United States Eventing Association

Dressage tests contain a set of movements to be performed by horse and rider in front of a judge who then gives each movement a mark out of 10. Following the completion of the test, the total number of good marks are divided by the total possible good marks to achieve a percentage, which is then subtracted from 100 to achieve a penalty score.

This week's episode features USEF "S" and FEI Level II eventing judge Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and FEI and Grand Prix dressage judge Christian Landolt sharing their tips and tricks for how to get the most out of your dressage test, including common mistakes they see and ways to squeeze out a few extra points.

It is a common misconception that you must enter a popular event at midnight on the opening date to ensure your place on the entry list. All entries received from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the opening date of the event are all treated as received at the same time.

The dressage test is the first of the three phases in eventing. Intended to demonstrate "the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse," the dressage test contains a prescribed list of movements to be carried out in front of a judge, or judges, and which is then given a penalty score that horse and rider carry through to the end of the competition.

Dressage, cross-country, and show jumping – the three phases that make up the sport of eventing. Whether you’re new to eventing or have been a competitor in the sport for many years, it is important to be familiar with the purpose and intent of each of the three phases and the rules by which a winner is selected.

Tasked with protecting the welfare of equine athletes and ensuring the balance of competition, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Program consistently monitors new products and product claims. From time to time, new products appear on the equine supplement market claiming to enhance a horse’s performance.

Eventing tests were created to offer a low-key and inviting introduction to the sport of eventing. Eventing tests typically consist of one or more of the three eventing phases – dressage, cross-country, and show jumping – and are designed to prepare competitors, horses, and officials for USEA recognized horse trials.

As April showers bring May flowers, the spring eventing season has gotten well underway all across the country. What better time to brush up on your dressage tests than the start of a new season? Thanks to Eventing Training Online, we have videos of all lower level dressage tests, complete with movements and directives, available to help you get ready to put those tests into action.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) prides itself as the historian of the sport of eventing in the U.S. Therefore, the USEA wants to make sure that records are accurate and easily available.

Each rider is required to declare their professional or amateur status upon renewing their USEA membership each year. But what exactly are the definitions of amateur and professional?