The Rules – Virtual Horse Sport

CLASSICAL, EVENTING, PARA DRESSAGE

All uploaded videos must filmed for this show.
Videos must not have been previously reviewed by other licensed judges in a schooling, virtual/online or licensed shows.
FILMING MUST BE FROM LETTER C
The video must be from the perspective of the judge, thus letter C or slightly to the left or right of it.
REQUIRED : ENTRY SIGN
Prior to entering the arena and before the beginning the test, a sign must be held up showing the name of the show, date of the show, horse’s name, rider’s name and test being ridden. Remove the sign just before beginning the ride. Submitted videos, without this sign, but an equipment check, the ride will be judged as a Hors Concour ride. (Hors Concour = Not eligible for awards or placings) Rider will have the opportunity to re-record their ride with a sign, provided the ride is submitted by show closing.
CAMERA IS TO NEVER LEAVE THE HORSE/RIDE
At no time shall the camera leave the rider from the showing of the sign through the equipment check.
REQUIRED : EQUIPMENT CHECK
Following your ride, and without the camera stopping, the camera will walk around the horse showing the spurs, padding and open the mouth to show the bit. In Western Dressage, the rider will dismount and drop the bit of the horse so it can be recorded. If you feel uncomfortable dropping the bit, VHS will accept the filming of the mouth of the horse to as much of the bit, both sides as possible. The purpose is to show the bit and that there is no blood or physical pain present in your horse. Rides submitted with a sign but NO equipment check, will be judged as a Hors Concour ride

A recommended tack check video procedure has been recorded by USEF Judge Ida Norris. It can bee seen here: https://youtu.be/04Gc_8WZ81o
Rides with No sign and No equipment check, will not be accepted or entered into show. No refunds or transfers to another show.
NO HEAD-SETS ON
We have noticed that occasionally head-sets are being worn by riders. Since the judge can not hear what is being said, we don’t know if coaching or a test is being played. To make is fair to all riders. When a rider is seen wearing a head-set, they will be disqualified from competition and changed to HC
Videos of tests must be unedited from start to finish.
NO adding of introduction frames graphically.
Video must be clean.
Overlays of text, graphics or other non-photo based images, are not allowed.
Horse must remain in video 100% of the time.
The camera can not move or be taken away from the horse between the display of the sign and the tack check for one second. Failure to do this will cause the ride to be eliminated.
Video must be captured in Landscape mode, not profile.
(Wider than tall) and keep the portions of the area within view.
The test MUST be videoed from Letters C, with the sun at your back.
The test may be called, BUT IT MUST BE THE EXACT WORDS OF THE OFFICIAL USEF, FEI tests. No additional comments.
Coaching during the test is not allowed
Rider can not make any vocal aids to the horse, in the form of clicks, pops or other sounds made by the mouth. With one exception: ride is performing a para test.
The natural background sound for the test must be audible
The Judge’s decision is final
If the judge determines that the horse appears lame or off, see blood on the horse or rider has a helmet strap too loose etc, the judge has the discretionary right to excuse the ride and not continue scoring.Judge will make notes on the score sheet indicating their observations. The Judge’s decision is final.
Off-Course Rides
If the rider is off-course during a ride. The judge will make a decision of how to handle the mistake as outlined in the Judging Guidelines. Given this is video, a whistle can not be blown and allow the immediate re-ride of the movement. Thus one of the following options will apply:1) The judge will choose to evaluate what is there.
For example, if you did not do a movement, you will be given a 0 and a off-course error.
OR
2) You will be emailed and given the option to re-ride the test with the corrected movements. The test will then be reviewed from the point of the error.The Judge’s decision, of which applies, is final.
If the rider/trainer notices the horse is off or lame, PRIOR to the start of the show. A deferment will be given to another show. The horse’s welfare and health must be the first priority.
If the purchaser of a ride, does not submit an entry with video, that is viewable, by the end of the purchased show, or does not request a deferment to another show prior to the end of the purchased show, the fees charged will be forfeited to Virtual Horse Sport. There are no refunds.
Rider must certify that no illegal drugs or medications have been used during the ride. As defined by USEF Guidelines TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT RULES
Uploaded Video File types accepted: MP4, QT, AVI, MOV, WMV, AVI, VP8, AV1,VP9, MPEG-4.
Other file types, such as MTS, may require an extra fee for conversion.

