During the USEF Dressage Performance Standards Open Forum held December 4th as part of the USDF Annual Convention, it was clear that the majority of attendees support some form of performance standards for dressage, mirroring the support shown in a USEF on-line survey conducted in early 2008. However, in consideration of concerns which have been expressed by membership, and sensitivity to the current state of the economy, the USEF Dressage Committee has voted to withdraw the rule change proposal for dressage performance standards.

Since the attendees demonstrated overwhelming support for the concept of "rider tests", the USEF Dressage Committee will proceed with the development of these tests, and will also be looking into ways to address judging consistency. In addition, the Dressage Committee will pursue the appointment of a joint USEF/USDF task force, with a mission to continue to study statistics and investigate performance standards options for the sport.

The USEF Dressage Committee would like to thank all USEF and USDF members for taking the time to send feedback regarding this project and look forward to future endeavors for continued improvement of the sport of dressage.

 

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.