AQHA began recognizing dressage competition in 2010. Dressage competitors can now earn Incentive Fund dollars, year-end awards and AQHA points aboard their American Quarter Horse. Dressage is offered through USEF/USDF-licensed competitions that are approved by AQHA and within the classes indicating AQHA eligibility. AQHA classes will only be held within the existing dressage class.
Beginning in 2012, AQHA will recognize levels of dressage competition starting with Training Level, continuing through First Level, Second Level, Third Level, Fourth Level, FEI Prix St. George, FEI Intermediate I, FEI Intermediate II, and FEI Grand Prix. Freestyle is not recognized.
Dressage is based on percentage scoring. Since the show industry has always been a point-driven system based on numbers of class entries, AQHA has created a conversion table to allow dressage participants to accumulate points towards the Register of Merit award, AQHA Incentive Fund and year end high point awards.
The Incentive Fund is a multimillion-dollar program involving stallion and foal nominations with pay backs to the stallion nominators, foal nominators and owners of the competing horses. Each point earned at an AQHA-approved show in the open and/or amateur division by an Incentive Fund nominated horse will be worth a specific amount. For more information see Incentive Fund.
Show management can fill out a dressage show application form and get their USDF/USEF show approved through AQHA and you can start your AQHA showing career today! For more information view the show management fact sheet or contact Terrie Lovelady.
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