1. Local Schooling Dressage Shows
All dressage schools offer regularly scheduled schooling dressage shows. These shows are not part of any organized point system. They provide opportunity for riders to experience the atmosphere and expectations when they compete in equestrian dressage shows. To enter your local dressage schooling show, speak with your dressage instructor. Your horse riding instructor or coach recommends the classes you enter and when your skill level is high enough to provide a useful experience. Formal dressage attire is not required for these events. Riders who intend to enter professional dressage competitions must prepare accordingly to become accustomed to the clothes required. Schooling shows follow the same structure as a professional competition to properly prepare horse and rider for the challenges at the next level.
2. Professional Dressage
There are five classes of competitive dressage levels, ranging from basic to Prix St. George to Grand Prix, used in the Olympics. Review the skills required and decide the appropriate class for you and your mount. If you have any doubt, watch a dressage show and compare the skill of the winning rider to your own skill set. Select the appropriate level. It is better to enter and win your class than enter a higher level class and lose. There is a cost for each class that you enter, prize money and trophies for the winners. Basic levels focus on the correct form for the walk, trot, canter and halt. Higher levels focuses on movements such as the piaffe, passage, half-pass, extended trot, pirouette, and tempi changes. At the highest levels, performance is flawless and consistent.
3. Intercollegiate Team Competitions
The United States Equestrian Federation provides the structure for dressage team competitions for colleges and universities throughout the country. Riders compete as members of their college team. Points are awarded to individual riders and horses, but the winner is the team with the highest points overall. Schools fall into regions based on their physical location. Competitions between the schools within the region occur in local arenas. The championship team is the result of a series of competitions between the best of each region. Collegiate teams are typically self-funded. Riders and mounts must place well in a series of competitions. As part of a team, riders must be able to work with many different horses and perform consistently.
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