NAWD GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITORS TABLE OF CONTENTS

NAWD GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITORS TABLE OF CONTENTS PART IV ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE AND GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITION MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITORS AND ASSOCIATED INDIVIDUALS PARA-EQUESTRIAN COMPETITORS PART V TESTS AND JUDGING GUIDELINES FOR WESTERN DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS TESTS FOR WESTERN DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS COLLECTIVE MARKS THE FIGURES THE LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENTS THE LATERAL MOVEMENTS DRESS SADDLERY AND EQUIPMENT TURNOUT EXECUTION AND JUDGING OF TESTS PART II RELEASE OF LIABILITY Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 1

PART III ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE AND GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITION Article I. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND REQUIREMENTS Section 1.01 BASIC MEMBERSHIPS (a) Basic members are those individuals who do not desire to participate in NAWD Licensed Shows. (b) Basic members are not eligible to participate as a NAWD Licensed Official or as a rider, owner, lessee, trainer, Show Manager or Show Secretary. (c) Fees for Basic memberships are free. PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS (a) Premium Members are those individuals who desire to be eligible to participate as a rider, owner, lessee, trainer, Show Manager or Show Secretary at NAWD Licensed Shows. (b) Premium Memberships are separated into the following divisions: ADULT, YOUTH and AMATEUR. (c) Individuals must be either Premium Members or Professional Members of NAWD in good standing to be eligible to participate as a rider, owner, lessee, trainer, Show Manager or Show Secretary at NAWD Licensed Shows. (d) The age of the individual as of January 1 st will be the age maintained the entire show year. (e) Premium Membership fees for all divisions are $25 per year. PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP COMPETITION DIVISIONS (a) ADULT DIVISION ELIGIBILITY FOR PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP ADULT DIVISION Section 1.02 Section 1.03 (i) 1) Adult Division Members are individuals who are 19 years of age or older as of January 1 st of the show year. 2) Adult Division Members are not eligible to compete in NAWD Youth Division classes. 3) Show management must inspect Adult Division Members NAWD issued Premium Adult Division Membership Cards or a photo-copy of Premium Adult Division Membership Cards before a Adult Division Member may enter a NAWD Licensed Show. (b) YOUTH DIVISION ELIGIBILITY FOR PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP YOUTH DIVISION (i) 1) Youth Division Members are individuals who are 18 years of age and younger as of January 1 st of the show year. 2) Youth Division Members are not eligible to compete in NAWD Adult or Amateur Division classes. 3) Show management must inspect Youth Division Members NAWD issued Premium Youth Division Membership Cards or a photo-copy of Premium Youth Division Membership Cards before a Youth Division Member may enter a NAWD Licensed Show. (ii) SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR YOUTH DIVISION MEMBERS 1) Stallions are prohibited in all classes within the Youth Division. (c) AMATEUR DIVISION (i) APPLICATION FOR AMATEUR MEMBERSHIP 1) Individuals requesting membership in the Amateur Division must provide NAWD with a NAWD Application for Amateur Membership. Individuals who file an application for Amateur Membership which contains false, deceiving or untruthful statements shall be grounds for disciplinary action by NAWD. 2) There is no fee for submitting an Application for Amateur Membership. (ii) ELIGIBILITY FOR PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP AMATEUR DIVISION 1) An amateur must be at least 19 years of age on or before January 1 of the year of application. 2) Amateur members are no longer eligible to compete in NAWD Youth Division classes. 3) An amateur is an individual that participates in Western Dressage either competitively or recreationally, not as a professional or for payment (either monetary or otherwise). Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 2

4) An amateur cannot have either directly or indirectly received payment or remuneration for showing, training, or assisting in the training of any horse (whether or not the horse trained is trained for or shown in Western Dressage), nor judged any horse show or conducted clinics or seminars for payment or remuneration for a total of five calendar years previous to the application for amateur membership. Other services not aforementioned, such as farrier, groom, veterinarian, breeder, author, facility owner, show manager, show secretary, show videographer, etc. or conducting clinics or seminars for non-profit organizations without payment or remuneration shall not affect amateur membership status. 5) Amateur members may accept payment or remuneration as an equi-therapy instructor or in conjunction with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) or similar organizations to provide education or therapy to students enrolled with an approved organization. Any amateur member excepted under this provision must file proof of such certification with NAWD along with the application for amateur membership. 6) An amateur may not hold credentials of horse show judge for any organization, group, club or association. 7) An amateur who is planning on engaging in activities which prevents continued amateur status must be reclassified as an Adult Division or Professional member before engaging in such activities or risk violation and penalties of pursuant to Section VII of this Rule Book. Notification of request to change membership status from Amateur to Adult Division must be made to NAWD in writing. 8) Accepting prize money or other prizes offered by shows, Licensed or otherwise, does not constitute a violation or revocation of amateur status. (iii) COMPETING AS AN AMATEUR 1) Show management must inspect Amateur Division Members NAWD issued Premium Amateur Division Membership Cards or a photo-copy of Premium Amateur Division Membership Cards before an Amateur Division Member may enter a NAWD Licensed Show. (iv) FALSE REPRESENTATION AS AN AMATEUR 1) An individual who competes as an amateur and does not comply with the above eligibility requirements for amateur status will be deemed guilty of a violation of Section VII of this Rule Book, will be subject to applicable penalties and all awards, points or prize money won under false representation as an amateur will be returned to the show(s). 