USPRE Sport Initiative for Dressage

The USPRE Sports Initiative for Dressage is a program designed to contribute to the development of PRE pairs at the FEI-levels (Junior, Young Rider, U25, Young Horse and Adult) toward the ultimate goal of United States team participation.

While the presence of PRE horses at USDF and CDI shows across the country has increased exponentially in the past decade, the ultimate goal of having a PRE horse participate on the United States Dressage Team at the Grand Prix level is unachieved. After years of promoting the PRE horse as a viable alternative for top sport, the PRE community has reached certain significant milestones: PRE horses with US riders have achieved USDF national championships at the FEI levels, placed well in international shows against top competition, and have been invited to participate in the Festival of Champions at all FEI levels (Grand Prix, Small Tour, U25, Young Rider and Junior), however to date no PRE horses have risen to the distinction of selection for a US Adult Team. USPRE believes that by establishing this Sports Initiative for Dressage more PRE horses and riders of exceptional quality will rise to the top of the field in order to become part of the USEF developing program for team contention.

The Sports Initiative consists of two “observation clinics”, conducted by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage staff.  Florida and California were selected as locations for these clinics based on higher concentration of international shows and competitive PREs, although other locations will be considered upon request.

Selection for the clinics will be based on the following criteria:

1. Automatic Inclusion: Copa USPRE Champions/Reserve Champions
2. Automatic Inclusion: Past participation (12 months) on a USEF or NAJYRC Team
3. Automatic Inclusion: Prior year All Breeds Champions at Juniors, Young Riders, FEI 5 and 6 Year Old (with min. median score of 7.0), U25 (with median score of 62%), Prix St. George, Inter I, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special. No freestyles.
4. All qualified participants (from 1-3 above) should contact USPRE with their written intention to participate.
5. Others not included above may apply to participate by submitting the following to the USPRE Office in Wellington, FL:
   1. Riding Video
   2. Print out of all scores from the past 12 months
   3. Written Request to the Dressage Committee, chaired by Janne Rumbough
6. Applicant must be a USPRE Member in good standing, with ANCCE-registered PRE horse.
7. Rider must be a US citizen.

USPRE will underwrite all expenses for the clinic, with the exception of stall rental/board at the facility and individual riders’ personal expenses. Eight (8) pairs per clinic.

DECLARATION OF INTENT FOR USPRE DRESSAGE PROGRAMS