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Growth Statistics

Since 1997, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) has collected statistics on the number of riders qualifying for the freestyle championship classes at each of the USEF/USDF Regional Dressage Championships. The USDF Freestyle Committee has decided to use these statistics to monitor the growth of freestyles in the United States. Since no statistics are maintained by any organization for all freestyles ridden during the competition season, the USDF statistics serve as a proxy measure for growth.

The table below shows the total number of riders qualifying for the Regional Championships at each Level, as well as the percent change at each Level starting with 2004. Also starting with 2004, the table compares freestyle participation to the 1997 base year. For 2006 there were increases in freestyle growth when compared to 2005. The overall trend in freestyle participation when compared to 1997 continues show healthy increases.

  First Second Third Fourth Intermediate I Grand Prix
1997 10 6 4 5 17 7
1998 7 4 4 5 11 9
1999 15 8 10 9 18 8
2000 14 16 14 14 24 10
2001 18 12 12 14 24 15
2002 19 18 12 23 23 11
2003 30 23 16 17 36 8
2004 32 25 23 23 44 12
2005 44 21 32 21 27 25
2006 47 28 32 28 38 27
% Change
2005-2006 		6.82% 33.33% 0.00% 33.33% 40.74% 8.00%
% Change
2004-2005		 37.50% -16.00% 39.13% -8.70% -38.64% 108.33%
% Change
2003-2004		 6.70% 8.70% 43.80% 35.30% 22.20% 50.00%

If you have any questions, please contact our Programs Coordinator at MusicalFreestyle@usdf.org or (859) 971-2277.