USDF/USEF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Competitions Technical Delegate Learning Module
The purpose of this Learning Module is to help direct USEF Technical Delegates through the complexities that make up USDF/USEF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Competitions. It is important for the TD who officiates at these competitions to be very familiar with their specific rules and protocol. This learning module has been created to serve as a reference/resource guide for that purpose.
USDF/USEF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Competitions The USDF/USEF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Competition Program is a USDF program that is run under USEF rules and USDF DSHB program rules. The Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Competition Rules are in the USEF rule book, Chapter DR Subchapter DR2 Rules DR201-211. If the issue is not specifically addressed in this Subchapter than the rules in Subchapter DR1 are applicable. There are also USDF DSHBCS rules that are in addition to the USEF rules.
A Breeding Competition May be held with any Licensed Dressage Competition. Can be held with any level of dressage competition. Can be held by themselves as Level 1 or 2 competitions.
DSHB Judges There are 26 DSHB judges. 15 of them are R judges and 11 are r. This number will change periodically. Either a r or R can be used in a regular DSHB show. Two USEF DSHB licensed judges must be used in the Breeders Finals and one must be an R. There are no exceptions to this even in the case of emergencies.
Personnel needed Federation licensed dressage technical delegate Manager and secretary (separate people are advisable) Either could compete HC if they designate an assistant Either could own horses competing Both must be current USDF PM or GM members Scribe for each judge Safety Officers/ring stewards at the gate(s) monitoring safe conditions for horses, handlers and spectators. Scorers/Ribbons-Awards Person/Announcer when possible. The competition veterinarian (if on grounds) must be available to the judge. A photographer would be nice for a SHBC but is required for Series Final Classes.
Facility/Arena specifications Triangle(s) ideally set up in an enclosed arena. A tent for the judge(s) and scribe(s) with chairs and a table would be good if it can be arranged and there is room. This will allow a little relief from the elements if the competition is outdoors. A scoring tent near the competition ring will help expedite scoring. In Gate and Out Gate configuration should be separate if at all possible. Separate warm up areas for fillies/mares and colts/stallions are recommended. If there is only one warm up area, staggering the classes so that the boys and girls are not in the same area at the same time is recommended.
Supplies/Forms Score sheets make sure that the competition has the correct score sheets for each type of class. Scoring capability this should be done by the competition ring so that ribbons can be presented in a timely fashion. Ribbons/Awards have they been brought to the ring? Clipboards/Pens/pencils Calculators Wrist bands or other means of identification
Score Sheets Can be found at this address: http://www.usdf.org/docs/showflash/web/tests/instructionsfords HBscoresheets.pdf Make sure that the competition has the correct score sheets for each class and are utilizing them. Be familiar with what should be used so that you can problem solve if necessary. Scoresheets are different colors: Prospects are yellow Breeding Stock is pink Sport Horse Group is blue Sport Horse Prospects U/S are green Materiale is ivory Championship is tan
Score sheets specs & req. 1. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (In-Hand) Individual Scoresheet (yellow) Use one sheet per entry Must use for all horses in Individual Breed Classes (IBC s) 2. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (In-Hand) Master Class Scoresheet (yellow) To be used by scorers and/or judge (for keeping track of individual scores, ties, etc.) 3. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stock (In-Hand) Individual Scoresheet (pink) Use one sheet per entry 4. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Stock (In-Hand) Master Class Scoresheet (pink) To be used by scorers and/or judge (for keeping track of individual scores, ties, etc.) 5. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Group Individual Scoresheet (blue) Use one sheet per entry (an entry is one group; the number of horses in each group may vary) 6. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Group Master Class Scoresheet (blue) To be used by scorers and/or judge (for keeping track of individuals scores, ties, etc.) 7. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (Under Saddle) Individual Scoresheet (green) Use one sheet per entry * This sheet is to be used only in small under saddle classes where it is desirable and practical to return an individual scoresheet to each entry.
