Adaptive Dressage Prize List
Click here to download a copy of the Adaptive Dressage Prize List
Welcome
NAVHS competitions provide individuals and programs the opportunity to virtually compete and earn points toward show and year-end high-point awards.
Our competitions are open to the following:
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Individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities
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Hippotherapy Participants
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Veterans
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Neurotypical Individuals who participate in adaptive programs on academy horses
Beyond fostering a sense of accomplishment, we aim to create a rewarding experience that celebrates participants’ goals, determination, and perseverance.
Our competitions support and empower adaptive programs with opportunities to provide participants competitive shared experiences, foster unity, encourage engagement along with rewards directly for programs.
Who is eligible to compete in the Adaptive Dressage Show Series
In order to participate, a competitor must
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Adaptive Status. Have a medically diagnosed condition that causes a permanent impairment that can be measured objectively.
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Veteran status. Be or have been a member of our National Forces,
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Academy statusBe a participant of an Adaptive riding program, taking lessons on a horse who is a lesson horse.
Classes, Divisions and Sections
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Classes and Divisions are based on Primary Impairment or eligibility status
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Competitors are responsible for choosing their impairment or eligibility and division.
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Competitors are responsible for entering their correct class(s)
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Competitors are only permitted to participant in one division per show
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Sections are based upon Age
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Each competitor is eligible to compete in 3 classes but not required
Primary Impairment
● Examples can be located in Handbook
● Individual, instructor, trainer or program is responsible for choosing the impairment.
● Competitors can only ride under 1 impairment during a show year
Cognitive. A cognitive impairment is the primary disability
Physical. A Physical impairment is primary disability
Emotional. An Emotional impairment is the primary disability
Eligibility Status
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Individual, instructor, trainer or program is responsible for choosing the eligibility status.
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Competitors can only ride under 1 status during a show year.
Veteran Adaptive Academy
Sections
Age divisions
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Competition show age is determined by your age on Jan1 of the current competition year.
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An exhibitor will show at that age for the entire season.
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No changing sections during the show year
Nugget 3 - 6
Younglings 7 - 13
Juniors 14 -21
Adults 22 - 45
Primers 46 and 69
Silver Stirrups 70 and over
Disciplines
The traditional tack, attire and manner of communication with the horse which falls under one of the following categories: English Western
Classes
English Dressage
Competitors will be judged on their overall abilities with the horse to perform the movements set forth in the provided test. Adaptive Dressage tests will focus on their communication with their horse, geometry, equitation and harmony with the horse. Tests will be based on traditional English dressage basics and criteria.
Western Dressage
Competitors will be judged on their overall abilities with the horse to perform the movements set forth in the provided test. Adaptive Dressage tests will focus on their communication with their horse, geometry, equitation and harmony with the horse. Tests will be based on traditional Western dressage basics and criteria.
Divisions
Supported
Maiden Walk Only
A Leader is required and zero to two side-walkers permitted. The horse will be on the lead at all times.
Maiden Walk/Trot
A Leader is required and zero to two side-walkers are permitted.. The horse will be on the lead at all times.
Novice Walk/Trot
A Leader is required and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at the walk and on lead at the trot.
Limited Support
Intermediate Walk Only
A spotter is required, which will remain at the horse’s head, and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.
Advanced Intermediate Walk
A spotter is required, which will remain within approximately 10 feet from the horse’s head and no side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.
Intermediate Walk/Trot
A spotter is required, which will remain at the horse’s head and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.
Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot
A spotter is required, which will remain within approximately 10 feet from the horse’s head and no side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.
Independent (No Support)
Advanced Walk
Competitors will ride independently at the walk. competitors must have a spotter who, at their discretion, will remain in the center of the ring or just outside of the course area.
Advanced Walk/Trot
Competitors will ride independently at the walk and trot. competitors must have a spotter who, at their discretion, will remain in the center of the ring or just outside of the course area.
Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter
Competitors will ride independently at the walk, trot, and canter. competitors must have a spotter who, at their discretion, will remain in the center of the ring or just outside of the course area.
Class Specifications and Sections
English
Maiden Walk
200 Maiden Walk Only Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns,
10-20 meter circles and straight lines
201. Maiden Walk Only Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meter circles and straight lines
202 Maiden Walk Only - Test 3 Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meter circles and straight lines
Maiden Walk Trot
203 Maiden Walk/Trot - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns,
10-20 meter circles and straight lines
204 Maiden Walk/Trot - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns,
10-20 meter circles and straight lines
205. Maiden Walk/Trot - Test 3 Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns,
10-20 meter circles and straight lines
Novice Walk/Trot
206. Novice Walk/Trot - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns,
10–20 meter circles and straight lines
207. Novice Walk/Trot - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns,
10–20 meter circles and straight lines
208. Novice Walk/Trot - Test 3 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns,
10–20 meter circles and straight lines
Intermediate Walk Only
209. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
210. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
211 Intermediate Walk Only - Test 3 Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
Advanced Intermediate Walk
212. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
213 Intermediate Walk Only - Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
214. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 3 Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
Intermediate Walk/Trot
215. Intermediate Walk/Trot - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
216. Intermediate Walk/Trot - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
217. Intermediate Walk/Trot - Test 3 Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot
218. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
219. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
220. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot - Test 3 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
Advanced Walk
221. Independent Walk Only - Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
222. Independent Walk Only - Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
223. Advanced Walk Only - Test 3 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
Advanced Walk/Trot
224. Advanced Walk/Trot - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10–20 meter circles and straight lines
225. Advanced Walk/Trot - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
226. Advanced Walk/Trot - Test 3 - Judged at the walk and trot. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter
227. Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter - Test 1 - Judged at the walk, trot and canter. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
228. Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter - Test 2 - Judged at the walk, trot and canter. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
229. Advanced Walk/Trot/Canter - Test 3 - Judged at the walk, trot and canter. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Western
Maiden Walk
250. Maiden Walk Only Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
251 Maiden Walk Only Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
252. Maiden Walk Only - Test 3 Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Maiden Walk Jog
253. Maiden Walk/Jog - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and jog Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
254. Maiden Walk/Jog - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and jog Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
255. Maiden Walk/Jog - Test 3 Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Novice Walk/Jog
256. Novice Walk/Jog - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
257. Novice Walk/Jog - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
258. Novice Walk/Jog - Test 3 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Intermediate Walk Only
259. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
260. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
261. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 3 Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Advanced Intermediate Walk
262. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
263. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
264. Intermediate Walk Only - Test 3 Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Intermediate Walk/Jog
265. Intermediate Walk/Jog - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
266. Intermediate Walk/Jog - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
267. Intermediate Walk/Jog - Test 3 Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Advanced Intermediate Walk/Jog
268. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Jog - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
269. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Jog - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
270. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Jog - Test 3 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Advanced Walk
271. Independent Walk Only - Test 1 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
272. Independent Walk Only - Test 2 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
273. Advanced Walk Only - Test 3 - Judged at the walk. Test will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Advanced Walk/Jog
274. Advanced Walk/Jog - Test 1 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
275. Advanced Walk/Jog - Test 2 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
276. Advanced Walk/Jog - Test 3 - Judged at the walk and jog. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
Advanced Walk/Jog/Lope
277. Advanced Walk/Jog/Lope - Test 1 - Judged at the walk, jog and lope. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
278. Advanced Walk/Jog/Lope - Test 2 - Judged at the walk, jog and lope. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight lines
279. Advanced Walk/Jog/Lope - Test 3 - Judged at the walk, jog and lope. Test will consist of transitions, simple turns, 10-20 meters circles and straight line
General Information
Any questions/concerns can be forwarded to show management. Show management and/or the appropriate jury will clarify any questions concerning tack, equipment, attire or soundness.
