The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to add dressage and western dressage stakes classes for the first time to the 2020 Farnam AQHA World Championship Show, slated for November 1-21 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
AQHA began recognizing dressage as an AQHA-approved class in 2010. Dressage provides a systematic and progressive training scale of tests, which allow a rider to develop with their horse to create a harmonious and athletic team.
Implemented as an AQHA-approved class in 2020, western dressage uses the principles of classical dressage to showcase American Quarter Horses in traditional western saddles in partnership with the rider. Lightness and harmony are emphasized as the horse completes a pattern based on its level of training.
“Adding dressage and western dressage stakes classes for the first time at the 2020 Farnam AQHA World is a way to introduce more competitors to the events and highlight the newly offered western dressage class for AQHA shows to come,” said Justin Billings, AQHA chief show officer. “All levels, including open and amateur riders, will be offered in each stakes class, and each class will be placed together using a point handicap for each level. All levels will run concurrently in each class and awards will be presented from first through 10th place.”
The tentative schedule will be available soon at www.aqha.com/worldshow once it is fully vetted by the AQHA Show and Professional Horsemen’s councils, World Show Subcommittee and other key industry stakeholders. Entry information for the 2020 Farnam AQHA World will be posted in early September.
One rider can ride up to four horses in each stakes class. The rider can ride multiple horses at the same level during the class. Only the highest test of the level can be ridden. All tests and rules will follow respective AQHA, Western Dressage Association of America, United States Equestrian Federation and United States Dressage Federation rules.
Dressage
Levels offered and their point handicap include:
- Training – 0
- First Level – 4.0
- Second Level – 6.0
- Third Level – 8.0
- Fourth Level – 10.0
- Prix St. Georges – 16
- Intermediare I – 16.5
- Intermediare II – 17
- Grand Prix – 23
These points will be added to the total score; then it will be divided to create the percentage. Riders will be placed based on percentage.
Western Dressage
The levels offered and their point handicap include:
- Basic – 0
- Level 1 – 4.0
- Level 2 – 6.0
- Level 3 – 8.0
- Level 4 – 10.0
These points will be added to the total score; then it will be divided to create the percentage. Riders will be placed based on percentage.
For more information about the 2020 Farnam AQHA World, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow. Questions regarding the newly added dressage and western dressage stakes classes can be directed to worldshow@aqha.org.
