Selection Criteria

In order to ride on an ESDCTA team, each rider must submit 2 scores that were earned during the qualifying period, from 2 different shows, and 2 different judges. Please note that if you will not have your qualifying scores in time for the Region 1 Youth Team Challenge deadline (April 15th), that is okay, just let us know when you plan to have your scores.

Application Information

If you are even just considering applying to be on an ESDCTA team for one or both of these events, please express your interest HERE!

If you have questions about participating on an ESDCTA team, reach out to Jennifer Koch via email using youthdressageshows@gmail.com or call/text 484-894-0876.

Reimbursement Information

In order to receive partial reimbursement for competition-related costs as a member of the ESDCTA team, each rider must: 

• Commit to helping sell raffle tickets at the Annual Awards Banquet OR…
• Donate 1 or more items to be raffled at the banquet or other ESDCTA event OR…
• Volunteer 5 hours at an ESDCTA-hosted event OR…
• Participate in other fundraising or volunteer opportunities specifically for the youth program as they become available.

The amount of reimbursement will depend upon the number of riders who want to attend each show and the success of fundraising efforts. We will make an effort to assist with trailering and/or coaching (for additional fees) if needed. However, we cannot guarantee either.

USDF Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge

Show dates: June 21-22, 2025
Rosemont Farm, Spotsylvania Courthouse VA
Event website and rules

Qualifying period: August 15, 2024 to April 15, 2025

The team competition is open to anyone age 25 and under, riding from Introductory Level through the FEI levels as well as in WDAA Western Dressage. Riders do not need to be a USDF member to participate.  The format consists of a Dressage Team Competition for Riders 25 & Under, Dressage Seat Equitation Championships, a NEW 2024 Freestyle Face-Off and a stall decorating contest!

Teams are placed in divisions by age/riding level. Team results are awarded by Division. Individual High Score Champion and Reserve for each Division are recognized. Riders may also enter warm-up, dressage seat equitation, and freestyle classes. In addition the show is offering prix caprilli, lead line and Jr sport horse handler classes. Read more below on what to expect!

What can I expect at the Region 1 Youth Team Challenge?

• Entry/Stabling fees are approximately $215, excluding optional classes.
• Riders travel and arrive on Friday after 12:00 pm and can school until 7:00pm.
• Riders will ride 1 team test on Saturday and 1 team test on Sunday.
• Additional classes are available and will be filled in the order of registration. Options include the Dressage Seat Equitation Championship, Musical Freestyle Face-Off, Prix Caprilli (dressage test with jumps), and a Junior Handler Class.
• The Musical Freestyle Face-Off will take place Saturday at the end of the day and will be followed by a pizza party for riders.
• Mounted team awards ceremony with honor rounds. Teams may wear costumes, show attire, or team uniforms.
• Scores from this show will count towards ESDCTA Year End Awards.
• There is a stall decorating competition and stable management awards.
• Show typically ends by 5:00pm on Sunday.

Dressage4Kids Youth Dressage Festival (YDF)

Show dates: August 8-10, 2025
Horse Park of NJ, Allentown, NJ
Event website

Qualifying period: To be announced

This is the flagship event of Dressage4Kids, Inc. Instituted in 1999, the festival offers individual and team competition for riders from ages 4 through 25. Division championships feature a three-phased competition: a written test, an individual dressage test, and an equitation ride. Divisions offered are Introductory through Fourth, FEI Pony, Junior and Young Rider and Para Equestrian. Riders may also assemble teams and vie for the Kross Creek Farm Team Championships in honor of Margarita Serrell. Classes for Leadline (riders aged 4 to 8), Prix Caprilli (dressage ride incorporating jumps), Dressage Trail and Musical Freestyle are offered, as are other competitive and fun activities. Read more below on what to expect!

What can I expect at Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival? (Based on previous years…)

• Entry/Stabling fees are approximately $380, excluding additional classes.
• Riders travel and arrive on Thursday and are able to school until the office closes.
• Friday is a schooling show. Each entry includes 1 schooling show test.
• There is a written test based on required reading, which is published on their website. This is part of your individual division score.
• Saturday is the division dressage test. There will be two judges, one at C that scores your dressage movements, and one at E that scores your equitation.
• Written test, Dressage test, and Equitation score will be added together to earn a final score for your division. You will be placed individually in your division.
• There is a Parade of Teams and usually a demonstration ride.
• Dressage Seat Equitation, Dressage Trail and Prix Caprilli, Musical Freestyle. Sport Horse conformation, Junior Handler classes are available.
• Awards take place on Sunday. They are unmounted, but riders appear in show attire.
• There is a stall decorating competition and stable management awards. There are many different breed awards and other special awards.
• Show typically ends mid-afternoon on Sunday.

Qualifying categories for YDF are:

• Walk/Trot Division: 2023 USDF Introductory Test B. For riders ages 14 and under who have never competed in a recognized competition where cantering is required. Riders in this division may not ride in any other division or class in which cantering is required.
• Walk/Trot/Canter Division: 2023 USDF Introductory Test C. For riders who have never competed at First Level or above.
• Training Level Division: 2023 USEF Training Level Test 3
• First Level Division: 2023 USEF First Level Test 2
• Second Level Division: 2023 USEF Second Level Test 2
• Third Level Division: 2023 USEF Third Level Test 2
• Fourth Level Division: 2023 USEF Fourth Level Test 2
• FEI Children’s Division: 2022 Team Test
• FEI Pony Division: 2022 Team Test
• FEI Junior Division: 2022 Team Test
• FEI Young Rider Division: 2022 Team Test
• FEI U25 Division: 2022 16-25 Grand Prix Test
• Western Dressage Division: 2022 WDAA Test 3 of the Level

If you compete at both the Region 1 Youth Dressage Team Challenge and Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival, you are eligible for the East Coast Youth Dressage Champion award. There is also an award for your trainer.

Bucks County Horse Park Schooling Dressage Team Challenge

Show date: October 18th, 2025
Bucks County Horse Park (BCHP), Revere PA
BCHP website

Qualifying period: To be announced