Promote the Quarter Horse in Dressage!

QH Journal March 2011 Cover

DeGraff Stables joins the many concerned Dressage enthusiasts and AQHA show participants around the country whom are excited about promoting the Quarter Horse in the Dressage venue.  While we applaud the hard work that has been completed to date that allows an American Quarter Horse to be recognized by AQHA for Incentive Fund points earned, we are concerned that many of the proposed changes will greatly hinder the growth of this fledgling sport within AQHA.

To briefly summarize; at the completion of 2010, the first year that Quarter Horses were allowed to accumulate AQHA Incentive Fund points at approved USEF and USDF events, many active participants were advised that they had reached and/or exceeded their maximum allowed points at the various levels.  My understanding, is that the limit on points was not made known to the show participants prior to showing.  Many letters were written and the effect was positive, the people were then granted the ability to keep their points.  The proposed changes for 2011 include point caps and also will recind the waiver of USEF/USDF judges to purchase an AQHA Breed Membership in order to judge the Quarter Horse beginning in 2012.

Over the years, many have worked to achieve the current status; my main contact has been with Lynn Palm, Carol Harris and Marie Hoffman regarding this issue.  Like others, we believe strongly in the value that the princples behind the training in Dressage brings to any riding program whether it be western or english.  It is our opinion that the Dressage World would benefit greatly by utilizing our breed; the Quarter Horse and the Appendix Quarter Horse, as they are not only physically talented, but offer the great mind and work ethic that makes horse ownership a pleasure for people to engage in.  So let’s not overlook the potential economic impact that this new market offers to breeders and trainers for the use and sale of our Quarter Horses!

AQHA Modifys Rule 480 ~ Dressage Points:

Effective July 2011, the AQHA Show Committee has Modified Rule 480 to adjust the maximum point limits for Dressage to the following: 

  • Training Level – 10 points
  • First Level – 25 points
  • Second Level – 30 points
  • Third Level – 35 points
  • Fourth Level – 40 points
  • FEI – No Limits  

Again, we appreciate that much work has been completed by the Show Committee, however, many concerned horsemen and horsewomen believe that the Incentive Fund limitations as finalized through these new Show Committee Rules on the Dressage event must be rescinded or modified in an effort to better benefit the horse through training and to open new markets for our exceptionally good-minded athletes.

In our opinion, the most harmful problem with the AQHA Incentive Fund point limitation as imposed, is, that it does not promote mastering the components of each test thoroughly through training prior to moving up in level(s). USEF recommends that horses consistently score above 70% competency before they advance. How do point limits, especially at the lower levels benefit the training program for the horse itself?

Additionally, our understanding is that the points go with the horse; not a horse and rider pair. Imagine a Halter Horse, a Western Pleasure Horse, or a Reining Horse capping out in Incentive Fund points! What then happens to their marketability for resale to another professional, amateur or novice?  In this economy, my belief is that we must seize every advantage to promote the exceptional attributes of the Quarter Horse into other markets.

In order to effect a change, we must let AQHA know that more than just a couple of people care… We would appreciate support from any one that is willing to help. Many hands make light work… and great ideas come through group effort.  Please contact AQHA regarding your thoughts for feel free to contact one of us:

More background information as to to the current status of showing a Quarter Horse in dressage may be obtained by reading Marie’s article “Adventures In Dressage” as published in the March 2011 issue of the Quarter Horse Journal chronicles the challenges that she and all other participants faced not only in class competitions, but the work and preparation with the USEF and USDF show and show committees to obtain approval for the Quarter Horse to show.  In many instances, these participants paid the fees associated with approval and for the judges’ AQHA membership. Congratulations to all of the ‘pioneers’ that competed and helped promote our Quarter Horses in Dressage:

We would like to see AQHA let this discipline grow for a few years without the hinderances currently associated with dressage, as these restrictions are not imposed on other AQHA events.  But most importantly, anything new takes time and effort, in order to grow our industry, the less obstacles to overcome the better.  If you feel strong enough about the outcome and if are so inclined as to write a note to AQHA, to advise them of your concern, you are more than welcome to “copy” and “paste” any information as may be on the following couple of letters and use with your own words to send a message to AQHA:

(I attached the above files in various word documents and as a pdf to allow for compatibility with your computer programs)

AQHA Contact Information:

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(806) 376-4811

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American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104