Lexington, KY. – Please take note of the rule changes effective February 1, 2016 for Dressage Test error calculation (DR 122.5b-e). These changes were made in order to keep USEF rules consistent with the FEI rules for Dressage Test error calculations.

USDF Introductory Level tests and USEF Training Level through Fourth Level tests

In National tests, every “error of the course” whether the bell is sounded or not, must be penalized, except as noted under DR122.5a:

• The first time by 2 points;
• The second time by 4 points;
• The third time the competitor is eliminated. However, at the discretion of the judge, the rider may continue to finish to test. If the competitor’s continued presence in the ring is about to interfere with the start of the next scheduled ride, then the judge must excuse him/her from the ring.

USEF and FEI Young Horse tests, and FEI Children, Pony Rider and Junior Tests:

For these tests, the deduction for an error shall be:

• First error: -0.5% ( ½ percentage point) from total score received
• Second error: -1.0 % (one percentage point) from total score received
• Third error: Elimination

FEI Young Rider through Grand Prix Tests

In FEI tests (except FEI Children, Pony, Junior, and Young Horse Tests), every “error of the course” whether the bell is sounded or not, must be penalized, except as noted under DR122.5a:

• The first time by 2 percentage points from the total score received;
• The second time by elimination; However, at the discretion of the judge, the rider may continue to finish the test. If the competitor’s continued presence in the ring is about to interfere with the start of the next scheduled ride, then the judge must excuse him/her from the ring.

For Rider test, the deduction for an error shall be:

• First error: Total Score reduced by 0.5 points
• Second error: Total Score reduced by 1.0 points
• Third error: Elimination

If you have questions regarding DR122.5b-e, please contact Hannah Niebielski, Director of Dressage, National Programs at hniebielski@usef.org. Please refer to DR122.5b-e, Execution and Judging of Tests, of the USEF Dressage Rules for this Rule in its entirety on February 1, 2016.