EQUIPMENT AND DRESS

There is no dress code, however clothing should be modest in presentation and functional.
No draw reins or side reins .
No eye goggles on horse, unless vetinary exception is submitted
No Ear bonnets on horse, unless vetinary exception is submitted.
Boots are NOT allowed.
Wraps ARE allowed, but it is recommended not to use them.
Follow the USEF/USDF rules for bits and bridles.
- Bits: Legal bits include snaffles, pelhams, gags, kimberwickes, and two or three ring bits.
- Bridles: The crownpiece of the bridle must be immediately behind the poll. The noseband cannot be connected to the bit or cheekpiece below the browband.
- Reins: Reins must be free of loops or hand attachments.
- Curb chain: The curb chain must be at least ½” wide and not have any prongs or rough areas on the inside.
- Curb strap: The curb strap must be flexible and have smooth leather on the inside.
- Mouthpiece: If the mouthpiece is illegally formed, you should take a picture and explain the problem to the exhibitor.
Specific rules for different types of competition
- Dressage:
  - Bradoon and curb bits are permitted for some tests.
  - Rounded snaffle bits are permitted for all tests.
- Eventing:
  - Double bridles with cavesson nosebands are permitted for some tests.
  - Gags or hackamores are permitted.
- Equitation:
  - Full bridles are permitted.

Western Dressage Association Qualifying Rides Requirements
If you are riding in one of the WDAA Recognized show, please review the WDAA requirements.

* WDAA RECOGNIZED ONLINE SHOW GUIDELINES FOR EXHIBITORS
* USEF/WDAA Attire and Equipment Guide
* GUIDELINES FOR GAITED HORSES

Important Difference!
Virtual Horse Sport does not require the rider to stop at the end of the ride, film the outside of the horse and drop the bit for video review. In order to receive points from the WDAA, THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT.

Virtual Horse Sport.com Western Dressage Requirements : Non-Qualifying Scores

All uploaded videos must filmed for this show.
Videos must not have been previously reviewed by other licensed judges in a schooling, virtual/online or licensed shows.
Videos of tests must be unedited from start to finish. The video must be one continuous recording of photo-centric images.
Video must be captured in Landscape mode, not profile. (Wider than tall) and keep the portions of the area within view.
Video must be clean. Overlays of text, graphics or other non-photo based images, are not allowed.
REQUIREMENT! SHOW YOUR RIDE SIGN
After entering the arena, prior to beginning the test a sign must be held up showing the name of the show, date of the show, horse’s name, rider’s name and test being ridden. Remove the sign just before beginning the ride.
REQUIREMENT! EQUIPMENT CHECK
As soon as the test is finished, the camera must circle the horse and rider showing equipment and attire. Following equipment check, the rider will dismount, in front of the camera and drop the bit of the horse so it can be recorded.
Rides with No sign and No equipment check, will not be accepted or entered into show. No refunds or transfers to another show.
NEW! NO HEAD-SETS ON
We have noticed that occasionally head-sets are being worn by riders. Since the judge can not hear what is being said, we don’t know if coaching or a test is being played. To make is fair to all riders. When a rider is seen wearing a head-set, they will be disqualified from competition and changed to HC
Bridle or saddle pad numbers are not allowed.
The test must be videoed from C, where the judge would normally be seated.
The test may be called.
Coaching during the test is not allowed.
The natural background sound for the test must be audible. Tests with no sound at all will not be accepted.
The Judge’s decision is final
If the judge determines that the horse appears lame or off, see blood on the horse or rider has a helmet strap too loose etc, the judge has the discretionary right to excuse the ride and not continue scoring.Judge will make notes on the score sheet indicating their observations. The Judge’s decision is final.
1. If the rider is off-course during a ride. The judge will make a decision of how to handle the mistake as outlined in the Judging Guidelines. Given this is video, a whistle can not be blown and allow the immediate re-ride of the movement. Thus one of the following options will apply:
  
  1) The judge will choose to evaluate what is there.
  For example, if you did not do a movement, you will be given a 0 and a off-course error.
  OR
  2) You will be emailed and given the option to re-ride the test with the corrected movements. The test will then be reviewed from the point of the error.
  
