For the 2020 Show Season our Schooling Show Awards Program will Function the same as the Recognized Division Awards
Year-end Awards Program and Show Rules
First Coast Classical Dressage Society
Horse and Rider Presentation Requirements
Year-end Awards Program
Championship Rules
Horse and Rider Presentation Requirements
Year-end Awards Program
Championship Rules
Horse and Rider Presentation Requirements
Dressage Challenge Schooling Show Attire:
1. Tall boots are required. They may be half chaps and paddock boots if matching, clean and of the same material
2. Breeches must be light colored and clean. White is preferred.
3. Conservative colored shirts with collars and sleeves (long or short) are required. Riding jackets are required in appropriate weather and may be black, brown, navy or grey.
4. A coordinating belt is required if breeches have belt loops.
5. Gloves are required and may be black, white, brown, navy or grey.
6. Horse’s manes are required to be braided for Championship Classes and the FEI Challenge. It is strongly recommended that manes are braided for non-Championship classes.
7. Saddle pads should be white or of a conservative color.
Dressage Challenge Schooling Show Tack Rules:
1. All tack must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
2. All spurs must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
3. All bits must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
4. All whips must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
5. The use of any equipment in the show arena that is not approved for competition will result in an immediate disqualification and forfeiture of class placing. It is the responsibility of the rider to assure their equipment is approved.
Dressage Deciphered Clinic Rider Attire:
1. Tall boots are required. They may be half chaps and paddock boots if matching, clean and of the same material
2. Breeches must be clean. Any color is accepted.
3. Shirts with collars and sleeves (long or short) are required.
4. A coordinating belt is recommended if breeches have belt loops.
5. Gloves are recommended and may be any color.
6. Saddle pads and leg wraps should of a conservative color.
Dressage Deciphered Clinic Auditor Attire:
1. Dress is “smart casual” or “country club casual”. (Neat and clean: blouses, shirts with sleeves, pants, skirts, etc.)
2. Open toe shoes / sandals are strongly discouraged.
Dressage Deciphered Clinic Tack Rules:
1. All tack must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
2. All spurs must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
3. All bits must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
4. All whips must adhere to USDF/USEF tack rules.
Society Year-end Awards Program
Basic Rules:
1. The awards year begins December 1st and is completed on November 30th.
2. For the Schooling show division; only the competitive rider needs to be an active riding member of the Society in order for the Rider/Horse combination to be eligible for year-end awards.
3. For the Recognized show division; both the competitive rider and the horse’s owner (if different) must be active members of the Society in order for the Rider/Horse combination to be eligible for year-end awards. The rider must have an active riding membership and the owner may have either an active riding membership or a Owner Membership.
4. Society Member Rider/Horse combinations riding in Society Schooling Shows and Region 3 Recognized Shows are eligible.
5. An Active Society Member Rider/Horse combination participating in the Recognized Show Division may apply Recognized Show scores obtained outside of Region 3 to year-end award placings when the following conditions are met.
a. The member must reside and compete outside of Regions 3 for all or a portion of the year
b. The member must have an active Riding Membership with the Society.
c. The member must actively support the Society by participating in at least 2 Society Equine Events or Social Affair Offerings in a calendar year, or participate in a Society Committee, or organize and offer Flash Membership events or affairs to the Society.
6. Each rider/horse team must declare if they will compete in the Schooling Show Division or the Recognized Show Division when completing their Membership Application. A rider/horse team may declare to compete in both the Schooling and Recognized divisions. Requirements for each division will need to be met separately.
7. Members participating in the Recognized Show Division must declare their Intent to Show Recognized prior to the show start date for scores to be included in year-end awards by completing the Recognized Rider Intent to Show Declaration Form or by emailing the Society show secretary.
8. Awards will be presented for Champion through twelfth place.
9. Current standings and Year-end placing are monitored for the Region 3 Recognized Show Group and the Society Schooling Show Group separately. Current standings are posted online for both the Schooling Division and the Recognized Division in the Members Only Section of the Website.
10. A minimum number of Mandated Service Hours are REQUIRED in order to be eligible for Year-end Awards
a. 8 hours of service is required
b. An opt out option is available for $50.00 for each membership year
c. Members offering service over and above the mandated 8 hours will receive Volunteer Hours.
d. An individual that does not wish to participate in the Year-end Awards Program may start to receive Volunteer Hours immediately.
e. Individuals are responsible for self reporting of hours served by completing the Mandated Service Hours Form or the Volunteer Service Hours Form. Only reported hours will be recorded.
11. There are Four Divisions for awards:
*Divisions may be combined pending Membership numbers. There will need to be 3 or more in each divisions for those divisions to be separate. The Jr/YR division will remain separate.
• Junior/Young Riders (21 as of December 1 of competition year and under)
• Adult Amateur Riders (22 - 49 years of age)
• Classic Riders (50 years of age or older)
• Open Riders (riders who meet the USEF definition of Open Rider or other riders who choose to participate in this catego.
