Dressage ... getting started.

How to get started in Dressage

Dressage competitions are conducted at over 60 clubs throughout Western Australia.  These clubs and societies are a good starting point and a visit to one of their event days is a great idea.

Lessons

There are many excellent NCAS EWA qualified and accredited coaches in most metro and regional areas.  A list of current NCAS registered coaches near you can be found on this website.  It is a good idea to have lessons before going to an event.  Once you and your coach are confident that you are ready to attend an event, you might start with a Dressage training competition/ test.

Pony Clubs

Pony Club is the second-largest youth movement in the world after the Scouts and the globe’s largest association of riders.

Pony Clubs are a great way for young riders to learn horsemanship skills and gain competition experience.  Many Olympic equestrian medallists credit their success with an excellent grounding gained at Pony Club.   Visit the PCAWA website to find a club near you.

Interschool Competition

School children between the ages of 8 and 16 compete for their school at an annual event held at the State Equestrian Centre.  This EWA sanctioned competition encompasses a range of events that accumulate points to take home the prestigious Go for 2 & 5 Prestige Loans Interschool WA cup.

For children who aren’t competing in other EWA events, an Interschool membership is available.  Visit the EWA website for more information.

Adult Riding Clubs

Adult Riding Clubs affiliated with EWA can be found in most metro and country areas where horses are kept.  These clubs offer members the chance to have lessons with NCAS EWA coaches at reduced rates in a social setting with the opportunity to meet likeminded people.  Some ARC members rode as children and then return to riding after a prolonged absence, whereas some only take up riding later in life.

Many Adult Riding Clubs hold Dressage events which are suitable outings for those new to competition.

Para-Equestrian Dressage

Riders who have a physical disability may wish to compete in Para Dressage tests.  

A Para Equestrian must have a physical disability, be classified and be a member of EWA.

To provide a level playing field for competition, riders are classified into grades reflecting a rider’s degree of disability.  Grades range from Grade 1A – highest degree of disability to Grade IV – least degree of disability.  Specific tests are available for each grade. This classification must be made by a Physiotherapist or Medical Practitioner, who is an accredited classifier.

Para Dressage Tests are programmed at most large EWA events, held at the State Equestrian Centre and Clubs can also be approached to include Para Dressage tests in their events. 

Training Competitions/ Tests

Many clubs as well as the State Equestrian Centre offer Dressage Training competitions/ tests.  These are a good opportunity to familiarise yourself with a competition arena in a friendly and uncompetitive atmosphere.  Certain events may offer a combination of Training, Associate and Official tests on the same day. 

Depending on where the event is held, you may not be required to be a member of EWA to ride a Training test, but it is usually a pre-requisite of many clubs and NCAS instructors that you have at least Basic EWA membership.  Although this doesn’t permit you to compete in competitions other than Training level, it provides you with Personal Accident Insurance in the event of a horse riding injury.

Associate Competitions/ Associate EWA Membership

Once you have successfully completed a number of Training tests, you might consider upgrading your EWA membership to Associate which enables you to compete in Associate classes at events, a level suitable for those starting out in competition, those returning to competition after a long break or those who compete infrequently.

This level of membership entitles you to register a horse or be recorded as the owner of a registered horse, although EWA registration is not required for horses in Associate competitions.

For a more detailed description of Associate membership and competitions, click here.

Official Competitions/ Senior or Junior EWA Membership

Once you have more competition experience under your belt, you might decide to upgrade your EWA membership to Senior/ Junior (depending on your age).  This entitles you to compete in Official Dressage competitions and register your horse with EWA.  The horse will be issued with a Certificate of Registration, a Dressage Performance Card and a Bridle Number, both of which stay with the horse for life.  These are required for entry to Official competitions.  The minimum age for riders on ponies is 10 yrs and riders on horses 12 yrs.

This category of competition would be the starting point to compete in National, International and Olympic events.

Dates/ Events

You can obtain information on all the current EWA sanctioned Dressage events under the Calendar feature on this website.

Rules

It is important for riders considering entering EWA competitions at any level to be familiar with the rules and regulations covering Dressage.  The 2008 EA Dressage Rules and the EA General Regulations  can be downloaded from the Equestrian Australia website.  In addition, the annual EWA Handbook available from the office, contains plenty of useful information.