than 2 ½ feet.
Additional Competitive, Instructional and
Fun Activities
Activities for Younger Children –
Activities for younger children are offered
for two hours each day and include arts and
crafts and traditional games with “horsey”
themes.
Exhibitions and Demonstrations
showcase the magnificence of our equine
partners. Grand Prix dressage demonstration
rides, a Pas de Deux, Native American
horsemanship and clicker training a
miniature pony to serve as a guide for the
blind are just some of the demonstrations
that entertain, instruct and inspire
appreciative audiences.
Foreign
Riders and Teams
enhance the
Festival experience by sharing their
cultural and equestrian heritages. To make
it possible for them to compete at the
Festival, area horsemen and trainers
graciously loan them horses and provide
coaching assistance.
Practice
Vet Jog
– In order to help riders learn the proper
procedure required at international shows (CDIs)
and championships, all riders competing at
Second Level and above are required to do a
practice vet jog. This will be for
instructional purposes only, with a
professional providing feedback.
Schooling
Show –
On opening
day, participants ride a test before
a judge who will provide verbal feedback and
a score sheet. (New in 2006)
Schooling
Test Ride
– This is a ten-minute session to ride a
test in one of the show arenas. Coaching is
allowed and there is no judge present.
Stable
Management Challenge –
The two top riders in the Written Test in
each division are invited to participate in
a practical Stable Management test which may
include a check of their stall care, putting
on bandages, recognizing good quality feed,
fitting a saddle and other management
skills. (New in 2008)
Stall
Area/Tack Room Competition
– Teams or groups of riders who have stalls
and are stabled together may enter this
competition. Stall Areas/Tack Rooms will be
judged on set-up, cleanliness and
originality.
Turnout
Inspection
– An integral part of Pony Club rallies, the
turnout inspection judges the presentation
of the rider, the horse and the tack. Tack
is inspected for safety, cleanliness, fit
and condition. Horses are checked for
grooming and cleanliness, care and condition
of feet and fitness to the job. Riders must
be dressed in safe, clean, neat and
appropriate attire.
Volunteer Service Requirement –
Competitors
must provide up to two hours of volunteer
service at the show. This service
requirement affords them the opportunity to
learn about and assist in the many aspects
of show management.