Scoresheets 8. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Prospects (Under Saddle) Master Class Scoresheet (green) To be used by scorers and/or judge (for keeping track of individual scores, ties, etc.) * This sheet to be used in large under saddle classes where it is not practical to return an individual scoresheet to each entry, or in classes where horses will be placed, with no actual scores awarded. It is not required to give movement and conformation scores in under saddle classes. 9. USDF Materiale Score Sheet (ivory) - Use one sheet per class. Must be used for Materiale classes. 10. USDF Dressage Sport Horse Championship Class Sheet (tan) MUST be used to list horses qualified to enter championship classes. A copy of this sheet with pertinent information completed must be provided to the judge(s) at the beginning of each championship class. Judges must mark champion, reserve champion and third place reserve using this score sheet. The Place column on the right of the sheet is for the Championship class, not for the class from which the horses qualified. Please note that although these sheets provide a space for entering the prior score (from the qualifying class) of each entry, shows are not required to transfer this information, and may choose to leave the space blank. If the previous score is listed, it is to be used by the judge(s) for reference only, not for placing the class. USEF rules require that all entries must be re-judged in the same manner, in all Championship classes. 11. USDF Amateur Handler Use one sheet per entry Required for use in amateur or Jr/YR handler classes per USEF DR 204.2.g 12. Scoresheets are not required for Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse classes.
Master Class Scoresheet This score sheet can be used by the scorers in determining class places and judges in breaking any ties. One copy of this score sheet should be provided to the judge for each Dressage Sport Horse Prospect (in hand) class.
Championship Class Sheet If prior scores are transferred to a Championship class sheet, they may be used for reference only, and never for the purpose of placing classes.
Materiale Scoresheet Procedures for holding the Materiale classes are on the back of the score sheet. Read this information carefully.
Amateur Jr/YR Handler classes Amateur and/or Jr/YR Handlers classes may be offered. Amateurs must have current USEF amateur certification. Stallions are permitted unless prize list states otherwise. A whip assistant is allowed.
Pony Classes Ponies of the opposite sex can be shown together. Limited to ponies with cards. If the pony does not have a measurement card, the pony (if 3 or over) will need to be measured. If the pony is under the age of 3, measurement is prohibited but rather the owner must present evidence that: Sire and/or dam (either or both) are registered with a pony breed, or Sire and/or dam have valid USEF Pony Measurement Cards.
Triangle The size of the triangle can be smaller to meet local conditions but the back side of the triangle must be at least 25 meters in length and the two sides must be at least 20 m. in length. It is safer to have the triangles set up inside another arena with walls and gates. If a horse should get loose, it will be easier to contain them.
Building the Triangle Decorative fencing, plants or flowers are allowed to mark the corners of the triangles. Cones, dressage letters, potted flowers or plants can be utilized. Rails can be used to denote the sides of the triangles but are not as safe, as they may be stepped on and roll and make it hard to see the horses footfalls.
Building the Triangle The back corners of the triangle need to be enough distance from the back arena wall in order to allow the horses/handlers braking and turn radius time without being in danger of hitting the wall.
Building two Triangles Great care needs to be utilized in setting two triangles in one arena area. They must be far enough apart that the horses will never meet as they trot on their triangles. Utilizing a partition or fence between them would be advisable.
Safety Officer The competition must appoint a safety officer. This person is responsible for safety issues in the warm up areas. The judge is responsible for safety in the competition arena. Safety Officers must ensure that all handlers have proper identification (usually wristbands) and helmets before entering the competition arena.
Handler vs. Handlers Handler Any person who holds, walks, or trots a horse while it is being judges in the competition area or ring for any In-hand, Group or Championship class. Assistant Handler any person, other than the Handler, who holds or walks a horse in the competition area or ring during a class, whether or not it is being judged. An Assistant handler is permitted only for call-backs after In-Hand or Group classes, for Championships and for handling non-competing mares or foals which accompany another entry in the competition ring. Assistant Handlers may not show a horse at the trot (except for horses not being judged but accompanying a mare or foal that is being judged). Whip Assistant any person, other than the handler or assistant handler who accompanies a horse into the arena.
Helmets Handlers, assistant handlers and whip assistants of any age must wear protective headgear as defined by this rule and otherwise in compliance with GR801 while handling or assisting in the competition ring. Any handler or assistant violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further participation until such headgear is properly in place. Protective headgear is defined as a riding helmet which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted.
Membership Requirements - Handlers Handlers are exempt from USDF membership. Handlers must be a USEF member or pay a Show Pass Fee. Assistant Handlers are exempt from both USDF and USEF memberships. Only handlers or assistant handlers may act as whip assistants in the competition ring. No handler or assistant handler under age fourteen is permitted to handle two or three your old colts, or stallions of any age.
Handler Entry & Release Form The USEF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Handler/Assistant Handler Entry & Release Form is available on the USEF website. https://www.usef.org/documents/international/dressage/entry&disclaimerform.pdf All handlers & Assistant Handlers must sign the form before getting a wristband (or other means of identification) and handling horses. See form on next slide.
