Schooling Show – Participants ride a test before a judge who will provide verbal feedback and a score sheet.

Practice 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.

Handler Class –Horses are presented in-hand to the judges at the walk, trot and halt. Handlers are judged on their presentation of the horse and their ability to work together as a team. Specifically, handlers are judged on their use of the rein and whip aids, their ability to communicate subtly with the horse and interpret and respond appropriately to the horse’s reactions, their skill in showcasing the rhythm and balance of the horse in movement, and the correct positioning of the horse in an open stance at the halt.

Judging Sport Horse Conformation Class – Competitors and an appointed judge will assess the conformation of three horses in the stance position and at the walk and trot for overall impression and development and for correctness for gaits. Participants and the appointed judge will evaluate the horses’ conformation on a scale of 1 to 10 rating the head, neck, shoulders, frame and limbs. The competitor’s scores which most closely match the appointed judge’s scores will be the class winner.

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.

Opening Remarks by YDF founder Lendon Gray. This is a helpful "orientation session" for all competitors, their parents and trainers, whether first-time or veteran.

Written Test – This is the first of three phases of the division championships, based on age-appropriate required reading.

Parent/Trainer reception will be held in the Food Court Pavilion while competitors are taking the written test in the VIP Pavilion.

Provided they meet the qualifying requirements detailed in the Prize List, riders compete in division championships at the Introductory through FEI (International) levels. Division championships are offered at the following levels: Introductory, Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth, FEI Pony, FEI Junior and FEI Young Rider. Based on their qualifications, riders with physical disabilities may choose to compete in these division championships or the Para-Equestrian division championships, or both.

Division Championships

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 Equitation class is conducted on Saturday.

The Dressage Test, also conducted Saturday, is ridden individually and in a prescribed sequence of patterns and movements and 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. FEI-level competitors ride the FEI Team Dressage Test.

Each phase 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.

Riders with a physical disability, ages 25 and under, compete in either the Para Equestrian Entry or Intermediate Division Championship that best suits their current skill level. Riders in the Intermediate Division may also enter another division, if qualified.

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 sum of the three highest division scores of each team determines the team’s placement in the USDF Region 8 Youth Team Competition. For riders entered in more than one division, the scores from the highest division will be used in calculating the team score.

Roving Trainers – are available to coach you before your class, free of charge.

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.

Stall Area/Tack Room Competition – Teams or groups of riders who are stabled together may enter this competition. Stall Areas/Tack Rooms will be judged on set-up, cleanliness and originality.

These optional 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

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. Being 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.

Prix Caprilli Class

Stable Management Challenge – The two top scorers in the Written Test in age groups 11 through 21 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.

Leadline Class

This class, traditionally conducted at noon, 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.

Awards Ceremony

Roving Judge Awards –Random acts of helpfulness, good sportsmanship and good cheer, observed by a secret panel of judges , will be acknowledged and a whimsical gift bestowed.