2) Protests or charges in regards to an individual s amateur status shall be handled according to Section VI of this Rule Book. 3) The holding of an amateur card is not evidence that an individual is or is not guilty of false representation of amateur status. 4) Any person found guilty of misrepresentation as an amateur will be subject to disciplinary action under Part VII of this Rule Book. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS (a) Professional Members are individuals who desire to receive advertising support and promotion as a professional in addition to being eligible to participate as a NAWD Licensed Official or as a rider, owner, lessee or trainer at NAWD Licensed Shows. (b) To be eligible to participate as a rider, owner, lessee or trainer at NAWD Licensed Shows, persons must be either Premium Members or Professional Members of NAWD in good standing. (c) Every person competing in a class in the Adult Division must possess a current Adult Division Premium Membership card or Professional Membership card issued by NAWD. Show management must inspect this card or a photo-copy at any show entered. (d) The age of the individual as of January 1 st will be the age maintained the entire show year. (e) Professional Membership fees for all divisions are $100 per year. ELIGIBILITY (a) Professional Members are individuals who are 19 years of age or older as of January 1 st of the show year. (b) Professional Members are not eligible to compete in NAWD Youth Division or NAWD Amateur classes. Section 1.04 Section 1.05 Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 3

Article II. EFFECTIVE DATE OF MEMBERSHIP Section 2.01 EFFECTIVE DATE OF MEMBERSHIP Membership is effective the date the correct application and fees are received in the NAWD office, which includes applications submitted online at any NAWD Licensed Show. Article III. ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE Section 3.01 GENERAL (a) Western Dressage classes are open to riders on horses, ponies, or mules of any origin. Western Dressage shows may not offer classes limited to any particular breed or origin. Stallions are permitted in all classes, except the Youth division. Stallions are prohibited to show with any rider under the age of 18. Mares may not compete after their eighth month of pregnancy or within 3 months after foaling. Horses with evidence of broken wind or complete blindness in both eyes are not permitted to compete. RESPONSIBILITY OF SHOW MANAGEMENT (a) If show management allows an individual(s) to compete without proper NAWD membership, show management will be held responsible and billed in the amount of that membership. RELEASE OF LIABILITY (a) As a condition of participation at an NAWD Licensed Show or event, each horse owner or lessee, competitor and trainer shall assume the risks of participation, and release and discharge NAWD, its officers, directors, representatives and employees from any and all liability, whenever or however arising, as to personal injury or property damage occurring as a result of participation in an event conducted by the show or on the show grounds thereof. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CAPABILITY TO PARTICIPATE (a) Neither NAWD nor Show Management shall have the responsibility nor duty to monitor possible physical or mental handicaps of competitors. However, if a condition of competitor s physical or mental disability comes to the attention of NAWD, the individual may be denied participation privileges in NAWD Licensed events until such time as he or she provides NAWD with sufficient evidence to establish physical or mental capability to participate and to ensure that there is not a significant risk to the health or safety of the individual and/or the other competitors entered in the show. RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE DIVISION ELIGIBILITY (a) Each member, horse owner, lessee or trainer involved in participation in NAWD Licensed events is charged with the ultimate responsibility to determine eligibility of persons competing with his or her horse by contacting NAWD regarding the current list of suspended or disciplined persons before authorizing such participation. Every person competing in a class at a NAWD Licensed Show must possess either a current NAWD membership card in their name, or must complete a membership application and pay for it at the show, which will be submitted with the show roster. Show management must inspect the membership card (or a photocopy) at any show the competitor has entered. If the competitor is a member but cannot produce the card (or a photocopy) at the show, a replacement form must be completed and a new membership purchased at the show prior to entering. This membership fee is non-refundable. HORSE AGE REQUIREMENTS (a) The horse s age is to be counted form January 1 st of the year of birth to January 1 of the current show year. (b) No horse may compete in any western dressage test if it is under thirty-six months of age (of foaling date) at the time of show. (c) Horses competing at Level 10 must be at least 7 years of age (d) Horses competing at Level 6 and above must be at least 6 years of age; LIMITATIONS ON CLASSES (a) No horse may be ridden more than once in any western dressage class (including separate divisions or sections of the same class). (b) Horses may compete in no more than one NAWD Licensed Show per day and are limited to a maximum of three classes per day. (c) Horses may compete in no more than two consecutive levels, freestyle levels included, at any one show. Section 3.02 Section 3.03 Section 3.04 Section 3.05 Section 3.06 Section 3.07 Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 4

