WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF DRESSAGE?
ENTERING SHOWS!
We all know dressage can be challenging – you need a well-trained talented horse, a well-trained talented rider, ambition on the part of both, and a little bit of luck. However, the most difficult part of dressage seems to be entering USEF licensed / USDF recognized (lic/rec) dressage shows. For many shows, over one-third of the entries may be missing required information, have the wrong payment amount, and/or other problems, making them incomplete. Incomplete entries take longer to process, the rider must be notified, and attempts to correct entries before the show are time consuming. Correcting incomplete entries during show check-in creates a back-up in the show office, adding to competition stress. This article is intended to help you submit complete entries, which will make the show experience much more pleasant for everyone.
· First be familiar with USEF General and Dressage Rules and USDF Competition Forms and Documents, which are posted on the USEF and USDF web sites.
· Second, if you are entering championship qualifier classes or special classes (Pas de Deux, Quadrille, etc.), read and follow the rules and requirements.
· Third, read the show’s Prize List. PVDA’s complete Prize Lists are posted on the PVDA web site (www.PVDA.org > Show Information). Each show has variations on the theme (different classes, different class numbers, different fees, different rules, etc.).
· Fourth, enter the show. Although complicated on the surface, entering lic/rec shows is not very difficult.
o You need four basic items:
1. Dressage Competition Entry Form (2 pages, with separate signatures for Rider, Owner, and Trainer)
2. Coggins (current on show date(s))
3. Proof of Horse USEF Recording / USDF Registration; proof of Rider and Owner USEF and USDF Membership and Trainer USEF Membership, or payment of non-member fees. Use www.eqverification.org to obtain a print-out of Horse, Rider, and Owner Recording / Registration/Memberships
4. Payment in the form of a check made out to PVDA
o One additional item for Musical Freestyle classes:
5. Musical Freestyle Classes: Submit a copy (with judge signature and final points/percentage) of the highest test of the declared freestyle level, or any test of a higher level in which you received 60% or higher.
We will look at key requirements for each of these five items. Always supplement this information with the USEF Rules, USDF Documents, information for specific classes and championship qualifiers, and the Prize List.
1. DRESSAGE COMPETITION ENTRY FORM:
The Form: The PVDA version of the Region 1 Dressage Competition Entry form should be used for all PVDA lic/rec shows. The form can be printed from each show’s Prize List, or a computer fill-in version can be downloaded from the PVDA web site (www.PVDA.org > Show Information > List of PVDA Forms on top right of the page). Use of the fill-in version is preferred as it is much easier to read. If you hand write the form, please write clearly and legibly. This form and its supporting documents are highly scrutinized by the show’s Technical Delegate(s), so they must be complete and correct.
Page 1
· Horse Information: Horse name is required and must be the same name as on the Coggins, USEF Horse Recording, and USDF Horse Registration. Most of the horse information goes in the Show Program.
· Rider, Owner, and Trainer Information: Provide all requested information. Most PVDA show communications are via email; therefore, inclusion of the Rider and Owner email addresses is very important. If the Rider, Owner, and/or Trainer are the same person, the word “same” can be entered for the Owner and/or Trainer. (See the side box for more information on Trainers.)
· Coach: Listing a Coach is optional.
· USEF and USDF Numbers: Enter USEF and USDF numbers for the Horse, Rider, and Owner, and USEF number for the Trainer.
· Classes: Referring to the Prize List, for each class enter the Class #, Day (Sat or Sun), Class Name, GAIG Fee (if applicable), and Class Fee. Subtotal the GAIG and Class Fee(s), then total the fees. Although not required, if you are requesting GAIG Q rides, it would be helpful if you write in Open, JR/YR, or AA.
· JR or YR Birthdate: To qualify for JR/YR classes and championships, enter the rider’s birthdate.
