Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about our shows. We hope yoou find these helpful. Please let us know if you have other questions that are not on here or if you would like to see specific questions added to this list to benefit other riders.
Where do I find the Dressage Test I am suppoed to ride?
It's easy, just Google the name of your dressage test and you will find it.
Do I have to have my horses mane braided for your Dressage and 2-Phase shows?
Although judges prefer braiding, it is optional at our shows. As long as you horse is clean, with a neatly pulled mane, or
a mane appropriate for his breed, that is fine.
I get very nervous at shows and may forget my dressage test. Can I have a friend or trainer read my dressage test for me during my scheduled ride time?
Absolutely! BVDCTA runs schooling shows and wants everyone to have the best experience they can!
If my horse is very spooky can I walk him around the ring first?
BVDCTA wants to make your show experience an educational opportunity for you and your horse. If time allows before the official start of the show you are more than welcome to ask one the BVDCTA officials at the show if you can walk your horse around the ring. We also schedule a few minutes before the start of each dressage test for our competitors to walk and trot around the dressage ring before the start of the test.
Can my trainer school a horse at an event?
No, only a rider may ride the horse at an event.
Do I have to have a dressage saddle and white breeches to show in your dressage shows?
No, any English style (hunt seat, close contact, all purpose, dressage, etc.) saddle is allowed. For Dressage it is required that all horses be shown in any form of snaffle bit. No kimberwicks, pelhams, tom thumbs, etc, allowed.
White breeches are not required for our shows. We do request that you were appropriate English Hunt seat attire to BVDCTA shows. That includes Dark Hunt coat or Dressage coat, tan, beige, buff or white breeches, light color or white shirt with rat catcher collar or stock tie, tall boots or leather 1/2 chaps with paddock boots. All of our shows require you wear an ASTM approved helmet.
Am I allowed to wear my colors for the Jumping Test?
Absolutely! At our 2-Phases, you have the choice of wearing traditional hunt attire for the Stadium course or Cross Country attire.
When can I wear my safety vest?
Vests can be worn any time you are jumping your horse at a BVDCTA event.
Can I wear spurs and if so, how long can they be?
Shank cannot be longer that 3.5 cm or 1 3/8”. Rowels are not permitted. If the shank is curved it must be downwards. Metal or plastic spurs with round hard knobs are allowed.
What about whips over fences, even when schooling?
Jumping whips must not be weighted at the end or exceed 30” or 75 CM. You may not use an adjustable whip.
What is the legal length for a dressage whip and can I use a crop in the dressage ring?
43.3” including lash if you are riding your dressage portion of your 2-Phase. However 47.2” or 120 CM including lash if riding a Dressage only test (not part of a 2-Phase) – please see USEF update from Feb 9, 2009. You may not use riding crops in the Dressage Ring.