Qualifying for Regional Championships: Why it’s important for a Professional to attend

As a dressage rider, qualifying for regional championships is a significant milestone in their competitive journey. But why is it important for professionals to attend, and how do you qualify?

To qualify, horse and rider combinations need to earn two qualifying scores at two different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions, judged by two different certified judges. 

Here's a breakdown of the requirements:

•  Qualifying Scores: The minimum scores vary by level and division. 

• Training Level (Test 3):

  • Open: 68%

  • AA/Jr/YR: 63% 

• First Level (Test 3):

  • Open: 66%

  • AA/Jr/YR: 62% 

• Second Level (Test 3):

  • Open: 64%

  • AA/Jr/YR: 61% 

• Third Level (Test 3):

  • Open: 62%

  • AA/Jr/YR: 60% 

• Grand Prix:

  • Open/AA/Jr/YR: 60%

•  Number of Shows: Two different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions. 

•  Judges: Two different certified judges

Additional Requirements

• USDF Membership: Riders and owners must be members in good standing with USDF to participate in regional championships.

• Horse Registration: The horse must have a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration

• To participate in USDF year end awards you also need a NEDA membership

What are USDF Region 8 Championships?

The USDF Region 8 Championships is a prestigious dressage competition that brings together top riders from the New England region who have qualified by achieving specific scores at shows throughout the year. These riders then compete against each other at the championships, showcasing their skills and horse partnerships. The event is part of the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships series, highlighting the best of dressage in each USDF region.

Why Attend Regional Championships?

Attending regional championships provides professionals with a platform to showcase their skills, gain experience, and benchmark themselves against top riders. 

It's an opportunity to:

• Validates the effectiveness of proper training methods: Test your training methods and see how they stack up against others.

• Gain exposure and build reputation: Showcase your skills and your horse's abilities, potentially leading to increased recognition and opportunities.

• Learn from others and refine techniques: Observe and learn from other riders, trainers, and horses, and refine your own techniques.

• Potentially qualify for national championships: Compete for a chance to advance to the national level and compete against the best.

• Networking opportunities: Meet other riders, trainers, and industry professionals, potentially leading to new connections, mentorship, or business opportunities.

• Competition experience: Gain valuable experience competing in a higher level environment, which can help prepare you for future events.

• Horse evaluation: Assess your horse's abilities and identify areas for improvement.

• Personal growth: Challenge yourself and your horse, building confidence and resilience.

• Benchmarking: Compare your performance to others in your region, helping you set realistic goals and track progress.

• Fun and excitement: Enjoy the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of fellow riders, and the opportunity to showcase your horse's talents.

In dressage competitions like the USDF Region 8 Championships, the quality of movement is the foundation upon which your scores are built. A horse's gaits, including their rhythm, elasticity, and athleticism, set the stage for the score followed by the execution of the movement. When judges evaluate a horse's performance, they're looking for movement that's not only correct but also showcases the horse's natural ability and training. The training pyramid is a fundamental concept in dressage training, consisting of:

1. Rhythm

2. Suppleness

3. Contact

4. Impulsion

5. Straightness

6. Collection

Each level builds upon the previous one, creating a solid foundation for horse and rider development. This pyramid helps trainers and riders prioritize and structure their training, ensuring a harmonious and effective partnership.

To all the Professionals out there:

- "What do you think is the most valuable aspect of attending or NOT attending regional championships as a professional?"

- "How has competing, attending or NOT attending regional championships impacted your career or business?"

- "What opportunities or benefits have you experienced as a result of attending regional championships?"

- "How do you think regional championships contribute to the growth and development of professionals in the industry?"

- “Do you think ‘the quality of the movement’ should set the stage of the test score?”