· Payment For:
o Non-Member Fees: If the Rider, Owner, or Trainer (USEF only) are not current active members of USEF and/or USDF, enter a Non-Member fee (USEF $30, USDF $20). This is a per show fee, not a per entry fee; therefore, if the person is involved with multiple entries (multiple horses), the fee is paid only one time. USDF Non-Members must complete a USDF Non-Member form at the show.
o USEF and Drug Fee: REQUIRED for all HORSES (including non-competing horses). This is a per show fee, not a per entry fee; therefore, if the horse is in two entries (two riders), the fee is only paid one time.
o Office Fee: REQUIRED for all ENTRIES. PVDA charges $25 for 2-days shows and $20 for 1-day shows. This is a per entry fee, not a per horse fee; therefore, if a horse is in two entries (two riders), the fee is paid twice, once for each rider’s entry.
o Horse Stalls, Tack Stalls, Bedding: These fees are calculated on page 2 of the Entry Form and the totals are entered on page 1. If your horse/tack will be in the stall overnight or you want to use a stall for two show days, the weekend rate is paid. If you only need a stall one day between 6AM – 6PM, the day rate is paid.
o Camper Fee: Enter the fee if a camper hook-up is requested.
o Grounds Fee: If you are not stabling your horse, the fee is REQUIRED. This is a per horse per day fee; therefore, if you are trailering-in (and not stabling) one horse one day, the fee is $20; if you are trailering-in (and not stabling) one horse two days, the fee is $40. If you are trailering-in (and not stabling) two horses, the fee must be paid for each horse on each entry.
o Noncompeting Horse: If you are bringing a horse that will not be entered in any classes (companion horse, horse in training, etc.), whether stabled or just trailering-in, a $40 fee is paid.
o Late Fee: Contact the Entry/Show Secretary before submitting a late entry and paying this fee. The show may be full/closed or the show may have announced acceptance of late entries, in which case the $50 fee may be waived.
o Other Fees / Donation: Enter any other fees or any donations to PVDA. Please do NOT use this for PVDA Ride for LifeTM donations.
Page 2
· Signatures: This is a legal document; therefore, Rider, Owner, and Trainer signatures are REQUIRED in each box. If the Rider is a minor (under age 18), a parent must also sign. (See the side box for more information on signatures.)
· Stabling/Camper Hook-Up Reservation Form: Enter the requested information, including the day(s) the stall(s) will be used.
o Stall Group Name: If a group of people want to be stabled together, determine a common “Stall Group Name” and use the name on all entries. Why is this done? If Mary requests stabling with Bob, and Bob requests stabling with Jane, and Jane requests stabling with Dick, etc. etc., it is very difficult for the Entry/Show Secretary to determine the group and stable everyone together. If everyone uses a common group name, such as XYZ Farm or ABC Dressage, they are more likely to be stabled together. If you submit entries for two (or more) horses in one envelope, declare a Stall Group Name to ensure they are all stabled together.
o Special Requests: If you have a barn you prefer, a horse that must be stabled adjacent to another horse, or a horse that cannot be stabled adjacent to another horse (stallion next to a mare, etc.), this is the place to make your request. Stabling for stallions gets first priority. Second priority goes to requests for specific barns, which are first-come-first-served (earlier entries before later entries).
· Entry Preparation Checklist: Use this list to ensure your entry is complete.
· Emergency Cell Phone Number: Provide a cell phone number that will be active and answered during the entire show.
2. COGGINS: Submit a legible copy of the horse’s Coggins report. It must be current (no more than a year old) on the day(s) of the show. The horse name on the Coggins must match the horse name on the Entry Form and USEF/USDF Membership cards/verification.
3. PROOF OF USEF/USDF HORSE RECORDING/REGISTRATION AND RIDER/OWNER/TRAINER MEMBERSHIP: This is probably the most difficult part of entering a lic/rec show. Fortunately, USEF and USDF have an online verification system that simplifies the process.
· Recording/Registration/Membership Requirements: (Note: For brevity, only GAIG championship qualifiers have been included; refer to the rules for each championship for their specific requirements.)
o No GAIG: If the entry has NOT requested ANY GIAG/USDF qualifying classes:
1. Horse USEF Requirement: Minimum requirement is USDF Horse Identification Number (HID). Also accepted are USEF Lifetime Recording, USEF Annual Recording, and USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR).
