General Information
MDA hosts 10-12 shows per year. This year every show is Open, meaning that anyone can enter regardless of whether or not they’re a member. Members are eligible for Year End Awards, Work Credits, reduced entry fees, and many other benefits. MDA follows many of the same rules and regulations set forth by USDF pertaining to show attire, equiptment, etc. For a complete list of MDA’s specific rules, please see “Rules”.
MDA hires USEF/USDF Dressage Judges. We believe in hiring capable and knowledgeable judges to provide meaningful comments on your tests. Some of our judges have been with us year after year, and some are new. We make every effort to schedule judges who return time and again to different shows each year. The Schooling Show Chairman takes rider feedback into account when selecting judges, so please forward your comments.
When arriving to the show grounds, competitors may pick up their rider packets from the Entry Secretary's booth. This will contain the bridle number, the copy of the Coggins test submitted with the entry form, and a show schedule.
Divisions
These divisions separate riders for showing purposes. Divisions used for Year End Awards follow these divisions but are more comprehensive. Visit the Awards Page for details.
Young Rider - Riders are eligible to compete as a Young Rider until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 21. For example: Rider A turns 21 on Jan 2 and Rider B turns 21 on December 2. They can both show as Young Riders until the end of the year in which they turned 21.
Novice - This division is often confusing. Within, MDA, this division applies to the rider and not the horse. Experienced riders with young and/or green horses are not eligible for this division - see Young Horse division below. Adult riders in this division may not have earned more than 5 scores above 60%. This division is intended for adult beginners and inexperienced adult riders to gain confidence without the pressure of competing against more experienced riders. As a rider, you know your skill level and experience.
Open - This division applies to most of our riders. Open division starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which one turns 22 and does not have an age limit. This applies to those who ride and train for money as well as those who ride and show for pleasure.
New in 2011: Young Horse - This division is for adult riders from the Open division showing young horses at Intro, Training, and First levels. This is not meant to substitute or act as a preparation for the FEI Young Horse Tests, but rather provide an avenue for our competitors to bring out their young horses to compete against their equine peers. The age of the horse will be verified by one of two means: 1) using the date of birth stated on his/her registration papers, or 2) if the horse is not registered we will use the age stated on his/her Coggins test. Note: if using the Coggins test as a verification for age, the test must have been drawn in the competition year. In other words, if you are identifying your horse as a 5 year old for the 2012 season, his Coggins must have been drawn in 2012. The are requirements are as follows: Intro Level: 5 years old and under, Training Level: 6 years old and under, First Level: 6 years old and under. If you plan to show in the Young Horse division, contact the Schooling Show Chairman to submit your age verification. This only needs to be done once per show season.
Show Attire for MDA Schooling Shows
MDA Schooling shows are full dress shows, which means that we follow the USEF rules regarding rider attire. Click here to view the USEF rulebook. Rule DR 120 specifically pertains to the riders attire. If you have questions regarding MDA’s rules or USEF rules please contact MDA’s president.
Hard hats – MDA follows the USEF rules regarding hard hats. Please visit the Rules page for comlete details.
Half Chaps are allowed up to First Level provided they are the same color as the boot, have no fringe, and are a leather or leather-like material.
Braiding the horses mane is optional.