Classical Dressage
📘 Overview
Classical Dressage is a precision-based equestrian event that focuses on harmony, balance, and communication between horse and rider. Riders perform a set pattern of movements (a "test") within a marked dressage arena. Tests include walk, trot, canter, transitions, circles, and lateral work such as leg yield. The goal is a polished, balanced, and expressive routine. Rooted in historical equestrian tradition, Classical Dressage on EquinoxMC brings elegance and technical mastery to Minecraft.
🐎 Breed Regulations & Stat Requirements
Speed: 10–30 mph
Jump: 0.00–6.99 ft
Divisions: D6 to D7
This is a limited discipline that only allows Baroque breeds, known for elevated movement and collection. Approved breeds:
Andalusian
Friesian
Lipizzaner
PRE (Pura Raza Española)
Knabstrupper
Lusitano
🧑⚖️ Judging
Dressage tests are scored by certified judges on a scale from 0–10 per movement. Scores reflect accuracy, rhythm, balance, suppleness, transitions, rider aids, and harmony. Movements may also be scored with decimals.
❌ Disqualifications
Entering on a non-Baroque breed or cross
Performing movements out of order or skipping them
Leaving the arena before completing the test
Using unapproved gear (e.g., western saddle)
Receiving outside coaching
Disruptive or disrespectful behavior
⚠️ Penalties
Minor infractions result in -1 to -3 point deductions:
Early/late transitions
Uneven circles
Inaccurate gaits or halts
Rhythm loss or incorrect head carriage
Marker errors
Judges must accommodate legitimate technical difficulties (lag, crashes).
📊 Scoring
Each movement is individually scored. Final score = total points / possible points, converted to percentage.
Example Scale:
10: Excellent
8.5: Very Good
7: Fairly Good
6: Satisfactory
4: Insufficient
0: Not performed
In case of ties, the rider with the higher score on the final halt/salute places higher.
👟 Attire, Tack & Turnout
Rider Attire:
Tailcoat, white/light shirt & tie
White/light tan breeches
Tall black dress boots (no half chaps)
Top hat or helmet
Hair in bun/net
Spurs & whips allowed (max 47.2")
Horse Tack:
Black/dark brown dressage saddle
Double bridle required
White saddlepad (mandatory)
No gag bits, martingales, draw reins, wraps, or decorative browbands
Presentation:
Horse clean, braided, calm
Enter/exit properly and wait for judge's signal
No speaking during test
🧱️ Course Building
Arena size: 30x60 blocks (standard dressage arena) Letter placements: Follows traditional layout (e.g., "A Fat Bay Mare Can Hardly Ever Kick") Judge's booth: Behind C, elevated and unobstructed
A
Bottom centre
Arena entrance
F
Left long side, 10 blocks from A
Between A and B
B
Left long side, 30 blocks from A
Midpoint of long side
M
Left long side, 50 blocks from A
Near top short side
C
Top centre
Directly opposite A; judge positioned here
H
Right long side, 50 blocks from A
Mirrors M
E
Right long side, 30 blocks from A
Midpoint of long side
K
Right long side, 10 blocks from A
Mirrors F
D
10 Blocks from A
Between K and F
X
30 Blocks from A
Between E and B, CenterPoint of Arena
G
50 Blocks from A
Between H and M
Arenas must have visual boundaries and must be certified for official use. Spectator seating allowed along long sides but must not interfere.
🏰 Prize Pot & Entry Fees
All fees are in-game only. Real-world money is strictly forbidden and will result in a permanent IP ban.
Entry Fees:
Tier
Description
Min. Entry Fee
1
Local, small shows
$15
2
Regional, planned events
$100
3
National, championship-level shows
$250
Prize Pots:
Tier
Description
Min. Prize Pot
Recommended Distribution
1
Local, small shows
$1,000
Top 3 placings
2
Regional, planned events
$10,000
Top 5 placings
3
National, championship-level shows
$20,000
Top 8 placings
Hosts must announce prize distribution before tests begin.
🖋️ Sample Scorecard
A sample of a simplified dressage scorecard is included for educational purposes. Official templates may be released depending on community interest.
Movement
Score (1-10)
Penalties
Judge’s Comments, If Any
A-X-H: Enter working trot, track right
7
-
Slight drift on centerline, straightness recovered.
Please ensure your arena and judging credentials are certified before hosting. For more details, contact the Equinox Staff Team or view the Certification & Hosting Guide.
Happy riding!
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