FAQ

We welcome riders from across Canada and Worldwide!  Riders from outside of Canada are welcome to enter, however physical prizes and ribbons are available to Canadian addresses only at this time.  International riders will receive digital placings, results and judge's feedback.  Payments must be made via etransfer at this time.

Western riders are welcome to participate in our dressage portion by riding and submitting a dressage test that aligns with the show’s designated class (A, B, or C). These submissions can then be entered as a Western Dressage class entry.

Here’s how we handle Western Dressage entries:

• All levels are combined and placed as a single class unless we receive 10 or more entries at a specific level. In that case, that level will be placed separately.

• This format allows us to showcase a range of riders while growing the Western Dressage portion of our show.

We strongly encourage Western Dressage riders to join and help us expand this exciting discipline within our series!

Bitless or Bridle less riders are welcome to participate in our dressage portion by riding and submitting a dressage test that aligns with the show’s designated class (A, B, or C). These submissions can then be entered as a Bitless Dressage class entry.

Here’s how we handle Bitless Dressage entries:

• All levels are combined and placed as a single class unless we receive 10 or more entries at a specific level. In that case, that level will be placed separately.

• This format allows us to showcase a range of riders while growing the Bitless Dressage portion of our show.

We strongly encourage Bitless Dressage riders to join and help us expand this exciting discipline within our series!

Veteran horses (horses that are 18 years old or more) and their riders are welcome to participate in our dressage portion by riding and submitting a dressage test that aligns with the show’s designated class (A, B, or C). These submissions can then be entered as a Veteran Dressage class entry.

Here’s how we handle Veteran Dressage entries:

• All levels are combined and placed as a single class unless we receive 10 or more entries at a specific level. In that case, that level will be placed separately.

• This format allows us to showcase a range of riders while growing the Veteran Dressage portion of our show.

We strongly encourage Veteran Dressage horses and their riders to join and help us expand this exciting discipline within our series!

Bareback riders are welcome to participate in our dressage portion by riding and submitting a dressage test that aligns with the show’s designated class (A, B, or C). These submissions can then be entered as a Bareback Dressage class entry.

Here’s how we handle Bareback Dressage entries:

• All levels are combined and placed as a single class unless we receive 10 or more entries at a specific level. In that case, that level will be placed separately.

• This format allows us to showcase a range of riders while growing the Bareback Dressage portion of our show.

We strongly encourage Bareback Dressage riders to join and help us expand this exciting discipline within our series!

Here is a general guide to how our dressage levels compare to standard USDF levels. Please note that the alignment is approximate:

• Leadline: Entry-level class for beginner riders or horses.

• Walk Only: Entry-level class for beginner riders or horses.

• Intro to Dressage: Equivalent to a walk/trot test.

• Elementary: Comparable to lower USDF Training Level.

• Foundational: Comparable to upper USDF Training Level.

• Intermediate: Comparable to advanced USDF Training Level.

• Advanced: Comparable to USDF Level 1/1st Level.

• Proficient: Comparable to USDF Level 2/2nd Level.

• Expert: Comparable to USDF Level 3/3rd Level.

• Masters: Comparable to USDF Level 4/4th Level.

• Pole Vault: an introduction into Prix Caprilli at the walk/trot level.

• Prix Caprilli: a dressage test that incorporates jumps into it.

These equivalencies are meant to help you choose the appropriate level for your skill set and experience. As we expand, more levels and formats will become available to enhance your competition experience!

Our Freestyle Jumper Course offers riders a unique and creative way to participate in the show. Here’s how it works:

• Riders set up a course of five specified jumps in their arena.

• They design and ride their own course, showcasing their creativity and skill.

• The judge evaluates their performance based on the salute, the five jumping efforts, and the final salute, and provides collective marks similar to a dressage test.

This format is designed to encourage creativity and adaptability, making it accessible to a wider range of riders. It’s an excellent opportunity to try something new and receive expert feedback to help improve your overall performance and confidence in the ring!

For consistency and fairness, all videos must be recorded from the designated positions stated in each test/course.  THis ensures the judge has the correct view to evaluate all movements accurately and mark every rider fairly.

If your arena setup makes this challenging, we recommend finding a creative solution, such as standing outside the arena or using a tripod to position your camera in the correct spot.  This standard applies to all riders to maintain equal judging conditions.

Our judges are instructed to give lots of positive, helpful feedback and to overlook things that are not harmful to horse/rider and that do not give any unfair advantage to the rider/horse when compared to others in the same class.  For example if you go off course, you will get an error of course (and possibly be eliminated) but if your horse is wearing boots in a dressage class there will likely not be an issue.  This means that you can ride without a noseband!