Volunteering is always appreciated. For any questions, contact the Schooling Show Committee.
General Information
Ribbons and Prizes
- Classes will be pinned to sixth place. Championship classes will be pinned to eighth place.
- A prize is awarded for first place. In championship classes, there is a prize for Champion and Reserve Champion.
- A high score ribbon will be awarded at each schooling show to the highest scoring ride of the day, excluding USDF Introductory level and musical freestyles.
Classes
- Classes may be split or combined depending on the number and distribution of entries.
- Classes may be scheduled in any order throughout the day and do not go in any specific order.
Arenas - All tests will be in a standard size arena (20m x 60m) unless otherwise noted.
Musical Freestyles - Please provide your own boom box for musical freestyles.
Tests Offered
| USDF Introductory Level Test A-C |
FEI Levels TOC |
USDF Pas de Deux TOC |
| USEF Training Level thru Fourth Level Test 1-3 |
USDF Musical Freestyle Training– 4th TOC |
USEA Eventing Dressage Tests TOC |
| Para-Equestrian TOC |
FEI Musical Freestyle TOC |
USEF Western Dressage TOC |
Entry Information
Entries will be taken through StriderPro they must include the USEF-VA Liability Waiver, Coggins, proof of vaccination within six months of the show date, and payment. Members and Non-Members may submit their Coggins, proof of vaccines, and Waiver through StriderPro, or email to the Show Secretary.
Ride slots will be filled in the following manner in the order entries are received:
- VADA/Nova member entries received before the closing date.
- Non-member entries received before the closing date.
- Any available slots will be filled with entries received after the closing date in order of date received regardless of membership status.
How many tests can I ride or can the horse perform?
- Riders are limited to four rides per show unless the show is undersubscribed. Please contact the show secretary to place additional rides/horses on a wait list pending close of entries.
- Horses competing Intro and Training level may be entered in a maximum of four (4) tests at each show across all riders.
- Horses competing 1st through Grand Prix may be entered in a maximum of three (3) tests at each show across all riders.
VADA/Nova Show Rules
Compliance with the following rules is MANDATORY. Violation of these rules may result in action being taken by the show manager and the VADA/Nova Board of Directors.
- All VADA/Nova Schooling Shows are run under the dressage rules of USEF unless otherwise specified.
- Approved protective headgear must be worn whenever mounted; other USEF attire rules for dressage are optional.
- All horses on the show grounds must have a bridle number and must always wear their bridle number when on the show grounds. This applies to horses that are brought as non-competes as well as those competing.
- Anyone riding a horse at a VADA/Nova event for any purpose must report such activity to the show secretary and sign a VADA/Nova release form before mounting any horse for any purpose on the show grounds.
- Any horse entering the show grounds for any purpose (including non-competes) during a show must have a valid, current negative Coggins test submitted to the show secretary either with the entry or presented on the day of the show.
- Any horse entering the show grounds for any purpose (including non-competes) during a show must have proof of vaccination within 6 months of the show date submitted to the show secretary either with the entry or presented on the day of the show.
- Dogs at VADA/Nova schooling shows hosted at Morven Park MUST be LEASHED.
- Fly masks, martingales, bearing or running reins, seat covers, and any form of blinkers are forbidden at VADA/Nova Schooling Shows.
- Running martingales, bandages, boots, and side reins may be used in warm-up arenas but must be removed before entering the competition arena.
- Bareback riding is not permitted.
- A rider should not be judged by anyone who has instructed him/her within the last 30 days. If a rider arrives at the show and find that his/her instructor has been substituted for the judge, that rider must notify the Show Manager, and ask to ride Hors de Concours (HC) or request a full credit for the entry fees.
- Lunging is prohibited in the warm-up area. The show manager can indicate the areas where lunging is permitted on the show grounds.
- Riders should check their scores before leaving the show grounds. Any scoring errors must be reported and corrected before a rider departs.
Fees
Fees can be paid as indicated in the prize list, through VADANova.org (credit card preferred). Fees can also be paid in any combination of Credit Card, VADA/Nova Volunteer Bucks (please notify Secretary by email), or check payable to "VADA/Nova Inc." Entry Fees are as follows:
| Facility/Show Ring Fee (Mandatory for All Horses)- $20 |
Non-Member Test- $48 |
Non-Compete Horse- $50 |
| VADA/Nova Member Test- $38 |
Late Fee- $20 |
Day Stall- $20 |
Refunds will be given in full for scratches prior to the Closing Date. NO refunds will be given for scratches after the closing date. The processing/handling fee associated with an entry is always non-refundable.
