For Show Managers

Dates
To avoid a conflict of dates, the USEF rule reads: 100 mile radius for Dressage Competitions. To determine a mile radius, the distance shall be measured using a map drawn to scale by AAA, Rand McNally or USGS, from the center of that city, town, village or community appearing on the map which is located closest to the actual competition location.

With regard to the 100 mile limitation, CDS recognition will not be denied to a Non-Chapter triple rated show, provided all the applications are in Central Office by the cut-off date as mandated by US Equestrian, unless a triple rated Chapter Show and a Non-Chapter Show conflict, then unless the two show managements agree, preference will be given to the CDS Chapter Show. No triple rated show can deny CDS recognition to a Chapter wishing to hold a CDS "only" show on the same weekend. If two applications for CDS "only" recognition conflict, then the Chapter will have preference unless the show managements agree. If two Chapters conflict then recognition will be given on a first come first served basis. All agreements between show managements must be in writing and mailed to the Central Office.

Insurance
All CDS-only recognized shows that are not chapter shows must show proof of insurance in order to receive show recognition. Required proof of insurance does not apply to US Equestrian Shows or Chapter Shows. Send a copy of proof of insurance to the CDS Central Office with your show application. No show applications will be considered without proof of insurance.

Chapter event organizers, please remember, that you must notify the insurance carrier with a form if you are having a mounted event, show, clinic, etc. and especially if you have to cancel the event--you must notify the insurance carrier by just calling.

[ Get the Insurance Form (PDF) ]

USEF Recognized
If your show is USEF recognized you must attach your USEF application form to the CDS application form or provide the competition recognition number.

CDS is also offering a Sport Horse Breed Show program. Rules and information for management is included with the show packet. You can request separate show recognition or hold Sport Horse Classes in conjunction with your dressage show.

Show Reports
With the unlimited number of divisions of classes at dressage shows, US Equestrian, amateur, junior, open, novice, green etc, the competition reports can get pretty muddled.

Please list all classes separately; that means each one by itself. Please don't just put O, J or A next to the scores. Make sure that all raw scores are included and percentages are calculated and legible. You must indicate any duplicate scores from competitors who have cross entered two divisions (open/qualifying). One ride only counts as one score.

Please try to type the reports or use computer print-outs; handwritten reports are discouraged. Every effort in the name of clarity helps keep the competitors' and owners' scores accurate. Make sure the competitors' CDS number is included on the reports. The CDS Central Office appreciates all the work the show managers/secretaries do to keep the paper work in order.

Remember that your Competition Grant and non-member fees must accompany the show report. It is important to include the cover sheet on your show report listing all fees that accompany the report and any contacts for the show.

Fees that need to accompany your show results are the $2 per horse required Competition Grant fee and the $10 non-member fee for the rider and the
owner.

If you collect money for the Young Riders, that money should go directly to USDF Region 7 Young Rider Team. This is a Region 7 program and funds do not go through CDS.

CDS has a $50 penalty fine. Know the "Requirements for CDS Recognition" and avoid the $50 fine. After two (2) fines of $50 to the same show management CDS recognition can be denied for one year!

Please take the time to read all the sheets on show requirements. It's a tedious task but worth the time as failure to follow the rules can result in lost scores and loss of future recognition.

There is a Chapter Handbook available from the Central Office for $20 which is a helpful guide to organizing and running dressage shows. It includes job descriptions, sample judge contracts, time schedules, volunteer organization and more.

Arenas Available to Borrow
If you are planning on putting on a dressage show, but need an arena, CDS has six arenas in the state that are available for rent for shows, clinics or seminar purposes. These arenas are spread out over the entire state to make borrowing fairly easy. Current list for Home Base locations and managers: North Bay (Marin) Mary Schrader 415/479-3104, South Bay (Watsonville) Alexsandra Howard 831/728-5004, North Valley (Nevada City) Connie Davenport 530/265-0950, Gold Coast and Valley Jenny Alexander 805-567-0270, LA Metropolitan Scarlett Hibner 818/790-6819, Southern (Temecula) Karen Center 909-696-2560. CDS also sells dressage arenas with proceeds going to the CDS Scholarship Fund; contact the Central Office at 831/659-5696.

Prohibited Drugs
The California Food and Drug and the USEF have slightly different lists of prohibited drugs for competition. In order to keep a uniform standard throughout all dressage shows. CDS shows will run under the USEF Drug standard. As a show manager you may still request the State of California to do your testing at shows.

Breed Show Managers

To help facilitates the CDS Breed Show awards program, Breed show managers need to follow a few guidelines:

1. Be sure to get your show recognized by CDS so the points accumulated by your competitors will count toward the CDS Year End Award Program.
2. Your results must identify the class as an "in-hand" class shown on the triangle. Breed shows have in-hand and young horses ridden under saddle and the CDS Awards Program only attributes points for the in-hand classes shown on the triangle.
3. Please use the USDF score sheet so that all in-hand classes are judged the same.
4. Please do no combine classes for awards, it is particularly confusing to combine 2 year old colts and 3 year old fillies. CDS points are based on placings in the class and number of horses in the class and this point system is confused when classes are combined.
   

EMT Rule
Qualified medical personnel with no other duties and with appropriate medical equipment, as required by their certifying State or EMS Region, must be present during all scheduled performances. Qualified medical personnel is a currently certified or licensed EMT, or Paramedic, or a Physician or nurse trained in pre-hospital trauma care and currently certified or licensed in their profession. A physician or nurse trained in prehospital trauma care is a physician or nurse who is currently certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS), Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), or who has First Responder or comparable certification. Comparable certification requires review and written approval in advance by the Safety Committee. It is strongly recommended that EMTs and/or Paramedics be used to fill this position. Medical personnel must not exceed the scope of their practice.