Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What is the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®?
- How does this competition differ from the established national championships held at the US Equestrian Federation Dressage Festival of Champions?
- How do horses and riders qualify to compete at the US Dressage Finals?
- Why must Finals competitors be US citizens, when US citizenship is not required to show in USEF-licensed / USDF - recognized dressage competitions?
- How many horses usually attend?
- How much will it cost to enter the Finals?
- When will the class and ring schedule be available?
- What can you tell us about the judges from the Finals?
- Will there be any other classes at this event besides championship classes?
- What awards and prize money will be offered?
- Will the US Dressage Finals be live streamed?
- Any other details competitors and spectators should know?
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 Intermediate I (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.
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.