Non-Compete Horses
The following policy will apply to non-compete horses present on the show grounds of a VADA/Nova managed schooling show. This policy is implemented for the safety of competitors and for VADA/Nova’s insurance coverage. Note that this does not apply to horses boarded at the show facility. Riders seeking to bring a non-competing horse to the show grounds must:
- Register with the Show Secretary prior to the day of the show. Please note Show Management has the authority to deny a request to bring a non-compete horse onto the show grounds if show conditions warrant.
- Submit a current, valid, negative Coggins test for the horse.
- Submit proof of vaccinations within 6 months of the show date.
- Submit a signed liability release form.
- Pay the non-compete fee.
- Pay the Morven Park grounds fee.
- Ensure the horse wears the assigned bridle number.
Partner Shows are an added benefit to our members.
- Extra shows that can help you qualify for the VADA/Nova Championship Show
- Guaranteed L Grad Judges and quality facilities
- Varied locations in our area, convenient for more barns
Partner Shows are run by groups and organizations outside of VADA/Nova in accordance with our standards. VADA/Nova would like to hear any feedback you have, or if you have a suggestion on a future Partner.
Partner Show Comments
VADA/Nova is pleased to Partner with:
Beaux Reves
Hosted at Beaux Reves Equestrian (15929 Hampton Road, Hamilton, VA)
By Chance Farm
Hosted at By Chance Farm (9205 Bessie Clemson Road, Union Bridge, MD)
Compass Rose Farm
Hosted at Compass Rose Farm (2714 Logmill Road, Haymarket, VA)
Homestead Horse Farm
Hosted at Homestead Horse Farm (8382 Burwell Road, Catlett, VA)
Mitchell Dressage Series
Summer Series hosted at Southern Heritage Farm (11176 Rogues Road, Midland, VA)
Minimum Qualifying Scores
To ride in a Championship class, a horse/rider pair must have earned the minimum qualifying score at a VADA/Nova or VADA/Nova Partner schooling show during the qualifying period, as shown below:
| Test | Minimum Qualifying Score |
| USEF Training Level Test 2 | 62% |
| USEF Training Level Test 3 | 62% |
| USEF First Level Test 2 | 62% |
| USEF First Level Test 3 | 62% |
| USEF Second Level Test 2 | 60% |
| USEF Second Level Test 3 | 60% |
| USEF Third Level Test 2 | 60% |
| USEF Third Level Test 3 | 60% |
| USEF Fourth Level Test 2 | 60% |
| USEF Fourth Level Test 3 | 60% |
| FEI Levels (All) | 60% |
| USDF Freestyle | 63% |
| (Training through GP or Pas de Deux) |
- For USDF/USEF tests the qualifying score can be obtained at either the second or third test of the level. Please note that you will be required to ride the SECOND test of the level for the Championship classes.
- For FEI and MFS any test can be ridden at both the schooling shows and in the Championship. Please note the Championship classes will be run as a Test of Choice.
- Earning Scores. Scores must have been earned between 1 December 2023 and 25 October 2024. Riders must earn one qualifying score at a VADA/Nova-sponsored schooling show or a VADA/Nova partner schooling show during this time frame. Scores from any other schooling show or recognized/licensed show will not count.
- Membership. The rider must have been a VADA/Nova member at the time the qualifying score was earned.
- For Introductory Level Championships.
- Intro B Section 1—For riders who have not competed at 2nd level or above
- Intro B Section 2—For riders who have competed at 2nd level or above
- Riders who have competed at Second Level and above at any recognized/licensed or schooling show at any time on any horse must enter Intro B Section 2 Championship class (Class #202).
- For Training Level Championships.
- Training 2 Section 1—For riders who have not competed at 4th level or above
- Training 2 Section 2—For riders who have competed at 4th level or above
- Riders who have competed at Fourth Level and above at any recognized/licensed or schooling show at any time on any horse must enter Training 3 Section 2 Championship class (Class #204).