According to AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr., in his new blog on AQHA.com entitled “Quarters Worth”, after a nine year process of discussion, meetings, research and a task force, American Quarter Horses will have one more venue in which to “officially” shine – dressage.
During the AQHA Executive Committee meetings held April 20-22 in Amarillo, AQHA committee reports from the San Antonio Convention were presented for final approval. From the show committee, the dressage task force recommendations were approved.
The steps AQHA will be taking include:
* Establishing at USEF/USDF licensed competitions an AQHA class held within the existing class starting with Training Level 4** with an AQHA approval fee of $50 sanctioned 60 days in advance.
* To be eligible, the horse must be AQHA registered and the exhibitor must have a current individual membership.
o Open, amateur and youth eligibility based on AQHA criteria
o Competition license fee of $85 for lifetime of the horse paid to AQHA
o Exhibitor must declare division (open/amateur/youth) with AQHA
o AQHA will supply information to USDF
* At each of the nine USEF/USDF Regional Championship shows in 2009 an AQHA trophy will be awarded to the three high-point registered American Quarter Horses competing in the championship class with the highest percentage score for open, amateur and youth divisions. Entry must have a minimum 60 percent score.
* AQHA will create a point conversion from percentage score for Training Level 4 and above.
* Create a High Point recognition program for the open, amateur and youth divisions for first through 10th place for each division and the highest award to the highest point earning registered American Quarter Horse in each division including points earned in Training Level 4 through Grand Prix.
* AQHA will accept USEF/USDF licensed judges that must have current AQHA membership and abide by AQHA rule 438 for judges.
**There are 10 levels of dressage competition – Intro Level, Training Level, 1st Level, 2nd Level, 3rd Level, 4th Level, FEI Prix ST. George, FEI Intermediate I, FEI Intermediate II and FEI Grand Prix.
American Quarter Horses are very well suited for dressage — they didn’t earn the nickname as the world’s most versatile horse by chance! Many American Quarter Horses are competing successfully in the event. Last June, an article appeared in America’s Horse about Honey Bright Dream, a 14.3 hand American Quarter Horse that is competing in dressage. The article appears on page 44 if you’d like to read more.
AQHA has teamed with the United States Dressage Federation in their All-Breeds Award to give American Quarter Horses and their riders recognition for their accomplishments. American Quarter Horses are eligible for awards through this program.
In the March issue of the USDF Connection, an article appeared about American Quarter Horses and their suitability for dressage. To increase awareness, AQHA teamed with the USDF at the 2008 AQHA World Show to present a Pas de deux showcasing reining and dressage. With American Quarter Horses gaining popularity worldwide with their involvement in international reining competitions including the FEI World Equestrian Games, more people are learning about our horses’ great dispositions and athletic ability. Opening these new avenues for American Quarter Horses will open additional markets.
These rule changes involving dressage will take effect in 2010 so you have some time to perfect your piaffes and passages.
The AQHA staff is working to get all the changes together, and we will be sharing that with you in the very near future at www.aqha.com.
