Therapeutic Dressage

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 Adaptive Riding Guidelines for DSO EXCEPTIONAL RIDER TESTS

DSO/WDAA tests for exceptional riders are for riders with special needs (physical and/or cognitive challenges).

Tack and Apparel:

English schooling attire is acceptable. Riders are not restricted to  Dressage saddles only; any English tack is acceptable. Riders may ride  in a traditional bridle or bitless. Specific equipment needed for  adaptive use to assure safety is permitted and should be noted on the  rider’ entry form.

1. No chain lead ropes are permitted. The lead rope may be attached to  the noseband of the bridle or a halter or cavesson that is properly  fitted and worn underneath or over the bridle. Under NO circumstances  may the lead rope be attached directly to the bit. Attaching the lead  rope to the bit will result in immediate disqualification.
2. Reins may be attached to the bit, bit-less bridle or side rings of  the halter. Reins may or may not be attached to the bit depending the  rider’s ability. Rider must keep control of the reins to the best of  their physical ability.
3.  An ASTMI approved riding helmet must be worn by riders at all times.
4. Adaptive footwear is allowed but must be listed on entry form.

Rider Assistance:

Leadline Tests: The rider may have a  leader and up to two side-walkers as required for the safety and  security of the rider. These assistants must be approved by the  instructor/owner of the horse.

• LEADER: The leader must safely control the rider’s mount. They may  guide the horse and must maintain safe control of the mount at all  times. They are not permitted to pull or tug the horse in any direction  unless for safety reasons. The leader may not give any coaching towards  the rider, their job is to have complete control of the mount.

• SIDEWALKER: Each sidewalker must stay at the seat position of the  rider while the rider is mounted. Their job is to ensure the riders  balance and safety. They are permitted to keep physical contact with the  rider for assistance and safety. The sidewalker is not permitted to  physically touch the horse for any “push” or forward movement. One  sidewalker is allowed to coach the rider while mounted if there is no  COACH present in the arena.

• COACH: A coach is permitted to call the test and help give direction from either letter E or B at the side of the arena.

Coached Tests: The rider may have a coach but NO  leader or sidewalkers in order to ride in the “Coached” level  therapeutic DSO dressage tests. The coach must be an instructor of the  rider.

• COACH: A coach is permitted in the arena with the rider and mount  to assure safety of the rider and to help guide and focus the rider. The  coach must be at least ten feet away from the rider while performing a  dressage test. The coach is only permitted to physically help the rider  or horse if there are safety concerns or the rider is having physical  inability to finish the test. The coach may help the rider with verbal  guidance and encouragement.

Disqualification:

At the judge’s discretion, the rider may be disqualified in the event  that the judge feels that there is a safety issue. This includes but is  not limited to: if the horse has an obvious illness/ lameness issue,  unsafe tack or equipment, is unsportsman-like, or any other reason the  judge seems fit.

Judging:

Horse and rider will be judged on:

a. Connection of rider and mount. How well is the communication  between the rider (at the best of their abilities) and how does the  mount respond to the connection and communication of the rider.

 b. Balance/Effort/Equitation of the rider: Rider effort to perform  to the best of their abilities in order to successfully execute each  maneuver of the test being performed. The rider’s equitation and balance  in their position on the mount with or without assistance.

c. Accuracy of maneuvers: The successful completion and execution of each maneuver given in the test being performed.

d. Gaits/Responsiveness of Mount: Quality and regularity, freedom of  movement of the horse under the conditions of the test being performed.  How well does the horse respond to the maneuvers being asked with the  quality expected of a dressage horse BUT ALSO how well the horse can  perform this quality while also being responsive to the needs of the  rider.

Every month we offer DSO Classic Therapeutic & WDAA Exceptional Rider Western Dressage classes at our Open shows

Divisions for Supported Riders (SR) &  Independent Riders (IR)

Classes may be split between youth and adult if entries warrant

Coaching is permitted for all tests