• Riders will participate in dressage competitions at local, regional, and state levels.

• Riders will cultivate goal-setting abilities as well as other important traits, including a strong work ethic, good sportsmanship, patience, determination, communication skills, leadership, self-confidence, independence, and responsibility.

• Riders will gain a more comprehensive knowledge of every facet of horsemanship.

• Riders will build camaraderie with fellow riders.

• Set goals to achieve during the course of the competition season.

• Establish training goals that will enable them to achieve their competition goals.

• Horse shows and lessons help identify strengths and weaknesses and clarify goals. 

• The trainer’s primary focus is ensuring the safety of both horse and rider. Proper preparation is essential to maximize safety. Prioritizing safety enables everyone to enjoy the experience and achieve their goals.

• The trainer will determine the appropriate shows and divisions for the student to compete in, based on their riding skill level.

• The trainer will monitor sportsmanship skills and assist riders in grasping the concept of a subjective sport, encouraging them to define their own version of “winning.” 

• Riders must participate in at least one lesson each week and complete an additional 2 to 4 rides on their horse weekly.

• Riders are expected to arrive punctually for lessons, typically 30 minutes in advance, to adequately prepare themselves and their horses. 

• Show team riders will keep their horses, tack, and barn areas organized and cared for in a way that supports their training objectives.

• Riders who wish to compete in recognized shows must earn a minimum of two scores above 60% from two different unrecognized shows.

• Riders are responsible for joining the relevant organizations: WDAA, WDAGA, GDCTA, USDF, and USEF. While membership is not mandatory, failure to join may incur additional office fees at some competitions.

• Discuss the show schedule with your trainer and register for your preferred competitions in advance.

• Show Team riders know their horse is a true partner. Being ready for a competition begins months before show day with regular lessons, training, good nutrition, grooming, and exercise. Making sure your horse is well-groomed on show day is very important.

• Consistent daily grooming is ideal for keeping your horse’s coat in good condition and promoting healthy skin.

• Pack all belongings and load horses onto the trailer.

• Unload horses and equipment from the trailer.

• Return your clean and un-braided horse to their stall or pasture.

• Remove ALL muck from the trailer including loose hay, wet spots, and poop. Not cleaning the trailer is grounds for not showing with the team in the future.

(Note: Unloading is available for a limited number of students for a fee at each show)

Show Equipment Tack for the Horse:

• Saddle

• White Dressage Pad (cleaned ahead of time) or western show pads

• Bridle or Headstall

• Girth or Cinch

• Leather halter for shipping and shipping boots or wraps if necessary

• Sheets, coolers, and blankets for the horse depending on weather 

Care Equipment for the Horse:

• 2 plastic flat-back water buckets

• 3 double-ended snaps

• feed pan

• grain for the duration of the show

• electrolytes for summer shows (June-September)

Classical Riders:

• Dressage coat: black, navy, grey, or brown.

• White show breeches for riders

• Belt 

• Long/short sleeve riding blouse with collar

• Stock tie

• ASTM/SEI approved helmet

• Gloves

• Tall boots

• Hair under the helmet (hairnet, hair-tye, or other hair containment method)

• Spurs/Whip 

Western Riders:

• Suitable western hat OR protective headgear

• Long-sleeved shirt with any type of collar

• Nice jeans, trousers or pant (No holes or excessive wear)

• Belt 

• Gloves

• Spurs/Whip

• Optional apperal: inflatable vests, bolo ties, wild rags, chaps, Western styled half-chaps, shotgun chaps, chinks, or split riding skirt