WHAT IS A LICENSED DRESSAGE SHOW?
Before you can understand licensed dressage shows in the US, you need a basic knowledge of the organizations responsible for dressage internationally, nationally in the US, and locally in the US, as well as the types of dressage shows.
ORGANIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL AND US DRESSAGE:
The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) oversees governance of international equestrian sports, including the qualification for the Olympics.
In the US, equestrian sports are governed by US Equestrian (USEF, click here) and the national organization for dressage is the United States Dressage Federation (USDF, click here). The USDF has geographic Regions and local General Member Organizations (GMOs). Most of the USDF GMOs have local Chapters.
Additional unaffiliated organizations, farms and other entities are also involved in dressage on the international, national and local level.
The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) oversees governance of international equestrian sports, including the qualification for the Olympics.
In the US, equestrian sports are governed by US Equestrian (USEF, click here) and the national organization for dressage is the United States Dressage Federation (USDF, click here). The USDF has geographic Regions and local General Member Organizations (GMOs). Most of the USDF GMOs have local Chapters.
Additional unaffiliated organizations, farms and other entities are also involved in dressage on the international, national and local level.
In the US, when one refers to a "licensed show," they are referring to a US national show that has been licensed by the USEF and recognized by the USDF.
The Frederick, MD area is part of USDF Region 1.
Frederick Area USDF General Member Organizations (GMOs) - Click here
International Equestrian Organization (IEO) - Click here
Maryland Dressage Association (MDA) - Click here
Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) - Click here
Virginia Dressage Association (VADA) - Click here
Frederick Area GMO Chapters
Catoctin Chapter of PVDA. Click here
Virginia Dressage Association Northern Virginia Chapter (VADA/NoVA) - Click here
The Frederick, MD area is part of USDF Region 1.
Frederick Area USDF General Member Organizations (GMOs) - Click here
International Equestrian Organization (IEO) - Click here
Maryland Dressage Association (MDA) - Click here
Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) - Click here
Virginia Dressage Association (VADA) - Click here
Frederick Area GMO Chapters
Catoctin Chapter of PVDA. Click here
Virginia Dressage Association Northern Virginia Chapter (VADA/NoVA) - Click here
There are also many independent dressage clubs throughout the US that are not affiliated with the USEF or the USDF.
TYPES OF DRESSAGE SHOWS FOR US RIDERS:
There are three basic types of dressage shows for US riders:
INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE SHOWS – Concours Dressage International (CDI) Shows:
– CDI-O have Olympic qualifying or Olympic classes at the show.
US NATIONAL DRESSAGE SHOWS – USEF Licensed / USDF Recognized Shows:
LOCAL DRESSAGE SHOWS – Dressage Schooling Shows:
There are three basic types of dressage shows for US riders:
INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE SHOWS – Concours Dressage International (CDI) Shows:
- FEI recognized international shows.
- Scores can qualify a horse/rider pair for high level international competitions:
– CDI-O have Olympic qualifying or Olympic classes at the show.
- CDI dressage shows are held throughout the world, particularly in Europe.
- Rules are determined by the FEI.
US NATIONAL DRESSAGE SHOWS – USEF Licensed / USDF Recognized Shows:
- USEF licensed / USDF recognized US national shows.
- Scores can count toward US national awards as well as local awards.
- The shows have different levels (different from dressage test levels). Click here for a description of the dressage show levels (USEF DR126.2).
- Rules are determined by the USEF.
- When a person refers to a licensed dressage show, this is usually the type of show being referenced.
LOCAL DRESSAGE SHOWS – Dressage Schooling Shows:
- Local (schooling) dressage shows organized and/or marketed by USDF GMOs, GMO chapters, or other unaffiliated clubs, individual farms, and other entities. FADS-marketed shows are local schooling shows.
- Scores do not count toward national awards but may apply to awards provided by the show sponsor.
- The rules for dressage schooling shows are not standardized; they are established by each organization, club, or farm offering the shows. However, the USEF Dressage Rules (click here) are usually used a guidance for local dressage shows.