Attire
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All competitor’s must wear a protective ASTM/SEI approved helmet, english or western, with full chin harness fastened at all times while riding the horse. A western hat may be affixed over the helmet in western events. NO ONE WILL BE JUDGED IF NOT WEARING A PROTECTIVE ASTM/SEI APPROVED HELMET.
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English and western attire will follow traditional practices with the exception of acceptable adaptation equipment.
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Traditional discipline appropriate riding clothing is requested to participate in a class.
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Appropriate and suitable footwear required
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NOTE: Wearing a boot with a heel may not be appropriate for some riders due to a physical disability. Please make sure that the rider has the appropriate safety stirrup during competition.
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Tall boots and chaps are not required.
Tack and Equipment
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Competitors and/or their trainers/instructors are responsible for using appropriate saddles, safety stirrups, rider footwear, and deciding appropriate adaptive equipment for the horse and rider.
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Competitor’s may use appropriate and acceptable adaptive equipment without penalty
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Halters are required for supported classes.
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All horses should wear a halter in a manner that does not interfere with reining of the horse. A halter may be on the horse either over or under the bridle for use by the handler if needed.
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The lead line must be fastened to the halter and not to the bit.
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English and western equipment will follow traditional practices with the exception of acceptable adaptation equipment.
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Equipment should be appropriate to the riding ability of the competitor and be suitable for the horse.
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Saddles appropriate for division, traditionally english type or western type.
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Bridles need to be appropriate for the rider and horse and may be traditional, bit less, or reins on a halter.Competitor’s may ride one or 2 handed
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Exhibitors are allowed to hold the saddle with either hand without penalty.
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Competitor’s may in no way be attached to the horse or saddle.
Horses/Ponies
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Horses/Ponies must be serviceable sound
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Horses/Ponies should be suitable
Assistance
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Any assistance from a competitors support team will be penalized at the judges discretion except in a safety situation.
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Tests may be announced to the rider while recording.The videographer, standing at “C” or an assistant, standing at “B or E”may call the directions.Only the provided directions may be announced to the rider, if necessary the direction may be repeated once.No other assistance is permitted besides safety assistance.
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Outside assistance will be penalized at the judge’s discretion.
Arena
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The arena should measure approximately 20 meters wide by 40 meterslong, or as close as possible depending on your facility.
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Tests are based around these dimensions.
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The arena must be defined.
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The standard short court letters must be visible
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The arena should be designed as closely as possible to the provided tests.
Video Submission Information
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No special equipment needed. A mobile phone will work
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Videographer Placement: The videographer needs to stand and record from
Outside of the ring behind letter “C” approximately where the judge would be located
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The phone/camera should be held horizontally
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For best results try not to be facing into the sun. Do your best
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An indoor/covered arena is acceptable if the lighting is good.
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The better the lighting conditions, the better the video will look.
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The sound must be turned ON.Videos without sound will not be judged
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Enable the phones DO NOT DISTURB feature while videoing
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Videos can not stop and start.They need to be unedited and continuous
Recording the video
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Rider should be in the start position to begin
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Video must be continuous from start to finish.
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Begin video with the videographer videoing another device displaying the date and time.
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Without stopping the recording, show a document, whiteboard or paper, showing the rider’s name, class number and class name you are recording.
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DO NOT STOP RECORDING
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Focus the camera on the rider and horse.
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Videographer or assistant should now Announce “you are now being judged”.
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Do not physically move, stay in the required ‘letter’ location.
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Zoom in and out to have a clear view of entire rider and horse at all times
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When the class is finished, zoom in on the rider and horse and continue videoing for approximately 3 seconds.
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Absolutely no editing, no stopping and starting of video while completing the class.
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Please attempt to keep all videos between 5 - 7 minutes.No longer would be appreciated.
Year End Awards
To be eligible for year end awards competitors and programs must declare and pay the fee by the closing date for registration of the competition in order for points to count.
A minimum of entry into 2 shows required for competitions and programs towards year end awards.
See Handbook for additional information on divisions offered, requirements etc.