Hi everyone : )

While I don't feel qualified to add into the discussion on the split, I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of the SHUS class or any advice for me - I'm thinking of entering at the Scottsdale Fall Festival since I'm going to be up there with a HA mare for the Training level Dressage.

Some background: I've shown in mostly Eventing, but also some open h/j (unrated) and Dressage... I currently only really have Dressage attire - no hunt coat, colored shirts, or hunt saddle. Will this be okay for me? And in terms of riding in the actual class, it's mostly WTC with possible extensions and collection, right? Anything else I should be prepared for as far as movements? Admittedly it has been quite a few years since I've shown in a flat class!

The mare is a 6y/o Arab-Saddlebred and has a great attitude, and while she has limited show experience it's very clear that she'll handle a potentially crowded show ring with no problem. She's solid Training level right now, just needs to work on some of those first level movements before I'd consider moving her up.


I'm hopefully going to get her to a couple of schooling shows in October, hopefully we'll get to Westworld at some point to school as well but we'll see. Any advice is much appreciated though - I've really learned a ton from the posts here since the whole Breed Show thing is really new to me


Also, a photo of the mare in question:

If she is a dressage horse then by all means show her in dressage tack which is correct. Gaits called for in the class all depend on the judge. w/t/c of course and sometimes lengthening of a gait or a free walk. Halt and back usually as well. A good moving from behind, balanced, mannered horse is what the judges are looking for.

Hello and welcome to SHUS! As spike25 wrote, you should be fine showing in dressage attire. Unless the rules have changed, collected gaits should not be called for. However, it is possible for the judge to call for extended gaits. It may be helpful to watch a class if you have the opportunity. And don't forget to read the rule book on SHUS as well.
I hope you enjoy showing the class. Best of luck to you!

What is supposed to be called for and what actually is are sometimes different! :-) I have ridden in classes where we were asked to collect and I was surprised as was my horse!

I guess I can just be prepared for all, then! Thank-you both for your comments... I'll certainly be reading up on the rules - I'm hoping the rulebook is still on the USEF website, as I haven't bothered to renew my membership for this year since it would only last for one month!

Since your horse is a Dressage horse, you should definitely use Dressage attire. Regarding the gaits, they can ask for collection and extension in all gaits, but will probably only ask for them in the trot. It all just depends on the judge. Good luck, I hope you do well.