  The Judge’s decision, of which applies, is final.
If the rider notices the horse is off or lame, prior to submitting the video, a deferment will be given to another show. The rider must contact the Show Office PRIOR to the first day of the competition. The horse’s welfare and health must be the first priority.
If the purchaser of a ride, does not submit an entry with video, that is viewable, by the end of the purchased show, or does not request a deferment to another show prior to the end of the purchased show, the fees charged will be forfeited to Virtual Horse Sport. There are no refunds.
Violation of any of these rules may result in the refusal to accept the entry or non-refundable scratch.
There is no dress code, however clothing should be modest in presentation and functional.
Rider must certify that no illegal drugs or medications have been used during the ride. As defined by USEF Guidelines
1. TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT RULES
2. Videos must be landscape not portrait (wider than tall)
3. Uploaded Video File types accepted: MP4, QT, AVI, MOV, WMV, AVI, VP8, AV1,VP9, MPEG-4. Other file types, such as MTS, may require an extra fee for conversion.
JUDGING GUIDE LINES

When ever possible Virtual Horse Sport attempts to give the best opportunity, even if the rider is off-course. In a physical based show, the whistle would be blown and the rider is given an opportunity to re-ride the movement with a deduction for being off-course. That is not possible in a virtual show. In this situation, one of two methods will be applied, at the judges discretion. The decision of the judge is final.

1. Each missed movement will be given a zero (0) points.
2. Judge elects to offer the rider the option to re-record the entire video to be re-judged and submitted during the judging show period. Error will be applied. Choice is up to the rider. Otherwise a zero (0) will be given.

Important:
As in a rated show, it is the responsibility of the rider to know the test. Reader communication is for the assistance of the rider. It will not be used as a penalty or reason for the rider not performing the correct movements.

All available tests are found HERE

RULE VIOLATIONS

Those found violating any rules will result in the ride being removed from the system with no refund or deferment of payment to another show. Virtual Horse Sport, reserves the right to decide what rules, if any, have been violated. Riders will be notified by Email.

All uploaded videos must filmed for this show.
Videos must not have been previously reviewed by other licensed judges in a schooling, virtual/online or licensed shows.
REQUIRED ENTRY SIGN
After entering the arena, prior to beginning the test a sign must be held up showing the name of the show, date of the show, horse’s name, rider’s name and test being ridden. Remove the sign just before beginning the ride.
Submitted videos, without this sign, may or may not be allowed. If allowed the ride will be judged as a Hors Concour ride. (Hors Concour = Not eligible for awards or placings) Rider will have the opportunity to re-record their ride with a sign, provided the ride is submitted by show closing.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT CHECK
Following your ride, and without the camera stopping, the camera will walk around the horse showing the spurs, padding and open the mouth to show the bit. In Western Dressage, the rider will dismount and drop the bit of the horse so it can be recorded. If you feel uncomfortable dropping the bit, VHS will accept the filming of the mouth of the horse to as much of the bit, both sides as possible. The purpose is to show the bit and that there is no blood or physical pain present in your horse.