Article IV. GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITORS AND ASSOCIATED INDIVIDUALS Section 4.01 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMPETITORS (a) Every competitor, rider, and trainer must provide on the show entry blank, all information required under NAWD rules. A trainer is defined as any adult who has or shares the responsibility for the care, training, custody, condition, or performance of a horse and/or pony. A trainer can also be the owner or rider. The trainer must sign the entry blank of any NAWD Licensed Show. If an adult rider competitor has no trainer, he/she can sign be listed on the entry blank and sign as trainer without affecting amateur status. If a minor competitor has no trainer, then a parent, guardian or representative thereof must sign the entry blank and assume responsibility as trainer. Competitors are responsible for their own errors and those of their agents in the preparation of entry blanks. (b) The following credentials must be made available to show management. Shows may, at their discretion, confirm any of the below electronically with the NAWD Office: (i) Original or copies of NAWD membership cards (ii) NAWD Amateur Certification (where applicable) (c) If an individual is prevented from performing his/her duty of absolute responsibility for the condition of the horse, or is absent from the show, he/she shall immediately notify the show secretary, and appoint a substitute, and such substitute shall place his/her name on the entry blank. (d) An individual is absolutely responsible for a horse s condition if: (i) he/she designates himself/herself on the entry blank as competitor, or authorizes another to designate him as competitor on the entry blank; he/she designates himself/herself on the entry blank as owner or lessee, or authorizes (ii) another to designate him as owner or lessee on the entry blank; (iii) he/she physically participates in the event by competing with the horse; (iv) he/she is the trainer, having presented or caused to be presented the horse at the show grounds for competition. (e) Every person participating in any NAWD Show Licensed by NAWD is subject to NAWD s Bylaws and Rules as included in the NAWD Rule Book and is responsible under the rules for their own acts and failures. (f) Dogs be on a leash under the direct control of a handler or contained in a kennel or other secure enclosure. Individuals may not lead dogs on a leash while mounted. Dog owners are solely responsible for any damages, claims, losses or actions resulting from their dogs behaviors. Dog owners failing to comply with this rule may be subject to penalties. (g) Minors who do not have a valid driver s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle of any kind while on the show grounds of NAWD Licensed Shows. Minors who have a valid temporary license may operate the above described motorized vehicles as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver s license. If an accident occurs on the show grounds that involves a minor operating a motorized vehicle in violation of this rule, the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian is solely responsible for any damages, claims, losses or actions resulting from that operation. Violations of this rule will be cause for sanctions against the parent(s), guardian(s) and/or trainer(s) who are responsible for the child committing the offense. Penalties may include expulsion of the child, parent(s), guardian(s), and/or trainer(s) from the show grounds for the remainder of the show and charges being filed against any of the above individuals. Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule. Section 4.02 CONFLICT AND DUALITY OF INTEREST (a) A competitor must disqualify themselves if the judge has a connection with an owner, competitor or anyone else connected with the competitor or horse, or if such connection would appear to others of possible bias. (b) A competitor must disqualify himself/herself if the horse is owned, leased, or connected in any capacity to a member of the judge s immediate family or lives in the judge s household. (c) A competitor must disqualify himself/herself if the judge has acted as an agent, or is representing in any capacity a rider of a horse in any class. (d) A competitor must disqualify himself/herself if the judge has been the owner, lessee, trainer, Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 5

agent in any capacity, or rider of that horse within the previous three months. (e) If a competitor has withdrawn from a class or classes that the judge cannot objectively judge without bias or other influence, his/her entry fee shall be refunded and it is not to compete. Article V. PARA-EQUESTRIAN COMPETITORS Section 5.01 ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE AS A PARA-EQUESTRIAN (a) Requirements for para-equestrian competitors are as follows: (i) Individuals with disabilities, who require the use of compensatory aids or adaptive equipment, must hold a Dispensation Certificate, International Para-Equestrian Classification Care (FEI PE Card) or USEF Para-Equestrian Classification Card. (ii) A copy of a rider s Dispensation Certificate or Card which lists all of his or her allowed compensating aids and adaptive equipment must be included with the rider s entry, with a copy attached to each of their western dressage tests for the judge s reference. A copy must remain with the entry records. (iii) Riders who do not submit a current USEF Dispensation Certificate, USEF or FEI Para- Equestrian Classification Card (FEI PE Card) to the show secretary cannot compete with any modifications, compensatory aids or dispensations of the NAWD rules. PART IV TESTS AND GUIDELINES FOR WESTERN DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS Article I. TESTS FOR WESTERN DRESSAGE SHOWS Section 1.01 GENERAL (a) North American Western Dressage (NAWD) approves and issues tests for use at licensed western dressage shows in the United States. Tests cannot be modified or simplified without the approval of NAWD. Section 1.02 OBJECTIVES AND STANDARDS OF NAWD LEVELS (a) (b) (c) LEVEL 1: FOUNDATION A horse with a quality foundation demonstrates a willing partnership with the rider, a confident attitude and expression and looseness and relaxation throughout the body. The rider encourages the horse to move freely forward in a steady tempo and rhythm with an independent seat and soft contact. Movements: free walk, medium walk, working jog/trot, 20m (66 ) circle, halt through medium walk, trot may be ridden sitting or rising, all work is performed with two hands in a snaffle bit. LEVEL 2: COMMUNICATION Quality communication is demonstrated by the horse s lack of resistance to clear, subtle and effective aids from the rider and a confident expression. As communication improves, the horse is able to show greater balance and straightness in elementary movements. New movements: working lope/canter, stretching circle at jog/trot. Trot may be ridden sitting or rising, all work is performed with two hands in a snaffle bit. LEVEL 3: PARTNERSHIP Partnership is developed as the connection between horse and rider improves. The rider encourages impulsion from the hind legs, through the back and to a soft contact with the bit. The horse responds to the rider s requests with enthusiasm, concentration, straightness and balance. New movements: 10m half-circles at jog/trot, lengthen stride at jog/trot and lope/canter, 15m circles at lope, canter. Trot may be ridden sitting or rising, all work is performed with two hands in a snaffle bit. Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 6