Handler/Assistant Release Form
Wristbands or other identification All handlers, assistant handlers and whip assistants* entering the competition ring must be identified with a wristband or other form of identification to ensure each individual has signed an entry form and/or separate hander/assistant handler release form. *only handlers or assistant handlers may act as whip assistants in the competition ring. Wristbands or other types of identification for handlers and assistant handlers must be of a type not transferable to another person. Competition areas must be monitored by ring stewards to ensure that only eligible handlers of any type are permitted to enter the arena. This means that anyone in the holding area should have a wristband on as when it comes time for the horse(s) to enter the arena, stopping a handler who does not have proper identification can and will be problematical. Handlers should not be allowed in to the arena without having signed the handler release form.
Warm Up or Holding Areas Mares and Stallions must stay on their designated sides of the warm up area. Foals of the current year accompanied by their dams must be on the mare side on the warm up area. Geldings are male horses and follow the stallion rules. They will be on the boy side. If you allow one gelding to stay in with the mares, more will follow. Stick to the rules.
Warm up One horse, one handler ALWAYS!!!!!!!! Including mares with foals. It is wiser to have the rule that all handlers in the warm up area must be wearing wristbands as it properly identifies them and prevents an undocumented person acting as a handler and being admitted to the competition arena at the last minute.
In Gate & Out Gate If possible, having different in/out gates will be the safest arrangement. If you do not have separate gates make sure that the traffic flow through the gate is safe with ingoing on one side and outgoing on the other.
Entry into the competition arena What stops an entry from going in the ring? If an entry is not on the class sheet, they do not enter the arena. This is of particular importance for the USDFBC Finals classes. If a handler does not have a wristband (identification). If a handler does not have a helmet on.
Unauthorized Assistance Will cause elimination of the competitor. Any intervention by a third party with the object of facilitating the task of the competitor including voice, signals, etc. is considered illegal assistance. Loud, snapping whips or other disruptive noise making devices are not permitted in the warmup or competition arena. If this is happening or is reported to you, you must investigate and if found to be true, take the incident to the judge and competition management. It could be cause for elimination of the competitor/horse.
HORSE REGISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY (DSHB IN-HAND CLASSES) All horses must have either a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR) or USDF Horse Identification Number (HID), and submit identification information. Exemptions from above: Horses competing only in Individual Breed Classes (IBCs) at DSHB competitions, sires and dams of horses in DSHB group classes, where those sires or dams are not actually competing in the same competition, horses competing only in breed restricted dressage or DSHB classes at regular competitions (e.g. all Arabian, all Friesian, all Morgan classes, etc
USDF Registration USDF Horse Registration Form
Membership Requirements - Owner DSHB Classes: If held at a regular competition, the owner must be a USEF and USDF member or pay the USEF Show Pass fee. If the class is at a Breeders Series Qualifying competition, the owner is not required to be a USDF member and does not pay the NM fee. The same applies for USEF membership. Series Final Classes: The owner must be either a Participating Member (PM) or Business Member (BM). They must also have a USEF membership or pay the USEF Show Pass fee. It is the responsibility of the horse owner to ensure that their USDF membership and USDF horse registration are correct and current prior to the start of the series final class.
Entries Each horse entered in a group class must have an individual entry form completed and on file with the competition secretary, even if the horse is not competing in other classes. USEF fees and at least a USEF HID must be submitted for each horse in a group entry. Mares may not compete under saddle or in Materiale classes after their eighth month of pregnancy or within three months after foaling. Any and all handlers (including Assistant Handlers) of horses in the competition ring are required to sign an entry/release forms. Only handlers and assistant handlers may act as whip assistants in the competition ring. It is very important that all have signed release forms. No rider under the age fourteen is permitted to handle two or three yr. old colts or stallions of any age. No rider under the age of fourteen is permitted to ride a three-year old colt, or stallion of any age, in any under saddle class including Dressage Sport Horse Prospect Under Saddle, Materiale and Suitability classes.
Unusual class protocol Any competition may offer classes not specifically listed in the USEF Rule Book, such as specific Individual Breed Classes (IBC), classes for locallybred horses, etc. USDF scoresheets must be used for such classes and they must be conducted in accordance with USEF rules. Any and all DSHB classes, even if not listed by name in the USEF Rule Book, which are held at USEF licensed competitions, are recognized classes, and must be conducted according to USEF Dressage Sport Horse Breeding rules, unless the rules specifically allow the organizer to vary the conditions. In such case, any variation in rules and conditions must be listed in the prize list.
