American Quarter Horse Association Officially Recognizes Dressage Classes

Dressage is now an official AQHA class – one in which you can earn AQHA points, qualify for AQHA Incentive Fund earnings and compete for year-end awards. Beginning at Training Level 4, AQHA dressage classes will be held within existing classes at competitions licensed by the United States Dressage Federation or United States Equestrian Federation.

The same USDF-USEF judges will preside over the AQHA classes; the only additional requirement is that the judges must be AQHA members. Exhibitors must also be current members of AQHA, and the horse must be a registered American Quarter Horse. A competition license fee of $85, good for the lifetime of the horse, is also required. The shows must be approved by AQHA at least 60 days in advance.

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Horses competing in dressage are given scores, expressed in percentages. The Quarter Horse show industry has always been a point-driven system so AQHA has created a conversion table to change dressage scores into AQHA points. To see the conversion table, go to www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html and click on “frequently asked questions.”

In addition to awarding points, AQHA is recognizing the three high-point American Quarter Horses at each of the nine USEF-USDF Regional Championship shows in 2010 and has also created a high-point recognition program for the open, amateur and youth divisions in each level of dressage competition. Amateur and youth eligibility is based on criteria found in the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations.

If you’re interested in getting your American Quarter Horse started in dressage, America’s Horse – AQHA’s membership magazine – initiated a year-long series on Training Level dressage in the January-February 2010 issue.

The United States Dressage Federation is giving AQHA members a 10 percent discount on the guide books. Visit www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html to find the offer code and link. Enter the code at checkout.

AQHA welcomes comments regarding the new dressage program. To submit a comment, e-mail shows@aqha.org.

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View Comments

Katie says:
February 22, 2010 at 4:36 pm
It's always good to hear that associations are expanding their class lists!
Anna says:
February 22, 2010 at 8:15 pm
That's neat! Thanks for the info.
Galadriel says:
February 22, 2010 at 11:26 pm
It's about time.
Rhea says:
April 29, 2010 at 12:07 pm
This program is a lot better than the last one. Only problem I see is the Judges have to be AQHA members which is an additional cost to the shows and may therefore be a deterent.
Karen says:
June 18, 2010 at 10:36 pm
YEAH.... I have 2 horses (1) AQHA, (2) ApHA, both doing dressage. I like the AQHA shows and would like to earn points here for Appy, as well as the all breeds classes, in English division's. I have also done all Appy show's, and want to support all avenues for horses of any breed.