(d) (e) LEVEL 4: THROUGHNESS The rider s influence over the horse s overall balance, straightness and degree of engagement is increased, creating a greater degree of suppleness, adjustability, and self-carriage as required for more challenging lateral movements and development of the collected gaits. New movements: collected trot, collected canter, 10m circle at canter, medium trot and canter, shoulder-in, counter canter, giving the inside rein on a circle (both reins for onehanded riding), and rein-back. All jog/trot work must be ridden sitting, unless specified. One or two handed riding is permitted with a snaffle or curb. LEVEL 5: FINESSE Communication between horse and rider has reached a greater level of finesse, with soft and subtle aids. The horse has achieved a greater degree of impulsion, self-carriage and straightness as required for improved balance and increased engagement in the collected through extended gaits. New movements: extended walk, extended trot, extended canter, half-pass in trot, single flying change of lead, rein back, giving of the rein at canter. All jogtrot work must be ridden sitting. One or two handed riding is permitted with a snaffle or curb. (f) LEVEL 6: HARMONY Horse and rider perform in harmony with nearly imperceptible aids, showing an increased degree of balance, suppleness and self-carriage, a definite lightness of the forehand and increased engagement of the hindquarters. New movements, collected walk, very collected canter, 8m passade, shoulder-in on centerline, and counter change of hand in trot. All jogtrot work must be ridden sitting. One or two handed riding is permitted with a snaffle or curb. (g) LEVEL 7 (h) LEVEL 8 (i) LEVEL 9 (j) LEVEL 10 (k) OTHER TESTS (i) In addition to NAWD tests, western dressage shows may use other tests but these must be included in the prize list sent to all competitors. All western dressage classes must abide by NAWD rules. (ii) Tests specifically written for Para Equestrians may be ridden only in classes that are limited to Para Equestrians. Article II. COLLECTIVE MARKS Section 2.01 THE GAITS OF THE HORSE JUDGING THE GAITS (i) The gaits of the horse should be free, unconstrained, pure and elastic, with a clearly defined tempo and rhythm, and should cover the ground with great fluidity, lightness, regularity and ease of motion. The horse s body should be loose and supple with an alert and attentive attitude. The horse s entire way of moving should be united, flexible, supple, even and well balanced. The horse s evenness and balance allows him to move in absolute straightness on straight lines and with an even bend that matches the curvature of the line on which he is traveling. The gaits should be lively and active, their quality being maintained through proper and progressive athletic development, and never giving the impression of having developed unnaturally or through artificial means. The gaits should never have the appearance of being tense, quick, resistant or abrupt, nor should the gaits appear labored, lethargic, or fatigued. (a) (b) THE HALT (i) The horse should come to a halt without tension or resistance, and without forceful rein aids. The horse the horse should stand motionless and quietly with the weight distributed equally over all four feet and set squarely under the horse s body. The horse should be balanced and focused, engaged and straight, and eager to perform at the rider s direction. The horse should be on the bit, Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 7

with a light and soft contact with the rider s hands. The poll should be the highest point of the neck and the head on the vertical or slightly in front of the vertical. The transition to the halt should be prompt but not abrupt, obtained by the displacement of the horse s weight on the hindquarters. The horse s feet should not slide against the ground before or during the transition to the halt. (ii) The quality of the gaits prior to and immediately following the halt shall be incorporated into the judge s assessment of the halt. (c) THE WALK (i) The walk is a 4 beat gait with equal intervals between the beats. The pattern of footfalls is as follows: left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore. The regularity of the tempo and rhythm of the walk must be maintained in all walk movements. Deviations in the pattern of footfalls or irregularity in rhythm is a serious fault of the gait. The steps should not become hurried or irregular, and the horse s body should be loose, supple, and balanced, moving freely and without tightness. Transitions into and out of the walk should be performed in a relaxed and focused manner, without hesitation or tension. The rider should maintain a following seat and hand so as not to disrupt the natural (ii) movement of the horse. (iii) The quality of the walk is judged by the regularity of tempo and rhythm and elasticity of the steps. The same rhythm and balance should be maintained in all variations of the walk. (iv) The following walks are recognized: collected walk, medium walk, extended walk and free walk. 1) COLLECTED WALK The horse moves purposely forward with the joints of the limbs distinctly flexed, with shorter strides and greater activity. The horse is on the bit, with the neck raised and the head on or slightly in front of the vertical with a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The hindquarters are well engaged and the horse s body moves forward energetically and in selfcarriage. 