General Information for Starter Rider Division

The term "Starter" applies to a rider only. This category was created to allow people who are new to dressage the opportunity to compete with peers. In ECRDA, a starter rider is one who has not shown in any open dressage class. Please note that this definition may be different in other organizations.

• The show season runs from November 1 of the previous year to October 31 of the present year.
• Any individual who has not competed in an open dressage test can elect to show as a starter in ECRDA. Once a starter rider competes in any open class at any dressage competition, they are then ineligible to enter future starter classes. Once a year-end championship is won at the starter level, the rider then must move up to the next level.
• Starter riders may only qualify for starter rider awards and are not eligible for any other awards.
• A starter rider may choose at any time to advance to open status. Only then can he/she compete for open division awards. Starter scores, up to that point, will be counted for starter high score awards. Once a rider has advanced, he/she cannot drop back and compete in the starter division again.
• Riders must be current ECRDA members at the time of showing for the scores to count for any of the starter rider division awards.
• Two levels in starter rider will be offered: Starter Walk/Trot (USDF Tests A and B) and Starter Walk/Trot/Canter (Training Level Tests 1 and 2)
• All shows will be governed by ECRDA rules. Should a discrepancy occur, AHSA/USAE rules will be reviewed and a final decision will be voted on by the current ECRDA Executive Board.
• All other requirements are explained in "General Information for Dressage Competitions" and "Rules for Dressage High Score Awards", and will be strictly adhered to.