2. Horse USDF Requirement: Minimum requirement is USDF Horse Identification Number (HID). Also accepted is USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR).
3. People USEF Requirement: Owner, Rider, and Trainer must be a current USEF Competing Member or each must pay $30 USEF non-member fee (one fee per show per person, not one fee per entry).
4. People USDF Requirement:
§ Rider must be a current USDF Participating Member or USDF Group Member, or must pay the $25 USDF non-member fee (one fee per show per person, not one fee per entry) and complete a USDF non-member form.
§ Owner must be a current USDF Participating Member, USDF Business Member, or USDF Group Member, or must pay the $25 USDF non-member fee (one fee per show per person, not one fee per entry) and complete a USDF non-member form.
5. Horse with Multiple Owners: At least one owner must fulfill #3 and #4 above.
6. Horse Owned by a Business: The business, not the owner of the business, must fulfill #3 and #4 above.
o GAIG: If the entry HAS requested ANY GAIG/USDF qualifying classes:
1. Horse USEF: Must have USEF Lifetime Recording or USEF Annual Recording.
2. Horse USDF: Must have USDF Lifetime Horse Registration (LHR).
3. People USEF: Owner, Rider, and Trainer must be a current USEF Competing Member.
4. People USDF:
§ Rider must be a current USDF Participating Member.
§ Owner must be current USDF Participating Member or current USDF Business Member.
5. Horse with Multiple Owners: At least one owner must fulfill #3 and #4 above.
6. Horse Owned by a Business: The business, not the owner of the business, must fulfill #3 and #4 above.
o Exemptions:
§ Entries riding in only USDF Introductory Level, Pas de Deux, Quadrille, and/or Opportunity Classes are exempt from USDF membership (and the non-member fee) and horse registration requirements.
§ A parent acting as the Trainer is exempt for USEF membership.
· How to Prove the Recording/Registration/Membership:
o Horse, Rider, and Owner: Log on to the USEF Affiliates Membership Verification Service at www.eqverification.org/ and follow the instructions. The result is a one-page print-out with the Horse, Owner, and Rider information. If the print-out is complete (all verifications available), include ONLY this print-out with your entry. If the print-out is incomplete, include copies of cards or online application, as needed.
o Trainer: If the Trainer is not also the Rider or Owner, you need a separate verification page. Log on to the USEF Affiliates Membership Verification Service at www.eqverification.org/ and follow the instructions, but do not enter a Horse or Owner name; only enter the Trainer name under Rider. The result is a one-page print-out with only the Trainer information (it is labeled Rider). If the print-out is complete (all verifications available), include ONLY this print-out with your entry. If the print-out is incomplete, include a copy of the USEF card or online application, as needed.
4. PAYMENT: For each entry, submit your payment in the form of a check made out to PVDA. Before you write the check, verify your math to ensure you have the correct total fee.
5. MUSICAL FREESTYLE: If you have entered a musical freestyle class, with your entry you must submit a copy (only the side with judge’s signature and final points/percentage) of the highest test of the declared freestyle level or any test of a higher level in which the same horse/rider pair received 60% or higher. (USEF DR128.9)
When you have completed your entry packet, mail it to the Show Secretary, not the Show Manager. The name and address are in the Prize List. Mail the packet on or before the closing date. After your entry is received and processed by the Show Secretary, you will receive an email confirming your entry and informing you of its status. If you are notified that your entry is incomplete, provide the missing information and/or fees before the show.
Finally, before, during, and after you enter a PVDA lic/rec show, refer to the PVDA web site (www.pvda.org > Show Information) for show-specific information, including maps to the venue, and any updates, changes, closing date extension, etc.
This article is intended as a guide; it is not a comprehensive treatise. If you have questions or need more details, refer to the USEF rules (updated frequently), USDF documents (updated frequently), the show’s Prize List, and information for specific classes and championship qualifiers. You can also contact USEF and USDF with your questions.
Happy showing!
Last updated 3/22/2011