Rulebook

*Denotes important areas of reading.

Joining the ASDF

  1. Individual membership is required in order to comepte in ASDF Shows.
  2. Members may be registered via the registaration form on the ASDF Website.
  3. Sim Directory Forum registration is required in order to compete in ASDF Shows.

Tests and Equivalencies

INTRODUCTORY LEVEL. An introduction to the principals of dressage and to dressage as a discipline the horse must be submissive, have a nice rythm, be able to perform small circles.

TRAINING LEVEL. To confirm that the horse's muscles are supple and loose, and that it moves freely forward in clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit.

FIRST LEVEL. To confirm that the horse, in addition to the requirements of Training Level ,has developed thrust (pushing power) and achieved a degree of balance and thoroughness.

SECOND LEVEL. To confirm that the horse, having demonstrated that it has achieved the thrust (pushing power) required in First Level, now shows that through additional training it accepts more weight on the hind quarters (collection), shows the thrust required at medium paces and is reliably on the bit. A greater degree of straightness, bending, suppleness,throughness, and self-carriage is required than at First Level.

THIRD LEVEL. To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements of Second Level. It now demonstrates in each movement, especially in medium and extended paces and in the transitions to and from collected movements, rhythm, suppleness, acceptance of the bit, throughness, impulsion, straightness and collection. There must be a clear distinction between the paces.

FOURTH LEVEL. To confirm that the horse has achieved the requirements of Third Level. These are tests of medium difficulty designed to confirm that the horse has acquired a high degree of suppleness, impulsion, thoroughness, balance and lightness while always remaining reliably on the bit, and that its movements are straight, energetic and cadenced with the transitions precise and smooth.

Objectives of the FEI levels of competition. (These tests are used worldwide.)

PRIX ST. GEORGES. Test of medium standard. This test represents the medium stage of training. It comprises exercises to show the horse's submission to all the demands of the execution of classical equitation and a standard of physical and mental balance and development, which will enable him to carry them out with harmony, lightness and ease.

INTERMEDIATE I. Test of relatively advanced standard. The object of this test is to lead horses on, progressively and without harm to their organism, from the correct execution of Prix St. Georges to the more demanding exercises of Intermediate II.

INTERMEDIATE II. Test of advanced standard. The object of this test is to prepare the horses for the Grand Prix.

GRAND PRIX. Test of the highest standard. The Grand Prix is a competition of the highest level, which brings out the horse's perfect lightness, characterized by the total absence of resistance and the complete development of impulsion. The test includes all the school paces and all the fundamental airs of the Classical High School, of which the artificial paces, based on an extreme extension of the forelegs, are no part. For this reason, the school leaps, no longer practiced in a great many countries, do not figure in the test.

GRAND PRIX SPECIAL. Test of the same standard as Grand Prix. This is a competition of the same level as Grand Prix where especially the transitions are a matter of great importance.

THE FREESTYLE TEST. This is a competition of artistic equitation to music. It includes all the required movements and gaits of the standard tests of the same level. The competitor is, however, absolutely free in the form and manner of the presentation he chooses within a fixed time. The test should clearly show the unity between rider and horse as well as harmony in all the movements and transitions. Horses and riders of all levels may compete in freestyle in either: 1)Musical Freestyle (Training-Fourth Level) or 2)FEI Musical Freestyle (Prix St. Georges- Grand Prix) or 3)FEI Pony and Young Rider Freestyle.

Intro
Training Training
1st 1st
2nd# 2nd#    
3rd^ 3rd^
4th 4th
PSG* PSG*
Int. I Int. I Int. II
Int. II GP GP

Levels in bold mean it is the horses primary level or current level. The class in non-bold is the level the horse can also compete in with moderate sucess.

# The FEI Pony Tests are equivalent to second level
* The FEI Young Riders tests are equivalent to PSG
^ The FEI Junior Riders tests are equivalent to third level
The FEI Four-Year-Old Tests are equivalent to first level
The FEI Five-Year-Old Tests are equivalent to first level
The FEI Six-Year-Old Tests are equivalent to third level

Horses who primary level is Grand Prix should not be shown in any other level and/or discipline. Since GP requires a certain level of dedication, training, and conditioning as well as it is very demanding.