2) MEDIUM WALK The horse moves forward in a regular rhythm with moderate lengthening of stride, with the hind feet touching the ground further under the body than is seen in collected walk. The horse is on the bit, with the neck slightly raised and the head on or slightly in front of the vertical with a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The horse should walk with marching and determined steps. 3) EXTENDED WALK The horse s steps cover as much ground as possible without losing the regularity of the tempo and rhythm of the walk. The hind feet touch the ground further under the body than is seen in the collected, medium, and free walks. The horse is on the bit, with the neck slightly stretched and the head in front of the vertical, maintaining a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. 4) FREE WALK The horse is allowed complete freedom to lower and stretch the head, neck and back, showing a moderate lengthening of stride. The head should be in front of the vertical and the hind feet touch the ground further under the horse s body than in the collected and medium walks. THE JOG/TROT (i) The jog/trot is a two beat gait on alternating diagonal limbs (left hind and right fore simultaneously, followed by the right hind and left fore) separated by a moment of suspension. The regularity of the tempo and rhythm of the jog/trot must be maintained in all jog/trot movements. Deviation in the pattern of footfalls or irregularity of the rhythm is a serious fault of the gait. The jog/trot should be free, active and loose, and transitions into and out of the jog/trot should be performed in a relaxed manner with suppleness through the horse s body and without hesitation or tension. (d) (ii) All jog/trot work is to be executed sitting unless otherwise specified in the test. (iii) The quality of the jog/trot is judged by the regularity of tempo and rhythm and the elasticity of the steps. The same rhythm, tempo and balance should be maintained in all variations of the jog/trot. Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 8

(iv) The following jog/trots are recognized: collected jog/trot, working jog/trot, medium jog/trot and extended jog/trot. Both passage and piaffe are variations of the jog/trot. 1) COLLECTED JOG/TROT The horse moves purposely forward with the joints of the limbs distinctly flexed, with shorter strides and greater activity. The horse is on the bit, with the neck raised and the head on or slightly in front of the vertical with a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The hindquarters are well engaged and the horse s body moves forward energetically and in selfcarriage. 2) WORKING JOG/TROT The horse is balanced and on the bit, going freely with even and elastic steps and a moderate engagement of the hindquarters. The horse moves forward in a regular rhythm with moderate lengthening of stride, with the hind feet touching the ground further under the body than is seen in collected jog/trot. 3) MEDIUM JOG/TROT The horse moves forward in a regular rhythm with moderate lengthening of stride, with the hind feet touching the ground further under the body than is seen in working jog/trot. The horse is on the bit, with the neck slightly raised and the head on or slightly in front of the vertical with a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The horse should jog/trot with balanced and determined steps. 4) EXTENDED JOG/TROT The horse s steps cover as much ground as possible without losing the regularity of the tempo and rhythm of the jog/trot. The hind feet touch the ground further under the body than is seen in the collected, working, and medium jog/trots as a result of energetic impulsion from the hindquarters. The horse is on the bit, with the neck slightly stretched and the head slightly in front of the vertical and a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The forefeet should point towards the spot where the forefeet strike the ground. The diagonal pairs of limbs should be parallel at the point of greatest extension, and should appear neither forced nor unnatural. 5) PASSAGE The passage is a very collected and highly elevated variation of the jog/trot in which maximum suspension is shown between each diagonal pair of the horse s legs alternately touching the ground. Relaxation through the horse s body is paramount. While one diagonal is on the ground, the hind limb touching the ground should show pronounced engagement and flexion of the joints, the opposite hind limb should be raised so that the toe is slightly higher than the fetlock joint of the other hind limb and the forearm of the raised foreleg should be parallel to the ground, with the toe raised to be level with the middle of the cannon bone of the supporting foreleg. The impulsion is lively and highly active, the neck should be raised with the poll at the highest point and the head at or slightly in front of the vertical while remaining on the bit with a soft connection to the rider s hands. The gait should remain fluid and free, demonstrating clearly defined and regular tempo. Irregularity of the gait, swinging to the side or dragging of the legs, and quick or tense steps are serious faults. 6) PIAFFE The piaffe is a very collected and highly elevated variation of the jog/trot in which the horse gives the impression of moving forward while remaining in place. Relaxation through the horse s body is paramount. The hindquarters are very engaged and lowered showing a pronounced flexion of the joints. The forehand should be extremely light and free, showing a definite roundness and suppleness through the back, swinging powerfully and elastically as the horse alternates from one diagonal pair of legs to the other. While one diagonal is on the ground, the hind limb touching the ground should show pronounced engagement and flexion of the joints, the opposite hind limb should be raised so that the toe is slightly higher than the fetlock joint of the other hind limb and the forearm of the raised foreleg should be parallel to the ground, with the toe raised to be level with the middle of the cannon bone of the supporting foreleg. The steps may advance forward with steps less than or equal to the length of the horse s foot but may never move backwards. A lively and highly active Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 9