A recommended tack check video procedure has been recorded by USEF Judge Ida Norris. It can bee seen here: https://youtu.be/04Gc_8WZ81o
NO HEAD-SETS ON
We have noticed that occasionally head-sets are being worn by riders. Since the judge can not hear what is being said, we don’t know if coaching or a test is being played. To make is fair to all riders. When a rider is seen wearing a head-set, they will be disqualified from competition and changed to HC
EQUIPMENT CHECK.FIL M THE HORSE, SPURS AND BIT AFTER YOUR RIDE
Like in the Western Dressage shows, after your final salute, the video needs to show all sides of the horse by going around the horse, showing your spurs, the hind end, both sides and front of the horse. If you are self filming with a PIO or similar,: Dismount and walk your horse to the camera, show both of your spurs. Turn your horse around by hand showing all sides of the horse. YOU MUST NOT CUT THE FILM. MUST BE ONE CONTINUOUS PIECE OF FOOTAGE. We are encouraging this practice to address the concerns of the FEI, USEF and USDF about online showing and horse welfare.
Videos of tests must be unedited from start to finish.
NO adding of introduction frames graphically.
Video must be clean.
Overlays of text, graphics or other non-photo based images, are not allowed.
Horse must remain in video 100% of the time.
The camera can not move or be taken away from the horse between the display of the sign and the tack check. Failure to do this will cause the ride to be dropped or refused.
Video must be captured in Landscape mode, not profile.
(Wider than tall) and keep the portions of the area within view.
The test MUST be videoed from Letters C, with the sun at your back.
The test may be called, BUT IT MUST BE THE EXACT WORDS OF THE OFFICAL USEF, FEI tests. No additional comments.
Coaching during the test is not allowed
The natural background sound for the test must be audible
The Judge’s decision is final
If the judge determines that the horse appears lame or off, see blood on the horse or rider has a helmet strap too loose etc, the judge has the discretionary right to excuse the ride and not continue scoring.Judge will make notes on the score sheet indicating their observations. The Judge’s decision is final.
Off-Course Rides
If the rider is off-course during a ride. The judge will make a decision of how to handle the mistake as outlined in the Judging Guidelines. Given this is video, a whistle can not be blown and allow the immediate re-ride of the movement. Thus one of the following options will apply:
1) The judge will choose to evaluate what is there.
For example, if you did not do a movement, you will be given a 0 and a off-course error.
OR
2) You will be emailed and given the option to re-ride the test with the corrected movements. The test will then be reviewed from the point of the error.

The Judge’s decision, of which applies, is final.
If the rider/trainer notices the horse is off or lame, PRIOR to submitting the video, a deferment will be given to another show. The rider must contact the Show Office BEFORE the last day of the competition. The horse’s welfare and health must be the first priority.
If the purchaser of a ride, does not submit an entry with video, that is viewable, by the end of the purchased show, or does not request a deferment to another show prior to the end of the purchased show, the fees charged will be forfeited to Virtual Horse Sport. There are no refunds.
There is no dress code, however clothing should be modest in presentation and functional.
No draw reins or side reins will be allowed.
Boots and wraps are allowed.
Rider must certify that no illegal drugs or medications have been used during the ride. As defined by USEF Guidelines
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT RULES
Videos must be landscape not portrait (wider than tall)
Uploaded Video File types accepted: MP4, QT, AVI, MOV, WMV, AVI, VP8, AV1,VP9, MPEG-4. Other file types, such as MTS, may require an extra fee for conversion.
Official Rules: https://usawe.org/rules/

A Prix Caprilli is a dressage test with jumps in it. The emphasis is not the jumping style of the horse, it is on the horse’s relaxation, obedience and evenness of pace.

Rules for Prix Caprilli as the same as the classical dressage test with the following difference:

Refusals well be penalized as an error of course, which means you get a re-do, but will loose 2 points from your total score at the end.

Remaining Rules are the same:

All uploaded videos must filmed for this show.
Videos must not have been previously reviewed by other licensed judges in a schooling, virtual/online or licensed shows.
REQUIRED AFTER MARCH 1, 2022: ENTRY SIGN
After entering the arena, prior to beginning the test a sign must be held up showing the name of the show, date of the show, horse’s name, rider’s name and test being ridden. Remove the sign just before beginning the ride.
After March 1, 2022, submitted videos, without this sign, the ride will be judged as a Hors Concour ride. (Hors Concour = Not eligible for awards or placings) Rider will have the opportunity to re-record their ride with a sign, provided the ride is submitted by show closing.
REQUIRED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2024 : EQUIPMENT CHECK
Following your ride, and without the camera stopping, the camera will walk around the horse showing the spurs, padding and open the mouth to show the bit. In Western Dressage, the rider will dismount and drop the bit of the horse so it can be recorded. If you feel uncomfortable dropping the bit, VHS will accept the filming of the mouth of the horse to as much of the bit, both sides as possible. The purpose is to show the bit and that there is no blood or physical pain present in your horse.

