[thatsnotme]

I'm considering nominating my girl for the young horse stuff next year. What does that entail? I know which tests, etc, but how does the whole program work? Do you have to ride in a certain number of shows/get a certain number of scores at certain percent to qualify once nominated? Is it feasible for an ammy rider with 1 decent horse to do well against all the pros with their string of youngsters?

[thatsnotme]

Nevermind, found the info. Thanks

[Capriole]

Is it feasible for an ammy rider with 1 decent horse to do well against all the pros with their string of youngsters?

Honestly? Not so much. If you're a super talented AA with a super fancy horse, go for it! There were a few AAs who did well last year. But these tests are designed for *exceptional* horses, not decent horses. If you have a good horse and you're a good AA rider, why not just do the regular national tests? Bonus: they are cheaper!

[dressurpferd01]

You need a HELL of a lot more than a "decent" horse. These are the top quality young horses in the country. Unless you're regularly getting 75%+ at Training/1st and getting 8 as a gait score, you're not going to do well in the YH tests.

[Swing]

Im not sure what the rules are in your area...Im in Oz and we are a bit more lenient with who goes through to the champs. But I know to go to go to the State Finals you had to have qualified on a score of over 65%

I say Go for it....I took my young horse to a few YH qualifiers as a 4 year old..and he did okay. Im about to present him for the 5 YDH Champs in a couple of weeks...am excited!

I dont expect to win, or hell even place...he is a nice horse with correct movement but wont stand up against the imports here. For me , it is good experience and a chance to see what the judges rate his movement now as compared to his 4 year old tests

[thatsnotme]

I'm in Ca and I guess I should have been more clear. I'm looking at the CDS (not usdf) young horse futurity, (so not the top youngsters in the country, just the state). I have a well bred young mare that is a natural as far as, naturally supple, forward and above average in movement. BUT, she is certainly not Totilas. She is also fairly moody, so on a bad day she isn't my neighbors pack mule . That aside, I don't want to throw away the $100 nomination fee plus the additional class fees (I think like $20) if we're a joke. I am talking to my trainer about it tomorrow and I have a year to plan. We do have alot of top trainers (Hilda, Willy, etc) with top young stock in the area...

[honeylips]

For the CDS Young Horse Futurity held at the CDS/USDF Regional Championships there are NO qualifying requirements. Just pay your money and ride the 2 tests that are designated for your age group.
4yo - Trg 2 and 3
5yo - First 1 and 2
6yo - Second 1 and 2

It is split up by AA and Open - so you compete against other Ammy's in your horse's age group.

You can look on CDS' website for the rules regarding nomination and look up last several years championship results to see what kind of scores are needed to ribbon.

www.california-dressage.org

[MysticOakRanch]

Besides splitting the awards between Ammies and Pros, CDS also offers a Cal-Bred futurity - so if your young horse was bred in California, there is a whole 'nother opportunity!

[thatsnotme]

I saw that too. Unfortunately shes an Ohio transplant

[Perfect Pony]

I got the notice in my inbox too and was interested. How about an AA on a CA bred pony? I don't see anything about a height requirement.

I am also curious about the age requirement since the qualifying year and calendar year is quite different. My pony won't be 4 until the end of June, but the qualifying year is nearly over.

[thatsnotme]

Qualifying age is as year of birth, so Jan 1st, not actual birth date, so he's 4 now for all intents and purposes. I didn't see anything about height/size. It sounds like fun to me too. It doesn't look like you have to qualify, like honeylips said. You just show up at the Murrieta show in October and ride your rides. The classes cost more and you have to pay the nominating fee by 7/1

[MysticOakRanch]

I got the notice in my inbox too and was interested. How about an AA on a CA bred pony? I don't see anything about a height requirement.

I am also curious about the age requirement since the qualifying year and calendar year is quite different. My pony won't be 4 until the end of June, but the qualifying year is nearly over.

Do it! I'll come cheer ;-) My big disappointment - I've got a fancy 3 year old - WHY can't he be 4, since Championships are literally in my back yard (10 minutes away) this year He's Cal bred too...

And yes, I understand the year to start Jan 1... The only time the horse's birthday is relevant is in determining when they can start showing (horse must be at least 3 years old).

[honeylips]

I got the notice in my inbox too and was interested. How about an AA on a CA bred pony? I don't see anything about a height requirement.

I am also curious about the age requirement since the qualifying year and calendar year is quite different. My pony won't be 4 until the end of June, but the qualifying year is nearly over.

I intend to ride my new 4yo pony in the Ammy division CDS 4yo Futurity at Rancho. No rules about size!

[Perfect Pony]

And yes, I understand the year to start Jan 1... The only time the horse's birthday is relevant is in determining when they can start showing (horse must be at least 3 years old).

The problem is, the championships are early October, so 3 months after she turns 4. She's still such a baby, I think they all are barely turning 4 right when the championships are. Her first show (a schooling show) wont even be until next month, then she will get a break for a while.

I guess if ponies are allowed we will have to think about doing first level as a true 4 year old.

[honeylips]

My pony Odie's birthday is early April - so he will be 4yrs 7 months by Regionals/CDS. Plus he was started as a 3y under saddle.
Regardless all competition horses have a January 1st "birthday" - so we need to condition ourselves to think that way. Just like racehorses. And it is training level for the 4yos - so no more than simple walk, trot, canter and 20 meter circles.