Musical Freestyle Dressage
Management
The Prize List :
State level(s) and how results will be tabulated and awarded (combined levels, level of choice, etc.).
State time and place of sound check.
State when, where, and to whom the tape and instructions should be delivered.
Classes Offered :
First, Second, Third, and Fourth Level freestyles may be offered as four separate classes or as a combined "USDF Freestyle" class. It is best to separate the classes if entries warrant. When reporting freestyle scores to USDF, the level of each ride must be indicated. FEI Intermediate I, Grand Prix, and Prix St. Georges Young Rider freestyle classes may also be offered, but these are judged according to FEI rules. There are no national Training Level freestyle score sheets.
The Prize List :
State level(s) and how results will be tabulated and awarded (combined levels, level of choice, etc.).
State time and place of sound check.
State when, where, and to whom the tape and instructions should be delivered.
Score Sheets :
Current USDF score sheets must be used. USDF freestyle score sheets are available from the USDF office. USEF carries the FEI Intermediate I, Grand Prix, and Prix St. Georges Young Rider freestyle score sheets. Theses scoresheets are copyrighted and may not be photocopied.
Judges :
USDF freestyles must be judged by licensed USEF dressage judges at the levels appropriate to the license.
Two or three judges may be located on the short end, or one may sit on the long side.
Time :
The rides should be timed with a stopwatch by someone appointed by the competition management. The official timer should have no other duties during the freestyle class except to accurately time the rides. In addition, a backup timer is advisable. The timer should inform the judge immediately when five minutes has elapsed, as well as the final total time used.
If an official timer is not available, a stopwatch or timer should be provided to the judge for freestyle judging.
Scheduling :
The demands of judging freestyle are considerable and require more time than regular dressage tests. Freestyles should be scheduled at intervals of at least nine or ten minutes.
Freestyles are intended to be audience pleasers and should always be scheduled at times chosen for maximum audience participation.
Freestyles should be scheduled so that the music does not interfere with activities in adjacent arenas and so that show announcements do not interfere with the music.
To encourage entries in freestyle classes, it is suggested to offer a class and awards at each level rather than combining all freestyle levels. At the minimum, classes should be split between USDF/USEF and FEI levels.
Sound and Sound System:
Unless management can obtain a good, clear, loud sound system, freestyle classes should not be offered. An unamplified portable tape/CD player at B does not supply sufficient sound quality or volume.
If the dressage organizers, announcer, or show facility do not have a decent sound system, management should contact schools, clubs, stores, or members to rent, borrow or buy equipment.
Well ahead of the competition date, the sound system and acoustics of the facility should be checked. People should be placed at the location of each judge, in the spectator area and in the arena to determine acoustical distortion and volume requirements of the area. (This will change somewhat when the area is filled with people and horses or in the event of wind or weather changes.)
Competitors may request a sound check of their tape/CDE. Management should determine and post schedules of time allowed for sound checks (with sound technicians) well in advance of the class.
The prize list should state when, where, and to whom the tape/CD and instructions should be delivered and when the sound check may be made.
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