Guide to Hosting Para-Equestrian Dressage Classes from the USDF

Offering a Para-Equestrian (PE) Test of Choice (TOC) class is an easy way to add a PE division to your competition. All of the standard PE tests can be ridden in a standard arena (20m x 60m) so there is not the issue of shortening and lengthening the arenas.

Competitions can also offer the freestyles as a separate TOC class – but there are some fine points that need to be kept in mind when offering this class. Grades I-III must be ridden in a shortened arena (20m x 40m) while Grades IV – V must be ridden in a standard size arena. While most of your entries in the competition will probably be Grades I through III, if you do offer the freestyle class as a single FEI PE freestyle TOC in your prize list, you will have to split it after you review your entries and determine that you have some athletes that need one size arena and others another size.

If you find that you need both the small and standard size arenas for riders in the same class, you can deal with it in one of two ways:

1. Change your prize list to offer two separate FEI PE freestyle TOC classes.
2. Create two separate divisions of the class for awards purposes.

The reason you have to split two different divisions or offer two separate classes is that by changing the arena size you have created two different ring conditions, and this is not allowed by USEF rules (USEF DR126) during a single class or division.

Remember, if you choose to offer two separate classes – this will require a change to your prize list, you will need to submit a revised prize list to USDF and USEF. Then follow the procedures listed in (USEF GR904) to ensure that competitors are notified adequately and in a timely manner.

Applying to Host PE Classes

The USEF/USDF Joint Application for License Agreement contains a check box asking show management if they are willing to offer PE classes.  If show management denotes they are offering PE classes this information will be published on the USDF website. This helps riders to find shows in their area that are willing to offer these classes. If the show is offering the classes after the approval is made, please contact the USDF competitions department to add this to your show approval. This will give the ridersthe chance to search the approval page on the USDF website for the designation of “PE” next to the show name.

Athlete Grading and USEF Dispensation Certificates

All athletes must undergo athlete evaluation by at least one accredited PE classifier before they may participate in PE classes. (USEF DR305).When the riders enter the show, their entry must include a copy of their USEF dispensation certificates and a copy of the test(s) they wish to ride. Copies of these certificates must be attached to the judge’s copy of the tests. Copies should also be provided to the technical delegate. It will be up to the technical delegate or their designee to do an equipment check to verify that the items listed on the dispensation certificate are being correctly used and no additional items are being used. It is important to note that USEF affidavits cannot be used in place of the aforementioned documentation to allow for a rider’s use of modifications or compensatory aids (USEF DR119). Riders must follow current USEF Dressage Division dress codes as outlined in (USEF DR120 and USEF DR306) unless exceptions are noted on their USEF dispensation certificate.