HFDA Rulebook

1.0 Purpose
1.1 The purpose of the HFDA is to promote the existence of the modern dressage horse in Horses Forever through monthly shows as well as a culminationg Nationals show and various high point awards.


2.0 General Rules
2.1
The HFDA follows the guidelines set forth by the Horses Forever Show Association Rulebook. We will also abide by any suspensions, expulsions, or other limitation on membership activity. No restricted member is allowed entrance to any shows held, sponsored, or approved by the HFDA.

2.2
Please direct any questions or comments to KARA at kclissold@comcast.net

2.3
While anyone may enter shows, only the horses of HFDA registered members will count for points.


3.0 Showing Rules

3.1 Horses may not be overshown. Horses are allowed to enter a MAXIMUM of three (3) under saddle/ridden classes. At the FEI level (Prix St. Georges and above) only two (2) under saddle/ridden classes may be entered including Pas de Deux and Freestyles.

3.2 Cross entering is not allowed except in the following circumstances:
3.2.a. A horse may enter the highest test of one level and the lowest test of another (I.e. Training Test 4 and First Level I) to encourage a more realistic training schedule.
3.2.b. A horse may enter both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special
3.2.c. A three-year-old may compete in both a suitability under saddle class and other tests of similar nature.

3.3 Horses must adhere to the following age restrictions:
3.3.a. Three year olds may not compete higher than Training Level
3.3.b. Horses must be age six or over to compete at Fourth Level dressage.
3.3.c. Horses must be aged seven and over to compete in any FEI classes, except the Young Horse Classes which must be entered according to their age as of January 1st of the competition year.
3.3.d. In the suitability and in-hand classes, horses are to enter accodring to their birth year. If the horse is older than the specified years, he/she must enter the Open class.

3.4. Please keep horse suitability to dressage in mind when entering your horses. There is a reason that certain breeds are successful in real life- they are bred for the conformation, temperament, and ability to do dressage. While it is feasible for horses of any breed to compete succesfully at many levels, it is considered the exception and not the rule. With that being said, it is highly unlikely that a stock breed will compete at Grand Prix, or that a draft breed will compete in any FEI class or high level class, as they are conformationally proportioned with a weak hind end that would make the necessary movements at even 4th level difficult to attain. Please also keep this in mind when entering suitability classes. These classes are meant to judge horses who will go on to higher than Traiing or First Level. FEI Young Horse Tests are for horses aimed at FEI level classes. While this is SIM, please try to remain realistic.

3.5. All entries must be posted on the HF Upcoming Shows Forum

3.6 The following point system will apply both for HF shows and HFDA year end awards, excluding Nationals:
Champion: 50 points
Reserve Champion: 25 points
First: 50 points
Second: 45 points
Third: 40 points
Fourth: 35 points
Fifth: 30 points
Sixth: 25 points
Seventh: 20 points
Eighth: 10 points
Ninth: 10 points
Tenth: 10 points

HFDA Nationals Point System:
Champion: 60 points
Reserve Champion: 35 points
First: 60 points
Second: 55 points
Third: 50 points
Fourth: 45 points
Fifth: 40 points
Sixth: 35 points
Seventh: 30 points
Eighth: 20 points
Ninth: 20 points
Tenth: 20 points

3.7. Results will all be found using a randomizer of the show holder's choice.

3.8. Classes will be split at 30 entries, and further splits will be made to not prevent a single split from having 30 or more entries.


4.0 Year End Totals
4.1. I will keep track of all horses who have placed in shows. I will post this prior to the Nationals. After the Nationals show, I will post final standings.

4.2. Any descrepencies with the point totals may be handled by e-mailing or PMing me personally. I am only human, it is quite possible that I may miss a horse's points. Thus, it is important that you also keep track of your own horse's points.

4.3. Awards will be given out based on final standing by point tallies.

4.4. Special breed awards may exist coinciding with active associations and registries within HF. These awards will be presented at the year end awards for horses of that breed earning the most points in: 1) In-Hand and Young Horse Classes, and 2) Under Saddle Test Classes.


5.0 Registration
5.1. Please see the registration section of the HFDA webpage here.


6.0 Show Organization
6.1. Most shows will be held on a monthly basis running from March to December. These shows will be run by Kara, although show resullts may stem from a compilation effort of multiple outside people.

6.2. If another HF member wishes to hold a show counting for HFDA points, he must contact Kara. Classes must be split and results produced in accordance with HFDA regulations. These shows must state that they are HFDA approved on show post, and these results will count for year end awards.





Disclaimer