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WDAA Recognized Online Show Rules and Guidelines

Additional Requirements for Online Show Recognition

To be recognized by WDAA, online shows must meet the same criteria for recognition as for live shows listed here: WDAA Show Recognition Rules General Requirements.

Online show hosts should provide these rules and guidelines to exhibitors and judges by having printed copies or by a link to the web page for them to be informed about how these shows are to be conducted and judged.

Each video must be of a test ridden at the show where it was videoed; the video may not be a ride from any other show (online or live). Tests ridden at online shows may not be submitted to any other WDAA recognized shows.

Online rail classes are not eligible for WDAA recognition.

Please take all guidelines into consideration when preparing your video test.

Video Recording Guidelines

  1. Use arenas that are as close to regulation size as possible and be sure letters are set appropriately to be easily viewed by the judge. Cones with large letters on them and poles on the ground to delineate the corners are acceptable and encouraged. For arena measurements, please visit this link: https://www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-arena/
    • Intro tests, Basic tests, and Walk–Jog and Intermediate Horsemanship may use a 20 x 40-meter arena or a 20 x 60-meter arena.
    • Level 1 tests through Level 5 tests and Advanced Horsemanship must use a 20 x 60-meter arena
    • All Freestyles are in a 20 x 60-meter arena
  2. Prior to beginning the test, a sign must be held up showing name of the show, WDAA show recognition #, date of the show, horse’s name, class # and level/test #.
    • Remove the sign just before the ride
    • The videographer can hold the sign then move back to behind the camera or hold the sign in front of the camera at arm’s length while also holding the camera.
    • The sign must be in focus, for the correct ride, and held in front of the camera long enough to be read.
  3. Videos of tests must be unedited from start to finish, including the equipment, attire, and bit Videos must be always one continuous recording with the horse and rider visible.
  4. Videos must be filmed in LANDSCAPE
  5. The test must be videoed from behind C, 3 to 6 feet from the rail, where the judge would normally be seated. Try adding a little height by standing on a mounting block, for example.
  6. Keep the horse in frame, paying close attention to the near side. You may zoom in on the far end and corners. Videos must be in focus. Keep the camera centered on the horse on the centerlines.
  7. Make sure to keep the letters in the frame that are elements of the test being performed. Keep the horse in the LAST 1/3 of the viewing screen in landscape view (2/3 of the view screen in front of moving horse).

This will allow the judge to see approximately two letters in front of the horse which is necessary for depth perception and line evaluation. In general, keep the horse’s feet in the bottom 1/3 of the viewfinder.

Additional Test Rules

  1. Coaching during the test is not allowed EXCEPT for WDAA Exceptional Rider
  2. The natural background sound for the test must be audible. Tests with no sound at all will not be accepted. Freestyles must have music in the background but not digitally added to the video itself.
  3. The test may be called (except for Freestyle).

EQUIPMENT CHECK REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE SHOWS

  1. As soon as the test is finished, the camera must slowly circle the horse and rider showing all equipment and attire from both sides, including spurs and whip if used. The spurs must be shown for a count of three seconds. You do not need to spin the rowels.
    • If the videographer is unable to enter the arena, at G the rider may turn the horse slowly, wait five seconds, then turn slowly to show the second side, and wait an additional 5 seconds to complete filming of the equipment.
  2. Show the bridle on the horse, from both sides.
  3. After a view of both sides of the horse is shown the rider must dismount for the bridle check.
    • Exceptional riders are exempt from the bit dropping requirement and are not required to dismount. Participants should still abide by all USEF/WD regulations pertaining to attire, tack, and equipment for the recognized show.
  4. Prior to dropping the bridle, show that two fingers can fit between the cavesson (if there is one) or bosal and the horse’s cheek, then drop the bit.
  5. Hold the bridle still so the bit can clearly be seen, in frame, for a minimum count of five seconds.
  6. Be sure to zoom in on the curb chain and fly bonnet.
  7. If you are using a bosal, you must drop that as well. After you remove the bosal, show both sides of your horse’s face, unobstructed, as well as the bosal. Please demonstrate flexibility of the bosal.
  8. A cavesson must be shown to the camera, both inside and out. Please demonstrate flexibility of the cavesson.
  9. Prior to submitting your video, review the equipment check in detail to ensure that all the above requirements have been met and that the equipment checks have a clear, focused, steady view of your tack.
  10. You are responsible for knowing the correct rules for tack, attire, and equipment for Western Dressage. See USEF WD121-123 for additional information.
  11. Always direct questions concerning showing to the online show host listed on the prize list.

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