A recommended tack check video procedure has been recorded by USEF Judge Ida Norris. It can bee seen here: https://youtu.be/04Gc_8WZ81o
NO HEAD-SETS ON
We have noticed that occasionally head-sets are being worn by riders. Since the judge can not hear what is being said, we don’t know if coaching or a test is being played. To make is fair to all riders. When a rider is seen wearing a head-set, they will be disqualified from competition and changed to HC
REQUESTED BUT NOT REQUIRED FOR 2022 : EQUIPMENT CHECK.
FILM THE HORSE, SPURS AND BIT AFTER YOUR RIDE
This will become mandatory in 2023.
Like in the Western Dressage shows, after your final salute, the video needs to show all sides of the horse by going around the horse, showing your spurs, the hind end, both sides and front of the horse. If you are self filming with a PIO or similar,: Dismount and walk your horse to the camera, show both of your spurs. Turn your horse around by hand showing all sides of the horse. YOU MUST NOT CUT THE FILM. MUST BE ONE CONTINUOUS PIECE OF FOOTAGE. We are encouraging this practice to address the concerns of the FEI, USEF and USDF about online showing and horse welfare.
Videos of tests must be unedited from start to finish.
NO adding of introduction frames graphically.
Video must be clean.
Overlays of text, graphics or other non-photo based images, are not allowed.
Horse must remain in video 100% of the time.
The camera can not move or be taken away from the horse between the display of the sign and the tack check. Failure to do this will cause the ride to be dropped or refused.
Video must be captured in Landscape mode, not profile.
(Wider than tall) and keep the portions of the area within view.
The test MUST be videoed from Letters C, with the sun at your back.
The test may be called, BUT IT MUST BE THE EXACT WORDS OF THE OFFICAL USEF, FEI tests. No additional comments.
Coaching during the test is not allowed
The natural background sound for the test must be audible
The Judge’s decision is final
If the judge determines that the horse appears lame or off, see blood on the horse or rider has a helmet strap too loose etc, the judge has the discretionary right to excuse the ride and not continue scoring.Judge will make notes on the score sheet indicating their observations. The Judge’s decision is final.
Off-Course Rides
If the rider is off-course during a ride. The judge will make a decision of how to handle the mistake as outlined in the Judging Guidelines. Given this is video, a whistle can not be blown and allow the immediate re-ride of the movement. Thus one of the following options will apply:
1) The judge will choose to evaluate what is there.
For example, if you did not do a movement, you will be given a 0 and a off-course error.
OR
2) You will be emailed and given the option to re-ride the test with the corrected movements. The test will then be reviewed from the point of the error.

The Judge’s decision, of which applies, is final.
If the rider/trainer notices the horse is off or lame, PRIOR to submitting the video, a deferment will be given to another show. The rider must contact the Show Office BEFORE the last day of the competition. The horse’s welfare and health must be the first priority.
If the purchaser of a ride, does not submit an entry with video, that is viewable, by the end of the purchased show, or does not request a deferment to another show prior to the end of the purchased show, the fees charged will be forfeited to Virtual Horse Sport. There are no refunds.
There is no dress code, however clothing should be modest in presentation and functional.
No draw reins or side reins will be allowed.
Boots and wraps are allowed.
Rider must certify that no illegal drugs or medications have been used during the ride. As defined by USEF Guidelines
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT RULES
Videos must be landscape not portrait (wider than tall)
Uploaded Video File types accepted: MP4, QT, AVI, MOV, WMV, AVI, VP8, AV1,VP9, MPEG-4. Other file types, such as MTS, may require an extra fee for conversion.

