FAQs | US Dressage Finals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan^®?

A national, head-to-head competition that showcases competitors in adult amateur and open divisions, at Training Level through Grand Prix, and junior/young rider divisions, at Training Level through Intermediate I, competing on the national stage.

How does this competition differ from the established national championships held at the US Equestrian Federation Dressage Festival of Champions?

The USEF championships are for FEI levels: from FEI Pony and FEI Junior through Grand Prix, and including the Young Adult "Brentina Cup." The US Dressage Finals are designed as an extension of the Great American/USDF Regional Championships. Competitors qualify through their Regional Championships. All levels from Training through Grand Prix will be offered for adult amateurs and open riders. Junior/Young Riders will be offered levels from Training through Fourth Level (excluding freestyles).

How do horses and riders qualify to compete at the US Dressage Finals?

The US Dressage Finals is an Invitational competition using the USEF/USDF Regional Championship program to qualify. Qualifying takes place at each of the nine Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, based on either 1) Placing at the Regional Championships in a class and eligible division offered at the US Dressage Finals, or 2) Wild Card Eligibility.

Why must Finals competitors be US citizens, when US citizenship is not required to show in USEF-licensed / USDF - recognized dressage competitions?

a. The US Dressage Finals policy regarding citizenship is in keeping with the rules as dictated in the selection process for the various USEF dressage national championships, at which qualified horse/rider combinations compete for national titles. Keep in mind that the Young Horse National Championships are based solely on horse qualification, but they also have certain requirements for owners regarding citizenship. This is not unusual: The United States Hunter Jumper Association requires competitors to be US citizen in order to participate in its Children's and Adult Amateur Regional Championships

b. The owner of the horse is not required to be a US Citizen; just those riders entering and competing at the US Dressage Finals are required to be a US Citizen.

How many horses usually attend?

375 horses are anticipated.

How much will it cost to enter the Finals?

Fees associated with the US Dressage Finals such as stabling, class and entry fees can be found in the prize list.

What facilities at the Kentucky Horse Park will be use for the Finals?

A number of classes will be held in the Alltech Arena, a climate-controlled indoor stadium. There is an attached warm-up arena and climate-controlled stabling nearby. Horses will also be stabled in outdoor non-heated shed-row barns (18-21). In addition, there are several outdoor championship arenas as well as a covered arena for warm-up.

When will the class and ring schedule be available?

The show schedule will not be available until all entries are received for the US Dressage Finals.

What can you tell us about the judges from the Finals?

For a list of the licensed officials officiating at the US Dressage Finals and USDF Dressage in the Bluegrass please see the prize list.

What awards and prize money will be offered?

There is $125,000 in prize money. Other awards are planned as well including high score breed awards.

Will the US Dressage Finals be live streamed?

Some, but not all of the classes will be live-streamed on www.usefnetwork.com

Any other details competitors and spectators should know?

There will be an array of vendors and social activities as well. Sign up for updates to find out all about the latest developments.

When should I declare for the US Dressage Finals and will it cost me anything to do so?

The deadline for declaration is midnight on the day prior to the first day of your Regional Championship competition (including any open class day before the start of championship classes). There is no fee to declare and you can declare for as many levels as you anticipate you may qualify for.

My region's deadline for Declaring has passed, are late declarations accepted?

Declarations after your region's deadline will not be accepted. However, please be aware that there is still the Wild Card option. If a Wild Card qualifying score is achieved at your Regional Championship, you may compete in the same level and division at the Finals. Please refer to Wild Card Eligibility for a list of minimum required qualifying scores.

Can I edit my declaration after my region's deadline?

I have accidentally declared for the US Dressage Finals. How do I cancel my declaration?

Declarations cannot be canceled, but please take note that a declaration of intent does not carry any fee and does not create any obligation to attend the US Dressage Finals. Remaining declared will do nothing more than list the declared horse and rider among hundreds of others who have also declared.

Where can I find a list of declared horse/rider combinations?

A full list of declared horse/rider combinations combinations (when available) can be found on our site.

What is the nomination?

The nomination is a preliminary entry into the US Dressage Finals. It is required for anyone who plans to attend the US Dressage Finals. Nomination is required for each Finals class in which the horse/rider combination is planning to compete.

What is the nomination process?

The nomination deadline is midnight, 96 hours after the last championship day in the regional championship in which the horse/rider combination competed. Those who have placed in the top 5 of declared riders in their class and those who have acquired a qualifying Wild Card score will be able to nominate at this time.

Is there a fee to nominate?

Yes, the nomination fee for each US Dressage Finals class is the listed entry fee for that class. For each National Level Class that fee is $125 and for each FEI Level Class that fee is $160. The nomination fee paid will be applied to the total amount due at the closing date.

Should a person nominate within the 96 hour period if they are 3rd, 4th or 5th place without knowing if the champion and reserve champion have accepted their invites?

Yes, if you place in the top five of declared horse/riders, or receive a qualifying Wild Card score, we recommend that you proceed with the nomination process. If you do not receive an invitation you will then be refunded for the full amount after the competition.

Will there be a list of nominated riders available on the Finals website?

Yes, you can view a list of nominated horse/rider combinations by region.

Should horse/rider combinations earning a Wild Card score wait to receive their official email invitation prior to nominating?

Horse/rider combinations that qualify via a Wild Card score or placing are not required to receive their official invitation prior to nominating.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Declarations

Nominations