DRESSAGE CHALLENGE SCHOOLING SHOW DIVISION:
1. Introductory through First level: 6 eligible scores. One score MUST be from the highest test from that level. 60% average required for placing.
2. Second through Fourth Levels: 4 eligible scores. One score MUST be from the highest test of the level. 60% average required for placing.
3. FEI levels: 3 eligible scores. 60% average required for placing.
4. Freestyles and Pas de Deux: 3 eligible scores. 58% average for Training through 4th level - 55% average for FEI - 58% average for Pas de Deux for placings.
RECOGNIZED SHOW DIVISION:
1. Introductory through First level: 6 eligible scores. One score MUST be from the highest test from that level. 60% average required for placing.
2. Second through Fourth Levels: 4 eligible scores. One score MUST be from the highest test of the level. 60% average required for placing.
3. FEI levels: 3 eligible scores. 60% average required for placing.
4. Freestyles and Pas de Deux: 3 eligible scores. 58% average for Training through 4th level - 55% average for FEI - 58% average for Pas de Deux for placings.
Rider Awards Medal Program:
Requirements for earning Medal scores:
• Scores are obtained at First Coast Classical Dressage Shows and Region 3 Recognized shows declared in advance in accordance with these award rules and may be earned on one or more horses starting with year 2015 extending for the riders competitive life. (requirements are not expected to be completed in one calendar year, but over multiple years)
• Current standings for eligibility are monitored by The Society and posted online.
• Notification of achievement will be made when qualifications are met.
• Medal award will be presented at the Year-end Awards Gala.
• Riders are responsible for monitoring the accuracy and posting of their scores.
There are four categories of the medal program.
1. Pewter Metal: Six Scores of at least 60%
• Three from Introductory Level and Three from Training Level from four different judges OR
• Six scores Training level from four different judges
• Six scores from First level from four different judges
2. Bronze Medal: Six scores of 60% or higher:
• Two at First Level from two different judges and two different rides
• Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides
• Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides
3. Silver Medal: Four scores of 60% or higher:
• Two at Fourth Level from two different judges and two different rides
• Two at Prix St. George from two different judges and two different rides
4. Gold Medal: Four scores of 60% or higher:
• Two at Intermediate I and/or Intermediate II from two different judges and two different rides
• Two at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides
Musical Freestyle Rider Awards Program:
Requirements for earning Society Musical Freestyle Awards:
• Scores obtained at First Coast Classical Dressage Society - Dressage Challenge schooling shows or Region 3 recognized shows and may be earned on one or more horses starting with year 2015.
• Musical freestyle rider awards will be awarded only after a rider has earned the respective regular FCCDS Pewter, Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal.
• Riders may earn a freestyle bar in the same year they are earning the respective regular medal.
• Desire to obtain a freestyle bar must be communicated with the Awards Chairman.
There are four categories of the medal program.
1. Pewter Bar: Six Scores of at least 65%
• Six freestyle scores at Training Level from four different judges and six different rides – OR -
• Four freestyle scores at Training Level and Two freestyles scores at First Level from four different judges and four different rides.
2. Bronze Bar: Six scores of 65% or higher:
• Two freestyle scores at First Level from two different judges and two different rides
• Two freestyle scores at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides
• Two freestyle scores at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides
3. Silver Bar: Four scores of 65% or higher:
• For freestyle scores at Fourth Level from four different judges and four different rides
4. Gold Bar: Four scores of 65% or higher:
• Two freestyle scores at Intermediate I from two different judges and two different rides
• Two freestyle scores at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides
Special Award:
Highest Overall Achievement Award
o A perpetual award given to the rider/horse combination, which has the total highest points for the year, based on the top 6 eligible scores.
o A brass nameplate will be added to the award with the rider’s name, horse’s name and level ridden.
o The trophy will remain in the possession of The Society and be on display at select shows, select social affairs and the Year-end Awards Gala
o A plaque will be presented to the rider to keep.
o The horse rider combination may be from either the FCCDS Schooling show or the Region 3 Recognized Show divisions.
o Both the Schooling Show Divisions and the Recognized Show Divisions will compete as one Championship Class grouping.
Society Championship Show / FEI Challenge Rules
1. The Championship show will be held annually and a FEI Challenge will be held upon approval of the board and participation.
2. FEI Challenge will be one division. The ride with the highest points and percentage will receive Champion. The next best rider will receive Reserve Champion and so forth. Ties will be split as described within these rules.
a. The FEI Division will be awarded a cash prize as stated in the prizelist for Champion in sponsorship payment toward their next recognized show or Society Schooling show entry and a cash prize as stated in the prizelist will be awarded for Reserve Champion in sponsorship payment toward their next recognized show or Society Schooling show entry.
b. Payment will be made directly from The Society to the show organization on behalf of the owner/rider.