JUNIOR RIDERS TESTS. The FEI Junior Riders Test is equivalent to third level. Individuals are eligible as Juniors until they reach the age of 18.

YOUNG RIDERS TEST. The FEI Young Riders Test is equivalent to PSG. Individuals are eligible as Young Riders from when they reach the age of 16 until they reach age of 21.

PONY TESTS. The pony test is equivalent to second level. The rider and pony can be any age.

Age Groups in Competition

For purposes of qualification for and participation in competitions conducted under ASDF rules, age groups are as follows:

  1. Young Riders: 14yrs to 17yrs
  2. Juniors: 18yrs to 21yrs
  3. Seniors: 22yrs and over

Dress

The dress code for Training through Fourth Levels is a short riding coat of conservative color, with tie, choker or stock tie, breeches or jodhpurs, boots or jodhpur boots, a hunt cap or riding hat with a hard shell, derby or top hat. Half chaps and/or leggings are not allowed.Gloves of conservative color are recommended. The dress code for the FEI Junior Tests and FEI Dressage Tests for 5-year-old and 6-year-old horse's is a short riding coat of conservative color, with stock or tie, breeches, hunt cap or riding hat with a hard shell, derby or top hat. The dress code for FEI Pony Tests is dark coat or club uniform coat, breeches or jodhpurs, white shirt with tie or hunting stock, gloves, boots and hunting cap; top hat or bowler not allowed. Spurs are optional for all of the FEI Pony and Junior Tests and FEI Dressage Tests for 4-year old, 5-year-old and 6-year-old horses.

For all tests above Fourth Level, the dress code is: a dark tailcoat with top hat, or a dark jacket with a bowler hat or hunt cap, and white or light colored breeches, stock or tie, gloves, and black riding boots. Spurs are mandatory for FEI tests.

Riders at all levels of competition must wear one of the following: A hunt cap or riding hat with a hard shell, derby or top hat, military/police cap or hat, or protective headgear. Any exhibitor may wear protective headgear at any level of competition without penalty from the judge. Exhibitors choosing to wear protective headgear must wear a short, dark jacket, dark tailcoat (only permitted for tests above Fourth Level), or Armed Services or police uniform (if eligible), dark hat covers (where applicable) and must otherwise conform.

One whip no longer than 43.3 inches (110 cm), including lash may be carried in all regional and unlisted shows.

Competitors will be allowed to wear a hat cover and a transparent or conservative color rain coat in inclement weather.

Spurs must be made of metal. The shank either curved or straight pointing directly back from the center of the spur when on the rider's boot. If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards. However, swan necked spurs are allowed. The arms of the spur must be smooth. If rowels are used, they must be free to rotate.

Saddlery & Equipment

A Dressage saddle which must be close to the horse and have long, near-vertical flaps and stirrups is compulsory for FEI tests. Saddle pads are optional, but should be white or of conservative color. While present in the competition area and during prize-giving ceremonies, the name and/or logo of the individual's sponsor(s) may appear on a surface area not exceeding 200 square cm on each side of the saddle cloth. Breed logos (for horses registered with that breed),national flags (for citizens of that country), and business/farm names or logos (used with permission of farm/business owner) are also permitted and must have the same specifications as sponsor logos. No other advertisement or publicity is permitted on saddle cloths or horses.

For Training, First and Second Level tests and FEI Pony tests, a plain snaffle bridle is required with either a regular cavesson, a dropped noseband, a flash noseband (a combination of a cavesson noseband and a dropped noseband attachment) or a crossed noseband. Except for the FEI Pony tests, a crescent noseband is also permitted at these levels. Except for the crescent noseband, buckles and a small disk of sheepskin, which may be used in the intersection of the two leather straps of a crossed noseband, the noseband must be made entirely of leather or leather-like material. A padded noseband is allowed.

For Federation Third and Fourth Level tests same as (2) above, or a simple double bridle (bridoon (snaffle) and bit (curb) and curb chain, lip strap and rubber or leather cover for curb chain optional, cavesson noseband only).

