VETERAN Dressage
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS IS AN OPTION ONLY.
Veteran horses and riders may go into the Classical Dressage program instead.
Veteran Dressage supports the longevity of the classical horse, who may suffer from a malady or most commonly is arthritis. As well, this type of dressage is aimed at riders, who through the trials of life are also struggling with medical conditions and stress.
This class is only for:
Horse is 15 years or older
And / Or
Rider is 40 years or older
A horse and rider combination may switch to Veteran Dressage to keep earning awards with previous scores, but the same combination cannot use Veteran Dressage scores to count for any other type of dressage awards.
For more information, please register for one or more dressage degrees.
Veteran Dressage is divided into 3 phases of 7 degrees (levels) that we offer. In each, there are two tests and one kur, which is a Musical Freestyle test ridden to music. Riders choose music and choreograph movements to match the horse’s natural gaits and musical rhythm. There are specific elements and it is judged on music to movements, artistic expression, risk or difficulty and technical accuracy. Movements with coefficients are in bold font.
Every degree is descriptively the same as in Classical Dressage. Each degree will list the differences as compared to the Classical discipline. Each Veteran Dressage test is slightly shorter. Please, see the Classical Dressage section for the proper arena and movements, which are also explained in the rider levels.
Veteran horses and riders may go into the Classical Dressage program instead.
Veteran Dressage supports the longevity of the classical horse, who may suffer from a malady or most commonly is arthritis. As well, this type of dressage is aimed at riders, who through the trials of life are also struggling with medical conditions and stress.
This class is only for:
Horse is 15 years or older
And / Or
Rider is 40 years or older
A horse and rider combination may switch to Veteran Dressage to keep earning awards with previous scores, but the same combination cannot use Veteran Dressage scores to count for any other type of dressage awards.
For more information, please register for one or more dressage degrees.
Veteran Dressage is divided into 3 phases of 7 degrees (levels) that we offer. In each, there are two tests and one kur, which is a Musical Freestyle test ridden to music. Riders choose music and choreograph movements to match the horse’s natural gaits and musical rhythm. There are specific elements and it is judged on music to movements, artistic expression, risk or difficulty and technical accuracy. Movements with coefficients are in bold font.
Every degree is descriptively the same as in Classical Dressage. Each degree will list the differences as compared to the Classical discipline. Each Veteran Dressage test is slightly shorter. Please, see the Classical Dressage section for the proper arena and movements, which are also explained in the rider levels.
Phase 1: Basic campaign veteran horse (Bronze Medal classes)
Note: The class called Classed Dressage Walk Trot is the same for Veterans.
(certification) Test Pre-A 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage Demi° (Pre-Level)
Differences: Canter is an option. Elements are almost precisely the same, however they are placed closer together.
Gaits: Medium Walk, Free Walk, Working Trot and Working Canter as an option.
Movements: In test V4, the horse is asked to stretch down and forward in a circle.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 15 meters, Free Walk on long rein 20 m, Working Canter 20m circle OPTIONAL, Working Trot 20 meters, Working Trot 15-20m circle, Stretch forward & downward 20m circle Trot
Differences: Canter is an option. Elements are almost precisely the same, however they are placed closer together.
Gaits: Medium Walk, Free Walk, Working Trot and Working Canter as an option.
Movements: In test V4, the horse is asked to stretch down and forward in a circle.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 15 meters, Free Walk on long rein 20 m, Working Canter 20m circle OPTIONAL, Working Trot 20 meters, Working Trot 15-20m circle, Stretch forward & downward 20m circle Trot
(certification) Test 1A 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage 1st° (Level I)
Difference: The horse must be working with a level to uphill top-line and has good working gaits.
Gaits: Lengthened stride in trot.
Movements: Horses trot 10m volte and the leg yield is tested only at the walk.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15 meters, Working Canter 15m circle, Working Trot 10m volte, Leg Yield at Walk, Lengthened Trot, Change of leg through Trot only if cantering
Difference: The horse must be working with a level to uphill top-line and has good working gaits.
Gaits: Lengthened stride in trot.
Movements: Horses trot 10m volte and the leg yield is tested only at the walk.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Lengthened Walk 15 meters, Working Canter 15m circle, Working Trot 10m volte, Leg Yield at Walk, Lengthened Trot, Change of leg through Trot only if cantering
VETERAN Bronze MedaL
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The Veteran Bronze medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees. |
phase 2: medium campaign veteran horse (silver medal classes)
(certification) Test 2A 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage 2nd° (Level II)
Differences: If collected canter is not done, more emphasis is on the collected trot.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and medium trot, canter, is optional but the walk is medium or extended.