impulsion is present and the horse should demonstrate absolute balance over the alternating hind limbs. The neck should be raised with the poll at the highest point and the head at or slightly in front of the vertical while remaining on the bit with a soft connection to the rider s hands. The gait should remain fluid and free, demonstrating clearly defined and regular tempo. The horse should remain eager to move forward at the slightest indication of the rider. Irregularity of the gait, unclear steps, swinging to the side or dragging of the legs, widening the hind limbs, quick or tense steps or moving even slightly backwards are serious faults. (e) THE LOPE/CANTER (i) The lope/canter is a three beat gait which may be performed either on the left or the right lead, as specified on the test. The footfalls for the right lead lope/canter shall be left hind, right hind and left fore simultaneously, then the right fore, followed by a moment of suspension. The footfalls for the left lead lope/canter shall be right hind, left hind and right fore simultaneously, then the left fore, followed by a moment of suspension. The regularity of the tempo and rhythm of the lope/canter must be maintained in all lope/canter movements. Deviation in the pattern of footfalls or irregularity of the rhythm is a serious fault of the gait. The lope/canter should be free, active and loose, and transitions into and out of the lope/canter should be performed in a relaxed manner with suppleness through the horse s body and without hesitation or tension. (ii) The horse s body should be positioned slightly to the side of the leading leg. Each foreleg must travel on the same track as the hind leg on the same side. (iii) The quality of the lope/canter is judged by the regularity of tempo and rhythm and the elasticity of the steps. The same rhythm and balance should be maintained in all variations of the lope/canter. (iv) The horse should always remain straight when performing the lope/canter on straight lines. The following lope/canters are recognized: collected lope/canter, working lope/canter, (v) medium lope/canter and extended lope/canter. 1) COLLECTED LOPE/CANTER The horse moves purposely forward with the joints of the limbs distinctly flexed, with shorter strides and greater activity. The horse is on the bit, with the neck raised and the head on or slightly in front of the vertical with a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The hindquarters are well engaged and the horse s body moves forward energetically with a light, raised forehand and in self-carriage. 2) WORKING LOPE/CANTER The horse is balanced and on the bit, going freely forward with even and elastic steps and a moderate engagement of the hindquarters. 3) MEDIUM LOPE/CANTER The horse moves forward in a regular rhythm with moderate lengthening of stride. The horse is on the bit, with the neck slightly raised and the head on or slightly in front of the vertical with a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. The horse should lope/canter with balanced and determined strides. 4) EXTENDED LOPE/CANTER The horse s strides cover as much ground as possible without losing the regularity of the tempo and rhythm of the lope/canter. The horse should have increased energetic impulsion from the hindquarters. The horse is on the bit, with the neck slightly stretched and the head slightly in front of the vertical and a soft, light contact with the rider s hands. (f) TRANSITIONS (i) The changes of gait and pace should be clearly shown at the marker as outlined on the test; they should be quickly made yet must be smooth and not abrupt. The cadence of a gait or pace should be maintained up to the moment when the gait or pace is changed or the horse halts. The horse should remain light in hand, calm and the head should remain at or slightly in front of the vertical. Section 2.02 IMPULSION (a) Impulsion is the energetic propulsive energy generated by the hindquarters and is measured by the horse s apparent desire and eagerness to move straight, forward and controlled at the slightest indication of the rider. A horse showing adequate impulsion will engage the hocks underneath the Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 10

center of gravity and can only be shown to its greatest extent when channeled by the rider through a soft and swinging back to a soft hand. A horse with adequate impulsion will have enough forward energy in reserve at any gait such that a lengthening of stride is possible without further addition of energy. As the horse progresses through the levels, the flexion of the joints of the limbs increases as does the horse s swing and lift. Section 2.03 SUPPLENESS (a) The horse s body should be entirely soft, elastic and loose with a swinging back and an active engagement of the hindquarters. The degree of suppleness shall increase from level to level. As the horse progresses through the levels, the horse increases the weight load on the hindquarters and the impulsion generated by the greater degree of engagement is channeled through the horse s supple back and neck, and into a light contact with the bit. The horse s poll should be at the highest point of the neck with the head at or slightly in front of vertical, showing no resistance offered to the rider. Suppleness is required for and evidenced by the balance and equilibrium of the horse, and to increase the horse s ability to lower and engage his hindquarters thus bringing lightness and mobility to the forehand. Suppleness is only achieved through the progressive development of increasingly difficult lateral and longitudinal movements, but also through the rider s use of the seat and legs to engage the hind legs under the horse s center of gravity. A rider falsely attempting to create the appearance of a horse on the bit by using a resisting action of the hand and an inactive leg and/or seat will result in a shortening of stride that lacks suppleness. Section 2.04 HARMONY (a) The horse should display harmony by responding to the rider s requests willingly and with focus, confidence and keen attentiveness, performing each movement with a bright, smart and happy expression. The horse should give the impression of complete understanding and generous compliance to the guidance of the rider, responding without hesitation, calmly and with precision. The horse and rider should work together in a natural and harmonious partnership, such that the horse may