Last update:

10/26/2025

SWDC Qualifying Percentages

Southwest Dressage Championship 2026 Qualifying Percentages

The intent to qualify for a specific division must be designated on the entry form and the qualifying fee PAID before the ride at a qualifying show.      

See www.swdressage.org for complete SWDC Rules

Important Considerations for Qualifying

1.   A horse/rider combination may qualify for the SWDC Championship by earning two qualifying scores in qualifying classes at SWDC recognized shows during the SWDC qualifying year.  Qualifying classes are the highest test at each level, with the exception of Walk Trot which will use Intro Test B. Winning or placing in the class is not necessary as long as the score is earned.  These scores must be earned at two different competitions from two different judges. 

2.   An $13.00 fee is added to the regular entry fee when entering a Qualifying Class at an SWDC recognized competition. $1.00 of the fee is to provide for the volunteers’ services at the Championships, $6.00 of this fee is allocated for prize money at the Championships, and the remaining will be used to help pay for expenses and awards.

3.   One score may be earned at a show that is not approved by the SWDC as long as:  a. The show is outside of Region 9 and recognized by USEF/USDF.       b. The rider submits the score (a copy of the front of a signed dressage test) and a fee of $25.00  to the SWDC Qualifying Secretary within two weeks of the end of the competition. If the score is not received within the two weeks, it will not apply.

4.   A horse/rider combination having won the Championships at a certain level and division may not compete at that level and division or below in the Championships in subsequent years (except Grand Prix).  However, the horse may compete at any level with a different rider.

5.    Riders in the Walk/Trot level must not have competed in a recognized show above First Level.

6.   Each rider must declare the division in which they are competing prior to each attempt at a qualifying ride at SWDC qualifying shows or for a score submitted under Rule 4 (Amateur, Open, or Junior/Young Rider) and must provide proof of eligibility in the case of Amateur and Junior/Young Rider.  The intent to qualify for a particular division must be designated on the entry form. Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Riders and Ponies may also qualify for the Open division.  Separate qualifying scores must be earned for each division.  At the SWDC Championships they must enter each division separately and will ride in each division separately. If a competitor is found to have entered a division in which they are NOT ELIGIBLE they must default to show in the Open division if their qualifying scores are sufficient to qualify in that division.

 7.  In qualifying classes with more than one judge, scores among the judges of the ride will be averaged.  For purposes of obtaining qualifying scores from two judges, so long as one judge in the judging combination is changed, it will constitute a different judge.

 8.  Qualifying rides must be ridden in an unmodified standard 20m x 60m arena with the exception of walk trot which may be ridden in a 20m x 40m arena.

 9.  Competitors wishing to qualify for the any Open Pony Championship Level may ride a qualifying test at the corresponding Level in any division.  These qualifying scores do not have to be earned in classes restricted to ponies but the competitor must declare prior to the start of the ride their intent to qualify for the SWDC Pony Championship class. Failure to do so will result in the default to the open division. Ponies must meet height requirements set by the USEF (DR135) in order to be eligible for this division at the Championships.

10.   Junior Riders may qualify for the SWDC Open Third Level Freestyle Championship Class using qualifying scores obtained from Junior Rider Freestyle and Young Riders may qualify for the SWDC Open FEI Level Freestyle class using the Young Riders Freestyle. Scores must meet the division percentages and the rider must state the intention to qualify for those classes and pay qualifying fees PRIOR TO THE RIDE.