Class Protocol Judges call Shows are advised to contact judge(s) after entries close, and before scheduling the show, in order to determine individual preferences in judging and conduct of classes, as USEF rules specify that the judge(s) not management, will determine certain procedures. For instance, it is helpful to determine, in advance, if judges will recall a group of horses in a class after each horse has shown individually. When two or more judges officiate in a class, they may choose to judge individually, or as a group, and may need individual scribes or will use only one scribe. The number of scoresheets needed will vary accordingly. Except in USDFBC Championship classes which must have two judges and they must judge separately.
Bit and Saddlery Inspections Bit and saddlery inspections, as described in DR121.9, are not required nor are advised for DSHB classes. When close inspection of saddlery, equipment or bits is required in order to determine compliance with these rules, a steward or TD must accompany a horse to its stall to inspect such items when they are removed from the horse. If you feel something is wrong, go back to the stabling area with them.
Attire and Whips Conservative sports attire is recommended for handlers, assistant handlers and whip assistants. (See General Rules, GR801.1) Handlers, assistant handlers and whip assistants of any age must wear protective headgear as defined by this rule and otherwise in compliance with GR801 while handling or assisting in the competition ring. Any handler or assistant violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further participation until such headgear is properly in place. The harness must be secured and properly fitted. The handler, assistant handler and/or a whip assistant may each carry only one whip, or one standard lungeing whip (without attachments, i.e. plastic bags, etc.). Disruptive noisemaking devices are not permitted in the competition ring. There can not be whip attachments, loud snapping whips or disruptive noisemaking devices in the warmup areas.
Equipment and Turn-out Braiding is optional. Bridles (snaffle bits) are mandatory on all horses age two or older but are forbidden on foals and weanlings. Yearlings can have a halter or bridle on. Reins must be attached only to the bit, noseband optional. A split or single chain with a lead may be used instead of or in addition to reins, however a lead shank is required if reins are placed over the horse s neck and handler must hold the shank. Boots/bandages on the horse are forbidden during a class.
Under Saddle classes No rider under the age fourteen is permitted to ride a three-year old colt, or stallion of any age, in any under saddle class including Dressage Sport Horse Prospect Under Saddle, Materiale and Suitability classes. A rider may ride only one horse in any Materiale class or other under saddle class. Horses entered in the under saddle classes are not required to have shown in any in-hand or group classes. Classes for the same sex may be combined at the discretion of the management: Three-year-old fillies; Three-year-old colts and geldings; Four-year-old and older mares; Four-year-old and older stallions and geldings; Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse may also be offered as per DR131. Dress must conform to DR 120. Saddlery and Equipment must conform to DR 121 except that all horses must compete in a snaffle bridle.
Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse Open to horses that have not competed in any test above the First Level that are under seven years of age. To be shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. To be judged on the horse s potential to become a Dressage mount. Horses are placed and no actual scores are awarded.
Materiale Test of Choice classes are never an option for offering Materiale classes. A rider may ride only one horse in any Materiale class. When two or more judges are officiating (except at Championships) they may agree to use the same score sheets or class cards and agree on each score before informing the scribe, or they may judge independently. Class cards, rather than individual score sheets, are permitted for Under Saddle and Materiale classes only. When Materiale classes are held at a Dressage Competition that offers only Dressage classes, or both Dressage and Dressage Sport Horse Breeding classes, they may be judged by any classification of USEF licensed Dressage judge. It is important to note that if Competition Management is holding Materiale Classes, each division must have its own class number. Holding separate divisions for the age/sex categories within a Materiale Class is not in compliance with the above rule. Scores earned by the exhibitors will not count if the class(es) is(are) not listed correctly in the prize list and in the submission of the results to USEF and USDF.
Materiale Classes - DR134 Horses will be evaluated according to the criteria listed on the USDF Materiale Class Scoresheet, and classes must be conducted according to the USDF Procedures to Host USDF Materiale Classes which is on the back of the scoresheet. Dressage Competitions may offer Materiale classes in the following categories: Three-year old Fillies, Three-year old Colts and Geldings, Four and Five-year old Mares, Four and Five-year old Stallions and Geldings. Classes for fillies and mares may be combined. Classes for fillies and mares may not be combined with classes for colts, geldings or stallions except in Championship classes.
