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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Rule Changes for the Fashionista

5/3/2013

 
I was reading one of the latest issues of Dressage Today and was surprised to see a small blurb about changes in the USEF rule regarding clothing at a show. The article said that as of late April, riders would be able to wear any color of shirt and breeches and that jackets were now optional at Level 1 shows. What?!

It's not that I doubted Dressage Today, but I wanted to see the rule change for myself. I also wanted to investigate how a Level 1 show was different from Level 5 show. Here's that breakdown first:

  • Level 5 Show: CDIs or USEF National Shows (etc.)
  • Level 4 Show: USEF/USDF Regional Championships (etc.)
  • Level 3 Show: USEF Developing Program qualifying competitions (your standard USDF show?)
  • Level 2 Show: Required for competitions that do not meet the criteria for Levels 3-5 or exceed Level 1 requirements (what the heck does this mean?).
  • Level 1 Show: Required for USEF licensed competitions that do not meet the criteria for Levels 2-5. 

I am guessing that Level 1 and 2 shows are those that are rated by a GMO and not USDF. There are many CDS shows that aren't USDF/USEF rated, but they still follow all USEF rules and regulations. I guess if you're not sure, you need to ask the show manager.

Here is a part of USEF's Dressage Rule 120 regarding dress:
Picture
I think it has been simplified?
But for Level 1 Shows, there are some exceptions ...
Picture
I am not sure what the motivation for the rule change was. Was it to make it cheaper for riders coming from other disciplines, or was it simply to allow riders more creative expression in their dress? I am fairly conservative and like the look of white breeches with a black or gray coat. I don't think I'll plan to show in anything else even when at a Level 1 or schooling show.

And of course, the biggest rule change to come down the pike is the helmet rule:
Picture
I never really understood the first rule change that excluded some riders from the earlier version of the helmet rule. If it's good enough for a 4th Level rider, why should an FEI rider be excluded? I say, hats off to USEF and USDF for the newest rule change. I view dressage more as an athletic endeavor than as an art form. As such, protective gear just makes sense. 

I won't be running out to Dover or Smartpak to redo my show attire. I'll stick with my black helmet, gray and black jackets, white breeches, white gloves, white ties, and black boots. The only thing I might add is a little bling here or there. I am still looking for the perfect belt ...
Picture
Black and white and gray!
Austen link
5/2/2013 11:16:26 pm

Now that is interesting! I was also looking up the differences between show ratings recently. I found a website detailing what it takes to get your show rated at a certain level. It depends on a whole lot of variables. For example, what type of footing is available in the rings vs. the warm ups, how much and what type of stabling is offered, and even how many days the show runs. Check it out here: http://usef.org/documents/competitions/DressageLevelsChart.pdf

Pretty neat!

Karen
5/2/2013 11:33:57 pm

I saw a similar chart in the USEF rule book, but yours is much simpler. I think I'll it to the education link on my website.

It's a good thing that the smaller shows don't have to do what the level 3 - 5 shows do or we'd never get to show! Thanks for sharing!

Lauren link
5/3/2013 04:20:24 am

I would think to make it more inclusive! I know that I would love to show low level dressage with some navy breeches and a white polo :) I too am a big fan of the helmet rule.

Karen
5/5/2013 12:24:41 pm

With the rule change, maybe you can! :0)

Sarah link
5/3/2013 08:20:04 am

It should be a rule that the show's level be published on the premium, so riders know what outfits to pack! =]

Karen
5/5/2013 12:25:56 pm

I think they sometimes are. Now that I know what the levels of shows are, I think I've seen it advertised on the cover of some premiums. I am going to start looking now!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
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  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
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  • Dressage Organizations
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    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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