be guided with nearly invisible aids. The degree of harmony is also manifested by the way the horse accepts the bridle, with a light and soft contact and supple back and neck, without resistance to the rider s hands. Putting out the tongue, placing the tongue over the bit as well as grinding the teeth and swishing the tail are generally signs of nervousness, tension or resistance and must be taken into consideration by the judge(s) in their marks for the movement as well as in the collective marks. (b) The horse s flexibility, balance and powerful impulsion are to gradually rise as the horse progresses from level to level. Each level should challenge the horse to an increasingly greater degree of athleticism and ability to channel the impulsion generated from the hind legs through the back, to the bit, and into the rider s receiving hands. Section 2.05 THE RIDER S POSITION AND AIDS (a) THE TORSO (i) The rider s body should appear comfortable, tall, relaxed and adaptable to the changing balance and movements of the horse, sitting squarely in the center of the saddle and absorbing the movement of the horse with a supple seat and back. (ii) The rider should not touch or brace the body against the saddle horn. (b) THE LEGS (i) The rider s legs should be steady and lay relaxed against the horse s barrel with a slight bend in the knee. (ii) The stirrup should be long enough to allow heels to be lower than the toes and the heels should be the lowest point. The stirrups should be gently supporting the ball of the rider s foot. (iii) The use of stirrups is required. (iv) Riders holding a Dispensation Certificate may ride without one or both stirrups or with special adaptive stirrups if their physical limitations require such and the equipment is listed on the Dispensation Certificate. (v) All horses must be ridden astride (one leg on each side of the horse s barrel). (c) RIDING WITH TWO HANDS (i) Riding with two hands is required whenever a snaffle bit is used. (ii) Riding with two hands is required at levels 1-3 and is optional at levels 4 and above. (iii) If riding with two hands, the reins must be crossed with the ends of the reins on the opposite Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 11

side of the neck. The reins may be bridged, and the rider may alternate between having no bridge in the reins to having either a full or partial bridge. (iv) The loose ends of the reins may drop onto the opposite side of the horse s neck. (v) The hands should be carried softly and steadily with the thumb at the highest point and a straight line from the rider s elbow to the point the reins attach to the bit. The elbows should be close but not held tightly to the body and the hands should gently move in an elastic manner as to follow the horse s movement. (d) RIDING WITH ONE HAND. (i) Riding with one hand is optional above level 4. The additional level of difficulty will be reflected in the collective marks. Riding with one hand is only permitted when using a curb bit. Curb bits are not permitted in (ii) levels 1-3. (iii) Riding with one hand is permitted in the Freestyle tests and also when leaving the competition arena following a test. (iv) One index finger shall be held between the reins and the ends of the reins must fall on the same side of the neck as the hand that is being used. (If you are holding the reins in the right hand, the loose ends fall to the right) Use of the free hand to alter the tension or length of the reins from the bridle to the reining hand is considered to be use of two hands. Excess rein may be moved or adjusted only at the halt. (v) (vi) Changing hands during a test is not permitted. (vii) Changing from riding with one hand to riding with two hands and vice versa during a test is not permitted. (viii) Riders holding a Dispensation Certificate may use one hand, bridged or special adaptive reins for use with one or no hand(s), if their physical limitations require such and the equipment is listed on the Dispensation Certificate. (e) APPLICATION OF AIDS (i) All of the movements should be performed with aids that are imperceptible and given without apparent effort. (ii) There shall always be the impression of a harmonious cooperation between horse and rider. (f) PROHIBITED AIDS (i) Spurs may not be used forward of the cinch. (ii) The use of the loose end of the reins to cue or strike the horse is not permitted. (iii) The use of the voice in any way whatsoever, including clicking the tongue or making other noises to encourage the horse to perform either once or repeatedly is a serious fault and shall result in the deduction of two points that shall be reflected in the errors portion of the test. Article III. THE FIGURES Section 3.01 THE CHANGE OF DIRECTION (a) During all changes of direction, the curvature of the horse s body should be equal to the curvature of the path of the horse s travel. Corners should be ridden as one-quarter of a volte, the size of which being determined by the level of the test being ridden (10 meters at Levels 1-3, 8 meters at Level 4-6, and 6 meters at levels 6-10. (b) Changes of direction can be performed in any of the following ways, as directed on the test: (i) Right angled turn (For example, riding through the corner (one-quarter of a volte) or B Turn left ) (ii) Short diagonal (For example, K-B Change Rein ) (iii) Long diagonal (For example, K-X-M Change Rein ) (iv) Half Voltes and Half Circles that result in a change of direction (v) Serpentine Loops that result in a change of direction (vi) Series of Half Passes with Change of Direction Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 12

