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VETERAN Dressage

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS IS AN OPTION ONLY.
Veteran horses and riders may go into the Classical 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.


Veteran Dressage is divided into 3 phases of 7 degrees (levels) with a test and a kur (Musical Freestyle test). 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. Each degree will list the differences as compared to the Classical discipline. Each Veteran Dressage test is slightly shorter. Please, for proper arena and movements, refer to the rider levels.


For course credit, one score of 55% or higher is needed, and 2.0 credit units are awarded per degree/level. To get a certified title in a degree, score 60% or higher twice in the test(s) OR test and kur.
The Classical arena is based on the markers used at the Spanish Riding School. The arena is measured the same as the Competition arena but can be modified to be whatever size a person has with the ration still being 1:3 for width and length, or 1:2 for those with smaller arenas. There are lines, dots, cross-points and a line on each side of the midline. The tests read different but are easier to understand as letters are non-existent.
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RIDER INCENTIVE - 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: Classical can be put towards Veteran Dressage, but not the other way from Veteran Dressage to Classical.
​Vintage Champion title is a once in a lifetime per horse, permanent championship given to horses who are certified in all of the degrees of dressage with at least one level being Veteran, 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.
Your scores will go towards class credit, needed for the International Rider Levels completion and an Equine Science diploma.
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!

Phase 1: Basic campaign veteran horse (Bronze Medal classes)


Note: The class called Classed Dressage Walk Trot is the same for Veterans. Refer to Classical for the test.

Veteran Dressage Demi° 
(Pre-Level)
Optional canter! All else is same but shorter.
Gaits: Medium Walk, Free Walk, Working Trot and Working Canter as an option.
Horse must stretch down and forward in a  circle.
Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. 
Halt, Medium Walk 15m, Free Walk on long rein 20m, 
​
Working Canter 20m circle OPTIONAL, Working Trot 20m, Working Trot 15-20m circle, Stretch forward & downward 20m circle Trot
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Veteran Dressage 1st° (Level I)
Horse must be working with a level to uphill top-line and hav good working gaits.
Gaits: Lengthened stride in trot.
Trot 10m volte and leg yield at walk only.
​
Kur Elements:  Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes. Halt, Medium Walk 10m, Lengthened Walk  15m, Working Canter 15m circle, Working Trot 10m volte, Leg Yield at Walk, Lengthened Trot, Change of leg through Trot only if cantering
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​The Veteran Dressage Bronze medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees:
Walk Trot (Level 0)
Demi Degree/ Veteran
First Degree/ Veteran

phase 2: medium campaign veteran horse (silver medal classes)

Veteran Dressage 2nd° (Level II)
If collected canter is not done, emphasis is on collected trot.
Gaits: Collected and medium trot, canter is optional, walk is medium or extended, trot voltes with option to canter, serpentine, trot or simple change if cantering. Classical shoulder-in plie on 3 tracks, demi passade leading to a renvers. Turn on the haunch is  completed with a halt and pause before and after the turn.

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Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes, Halt, Medium Walk 10m, Extended Walk  15m, Simple Change  if cantering. Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Renvers, Medium Trot, Collected Canter or Collected Trot 10m volte

​Veteran Dressage 3rd° (Level III)
Rein-back, Collected and medium trot, but optional canter OR emphasis is on very collected trot. The walk is collected, medium or extended.
Trot demi-voltes to half pass, flying change. Quarter and half pirouettes.
Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 4.5 minutes
Halt, Medium Walk 10m, Extended Walk  15m, Single Flying Change of leg if cantering, Collected Trot Plié, Collected Trot Half Pass, Extended Trot, Collected Canter Half Pass OR Very Collected Trot
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Veteran Dressage 4th° (Level IV)
Optional canter or emphasis on a Very Collected Trot
Medium or extended canter OR very collected canter OR very collected trot.
Canter or trot uberstreichen circle.
Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes
Halt, Collected Walk 10m, 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
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​The Veteran dressage Silver medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees:
Second Degree/ Veteran
Third Degree/ Veteran
Fourth Degree/ Veteran

phase 3: advanced campaign veteran horse (gold medal classes)

Veteran Dressage 5th° 
​
(Level V)
Canter is optional OR more emphasis on very collected trot.
School canter and school trot. 
True shoulder in on 4 tracks, canter 8m voltes,  full working pirouette, and 3 flying changes OR the School Trot.

Kur Elements: Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. Halt, 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
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Veteran Dressage 6th° (Level VI)
Optional canter, pure gaits, Natural Passage, Soft Passage and Passage, Piaffe 7-10 steps with 1m advance permitted. Tempi changes OR by choice.

Kur Elements:  Time 3.5 - 5 minutes. ​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
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​The Veteran Dressage Gold medal is awarded once per horse and rider combination for receiving certification in the corresponding degrees:
Fifth Degree/ Veteran
Sixth Degree/ Veteran

Notes:
You must be a current member, register your horse with the academy - free for members.
Video your test or pattern and upload it to the internet. Email the office a link.
Wait for results and keep on riding!

All tack and attire are the same as for Classical.
Only exception for veteran horses 15 years and older:
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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.

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Rugby Pelham options

feel free to use these tests in schooling shows

Veteran Dressage Pre
Veteran Dressage 1
Veteran Dressage 2
Veteran Dressage 3
Veteran Dressage 4
Veteran Dressage 5
Veteran Dressage 6
Veteran Kur Pre
Veteran Kur 1
Veteran Kur 2
Veteran Kur 3
Veteran Kur 4
Veteran Kur 5
Veteran Kur 6
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