September 2020 entries onwards…

Horse and rider combinations are not permitted to enter a class more than one level below their highest entry in any class up to Medium, e.g. a horse and rider combination competing at Novice level is not permitted to enter an Intro or Intro Plus class etc.

Showdown International reserves the right to refuse an entry that breaches this rule.

Para and Disabled riders are only expected to ride at the levels they are comfortable at as they may not be able to physically ride at the next level up.

September 2020 entries onwards…

Please note:

Para and Disabled riders are only expected to ride at the levels they are comfortable at as they may not be able to physically ride at the next level up.

Beginner riders are not expected to move up until they feel truly confident.

When you should move up the levels in our dressage classes

When you are consistently scoring high marks in the lower levels (we suggest 65%). The Intro and Intro Plus classes are designed for the very beginning of the horse and rider's development. Once you have mastered you really need to move up the levels to develop you and your horse.

ALL of our dressage tests have been written by our team especially for you (with the exception of BE Eventing Tests).

We are continually adding to these tests to bring you variety and challenge.

What exactly is the Intro Plus level?

Intro Plus Level is a great building block as it involves an introduction to canter.
You are marked on your canter movements as well as a bonus mark for transitions into and out of canter.
It is the ideal level to bridge the gap between Intro and Prelim!

When you should move from Novice to Open in our Paced & Mannered Classes

In Hand – you should enter the Open class if you have been placed 1st in any Showdown International In Hand Class
Ridden - you should enter the Open class if you have been placed 1st in any Showdown International Ridden Class

What exactly is the Disabled and Para Riders Series?

Classes are open to all grades and classifications of rider, as well as ungraded and unclassified riders.
Disabled and Para Rider Series Walk and Walk Trot Ridden classes can be solo or lead rein.
Para and Disabled riders are only expected to ride at the levels they are comfortable at as they may not be able to physically ride at the next level up.

What exactly is Jump for Joy Freeform dressage?

Jump for Joy Freeform Dressage Tests are for horses and ponies with jumping experience
They can be ridden with or without music.
They are a cross between Prix Caprilli and Freestyle tests.
You design your own test.
The jump positions are shown on the test sheet – you choose at which point in the test you jump them.

Part one: Who can enter the Beginner’s classes?

Junior riders who are not ready to compete against adults but want to be involved
True beginner riders wanting to gain confidence in a competition
Also ideal for green horses who are not established.
Horses returning from injury who can only walk

Part two: Who can enter the Beginner’s classes?

Those just starting out in competing.
Beginners Series Walk and Walk Trot Ridden classes can be solo or lead rein.
Riders are not expected to move up until they feel truly confident
These classes are exactly what they say they are and please enter them in the true spirit in which they are intended

Site Content

Part one: Long Lining Dressage

Long-lining is conducted from the ground.
The handler is positioned behind the horse, holding a lunge line in each hand just like a set of reins.
Can be for all levels of horse from unbacked youngsters, horses returning from injury, nervous horses or riders, and any horse in regular work.
We have Walk tests and Walk Trot tests.

Part two: Long Lining Dressage

What equipment do you need?

Snaffle bridle (without the reins)
A roller or a saddle with the stirrups let down and secured with a strap underneath the horse’s girth area
Two lunge or long-reining lines of equal length
Brushing boots and overreach boots
Hard hat, sturdy footwear, and gloves.

Part three: Long Lining Dressage

It teaches the horse the leg and rein aids
Increases horse’s balance by encouraging more use of the hind legs.
Helps to build a bond between the horse and rider
Increases rider and horse confidence

Part four: Long Lining Dressage

Improves rider body coordination and awareness
Improves vocal commands
Allows you to observe your horse’s movement and way of going
Provides variety in the horse’s work routine
Builds muscle along the horse’s top-line

Once your marked sheets are back from the judges, we check them and make sure you have been sent them BEFORE we release the class results on our Facebook page.

Did you know that we welcome Hors Concours (HC) entries?

When to compete HC…

You have entered the class early in the month and want feedback from the same judge on your progress
You wish to enter a level lower than your current competition level

Just let us know at point of entry that you wish to compete Hors Concours (HC).
After your first entry to the class, all subsequent entries will automatically be recorded as HC
Anyone competing HC is not included in the prizes for that class.

Welcome to Showdown International - Online Equestrian Competitions

Site Content