Terminology

  • Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI): The international governing body of equestrian sports. It is responsible for drafting and enforcing international rules for international shows for dressage and para-dressage, driving and para-driving, endurance, eventing, show jumping, and vaulting. International competition is very expensive. Click here to open the FEI website.
  • US Equestrian (USEF): The US national governing body responsible for drafting and enforcing US national rules for 27 equestrian disciplines. Click here to open the USEF website.
  • United States Dressage Federation (USDF): The US national membership federation for the equestrian sport of dressage. It is committed to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage in the US. Click here to open the USDF website.
  • USEF Licensed / USDF Recognized Shows (USEF/USDF Shows): US national dressage shows sanctioned by the USEF and USDF. The shows follow USEF rules and USDF guidelines. National competition is expensive. Click here for further information on the FADS website.
  • Schooling Shows: Dressage schooling shows are local shows that are not directly governed by the FEI, USEF, or USDF; however, these shows usually follow USEF rules, with some exceptions. These shows are inexpensive and may serve as a stepping stone toward national or international shows, or may be a rider’s exclusive showing experience. All FADS shows are dressage schooling shows.
  • Concours de Dressage Shows (CDI): International shows governed by the FEI.
  • Show Manager: The horse show manager is the person responsible for the overall organization, coordination, and administration of a horse show.
  • Show Secretary: The horse show secretary is the person who is responsible for receiving, processing and get corrections for show entries. The show secretary schedules the show and produces documents for the show such as an order of go list and results list.

Click here to Return to FADS Showing Information Table of Contents.