I gather its a sanctioned show, and not a schooling show. Other than that, when I googled it, I didn’t see a clear explanation. thanks.
Usually a dressage show, whether it is a schooling show or recognized by your national Equestrian federation, will run a variety of tests. At Training through Fourth there are three possible tests at each level.
Above that from Prix St George onwards the tests are designed by the FEI and are commonly referred to as “riding FEI level” even if one is doing it at a schooling show or national Equestrian show, not an FEI recognized show.
It is unlikely anyone is running a second level show, but most schooling or nationally recognized shows will offer second level tests.
The order of difficulty is wlak/trot, training, first, second, third, fourth. Most riders top out at first or second.
You can follow look up test patterns online to see what they involve
It’s not about the tests levels.
It’s about the type of shows, its level. Like Gold, Bronze, Silver here in Canada.
Check : DR125 (p.542 for the chart) : https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/F3p8pgrWgAo/dr-dressage-division
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Oh, Ok. I see you posted a PDF. It won’t open for me.
Its not a term I’ve heard before in relation to American shows. I’ve heard them refer to A shows, etc.
Ahahah. It’s in the US… It’s in your rules.
Check the both links I’ve posted.
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It’s a newish thing for Dressage shows as @alibi_18 says.
Basically, the competition level dictates the requirements for a particular show such as how many TDs, whether opportunity classes are offered, how many bathrooms, how often the ring is “maintained” (drag and water), if stabling must be provided etc.
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"A " shows refers to Hunter/Jumper Shows, and is largely based on prize money.
“Level 2” refers to Dressage Shows, and is based more on facilities. footing. stabling, etc. rather than prize money.
OTTOMH, Level 2 shows do NOT have to have stabling, but Level 1 shows DO have to have stabling.
I do not remember the other differences.
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No, Level 1 is the lowest level, stabling is optional for both Level 1 and 2 shows.
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I think that level 2s don’t need to have two judges in the FEI classes - I seem to remember judging Level 2 in MI and judging all classes alone, where Mystic and Stockade needed 2 judges for FEI childrens, team, YR individ and team etc.since they were a higher category
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If one wants to check all the details,
There is a chart, in the USEF Dressage rules book that defines everything in details.
I’ve posted the link above with the page number.
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Sorry. I had it backwards.
I haven’t said it was newish, as it itsn’t.
The first link I provided, a USDF PDF, is from 2010.
Just google : Dressage show designations USDF and you’ll find it.
That’s correct, because level 2 shows are not qualifiers for USEF Young Horse, Junior, Young Rider, Developing, etc. Championships. Level 2 shows can offer the classes, but they are not qualifiers even if two judges judge the class. Level 3 shows are the qualifiers for these championships.
Level 4 shows are the USDF Regional Championships. Level 5 shows are CDIs and USEF High Performance selection trials.
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As already pointed out, USEF clearly defines the differences, these rules have been around for several years now. I think of it very simply:
Level 1 and Level 2 are your local shows. They are rated (not schooling shows), but they can’t offer special qualifying classes, and they can not be a CDI recognized show. In most cases, they don’t have to offer stabling, and they are often one or two ring shows. No requirements for spectator seating, no show program requirements - they are your regular local shows. They can be run by inexperienced show managers, and the manager and secretary can be the same person. They can be one or two day shows, and they are limited in size (a Level 1 show is limited to one ring/75 horses, one day).
Level 3 can offer Developing Program qualifiers (Young Horse, Jr/YR, etc) , and has a few more amenities and paperwork requirements. They are the “in between” shows - often several rings, a few more facility requirements.
Level 4 and Level 5 are your BIG shows with a lot of rings - they are your Regional Championships Shows (Level 4), and your CDIs (Level 5). They have very strict requirements for facility amenities, and have additional reporting, scoring, and show management requirements. Show Secretary and Show Manager must have demonstrated experience (they actually have experience requirements, both in years of show management, and in size of the shows managed). No Opportunity classes allowed -these shows are serious business. These shows run for at least 3 days, and have extensive staffing requirements too. Level 5 shows also must comply with FEI requirements, including security requirements.
All the shows are rated, all count toward HOTY/All Breeds/Medals (well, all except Opportunity Classes).
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I’m not American 
I’ll try the links again but the discussion below made it clear.
Always nice to learn something new.
Oh! Sorry.
Me, neither. :lol:
And technically, even we’re not A/B/C anymore. It’s something like Premiere/Regional/Local, but nobody uses that designation :lol: The letters are much easier to remember.
Most of the recognized dressage shows in this area of the US (MidAtlantic) are Level 2, which is sort of a multi-ring, mid-level recognized show. I’d imagine most shows are L1 or L2, outside of the big circuit shows in FL and CA?
Since Level 1 shows are meant to be sort of an introduction to dressage and are limited in what they offer, I think most shows are Level 2. I’ve never seen a Level 1 show in my region.
I meant to indicate that you said it was a designation for a dressage show, not that you said it was newish which btw is a relative term meaning “kind of new”, not brand spanking new as in it happened yesterday. Amazingly enough there are people who don’t keep up with rule changes so I’m not surprised there are people who aren’t aware of changes in the last 10 years.
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