Dressage Victoria

Please note: A downgrade application can only be made for a specific horse/pony and rider combination where the horse/pony is currently graded Elementary or above.

A $30 fee applies to each downgrade application.

Downgrade applications must be submitted by the registered owner or lessee of the horse/pony.

Applications must be lodged at least 30 days prior to the first competition at which the horse/pony is intended to compete at the downgraded level.

All applications will be considered at the next available Dressage Victoria Committee meeting.

Before completing this form, we recommend confirming your horse/pony's current grading points. If you require competition history records up to June 2025, please email info@equestrianvictoria.com.au

Applicants are responsible for maintaining and providing their own performance records from July 2025 to the present.

To determine your horse/pony's current grading, please refer to the EA Dressage Rules and Regulations at the link below, as well as the grading information provided on this page:

https://www.equestrian.org.au/sites/default/files/EA%20Dressage%20Rule%20Book%20Janaury%202026_0.pdf

 

EA GENERAL REGULATION 4.10 DOWNGRADING HORSE / PONY 

Applications for downgrading of horses/ponies for any category of competition must be directed to the relevant SDA and the following apply:

a) applications for downgrading must be made in writing with supporting documentation

b) an application to downgrade a horse/pony must be made or endorsed by the registered owner or lessee

c) each request will be considered separately and, on its merit

d) downgrading will not be considered for veterinary reasons

e) the decision to downgrade and to what level is entirely at the discretion of the SDA

f) downgrading may occur only once in the duration of a rider’s partnership with the horse/pony

g)downgrading may occur more than once in a horse/pony’s lifetime

h)will only apply to those graded at least Elementary level and above

i) must not exceed a maximum of three levels (e.g. Advanced to Novice refer to

rule 4.8.2 for definition of levels)

j) if the horse is ridden by someone other than the rider for whom the downgrade is requested, it must compete at its previous level and any grading points earned will be awarded in relation to that previous level

k) when a downgrade is granted the combination must fulfil any criteria regarding eligibility of horses/ponies for each level as outlined in 4.8.3.2

4.9.1 Awarding of upgrading points

In relation to the awarding of points:

a) upgrading points are awarded for ALL Official Competitive competitions, including youth competitions with the exception of Freestyle, Young Horse and Participation competitions), regardless of any restrictions (e.g. age and breed of horse, etc)

b) upgrading points are awarded based on percentage only regardless of placing

c) points gained are determined as:
• between 61% to 62.999% = 1 point
• between 63% to 64.999% = 2 points
• between 65% to 66.999% = 3 points
• between 67% to 68.999% = 4 points
• between 69% to 70.999% = 5 points
• between 71% to 72.999% = 6 points
• 73% and over = 7 points

4.11 Hors Concours (HC)
In relation to competing as Hors Concours:
a) horses/ponies may compete HC at any level
b) HC entries must be declared in writing prior to the start of the competition
c) horses/ponies entered HC are not eligible for any prize or prize money
d) grading points will not be awarded
e) for Official Competitive and Participant competitions all HC entries must comply in every way with the rules governing EA competitions
f) a horse may only be entered and compete once in each Competitive or Participant competition (including HC entry)