All uploaded videos must filmed for this EVENT.
Videos must not have been previously reviewed by other licensed judges in a schooling, virtual/online or licensed shows.
Video must be captured in Landscape mode, not profile.
(Wider than tall) and keep the portions of the area within view.
The test MUST be videoed from Letters C, with the sun at your back.
The natural background sound for the test must be audible
The Judge’s decision is final
If the judge determines that the horse appears lame or off, see blood on the horse or rider has a helmet strap too loose etc, the judge has the discretionary right to excuse the ride and not continue scoring.Judge will make notes on the score sheet indicating their observations. The Judge’s decision is final.
If the purchaser of a ride, does not submit an entry with video, the ride will be held for 12 months. There are no refunds.
There is no dress code, however clothing should be modest in presentation and functional.
No draw reins or side reins will be allowed.
Boots and wraps are allowed.
Rider must certify that no illegal drugs or medications have been used during the ride. As defined by USEF Guidelines
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT RULES
Videos must be landscape not portrait (wider than tall)
Uploaded Video File types accepted: MP4, QT, AVI, MOV, WMV, AVI, VP8, AV1,VP9, MPEG-4. Other file types, such as MTS, may require an extra fee for conversion.

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Previous high score ribbons and prizes where based on all rides that were submitted to the show. With the disparity of Intro tests being a significantly simpler ride, thus higher overall percentages was a natural result. VHS decided to create a Intro division, giving the possibility of the more difficult levels to achieve a High Score Ranking in Open/AA/JR-YR and SHOW.

We also desire to encourage riders to increase their difficulty, growing as a rider and trainer all the while testing their abilities in the comfort of their own arenas. As you move upward, the potential for higher awards exits, including in the VHS Season Championships.

CHECK CHAMPIONSHIPS CURRENT STANDINGS

Not to sideline the intro and beginner rides..you now have your own category, should a show choose to use it and thus are competing against those of your same level for the highest overall score.

As of May 1, 2022
the following are the possible high score categories. Depending on the show, some categories may or may not be offered. Each high score is assigned to the following ridden tests and rider combinations:

HIGH SCORE INTRO DIVISION:
USDF Intro
WDAA Intro tests
Working Equitation Introduction
Prix Caprilli Encouragement & Intro
Eventing Novice
Not included in season high score
All rider categories
3 more more riders

HIGH SCORE OF SHOW:
USDF Training Level -4th
FEI Prix St. George – Grand Prix Special
WDAA Basic-Level 5
USEF Eventing Training – Advanced
Working Equitation Novice – Masters
Prix Caprilli
FEI Para
Freestyles
Intro Division Classes Excluded
All rider categories
3 more more riders

HIGH SCORE OPEN
USDF Training Level -4th
FEI Prix St. George – Grand Prix Special
WDAA Basic-Level 5.
USEF Eventing Training – Advanced
Working Equitation Novice – Masters
Prix Caprilli
FEI Para
Freestyles
Intro Division Classes Excluded
Open Rider
3 more more riders

HIGH SCORE AA
USDF Training Level -4th
FEI Prix St. George – Grand Prix Special
WDAA Basic-Level 5.
USEF Eventing Training – Advanced
Working Equitation Novice – Masters
Prix Caprilli
FEI Para
Freestyles
Intro Division Classes Excluded
Adult Amateur Rider
3 more more riders

HIGH SCORE JR/YR
USDF Training Level -4th |
FEI Prix St. George – Grand Prix Special
WDAA Basic-Level 5.
USEF Eventing Training – Advanced
Working Equitation Novice – Masters
Prix Caprilli
FEI Para
Freestyles
Intro Division Classes Excluded
Junior/Young Rider (Under 21 years old)
3 more more riders

MOST RIDES OF THE SEASON
All division, the rider with the most rides, within the same account.

CLASSES NOT INCLUDED IN SEASON HIGH POINT:
Materials Classes
Young Horse Classes
Quad-Drills
Pas De Deux
USEF Developing Horse
Prix Caprilli Encouragement & Intro
All Intro division classes and Beginner tests

HOW TO FILM YOUR RIDE | STEP BY STEP

~Revised January 2025
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