Frequently Asked Questions
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UDJC is an equestrian organization offering affordable, well-organized, and fair dressage and jumping shows modeled after European standards. It emphasizes proper development for riders and horses, especially beginners and youth, through a structured qualification system for dressage classes, jumping classes judged for style and a revolutionary overall concept.
UDJC shows are significantly more affordable, beginner-friendly, and focus on skill development. Classes emphasize correct riding over speed or performance, with style-judged jumping classes and entry-level dressage tests allowing auxiliary reins.
Yes! UDJC offers beginner-friendly classes, including lead-line and lunge-line classes, as well as low dressage levels allowing auxiliary reins and jumping classes over crossrails from the trot.
Yes, UDJC has age-specific categories, such as Pony (up to 16 years old), Children, Juniors, Young Riders, and U25. UDJC also offers U21 riders the chance to be part of a squad, which is an age specific “elite team” of the best 5-10 riders of each level. UDJC squad members have access to exclusive clinics and coaches from the US and Europe.
Riders qualify by achieving specific scores in Benchmark or Ability classes. This system ensures readiness and protects horses from being over-challenged.
Shows are held at professional equestrian facilities with multiple arenas, good footing, and ample parking.
Absolutely! UDJC welcomes volunteers for roles such as assisting judges, managing arenas, and supporting event logistics. Contact us to learn more.
Yes, UDJC organizes exclusive clinics, often led by experienced professionals from all over the world. Clinics may also be part of show weekends.
Follow UDJC on social media and check our website regularly for updates, show specifics, and registration deadlines.
UDJC prioritizes safety. Shows may be rescheduled, delayed, or moved indoors based on weather conditions. Updates will be communicated promptly.
Joining UDJC is easy! Membership costs only $90 per year for adults (75$ for Juniors) and includes access to shows, exclusive clinics, and online resources.
Visit the Membership page to sign up.
Yes! Members enjoy reduced fees, access to exclusive clinics, online educational content, and participation in a fair and supportive show circuit.
Riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced, can compete in UDJC shows. The system is designed to allow progression through qualification, ensuring riders compete at the appropriate level. Riders and horses participating at UDJC shows need to have a valid UDJC membership.
Yes, all horses must be registered with UDJC to compete. Ponies also require pony passports in order to ride pony specific classes, which can be obtained through the UDJC measurement process.
All judges are licensed professionals, primarily with a European background, and follow UDJC’s structured rules.
All UDJC classes are being judged by at least two judges.
That depends on the amount of classes you show in and the show venue.
Typically UDJC shows are about half the cost of USEF shows.
Yes, all UDJC shows include warm-up arenas for riders to prepare before their classes.
Footing is carefully managed with scheduled maintenance breaks to ensure safe and high-quality conditions throughout the event.
For specific show inquiries, contact the show office listed in the event details or email UDJC’s support.
Benchmark classes are formal Dressage tests just as you know them.
Each level requires qualifying scores from the level underneath. Ability tests are ridden by 3-4 riders in the arena at the same time and consist of a free part, which almost looks like a clinic with the judge giving level specific commands and a benchmark part where each rider has to perform a short version of a Benchmark test individually.
In both parts only the rider and the rideability of the horse are being judged, not the quality of the horse (Gaits and Imulsion). Ability classes do not require qualification scores but scores from Ability classes can be used to qualify for Benchmark classes of the same level.
No, we offer Dressage and Jumping classes BUT our judged style jumping classes (everything under 90cm) are a great alternative for Hunter riders! Come and check it out yourself.
Style classes are judged on the rider’s position, rhythm, balance and effective lines rather than speed. This encourages correct technique and horse welfare over rushing for time and creates a great foundation for every rider’s show jumping career.
Divisions combine multiple dressage and jumping classes, with scores from all contributing to a total score. Riders must complete all required classes to be eligible for divisional rankings.
The order of go is based on a random letter assigned to the class. Horses starting with that letter go first, followed alphabetically. This ensures fairness in scheduling.
Yes, in Ability classes, not in Benchmark classes.
The United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC) is redefining horse sport with skill-based competition, transparent judging, and true rider development.
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