3. Champion Awards will be given for Champion and Reserve Champion in each division.
4. Ribbons will be awarded through twelfth place.
5. Any class level may be combined with a similar class level (one class level above or below) pending entries.
6. There are five level divisions for the Championship classes. Divisions may be combined pending entries.
• Junior/Young Riders (21 and under)
• Adult Amateur Riders (22-49 years of age)
• Classic Riders (50 years of age or older)
• Open Riders (riders who meet the USEF definition of Open Rider or other riders who choose to participate in this category regardless of age.)
• Freestyle
Championship Show Qualifications:
To qualify for Championship Finals horse/rider combinations must earn a total of 2 qualifying scores from two different judges at Society Schooling Shows or Region 3 recognized shows. Minimum Qualifying Scores are as follows:
Intro/Training Level: Jr/Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Classic: 2 scores of 63% or higher
Open Riders: 2 scores of 68% or higher
First Level: Jr/Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Classic: 2 scores of 62% or higher
Open Riders: 2 scores of 66% or higher
Second Level: Jr/Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Classic: 2 scores of 61% or higher
Open Riders: 2 scores 64% or higher
Third/ Fourth Levels: Jr/Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Classic: 2 scores of 60% or higher
Open Riders: 2 scores 62% or higher
FEI: Junior, Adult Amateur, Classic: 2 scores of 60% or higher
Open Riders: 2 scores 60% or higher
Freestyle: Young Rider, Adult Amateur, Classic and Open: 2 scores of 63% or higher
FEI: 2 scores of 60% or higher
Schooling show riders must enter a Qualifying Class at a First Coast Classical Dressage Society – Dressage Challenge Schooling Show as indicated on the Prizelist and pay the Qualifying Class fee for each qualifying ride to the show secretary at the time entries are made.
Recognized Show Riders: must complete the Intent to Show Recognized Submission Form or email The Society Show Secretary prior to the competition start date. Riders/Owners must also process an online payment of the Qualifying Fee for each qualifying ride they wish to apply to The Society Championship.
General Qualifying Rules:
1. A rider may qualify on multiple horses; there is no limit to the number of horses on which a rider may qualify.
2. Qualification is based on horse/rider combination. If a new rider wishes to compete with the horse at the Championships, they must requalify as a team.
3. One whip no longer than 47.2 inches (120cm), including lash may be carried in all qualifying classes. A mounted rider may not carry an adjustable-length whip at any time.
4. Dressage tests may be read in qualifying classes except in FEI level classes and freestyle classes.
5. The qualifying season starts with any qualifying class offered after the Society Championship competition has concluded. For the inaugural year, the qualifying season begins December 1st.
Championship Class Rules:
1. Each entry must designate the division being entered; open, adult amateur, senior or junior/young rider.
2. Cross entering in open/adult amateur divisions is not permitted.
3. Whips may not be carried in championship classes. Any mounted rider may not carry an adjustable-length whip at any time.
4. All championship tests must be ridden from memory
5. The gate at “A” must be closed for every championship ride.
6. At no time during the championship competition may any horse entered in that championship be ridden by anyone other than the rider entered into the championship competition on that horse. (Exception: grooms riding on loose rein and horses where two individuals have qualified on the same horse. A horse may be ridden by two individuals that qualified for the Society Championship. The two individuals must be a combination of Adult Amateurs or Adult Amateur/Junior/Young Riders. No open riders may co-ride in the Championships. The qualifying rides may be more than one level apart. On the day of the Championship Class, the lower level rider will warm up and compete first, followed by the upper level rider warming up and competing in their test.
7. In the event of a tie (equality of total points) for champion and/or reserve champion in Society championship classes, the collective marks will determine first, second, and/or third or all three places; (ie: when a tie for first place is broken by collective marks, tied competitors will receive first and second places, etc.) If collective marks are equal, the tie will them remain unbroken (ie: two first places will be awarded, the next place will be third place, etc.) Ties (equality of total points) after second place will be broken by collective marks. Ties (equality of points and collective marks) occurring in third through eight places will remain unbroken. In the case of a tie (equality of points and collective marks) for Champion, prize monies, if offered, for champion and reserve champion will be combined and divided equally between the two competitors.
8. A ring steward will be appointed to check the saddlery, bits and spurs, on both sides of each horse/rider immediately after they have completed their test and left the arena. Any discrepancy to the saddlery rules, or any visible blood on the horse, will result in an immediate elimination.
9. Champion classes may not be split.
10. Riders placing in the Championship class must be present, mounted and in full riding attire for awards ceremonies. Failure, without prior permission of the competition manger to be present and properly attired, will eliminate the official score and placing and the next highest score will move up on placing. Competitors may decline to participate in the victory round. Unmounted awards ceremonies may be held if weather or other events prevent mounted award ceremonies. Riders must be in full riding attire.
11. Saddlery must be the same as in the competition, however black or white leg bandages are allowed.
12. A horse that threatens the safety of any participants will be excused from the awards ceremony presentation.
13. Except for emergency excusals, approval to be absent must be coordinated with show management at a minimum of one hour prior to the awards ceremony.