Movements: Horses trot and option to canter voltes, trot serpentine, simple change if cantering. The Classical shoulder-in plie on 3 tracks is introduced, as well as a demi passade leading to a renvers for several strides. And last, the turn on the haunch is asked for but completed with a halt and pause before and after the turn.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15 meters, Simple Change of leg if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Renvers/Travers, Medium Trot, Collected Canter or Collected Trot 10m volte
Differences: If collected canter is not done, more emphasis is on the collected trot.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and medium trot, canter, is optional but the walk is medium or extended.
Movements: Horses trot and option to canter voltes, trot serpentine, simple change if cantering. The Classical shoulder-in plie on 3 tracks is introduced, as well as a demi passade leading to a renvers for several strides. And last, the turn on the haunch is asked for but completed with a halt and pause before and after the turn.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15 meters, Simple Change of leg if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Renvers/Travers, Medium Trot, Collected Canter or Collected Trot 10m volte
(certification) Test 3A 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage 3rd° (Level III)
Differences: The rein-back is introduced. If not cantering, there is more emphasis on a very collected trot.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and medium trot, but the canter is optional. The walk is collected, medium or extended.
Movements: Horses trot demi-voltes to half pass, flying change of leg if cantering. The horse will be asked to perform quarter and half pirouettes.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15 meters, Single Flying Change of leg if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Collected Canter Half Pass OR Very Collected Trot
Differences: The rein-back is introduced. If not cantering, there is more emphasis on a very collected trot.
Gaits: Gaits are collected and medium trot, but the canter is optional. The walk is collected, medium or extended.
Movements: Horses trot demi-voltes to half pass, flying change of leg if cantering. The horse will be asked to perform quarter and half pirouettes.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Medium Walk 10 meters, Extended Walk 15 meters, Single Flying Change of leg if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Collected Canter Half Pass OR Very Collected Trot
(certification) Test 4A 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage 4th° (Level IV)
Differences: If not cantering, there is more emphasis on a Very Collected Trot
Gaits:The gaits are the same, but instead of medium or extended canters, the horse is asked to show a very collected canter or very collected trot.
Movements: New movements are the canter or trot uberstreichen circle.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Collected Walk 10 m, Extended Walk 15m, Collected Canter or Trot Half Pass, Minimum three 4-time changes if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Extended Trot, Very Collected Canter or Very Collected Trot, Canter or Walk Working Half Pirouette
Differences: If not cantering, there is more emphasis on a Very Collected Trot
Gaits:The gaits are the same, but instead of medium or extended canters, the horse is asked to show a very collected canter or very collected trot.
Movements: New movements are the canter or trot uberstreichen circle.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Collected Walk 10 m, Extended Walk 15m, Collected Canter or Trot Half Pass, Minimum three 4-time changes if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Extended Trot, Very Collected Canter or Very Collected Trot, Canter or Walk Working Half Pirouette
Veteran SILVER MEDAL
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The Veteran Silver medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees. |
phase 3: advanced campaign veteran horse (gold medal classes)
(certification) Test 5a 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage 5th° (Level V)
Differences: Even though this is upper level dressage, there is still the option to canter. If not, then there is more emphasis on collection at the trot.
Gaits:The gaits are the same, but the school canter are school trot are introduced.
Movements: New movements are the true shoulder in on 4 tracks, canter 8 meter voltes, full working pirouettes, and 3 flying changes or the School Trot.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Collected Walk 20m, Extended Walk 20m, Collected Canter or Trot Half Pass, Canter or Walk Pirouette (enter & exit straight), Collected Trot Shoulder-In 12m, Extended Trot, Choice of Tempi Changes or School Trot
Differences: Even though this is upper level dressage, there is still the option to canter. If not, then there is more emphasis on collection at the trot.
Gaits:The gaits are the same, but the school canter are school trot are introduced.
Movements: New movements are the true shoulder in on 4 tracks, canter 8 meter voltes, full working pirouettes, and 3 flying changes or the School Trot.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Collected Walk 20m, Extended Walk 20m, Collected Canter or Trot Half Pass, Canter or Walk Pirouette (enter & exit straight), Collected Trot Shoulder-In 12m, Extended Trot, Choice of Tempi Changes or School Trot
(certification) Test 6a 60+%
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Discipline Class Name: Veteran Dressage 6th° (Level VI)
Differences: The horse and rider still show the harmony and elegance, however the canter is optional.
Gaits:The gaits are the same but shown with purity.
Movements: The passage is asked for through stages called Natural Passage, Soft Passage and Passage. The piaffe is also asked for 7 to 10 steps with 1 meter advancement permitted in Test V15 only. Tempi changes or by choice.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Collected Walk 20m, Extended Walk 20m, Collected Canter or Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Canter or Walk Pirouette (enter & exit straight), Passage (min. 20m one track), Piaffe (min. 10 steps straight), Passage Piaffe transitions, Choice of Tempi Changes or School Trot
Differences: The horse and rider still show the harmony and elegance, however the canter is optional.
