FAQ

Our team competition is a fun and inclusive way to participate in our virtual horse show series. Each team consists of 3 or 4 riders within the same discipline, but team members can ride at different levels and enter different classes.

Here’s how it works:

• We take the top score from one class for each of the first three riders.

• If your team has a fourth rider, their score will serve as a "drop score," meaning the lowest score out of the 4 riders will be dropped from your team's overall total. 

• The 3 rider scores are added together to determine the team’s ranking.

At the end of each show series, all team members will receive a ribbon corresponding to their team’s final placing in the competition.

You can either create your own team with friends and fellow riders or let us help match you with a team to join. It’s a great way to share the excitement of competition while supporting and encouraging one another!

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.

We’ve designed the entire Ontario Virtual Horse Show Series to help riders develop their skills progressively throughout the year. 

The Spring series offers two tests per show so riders can familiarize themselves with the tests and get comfortable with the format. 

The Summer series focuses on refinement, competitiveness, and with only one test per show, the focus shifts to individual improvement, allowing riders to concentrate on refining their skills and achieving personal bests with each performance.

In the Fall series, we return to two tests per show to encourage riders to try a higher level or explore a new discipline as they wrap up the year. 

This structure supports both growth and goal-setting for all participants. 

Yes!  Or you can enter in only one test at each show.  Just make sure you are entering with the tests designated for that show.  

Each video is an entry and will be charged as such, so if you are sending in two tests, just make sure to double your entry fee (or save by using our Pay Up Front Option - payment due by February 24, 2025 and the Pay for Each Series option - payment due on the first show of the series you are entering) 

Pricing information can be found under the 2025 Info tab at the top of this page!

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!