FEI tests (including FEI Junior Team and Individual Tests) a simple double bridle as above. For the FEI Junior Preliminary Test, a plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle may be used, as above. For the FEI Dressage Tests for 4-year-old, 5-year-old and 6-year-old horses, a plain snaffle bridle is required, as above. However, when a snaffle is used in FEI tests, a crescent noseband is not permitted and a snaffle is required. In addition to the crescent noseband, the crossed (figure-8, Mexican) noseband is not permitted for the FEI Dressage Tests for 4-year-old, 5-year-old and 6-year-old horses.

Bits used in Introductory-3rd Level and FEI pony and junior rider tests must be an eggbut snaffle, D-ring snaffle, double or single joined snaffle, eggbut D-ring snaffle. Bits used in fourth level, and FEI levels must be a double bridles and the use of a bridoon bit and a curb bit.

Stirrups must be standard stainless steel filler. Break away stirrups are allowed in FEI Pony Test and Training-Second level.

Requirements for Dressage Competition Management

Where there is more than or exactly 24 entries in a class, the class must be divided. Where there is less than or exactly 12 entries in a class, the class cannot be divided. Classes with greater than 12 entries but less than 24 entries may be kept whole or divided at the show holder's discresion.

A tentative class schedule must be included in the prize list. If Grand Prix Freestyle and/or Grand Prix Special classes are offered at a competition, at least one Grand Prix class must be offered and scheduled prior to the Freestyle and the Special. If a competitor cannot show due to a change in the day a competitor must ride, his entry fees must be refunded. Organizers should prepare a time schedule including all rides. Competitors should be notified of their riding times in advance if possible. Dressage classes must be run in their entirety and rides may only be scheduled out of sequence to allow a reasonable interval between two or more horses entered by the same rider in the same class. Also, when preparing a time schedule consideration must be given to riders entered in more than one class or riding more than one horse. At least 50 minutes must be scheduled between start times for a rider's tests on different horses unless he/she has agreed, in writing, to a shorter interval between tests. Time intervals should be allowed between rides for judge's breaks and awards presentations. The time schedule should be posted in a conspicuous place by noon the day before the competition. Competitors will not be allowed in or around the arena while a class is in progress or inside the arena at other times except under the following conditions: (1) Management must post and announce, in advance, designated times that competitors may school inside the arena(s); and, (2) Competitors should be permitted by management or the Ground Jury to enter the arena prior to their ride if arena conditions do not permit riding around the perimeter of the arena prior to entry. Such permission must be announced prior to the start of the class.

    Holding an ASDF Recognized Show
  1. People wishing to hold an ASDF recognized show must adhere to ASDF rules.
  2. The ASDF will only permit ASDF points to be awarded in classes that appear on the ASDF classlist.
  3. Classes not on the ASDF classlist may appear in the show but no points will be awarded for those classes.
  4. Only shows posted on the Sim Directory boards will be considered for ASDF recognition.
  5. Only horses that belong to individuals registered with the ASDF will be eligible for ASDF points.
  6. Individuals not registered with the ASDF may still participate, but their horses will not be eligible for ASDF points.
  7. To obtain ASDF recognition for your show please contact Nocturna via PM or e-mail with the classlist you will be using. You may do this before or directly after the show is posted on the boards and open to entries.
  8. Please give Nocturna five days to review and respond to your request for ASDF recognition.

Arena Regulations

The arena should be on as flat and as level ground as possible. It is recommended that the difference in elevation across the diagonal or along the length of the arena shall in no case exceed 0.50 meters. It is recommended that the difference in elevation along the short side of the arena shall in no case be more than 0.20 meters. The Standard Arena is 60 meters long and 20 meters wide. The Small Arena is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. The following must be held in a Standard Arena: Federation First Level tests (except Test 1), Second Level tests, Third Level tests, Fourth Level tests; FEI tests; and musical freestyles, except those tests written for a small arena. In addition, ASDF Qualifying and Championship Classes at all levels must be held in a Standard Arena. Arena measurements are for the interior of the enclosure. It is recommended that arenas be separated from the public by a distance of not less than 15 meters. For indoor competitions, the minimum distance should in principle be 3 meters. The enclosure itself should consist of a low fence about 0.3 meters high. The fence should be such to prevent the horse's hooves from becoming entangled and arena stakes, if used, must be covered with a ball or similar object so as to prevent injury. Rope, concrete or unbreakable chain fencing is not allowed. The part of the fence at A should be easy to remove to let the competitors in and out of the arena in a suitable way. The part of the fence at A can remain open except at ASDF Championship Competitions. The letter A should be placed at least five meters away from the arena. No publicity is permitted anywhere on the arena fence