Gaits:The gaits are the same but shown with purity.
Movements: The passage is asked for through stages called Natural Passage, Soft Passage and Passage. The piaffe is also asked for 7 to 10 steps with 1 meter advancement permitted in Test V15 only. Tempi changes or by choice.
Kur (Musical Freestyle) Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Entrance & halts, Collected Walk 20m, Extended Walk 20m, Collected Canter or Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Canter or Walk Pirouette (enter & exit straight), Passage (min. 20m one track), Piaffe (min. 10 steps straight), Passage Piaffe transitions, Choice of Tempi Changes or School Trot
veteran Gold Medal
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The Veteran Gold medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees. |
awards
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Vintage Champion Award Plaque is a once in a lifetime per horse, permanent championship given to horses who are certified in all of the degrees of classical and at least one veteran dressage, from Walk Trot to 6th°, regardless of rider and there is no time limit. Also, if the horse is sold to a new owner, the certification standings go with the horse. It is available once per horse.
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Additional incentive awards
Certification in granted to horse and riders receiving scores of 60+% in each test or in the last test and a kur of a type degree (level).
For title in a degree and type to appear on the horse's Certificate of Achievement, the horse needs certification of that degree and type of dressage. Note: Veteran Dressage cannot be put towards any other Dressage.
Every time you ride in an evaluation, your horse collects points for the Stalls of Achievement program, earning stall plates.
Your scores will go towards your class credit.
But one of the best parts, is that every time your ride in an evaluation, you collect ribbons for participation based on scores. Challenge yourself to better your scores and earn rosettes.
For title in a degree and type to appear on the horse's Certificate of Achievement, the horse needs certification of that degree and type of dressage. Note: Veteran Dressage cannot be put towards any other Dressage.
Every time you ride in an evaluation, your horse collects points for the Stalls of Achievement program, earning stall plates.
Your scores will go towards your class credit.
But one of the best parts, is that every time your ride in an evaluation, you collect ribbons for participation based on scores. Challenge yourself to better your scores and earn rosettes.
Notes:
You must be a current member.
Your horse must be registered with the academy.
Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet.
Email the office a link.
Wait for results and keep on riding!
There are 2 types of attire for riders, Formal and Academic. Riders have the option of attire because classical horsemanship is the base foundation of all other disciplines and is used for testing in the academic program. Please, refer to the Classical Dressage page for rider attire.
You must be a current member.
Your horse must be registered with the academy.
Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet.
Email the office a link.
Wait for results and keep on riding!
There are 2 types of attire for riders, Formal and Academic. Riders have the option of attire because classical horsemanship is the base foundation of all other disciplines and is used for testing in the academic program. Please, refer to the Classical Dressage page for rider attire.
All tack must fit properly! Stay with one style and do not mix and match between colors or styles such as Formal to Academic tack and attire.
Saddles:
Saddles can be leather or synthetic material, but must be black or brown, matching the bridle. Treeless saddles are allowed. The only style of saddle allowed as the Dressage saddle, however in the Bronze classes a Jumper, Close Contact or All Purpose saddle may be used. Any other saddle type is not allowed.
Saddles:
Saddles can be leather or synthetic material, but must be black or brown, matching the bridle. Treeless saddles are allowed. The only style of saddle allowed as the Dressage saddle, however in the Bronze classes a Jumper, Close Contact or All Purpose saddle may be used. Any other saddle type is not allowed.
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Saddle Pads:
Pads must be square (not shaped) and can be black or white. It can have colored piping around and a stitched logo in the corner as long as it is not loud, obtrusive or obscene.
Saddle Pads:
Pads must be square (not shaped) and can be black or white. It can have colored piping around and a stitched logo in the corner as long as it is not loud, obtrusive or obscene.
Bridles:
Only English bridles are allowed. In any level, a Simple Snaffle Bridle is optimal. Reins must not have loops or inserts except for para equestrians. Bridles cannot be padded such as in jumping. All cavessons need about 2 fingers width of space. Choices for Cavessons for the English bridle.
Nose band, Dropped, Flash, Figure 8 (Crossed, Mexican, Grackle), Combined Nose band, Micklem, but it must not be attached to the bit with additional links. Crank cavessons are prohibited.
Only English bridles are allowed. In any level, a Simple Snaffle Bridle is optimal. Reins must not have loops or inserts except for para equestrians. Bridles cannot be padded such as in jumping. All cavessons need about 2 fingers width of space. Choices for Cavessons for the English bridle.
Nose band, Dropped, Flash, Figure 8 (Crossed, Mexican, Grackle), Combined Nose band, Micklem, but it must not be attached to the bit with additional links. Crank cavessons are prohibited.
