The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has been researching and studying the sport of dressage for the past nine years. Through the efforts of countless individuals, including input from staff at the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), dressage will become an AQHA-approved event beginning January 1, 2010.

AQHA-registered horses, shown by exhibitors who are current individual members of AQHA, will be eligible to earn points at USEF/USDF dressage competitions. AQHA has created a high-point recognition program for the AQHA open, amateur and youth divisions for first through 10th place in each division and the highest award to be given to the highest-point-earning registered American Quarter Horse in each division, including points earned in Training Level 4 through Grand Prix.

The following link to the AQHA website contains additional information, including a FAQ page, information on hosting a dressage event, and the competition license for the horse: www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html.

There are certain requirements of the USEF/USDF competitions before exhibitors can earn points with AQHA. Competitions will complete a short application and pay a fee of $50 per competition for approval from AQHA. This must be received by AQHA at least 60 days in advance of the competition. USEF dressage judges must have an AQHA membership in order for the points earned by the competitor to count (See AQHA rule 438). Each competition, with the name of the judge(s), will appear in the Show Calendar of at least one issue of the American Quarter Horse Journal. The United States Equestrian Federation is excited about this new AQHA program.

If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Smith, AQHA Competition Department at (806) 376-4811 or [email protected].