Each competition year, new USEF rule changes come into force- riders need to be aware of the specific USEF Dressage Division rule changes as of December 1, 2021. Now the rule change in DR120 will now dictate specifically what show attire is allowed at USEF-rated competitions. There is now a greater clarification of what is […]
The Florida 2021 show season has formally begun with three FEI Dressage competitions (CDIs) having been held by the end of January. A total of eight CDIs will be held in Wellington, two in Ocala at the new World Equestrian Center and two in Tryon, North Carolina. One might think that the effect of Covid-19 […]
Despite the Covid crisis, dressage competitions have been held throughout the US for the last six months with surprisingly steady rider attendance. Competitors felt the need to escape the grim reality of the pandemic while continuing the development of each horse’s talent. The USDF Regional Finals were also well attended, with competitors happy to return […]
Readers of my articles posted here may remember my observations on the protean US dressage show scene. So much has changed in the show market in the last five years. It seems that most readers have agreed with these observations. Well, as the saying goes, ‘you ain’t seen nothin’ yet’ The effects of the last […]
Before addressing the solutions possible for the decline in dressage show participation, it may be helpful to discuss how this is manifested nationwide. First let’s discuss by specific regions: West Coast, Midwest and East Coast.The West Coast show market has historically been one of the strongest, beginning in the mid-1980S until the beginning of the […]
The United States dressage competition world is changing. While thelevel and quality of competition rides seems generally to be improving, other less desirable factors are coming into play. Currently, participation in USEF-rated shows is declining. The number of rides down center line dropped noticeably over the last two years (about 1% annually), representing a loss […]
Did you know that FEI has just made online coaching possible on its website? Now FEWI has begun to allow riders at the top levels to submit rides to the top selected 5* judges for evaluation and comments. Naturally, this works well if you are an elite rider, but what about the rest of the […]
AMY GANCI: BUYING AND SELLING HORSES FOR SPORT. Privately published, 2019. “Don’t believe a thing you hear and only half of what you see” Certainly the most jaded buyer in the equestrian industry would agree with this sage advice my grandfather once offered me. However, when it comes to big money investments such as acquiring […]
David Schmutz is a current enthusiastic Board member and supporter of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation’s mission – funding the studies which aid in our understanding of horses and humans. Dave has observed the wondrous effect of the horse on humans through many years in the equine industry as a barn owner (of some […]
Professional Interviews : David Schmutz USEF ‘S’ Dressage Judge and FEI 4* Para Dressage Judge Reprinted by permission from Horse Professionals Network HPN interviews David Schmutz, a USDF ‘S’ Dressage and FEI 4* Para Dressage Judge. As the former owner and manager of “The Paddock Riding Club“, David gives his thoughts on the sport he […]