United States Dressage Federation

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Other Programs

USDF Sport Horse Seminars
Often held in conjunction with USDF Sport Horse Handlers Clinics, these two-day programs educate breeders, riders, trainers, and potential owners about the qualities to look for in a sport horse and how to rate them.  Additionally, they serve as a prerequisite for becoming a USEF-licensed dressage/sport horse breeding judge. Learn more

USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program
With funding support provided by The Dressage Foundation, this program consists of a weekend educational seminar that focuses on crucial topics that young adults, ages 20-25, need to know to prepare for a professional career in the equine industry. Topics include goal setting, sponsorship, international competition and business subjects such as contracts, insurance and tax practices. These subjects are taught by top professionals in the country in hopes of fostering strong role models for the future. Learn more

Trainers Conference
The National-Level and FEI-Level Trainers’ Conferences are designed to provide continuing education for dressage trainers and instructors. USDF Trainers’ Conference presenters give trainers the opportunity to explore new training method and teaching techniques. Past presenters have included Ulla Salzgeber, Kathy Connelly, Hubertus Schmidt and Jan Brink. Attendees must meet certain criteria in order to attend. Learn more

Musical Freestyle
Dressage Musical Freestyle combines the elegance and beauty as well as the power and strength of the horse with the stirring impact of music. Movements and figures are choreographed to meet the technical requirements of the particular level with carefully chosen music that highlights the horse/rider combination. Musical Freestyles are entertaining and offer great audience appeal. The tests are offered from First to Fourth levels through the USDF and at Prix St. Georges for Young Riders, Intermediate I and Grand Prix through the FEI. Learn more

Pas de Deux
Pas de Deux combines the elegance and impact of dressage musical freestyle with the added element of two horses and riders performing together. Movements and figures are choreographed to meet the technical requirements of the particular level with music chosen to highlight the pair. Pas de Deux has great spectator and audience appeal due to the increased dynamic of two horses and riders dancing in the arena. Learn more

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. Learn more

USDF Adult Regional Team Competiions
This program provides an opportunity for adults to compete in a team-like atmosphere. The competition will encourage camaraderie and support for adults competing at any level. Learn more

USDF Youth Regional Team Competitions
These competitions may be hosted in each of the nine USDF regions and are open to anyone age 21 and under riding between Introductory Level and Grand Prix. Each competition features an educational component, along with riders competing on teams and much more fun and excitement.  Learn More

USDF Adult Camps
These camps are designed to be an intensive, fun, learning experience in a summer camp-like atmosphere for the committed adult rider or any level or experience.  The purpose of the camps is to help adult riders “get away from it all” – the pressures of job, family and friends – so they can immerse themselves in dressage and greatly accelerate the learning process.  Ideally, riders and horses stay at the camp facility, making new friends and riding several times daily with well-known instructors.  Mounted and unmounted sessions expand the riders’ knowledge of classical dressage riding and theory.  Learn More

High School Dressage Club Program
This program is meant to provide helpful information for organizing high school dressage clubs/teams in your area.  Due to the varied requirements from state to state, or even within states, you will need to contact your local school district to determine where best to start in order to get approval for receiving a high school activity letter in dressage.  These guidelines are set up with the approach that the club may be sponsored by, or affiliated with a local USDF Group Member Organization (GMO).  USDF members who meet their clubs standards for achievement in equestrian sport will receive a recognition pin from USDF. Learn more