What are Your Competition Goals?

Different riders have different showing goals:

• INTERNATIONAL GOALS: A few riders endeavor to ride in CDI (FEI) shows and qualify for exclusive international shows, including the Olympics. They may initially ride green horses in USEF/USDF shows or schooling shows as this gives the horse (and rider) showing experience before hitting the very expensive “big time.”
• NATIONAL GOALS: Some riders want to ride in USEF/USDF shows and compete for associated local and national awards. They may initially ride green horses in schooling shows as this gives the horse (and rider) showing experience before riding in the expensive national shows.
• SCHOOLING SHOW GOALS: Many riders do not have international or national goals; they want to learn and have fun (and save money!) at dressage schooling shows. FADS shows are this type of show.

Riders can also have different goals for different horses.

First determine your goals, then select shows that are appropriate for you and your horse. Starting with schooling shows, including FADS shows, will help you determine if you can ultimately ride in USEF/USDF and CDI shows while letting you have fun and save money.

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