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The HFDA encourages realistic and rational showing of all horses competing on its show circuit. This does not mean that we require horses competing in HFDA shows to be pure dressage specalists- dressage training can benefit almost every horse, regardless of discpline, and we invite competitors from other discplines to compete, when it is appropriate.

The question, then, is what is appropriate? Let's vist, instead, what isn't appropriate. Horses showing at very high levels in other discplines should not compete at HFDA shows, even at the lowest levels. For example, an Advanced Jumper should not be competing at HFDA shows, regardless of level. Horses that compete in Saddleseat events like Park or Fine Harness should also not compete at HFDA shows, regardless of level. But a horse competing in the Green Jumpers could very well compete in the lower levels of dressage the same time. To that end, members that are found to be competing horses at HFDA shows in an inappropriate fashion (FEI dressage horses also found showing in Western Pleasure or Jumpers) will be asked to specalize their horse. Repeated offenses will result in cancellation of membership.

HFDA regulations:

1) All horses competing at HFDA sanctioned shows must be at least 4 years old.

2) Horses must be at least 6 years old to compete at 3rd & 4th level

3) Horses must be at least 7 years old to compete at Prix St George

4) Horses must be at least 8 years old to compete at Intermediate or Grand Prix

4) Horses showing at the FEI levels (YHD and Prix St Georges+) should NOT show in any other discpline in any area of HF. HFDA members found to be violating this "strong suggestion" will face penalities. All FEI horses ARE verified for compliance prior to every competition!

5) Membership is not required at HFDA shows, but members may enter regular HFDA shows fee-free. Non-members must pay an entry fee.

6) Equines of pure pony or draft breeding may not show higher then 3rd level. Ponies may show in FEI pony.

7) Equines that are at least 75% pony and/or draft breeding may not show higher then 4th level. Pony-bred equines may show FEI pony

8) Horses may enter no more than 3 dressage rides at Fourth Level or below, and no more than 2 dressage rides above Fourth. This is consistant with the real-life USEF rules.

9) Horses may enter no more than 2 consecutive levels (ie, 1st and 2nd but not 1st and 3rd).
Penalties for regulations violation:

1) First offense: written warning

2) Second offense: 2 show suspension (for all HFDA sanctioned shows)

3) Third offense: season suspension (for all HFDA sanctioned shows)