IBC Classes Individual Breed Class (IBC) is open to individual horses who have registration papers with that specific registry. Any number of IBC classes may be offered. They do not count towards any USDF award. It is judged on the triangle with the same criteria as the normal in hand classes. USDF Sport Horse Prospect score sheets are utilized. These classes are often registry sponsored.
Breeders Championship Series
The Great American/USDF Breeders Championship Series program is designed to promote breeders and showcase quality sport horses. The USDFBCS is scheduled on a calendar year basis, which means that the USDFBCS competition year runs from January 1-December 31. Each series consists of at least three qualifying events in designated geographical areas of the United States, which lead to a final event in each series. A series must have a minimum of three qualifying events in order to host a series final competition, with series boundaries being determined by USDF. All entries for the Finals will be verified with USDF prior to the competition (unless they qualify at the competition). USDF will check for USDFBC qualification and membership status.
Championship Requirements Series Finals must be a minimum of a Level 2 competition. Manager and Secretary must be USEF and USDF (participating or group) members. Safety Coordinator for competition and safety officer for classes. Photographer is required. For Series Final classes, two judges must officiate separately with separate scribes. One of the two judges must be a USEF R DSHB judge. There are no exceptions even in the case of emergencies to this rule.
HORSE REGISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY (IN-HAND CLASSES) All horses entered in any USDFBC series qualifying class must have either a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR) or USDF Horse Identification Number (HID), and submit identification information. Horses must be entered in the finals class. Any horse participating in the series final classes must have a LHR with USDF. The HID fee will apply toward the LHR fee. It is very important to check entries early in these competitions to catch any issues.
Breed Registration Horses participating in USDFBC qualifying or final events are not required to be registered with any studbook; but if a horse is registered with any breed organization, the name of the breed, sire, dam, dam sire, and breeder must be given on the entry blank. It is strongly recommended that horses not registered with a breed registry be listed as unregistered. For unregistered horses competing in DSHB classes, the information is strongly recommended, if available.
Membership Requirements - Owner Qualifying Events: The owner is not required to be a USDF member and does not pay the NM fee. The same applies for USEF membership. Series Final Classes: The owner must be either a Participating Member (PM) or Business Member (BM). They must also have a USEF membership or pay the USEF non-member fee. All entries in the Finals should have been verified with USDF. If the horses qualified late/earned their qualification immediately prior to the series final classes, they may still be eligible. This means that a horse may qualify at the current competition and will move forward to the Series Final classes. Make sure that Horses/Owners have the correct memberships in place prior to entering the area for series final competition.
Membership - Handlers Handlers of any type are not required to have USEF or USDF memberships.
Qualifying Events A separate championship class must be held for all divisions, even those with one class or one horse in a class. For example if there is only one stallion in the stallion class, that stallion would show again in the Championship class. If there are two mares in the one mare class, both mares show back in the Mare Championship class. Horses should be shown in the walk and trot in the championship classes. No geldings may compete in the USDFBC classes for stallions even if they are gelded after qualifying for the finals.
Qualifying Exhibitors compete at qualifying events for the champions and reserve champion current year foal, filly, colt/gelding, mare and stallion of that qualifying show. Horses can also qualify by earning a 77% or higher in their respective DSHB classes.
Check the Prize List Review the prize list carefully. The management group may be very knowledgeable about what they are doing but conversely may not be either. It is better to catch problems well in advance of the actual competition days. In order to understand the required class structure for Breeders Series Qualifying and Championship classes you will need to carefully review the material at: http://www.usdf.org/docs/showflash/web/docsprizelist/usdfbcprizelist.pdf It is highly recommended that you download this material and carry it with you. A USEF DSHB R Judge is required with no exceptions even in the case of emergency. Two judges are required for the finals classes. One must be an R.
Ribbons and Awards Series Final Champion horses are awarded a cooler, plaque and neck sash. Series Reserve Champion horses are awarded a plaque and a neck sash. Check with management that they have the necessary ribbons and awards.
Checking entries for Sport Horse Breeding classes, Breeders Series Qualifying classes and Breeders Series Finals classes. The secretary needs to fully understand the membership and eligibility requirements for horses, owners, handlers and assistant handlers. USEF membership requirements for horse and owner USDF membership requirements for the horse and owner This includes such things as the use of the USEF Handlers Release
We hope that the Dressage Sport Horse Breeding classes and USDF Breeders Championship Series Learning Module has been helpful. It is our intention that this information will be accessible via the Education Page on the USEF Website so that it can be reached and utilized anytime especially when you are in the field at a competition and need an answer to a question.