Section 3.02 THE CIRCLES AND VOLTES (a) The volte is a circle of 6, 8 or 10 meters in diameter. Circles over 10 meters are referred to as circles. THE SERPENTINE (a) The serpentine has a determined number of loops that consist of half-circles connected by a straight line. When performing the straight line connecting the half-circles, the horse must be momentarily straight. When crossing the centerline, the horse should be parallel to the short side of the arena. Section 3.03 Article IV. THE LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENTS Section 4.01 SALUTE (a) At the salute, riders should take the reins in one hand and let the free hand hang down loosely while nodding the head in a slight bow. THE COUNTER- LOPE/CANTER (a) The counter-lope/canter is performed in collected lope/canter, in correct lope/canter sequence with the outside foreleg leading. In the counter-lope/canter, the horse s conformation does not permit his spine to be bent according to the curvature of the line on which he is travelling so it is acceptable to allow the horse to be positioned and bent in the direction of the leading leg. Each foreleg must travel on the same track as the hind leg on the same side. THE CHANGE OF LEAD THROUGH THE JOG/TROT (a) The loping horse is brought to the jog/trot for 3-5 strides, then transitioned into a lope/canter on the opposite lead. THE SIMPLE CHANGE OF LEAD (a) The loping horse is brought immediately to the walk for 3-5 strides, then transitioned immediately into a lope/canter on the opposite lead, showing no steps at the jog/trot. THE FLYING CHANGE OF LEAD AND TEMPIS (a) The flying change of lead is executed during the suspension phase which follows the last footfall in the stride of the lope/canter. (b) Tempis are flying changes of lead that are executed in a series at every 4 th, 3 rd, 2 nd or at every stride as determined in the test. Changes in a series shall be referred to as follows: (i) Changes every 4 th stride Four tempis (ii) Changes every 3 rd stride Three tempis (iii) Changes every 2 nd stride Two tempis (iv) Changes every stride One tempis (c) The horse remains relaxed, light, calm and straight throughout the flying change or series of flying changes, maintaining the same rhythm, tempo and balance throughout. When executed in a series, the degree of collection may be slightly less pronounced than otherwise required of the collected lope/canter to maintain fluidity and free forward movement. THE REIN BACK (a) In the rein back, the horse moves in a backwards direction in well-defined diagonal pairs, without a moment of suspension, and without dragging the feet. The direction of travel should remain straight. The steps should not be rushed or tense; and the horse s head should remain at or slightly in front of the vertical. (b) At the preceding halt as well as during the rein-back, the horse should remain on the bit maintaining his desire to move forward. (c) Anticipation of the rein back, resistance to or evasion of the rider s hand, quickness, uneven tempo or rhythm, deviation of the quarters from the straight line, spreading or inactive hind legs and dragging forefeet are serious faults. (d) If a jog/trot or lope/canter is required after a rein back the horse should move off immediately into this pace without a halt or steps of any other gait. (e) The rein back is executed in a prescribed number of steps, where the steps are counted as each foreleg moves backwards. Section 4.02 Section 4.03 Section 4.04 Section 4.05 Section 4.06 Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 13

Section 4.07 THE STRETCHING CIRCLE (a) The horse gradually takes the reins, stretching forward and downward with light contact, while maintaining balance, rhythm, tempo and quality of gait. GIVING OF THE REIN (a) A clear release of contact on the inside rein (or both reins when riding one-handed) where the horse maintains self-carriage, rhythm, tempo, straightness and quality of gait. Section 4.08 Article V. THE LATERAL MOVEMENTS Section 5.01 THE LEG YIELD (a) The leg yield is performed in collected or working jog/trot. (b) The horse should have a slight and even bend around the inside leg of the rider, away from the direction of movement. (c) The horse s inside legs pass and cross in front of the outside legs. (d) The leg-yield can be performed on a diagonal line, in which case the horse should be nearly parallel to the long sides of the arena, with the forehand slightly in advance of the hindquarters. (e) The leg-yield can be performed on the arena wall, in which case the horse should be at an angle of about 35 degrees to the direction in which it is moving. (f) The bend must be subtle so that it does not impede the balance of the movement. (g) The gaits should remain free and regular. (h) When viewed from the front or back, four tracks should be seen. THE SHOULDER- IN (a) The shoulder-in is performed in collected jog/trot. (b) To start the shoulder-in, the hindquarters remain on the track and the forehand is moved inwards. (c) The horse should have a slight and even bend around the inside leg of the rider, away from the direction in which it is moving, at a constant angle of approximately 30 degrees. (d) The horse s inside foreleg passes in front of the outside legs. (e) The horse s inside hind leg steps forward under the horse s body weight following the same track of the outside foreleg, thus maintaining the straightness of the haunches on the track that is being traveled. (f) If the shoulder-in is performed on the long side or on the centerline, the horse should be straightened after the shoulder-in, before turning or going into the corner. (g) If the movement that follows the shoulder-in is a circle at any point, or a turn left or right at any point other than the four corners of the arena or end of a centerline, the horse should not be straightened. (h) The bend must be subtle enough so that it does not impede the balance of the movement. (i) The gaits should remain free and regular. (j) When viewed from the front or back, three tracks should be seen. THE HAUNCHES-IN (TRAVERS) (a) Travers may be performed in collected jog/trot or collected lope/canter. (b) To start the Haunches-In, the forehand remains on the track and the hindquarters are moved inwards. After a circle, the hindquarters are not brought back to the track. At the end of the Haunches-In, the hindquarters are brought back to the track without any counter-flexion of the poll or neck. Section 5.02 Section 5.03 (c) The horse should have a slight and even bend around the inside leg of the rider in the direction in which it is moving. (d) The horse s outside hind leg passes in front of the inside hind leg. (e) The horse s outside hind leg steps forward under the horse s body following the same track of the inside foreleg, thus maintaining the straightness of the shoulders on the track that is being travelled. (f) The bend must be subtle enough so that it does not impede the balance of the movement. (g) (h) The gaits should remain free and regular. When viewed from the front or back, three tracks should be seen. Copyright North American Western Dressage 2012, All rights reserved. Page 14