A horse/rider combination may qualify for the SWDC Championship by earning two qualifying scores in qualifying classes at SWDC recognized shows within the qualifying period.  Qualifying classes are the highest test at each level, or a freestyle at that level.  Winning or placing in the class is not necessary as long as the score is earned.  These scores must be earned at two different competitions from two different judges.  Important Note:  The Championships are November 1-4, 2007 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX.

A $6.00 fee is added to the regular entry fee when entering a Qualifying Class at a SWDC recognized competition.  Five dollars of this fee is allocated for prize money at the Championships.  The remaining $1.00 of the fee is to provide for the volunteers’ services at the Championships.

 The qualifying year is from October 2, 2006 thru September 30, 2007.

One score may be earned at a show that is not approved by the SWDC as long as:

	The show is outside of Region 9 and recognized by USEF/USDF.
	The rider submits the score (a copy of the front of a signed dressage test) and a fee of $25.00 to the SWDC Secretary within two weeks after the show.  If the score is not received within the two weeks, it will not apply.

 A horse/rider combination having won the Championships at a certain level may not compete at that level or below in the Championships in subsequent years (except Grand Prix).  However, the horse may compete at any level with a different rider.

The SWDC Secretary will place all qualified horse/rider combinations on the SWDC website (www.swdressage.org) as the shows send in their score reports.  If the rider does not find their name within 45 days of qualifying, they should contact and confirm their scores with the SWDC qualifying secretary. 

 A horse/rider combination may move up a level during the year but at the Championship show may only compete at two consecutive levels including both the Open Show and the Championships.

Each rider must declare the division in which they are competing prior to each attempt at a qualifying ride at SWDC qualifying shows or for a score submitted under Rule 4 (Amateur, Open, or Junior/Young Rider) and must provide proof of eligibility in the case of Amateur and Junior/Young Riders.  Adult Amateur and Junior/Young Riders may also qualify for the Open division.  Separate scores must be earned for each division.  At the Championships, they must enter each division separately although they will only ride once.

 In qualifying classes with more than one judge, scores among the judges of the ride will be averaged.  For purposes of obtaining qualifying scores from two judges, so long as one judge in the judging combination is changed, it will constitute a different judge.

Riders do not have to be U.S. citizens nor have their horse registered with the USA Equestrian/USDF.

Only two consecutive levels may be ridden at the Championships.

 All national-level riders may carry a whip and have their test called.  FEI riders may carry a whip but may not have a caller.

The top three riders are required to return mounted for the awards ceremonies in order to receive their awards.

Riders should wear their Medals at all times during the show (except while riding).

Shows must be recognized by the USEF, USDF and the SWDC to hold SWDC qualifying classes.

Shows must be  within Region 9 or the Contiguous States to receive SWDC recognition.

Recognition for SWDC may be applied for by completing an application and mailing the application and a $35/show recognition fee to the SWDC Treasurer.  Application are available from the SWDC Treasurer.   Shows must apply for recognition 60 days prior to the first day of the show or the fee will be $150. 

Show will charge a $6 surcharge fee for each rider that signs up for an SWDC qualifying ride.  Only one check  will  be submitted by the show and will made to the SWDC.                                        

If  fines are not paid they will be added to the amount of dues for the ensuing year and future competitions dates will not be awarded until both penalties and dues have been paid.

Only one qualifying class may be offered at each level per day of each show however only one score will count towards qualifying.

Shows held the final two weekends of the qualifying year must submit their results in three days of the final day of competition.  However, these results may be faxed within the three days and the official results would need to submitted according to the above rule #5.

Checks returned Non-Sufficient Funds will be charged $50.  

Should a show cancel their show no fees will be refunded.   Changes of date must notify the SWDC Secretary within 30 days of the show.

No show will be recognized by the SWDC that has not paid in full all past obligations.

Application to hold the Championships must be made thirty days prior to the Region 9 Annual Meeting in order to be approved by the SWDC Board of Directors. 

The Championships must be held in Region 9.

All judges must be approved by the SWDC Board of Directors prior to their hiring.

Closing date is to be three days after the final qualifying date.

SWDC Championships entry fees should not be less than $40 nor more than $60.

A draft of the prize list must be submitted to the SWDC Director no later than four months prior to the first day of the competition.

Prize lists must be mailed to all SWDC qualifiers.   The list of qualifiers will be made available from the Qualifying Secretary.  All Qualifying entries must be accepted as long as they are postmarked by closing date.

 

	All Junior/Young Rider Championship classes Second Level and below must be held on Saturday and Sunday.
	Fourth Level and FEI classes should be scheduled accordingly with Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 9 Championships in order that no horse has to ride more than one test in a day; i.e. Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges, Prix. St. Georges and Intermediaire I, Intermediaire 1 and 2, Intermediaire 2 and Grand Prix.
	In the case that a  freestyle has to  be on the same day as the open championship they should be spaced as far apart as possible in order to allow the horse time to rest.
	Time should be allocated for formal mounted awards ceremonies.  It does not have to be at the end of each class but can be with all divisions being awarded at one time.

The show secretary must verify that all entrants in the SWDC Championships have qualified.  A list will be provided by closing date of all riders on record   that  have qualified.  However, this list will not be complete due to late qualifying shows. As soon as the complete list is available,  the Qualifying Secretary will fax the official list.   This will not be any later than seven days of the final qualifying show.   No rider may compete that is not qualified according to the SWDC Qualifying Secretary.

The SWDC Appeals Committee will consist  of the SWDC Board of Directors present at the Championships and a representative from the Horse Show Management.

The Championship Show will receive $1 of the $6 surcharge that has been collected throughout the year  to provide services for their  volunteers such as meals, t-shirts, accommodations, etc.

The Championship show will submit a check to the SWDC no later than 30 days after the last day of the show for an amount of $20/championship ride.  These fees provide for the SWDC Medals and other awards that the SWDC furnishes to the Championship show.

The Championship show will submit to the SWDC within 60 days of the last day of the show a financial statement for the show.

Championship show managers should try  to attend the SWDC Annual Meeting in the year of their Championship and the year following their show.