Points in Affiliated Dressage

[Stella2]

Could someone explain how points are allocated in affiliated dressage? Also, what is the situation with 'downgrading a horse' when ridden by a less experianced rider? And finally, how does horse and rider qualify for various events? e'g' area festivals.

Thanks :)

[augermoon]

Horses are graded on a points system. Points will be awarded against the percentage achieved in accordance with the scale below:

60 - 61.99% 1 point
62 - 63.99% 2 points
64 - 65.99% 3 points
66 - 67.99% 4 points
68 - 69.99% 5 points
70 - 71.99% 6 points
72% and over 7 points

[DavidH]

Horses can be downgraded to the highest level a rider can compete as restricted at. The horse is only allowed to gain 15 points at the downgraded levels before being forced back up to their actual level. However, they must compete in the open section even if the rider is restricted level.

In brief, to qualify for area festivals the horse has to achieve 2 scores of 59% or more at the level to qualify. For regionals it varies level to level but generally have to win 2 classes, one of which must be a qualifier achieveing a certain percentage (around 65%).

[Lgd]

Tis quite complicated go to the BD website www.britishdressage.co.uk and click on library and then on the pdf for 2005 rules. If the horse is graded only one grade above you it is usually better to spend some time riding HC in the lower grade rather than have to ride in the open sections.

If you want specific advice give me a ring and I'll try and sort you out.