Veteran horses, 15 years and older, may use a side pull, or Micklem cavesson set as such without a bit. The cross under types are prohibited. For more information on bridles and their functions, refer to the International Rider I course, called Tack.
As a double bridle option, veteran horses may opt to use the Rugby Pelham bit. There are a couple of different mouthpieces, which must not be jointed. The sliphead is used, but not a bridoon. Again, refer to the Tack course for proper fitting and setup. |
Rugby Pelham options
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Horses in 3rd degree and higher may wear a full or double bridle. The only cavessons allowed are the Noseband or the Micklem only.
The curb bit should have a curb chain with fly ring and a lip strap. The chain can be covered with leather or rubber. Bit rings must be larger and curb bits have smaller shanks. The lever arm, or shank, must not be longer than 10 centimeters. For proper fitting, refer to International Rider I course called Tack. Bridoon bits, must be as seen. Versions are Loose ring, Eggbutt, Jointed Mouth, French Link, With a Lozenge, Rounded mouthpiece, Rotary mouthpieces, Hanging Cheek, which is also known as the Baucher.
Choices for Curb or Weymouth bits must be as seen: Half Moon, Low port, Wide, Cambridge (solid), which is also called a curb, Weymouth, which has a moving slip cheek. S Curved shanks are allowed for ALL curbs. |
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Bits must be:
Smooth all over with no rough spots or rust. Made of metal or rigid plastic, but not rubber. May contain copper inlay. Solid mouthpiece with up to 2 joints only. Must not be wrapped. Inside of the bit rings must measure 3.5 to 10.16 cm. Diameter of the mouth piece should be about 10 millimeters for ponies, 12 for horses, and it is suggested that all young horses six years and younger be ridden in a 14 millimeter bit. Mouthpiece may be curved to allow tongue relief, but no more 30mm wide and 30mm high. Bits, must have a loose ring, or independent ring. It is good for all high school movements. As Charles Harris states, "The simpler the bitting, the higher the ART!" Cheek pieces are better, as in the Fulmer, used with bit loops, because it keeps the bit in the proper place, with prime function and turns the whole head, and does not pull into the corners of the mouth, like the snaffle ring does, creating pain and may lead to evasions. The more advanced the training becomes, the more important this is. There is great detail about bits and bridles, their functions and why they should be used in the International Rider I course called Tack. You may choose the best mouth piece and cheek piece combination, that is best suited to your horse for the International Riding Academy Dressage Performance evaluations. |
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Horse Turn out:
Horses should have a braided mane. Use white, black or brown elastics, or wire.
Banded manes must have white or black tape.
The mane may be cropped.
The tail must not be braided, but it can and should be banged.
Hooves may be painted with black or clear polish.
Quarter marks are allowed.
White polo wraps are allowed.
Forbidden equipment is everything else, including breastplates, foregirths, bucking straps, bit guards, nose guards, cruppers and likewise.
Two way communication devices and other mechanical equipment are prohibited.
Why no whip?
Because as Charles Harris of the Spanish Riding School says, artificial aids in the hands of anyone but an expert are like a child with an open razor in each hand. They are never needed by a correctly applied training program and can create and build up stiffness and resistances. The only riders that have proven their riding abilities within the academy are those in or completed International Rider III or higher.
Horses should have a braided mane. Use white, black or brown elastics, or wire.
Banded manes must have white or black tape.
The mane may be cropped.
The tail must not be braided, but it can and should be banged.
Hooves may be painted with black or clear polish.
Quarter marks are allowed.
White polo wraps are allowed.
Forbidden equipment is everything else, including breastplates, foregirths, bucking straps, bit guards, nose guards, cruppers and likewise.
Two way communication devices and other mechanical equipment are prohibited.
Why no whip?
Because as Charles Harris of the Spanish Riding School says, artificial aids in the hands of anyone but an expert are like a child with an open razor in each hand. They are never needed by a correctly applied training program and can create and build up stiffness and resistances. The only riders that have proven their riding abilities within the academy are those in or completed International Rider III or higher.
riding incentive
Certification in granted to horse and riders receiving scores of 60+% in each test or in the last test and a kur of a type degree (level).
For title in a degree and type to appear on the horse's Certificate of Achievement, the horse needs certification of that degree and type of dressage.
Your scores will go towards your class credit, which is needed for the International Rider Levels completion, also the Equine Science diploma and credentials for Coaching and Training.
But one of the best parts, is that every time your ride in an evaluation, you collect ribbons for participation based on scores. Challenge yourself!
For title in a degree and type to appear on the horse's Certificate of Achievement, the horse needs certification of that degree and type of dressage.
Your scores will go towards your class credit, which is needed for the International Rider Levels completion, also the Equine Science diploma and credentials for Coaching and Training.
But one of the best parts, is that every time your ride in an evaluation, you collect ribbons for participation based on scores. Challenge yourself!