Clarification of Novice Points – EA Dressage Rules 2017

Following enquiries, the Australian Dressage Committee wishes to clarify the status of Novice Grading Points earned prior to January 1st 2017. 

2017 EA Dressage Rule 1.16 (g) states:

Points are accrued when the horse or pony gains 61% or above in Official Competitive competitions from Elementary level and above.

The intention of the rule change is to allow horses to gain confidence without the pressure of acquiring grading points too quickly in the formative stage of their careers.

Horses graded Novice pre 1/1/2017 cannot revert to competing officially at Preliminary, however from 1/1/2017 all newly registered horses and ponies start with a grading of Preliminary/Novice and do not earn upgrading points until competing in Elementary.