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United States Dressage Federation

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Competition Managers New to Dressage Sport Horse Breeding FAQs

  1. I want to host a USDFBC series show, what does that entail?
  2. To host a separate USDFBC show, what paper work do I need to fill out?
  3. Where do I find the guidelines and rules for USDFBC classes?
  4. Where can I get the required USDF applications?
  5. Do the show manager and the secretary have to be USDF members?
  6. What is the difference between a qualifier and a final?
  7. The show is recognized by USEF and USDF, what now?
  8. Can any USEF licensed official judge USDFBC classes?
  9. After the show, how long do I have to send USDF the show results?
  10. Classes not part of the USDFBC Series but which are often help in conjunction with the USDFBC Series classes
  11. Is there one general score sheet for these classes?
  12. Who do I contact at USDF for the required paperwork?

I want to host a USDFBC series show, what does that entail?

There are two options:

  1. Add the USDFBC classes to an already existing show or
  2. Have a separate USDFBC show.

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To host a separate USDFBC show, what paper work do I need to fill out?

You must apply for Competition Recognition from USEF and USDF at least 60 days prior to the competition. Prior to the competition, you must also apply to host USDFBC Series Classes, preferably at the time you apply for USDF Competition Recognition. The show manager must fill out the first and last page of the application and send that into USDF along with the correct payment. All fees must be paid at time of application. It costs $75 to host USDFBC Series Classes; this fee is in addition to the fees for one or more days of dressage competition.

USDFBC Event Application (PDF)

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Where do I find the guidelines and rules for USDFBC classes?

All rules for USEF Recognized shows, including Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Classes, can be found in the USEF Rule Book. Guidelines and rules pertaining specifically to USDFBC Classes can be found in the application and a set of rules that accompanies the USDFBC application and Competition Recognition. Competitions must comply with all standards and guidelines detailed in the Manager‘s Contract and the USDFBC Series Guidelines.

See Competitions Handbook

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Where can I get the required USDF applications?

The required applications and contracts can be found on the USDF Web site or from the USDF Competitions Department. The following link will take you to the Competitions Management web page where all the applications and contracts can be found.

See forms & documents for applications and Show Management for more information.

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Do the show manager and the secretary have to be USDF members?

The show manager MUST be a USDF member at the time of recognition and at the time of the competition; however, the show secretary is not required to be a USDF member.

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What is the difference between a qualifier and a final?

USDF has divided the United States into 11 different geographical areas called Series. Each Series must host at least three qualifier events to host a USDFBC Series Final. The Qualifier Champion and Reserve Champions from each age/sex group (current year foal, filly, colt-gelding, mare and stallion) at the USDFBC qualifier shows will be eligible to compete in the Series Final for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Filly, Colt/Gelding, Mare, and Stallion.

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The show is recognized by USEF and USDF, what now?

The USDFBC Qualifier or Final will be listed on the USDF Web site under its respective Series. It is the show's manager or secretary's job to send USDF a copy of the official prize list for review. There are certain items that are required for USEF/USDF recognized shows to print in their prize list. Failure to do so will result in a fine. These items are listed in the contract and USDFBC rules which will be sent to each recognized competition. If the prize list is not received by USDF either prior to the competition or with the results, a fee of $100 will be assessed. (USDF Competition Fee and Penalty Structure). USDF will publish the show dates and contact information on our Web site, and print them in the USDF Connection, USDF's monthly magazine, depending upon when the application is submitted. Any other advertising or marketing is up to the show management.

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Can any USEF licensed official judge USDFBC classes?

No, the judge must be a USEF-licensed DSHB judge or a currently licensed foreign FEI Dressage judge with an USEF guest card or an approved Foreign Breeding Expert with a USEF guest card. All rules pertaining to USEF judges can be found in the USEF Rule Book. Please note that for USDFBC Series Finals Classes, two judges, one who must be a licensed USEF DSHB judge, must judge each class individually. Winners will be decided by the average of all judges' scores.

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After the show, how long do I have to send USDF the show results?

Results must be submitted to USDF in an acceptable manner within 10 days of the last day of dressage or DSHB competition. Results may be sent electronically, formatted according to the USDF Electronic Standard; by certified mail, postmarked within 10 days. Refer to the USDF Competition Fee and Penalty Structure regarding late or incomplete results. Any competition-related payment must be accompanied by the USDF Report of Fees sheet. Competitions held in the last two weeks of September must have their results into the USDF office within 5 days of the last day of the dressage or dressage DSHB competition.

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Classes not part of the USDFBC Series but which are often help in conjunction with the USDFBC Series classes:

This and more detailed information will also be sent with a show's competition packet, but as a brief overview:

  • Amateur or Junior/Young Rider Handler Classes-class guidelines can be found on the USDF Amateur Handler Score Sheet
  • Individual Breed Classes (IBC)- these classes are open to individual breeds or breed registries only; geldings of any age are eligible to compete in IBC classes
  • Dressage Sport Horse Under Saddle- general classes are 3 year old fillies, 3 year old colts and geldings, 4 year and older mares, and 4 year and older stallions. Classes for the same sex may be combined at management's discretion
  • Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse- Open to all horses that have not competed above 1st level and are under 7 years of age
  • Materiale Classes- classes may be offered in 3 year old filles, 3 year old colts and geldings, 4 & 5 year old mares, and 4 & 5 year old stallions and geldings. Horses will be judged according to the USDF Materiale Class Score sheet.

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Is there one general score sheet for these classes?

No, there are 11 USDF DSHB Score sheet that must be used for the division it was intended. Sport Horse Prospects score sheets must never be substituted for Breeding Stock score sheets.

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Who do I contact at USDF for the required paperwork?

For further information please contact USDF at sporthorse@usdf.org and we can direct you to the required paperwork.

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