The letters outside the enclosure should be placed about 0.5 meters from the fence and clearly marked. So that the judges can note the exact point on the track opposite each letter, it is compulsory to place a marker on the fence itself, level with and in addition to the letter concerned. It is permissible to decorate the letters with flowers or greenery to enhance the appearance of the arena. The centerline should be as clearly marked as possible.

ASDF Qualifying and Championship Classes

To qualify to compete in Level II shows horses must have earned at least one Champion or Reserve Champion place in a Level III show OR at least two Champion or Reserve Champion places in a Level IV show.

To qualify to compete in Level I shows horses must have earned at least one Champion or Reserve Champion place in a Level II show OR at least three Champion or Reserve Champion places in a Level III show OR at least five Champion or Reserve Champion places in a Level IV show.

To be eligible to compete in the ASDF Tournament of Champions, horses must have been approved by the ASDF.

Dressage Breeding

To qualify for Dressage Breeding classes, the horse must be in a dressage breeding program and/or primarily used for dressage breeding or for horses that were bred for dressage.

Dressage Suitability

Open to horses that have not competed in any dressage test above Introductory Level. To be shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. To be judged on the horse's potential to become a Dressage mount.

Dressage Prospect

Open to horses aged two and under that have not been shown in dressage. This is for horses who are going to be trained and/or shown in dressage.

Dressage Seat Equitation

Dressage Seat Equitation classes may be offered for Juniors, Young Riders, Adult Amateurs and/or Open riders according to the following specifications:

  1. Medium walk, working trot and canter both ways of the ring must be performed. The rider's position, seat and specifically the correct use and effect of the aids required by the Training and First Level Dressage tests are to be judged.
  2. The movements shall be performed by the exhibitors simultaneously; however, the judge may ask for independent tests.
  3. No change of horses shall be required.
  4. Whips and spurs are allowed. Horses shall be shown in plain snaffle.
  5. The size of a group shall be limited to no more than 25 riders. Groups may be divided into smaller sections, at the discretion of the judges, for safety and convenience. Judges may limit the number of horses required to canter at the same time, at their discretion.
  6. Only the rider is judged, however, lameness of horses will be penalized.
  7. Prizes are awarded to the rider, not the horse owner.
  8. Back numbers must be provided to Equitation riders and they must be positioned to be clearly visible at all times.
  9. Judges are required to give a final percentage score only for the riders placing in the class, plus two reserves, except when two or more judges officiate separately. When judges officiate separately, final percentage scores from each judge must be given to all riders competing in the class.
  10. Saddlery, Equipment and Dress.
    Horses of all levels (both age divisions) must be ridden in a plain snaffle. Whips and spurs are permitted in both Semi-Finals and Finals classes, and all riders must wear a short jacket with bowler, hunt cap, top hat or safety helmet. is required for participation in both Semi-Finals and Finals classes, however, the ASDF is not responsible for inspecting headgear worn for such compliance. All other dress, saddlery and equipment rules for First Level horses and riders in competition and warm-up must conform except that horses also showing in dressage classes at Fourth Level and above may warm up for those classes in a simple double bridle.

Showing Guidelines

These rules apply to shows that are hosted by the ASDF, not member hosted shows asking for sponsorship.

  1. Horses must be at least three years old to compete undersaddle.
  2. Horses must be at least seven years old to compete in PSG and Above.
  3. Members must be registered with the ASDF to compete in ASDF shows
  4. Junior Rider classes are for riders aged 18 and under
  5. Young Rider classes are for riders aged 16 to 21
  6. Conformation classes are for horses who are trained/shown or will be trained/shown in dressage.
  7. Dressage Prospect classes are for horses who are not currently trained in dressage.
  8. Dressage Suitability classes are for horses who have not competed above Introductory Level dressage.
  9. Dressage Seat Equitation are for horses 3 yrs. and up.

Rules and Regulations modified from the USDF and the USEF.