# 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.

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## 🐎 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

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## 🧑‍⚖️ 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.

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## 📊 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.

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## 👟 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

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## 🧱️ 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

<table><thead><tr><th width="100">Letter</th><th>Position</th><th>Location Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>A</td><td>Bottom centre</td><td>Arena entrance</td></tr><tr><td>F</td><td>Left long side, 10 blocks from A</td><td>Between A and B</td></tr><tr><td>B</td><td>Left long side, 30 blocks from A</td><td>Midpoint of long side</td></tr><tr><td>M</td><td>Left long side, 50 blocks from A</td><td>Near top short side</td></tr><tr><td>C</td><td>Top centre</td><td>Directly opposite A; judge positioned here</td></tr><tr><td>H</td><td>Right long side, 50 blocks from A</td><td>Mirrors M</td></tr><tr><td>E</td><td>Right long side, 30 blocks from A</td><td>Midpoint of long side</td></tr><tr><td>K</td><td>Right long side, 10 blocks from A</td><td>Mirrors F</td></tr><tr><td>D</td><td>10 Blocks from A</td><td>Between K and F</td></tr><tr><td>X</td><td>30 Blocks from A</td><td>Between E and B, CenterPoint of Arena</td></tr><tr><td>G</td><td>50 Blocks from A</td><td>Between H and M</td></tr></tbody></table>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdFltNbhHuig_vJdfv2aF_adRrV3aWvGg84JKD73mqvIAkvKdr8L4WIw2n2Lwp4LDxiC8pCsghlUMS0gaspxgQdRCxfTQkNAc-dZuLYuAgi3qy9m2jnrJsySIDKvVZV7Ce4QSMSqg?key=VdXl9BMgP0tr4uHSXEnhow" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Arenas must have visual boundaries and must be certified for official use. Spectator seating allowed along long sides but must not interfere.

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## 🏰 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:

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="122"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Tier</td><td>Description</td><td>Min. Entry Fee</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Local, small shows</td><td>$15</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Regional, planned events</td><td>$100</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>National, championship-level shows</td><td>$250</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Prize Pots:

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="122"></th><th></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Tier</td><td>Description</td><td>Min. Prize Pot</td><td>Recommended Distribution</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Local, small shows</td><td>$1,000</td><td>Top 3 placings</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Regional, planned events</td><td>$10,000</td><td>Top 5 placings</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>National, championship-level shows</td><td>$20,000</td><td>Top 8 placings</td></tr></tbody></table>

Hosts must announce prize distribution before tests begin.

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## 🖋️ 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._ |

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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.
