Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) classes, offered through USDF Breeders Championship Series competitions, give young horses and ponies the opportunity to compete before they are under saddle, and for owners, future riders, and handlers to get feedback on their horse’s conformational strengths and weaknesses to consider when starting the riding process or evaluating for breeding. Here are five reasons you and your young horse should participate in this program!
Gain Valuable Show Experience
Dressage Sport Horse Breeding classes offer valuable opportunities to introduce young horses to the competition atmosphere before being shown under saddle. For young horses that are already under saddle, Materiale classes are offered for three-, four-, and five-year-old horses.
Opportunities Available for All Levels
Are you an amateur looking to compete? What about a junior or young rider? Perfect – there are classes available for amateur and junior/young rider handlers! USDF also offers the USDF Handler Clinic for those who want to compete in DSHB classes but aren’t sure where to start.
Exciting New Opportunities for Four-Year-Olds
New for 2021 is the addition of the Four-Year-Old Prospect class, allowing mares, stallions, and geldings at four years of age to compete. These classes give opportunities for the conformation of four-year-olds to be evaluated as a Dressage sport horse prospect.
See How Your Horse Stacks Up Against His or Her Breed
Individual breed classes (IBC) are offered to allow horses and ponies to compete only against those of their same breed. DSHB competitors are also eligible for year-end DSHB All-Breeds Awards at all ages.
Learn More About Your Dressage Prospect
DSHB classes give owners, riders, and handlers the opportunity to learn about their horse’s conformation and movement. This can be very helpful as you prepare to start the horse under saddle. In addition to learning from feedback at shows, USDF offers several seminars with top judges, breeders, and handlers each year. To see attendance criteria and apply, visit the USDF Sport Horse Education page.
