General Information for Dressage Competitions

Dressage Shows included in our ECRDA newsletter are conducted in accordance with the ECRDA and AHSA/USAE rules. Should a discrepancy occur, USEF/USDF rules will be reviewed and a final decision will be voted on by the current Executive Board of the ECRDA. Please be advised that it is the riders responsibility to be familiar with these rules! You may call the AHSA/USAE to order a copy of their rule book if you wish. ECRDA Championship Show Rules vary from the AHSA/USAE - please note the differences in this rule book under ECRDA Dressage Championships. All ECRDA Members are required to follow the rules and policies of any farm hosting an ECRDA Sanctioned Show.

Some of the most common rule questions are explained briefly here:

• A simple snaffle, regular cavesson, flash, figure-eight, or drop noseband are permitted. Twisted wire bits and bits combining copper with any other metal are not permitted.
• ***A rider must be attired according to AHSA/USAE rules for proper attire; i.e. light colored britches, boots, light colored shirt, dark jacket, and helmet. In case jackets are waived due to hot weather, no sleeveless shirts may be worn.
• ***Bandages, boots, blinders, martingales, draw reins, side reins, running reins, seat covers, earplugs, or artificial devices are not permitted. Lungeing with side reins, and riding or lungeing with boots, bandages, or a running martingale are permitted only in the warm-up area.
• Whips may be carried during a test but may not exceed 48" in length. (Including the ECRDA Championship Show)
• Spurs capable of injuring a horse are forbidden.
• Riders may have a reader. (Including the ECRDA Championship Show)
• ***Talking or clucking to your horse is not permitted; nor is speaking to another person while in the arena (that includes speaking to your reader).
• Committing four course errors, leaving the arena during the test, or marked lameness result in elimination.
• Horses may not be entered in classes differing by more than one level at any one show.
• A rider must enter the arena within 45 seconds of the judge's signal (usually a bell or whistle)
• Spectators should be no closer than 10' from the dressage arena.