Dressage
📘 Overview
Modern Dressage is a highly structured discipline that highlights balance, rhythm, obedience, and harmony between horse and rider. Rooted in classical principles, it has evolved into a formal sport judged by standardized rules. On EquinoxMC, Modern Dressage mirrors real-world tests, where riders guide their horses through a set pattern and are scored 0–10 per movement. Unlike Classical Dressage, Modern Dressage prioritizes progression, accuracy, and competitive consistency. It offers riders across all divisions a rewarding and accessible challenge.
🐎 Breed Regulations & Stat Requirements
Speed: 20–30 mph
Jump: 0.00–6.99 ft
Divisions: D6 to D7
Modern Dressage is an open discipline — any breed may compete. However, breeds with natural balance, athleticism, and expressive movement perform best. These include:
Dutch Warmblood
Hanoverian
Oldenburg
Westphalian
Swedish Warmblood
Trakhener
Thoroughbred
Andalusian
Irish Sport Horse
Friesian Sport Horse
🧑⚖️ Judging
Tests are scored on a scale of 0–10, with decimals allowed for fine distinctions. Judging criteria includes correctness, rhythm, transitions, straightness, harmony, and rider effectiveness.
❌ Disqualifications
Attire & Equipment:
Missing or incorrect uniform (helmets are mandatory)
Use of unapproved tack
Performance:
Starting late (over 45 seconds after signal)
Exiting the arena with all four feet
Behavior:
Unsportsmanlike conduct (chat, voice, or emotes)
Receiving help during the test (DMs, party chat, VC, etc.)
Administrative:
Incomplete or incorrect entry forms
⚠️ Penalties
Minor errors result in -1 to -3 point deductions:
Early or late transitions
Uneven or off-balance circles
Gait inconsistencies
Unsteady halts or poor rhythm
Incorrect headset or marker misalignment
Judges must show leniency for technical issues such as lag or disconnection.
📊 Scoring
Each movement is scored 0–10 and totalled. Final score = points earned / total possible points, expressed as a percentage.
Example Scale:
10: Excellent
9: Very Good
8: Good
7: Fairly Good
6: Satisfactory
5: Marginal
4: Insufficient
3–1: Poor to very bad
0: Not performed
Ties are broken by the higher final salute score.
👟 Attire, Tack & Turnout
Rider Attire:
Helmet (required)
Dress coat or server-equivalent skin
Breeches, tall boots
Gloves and hair tied back
Horse Tack:
Dressage saddle
Bridle (snaffle or double)
White saddle pad
No martingales, gag bits, tie-downs, or decorative browbands are allowed.
Presentation:
Horses should be clean, braided, and calm
Riders may not speak during the test
Mounts must enter/exit properly and salute when required
🧱️ 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.
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