1. When do the new rules take effect for dressage “opportunity” classes?
   December 1, 2009, which is the official start of the 2010 USEF competition year. This date coincides with the effective date of the new “Levels” required for Dressage Competitions.
2. What types of competitions may offer these classes?
   Licensed Dressage Competitions and Regular/Local Competitions which are licensed to include an Open Dressage Division (open to all breeds) may offer a limited number of dressage “opportunity” classes, as described in Rule GR821. (See #4 below for the list of classes and tests that may be offered.)
3. So may a breed-restricted competition offer these classes?
   No, unless the competition is licensed to hold an open dressage division which is open to all breeds. This is because breed-restricted competitions are not required to meet any of the new dressage competition levels standards.
4. How do I know what type and how many dressage “opportunity” classes I can offer at my competition?
   The type and number of classes which may be offered is dependent upon the “level” of your competition. Only Level 1, 2, or 3 competitions may offer these classes (please refer to the published Dressage Levels chart on the USEF website and GR821).
   • A Level 1 Competition may offer two (2) tests, per level, per day, at Second Level and below. For instance, in a single day, a show could offer Training Level Test 1, Training Level Test 2, First Level Test 1, First Level Test 2, Second Level Test 1, and Second Level Test 2 as “opportunity” classes.
   • A Level 2 Competition may offer two (2) tests, per level, per day, at FIRST Level and below. For instance, in a single day, this show could offer Training Level Test 1, Training Level Test 2, First Level Test 1, and First Level Test 2 as “opportunity” classes.
   • A Level 3 Competition may offer two (2) tests per day at Training Level ONLY. For instance, in a single day, this show could offer Training Level Test 1 and Training Level Test 2 as “opportunity” classes.
   • A Level 4 or Level 5 Competition may not offer “opportunity” classes..

1. How do I list these classes in my prize list?
   Per Rule GR821.8, the list of “opportunity” classes offered must include “Opportunity” in the class name.
2. Can I offer Eventing Dressage Tests or other types of tests as “opportunity” classes?
   No, as indicated above and in the Dressage Levels Chart, only specific USEF Second Level, First Level, and Training Level Tests may be offered as “opportunity” classes.
3. Can I have an Opportunity Test of Choice class?
   No. Please see #5 & #6 above. Only specific tests may be offered.
4. What about Freestyles?
   Per Rule GR821.2e(3), Freestyles may not be offered as “opportunity” classes.
5. Can I offer one of these “opportunity” classes as restricted to Adult Amateurs?
   Yes, but per Rule GR821.5, if an “opportunity” class is restricted to Amateurs, then the rider must have an amateur status on file with USEF or pay the $30 non-member amateur card fee.
6. Who can judge these classes?
   USEF Rule GR821 states that any judge officiating at the competition may judge the “opportunity” classes. Since these classes may only be offered at Licensed Dressage Competitions and Regular/Local Competitions with Open Dressage Divisions, the judges would be USEF-Licensed “r”, “R”, “S” or FEI Dressage Judges.
7. What rules apply for these classes?
   Since these classes may only be offered at Licensed Dressage Competitions and Regular/Local Competitions with Open Dressage Divisions, all USEF Dressage Division (DR) rules apply, including dress and saddlery requirements, in addition to all applicable General Rules, such as Drugs & Medications (see #14, below).
8. What memberships are required for these classes?
   Per Rule GR821.2e(5), horses and riders competing in “opportunity” classes are exempt from USEF and USDF membership requirements, and do not have to pay non-member or HID fees. (In addition, USEF is working on a rule clarification to also specify that owners, trainers, and coaches are exempt from membership requirements.)
9. Can a horse and rider cross-enter into other dressage classes?
   Yes. Your prize list must state if “opportunity” riders/horses will be allowed to cross-enter into other recognized classes at your show. Please note, however, if a horse or rider enters other non-opportunity classes at your competition in which membership by participants is required, all USEF and USDF membership requirements apply for horse, rider, owner, trainer, etc. (See GR901.9 for more information.)
10. What about the USEF Drugs & Medications fee?
    Per Rule GR821.3 & .4, horses entered only in “opportunity” classes are exempt from the Federation fee, including the Drugs & Medications fee. However, horses entered in these classes are still subject to and must comply with all D&M rules and are subject to testing at your competition.
11. Do I submit results for these classes to USEF?
    As per Rule GR821.1, competitions must submit full results of all “opportunity” classes as required in Rule GR1214:
    • “Opportunity” must be listed in the class name in the results.
    • Full results are required – names of horses, riders, owners, and trainers are to be listed including addresses, placings and scores, eliminations, etc.
    • If they have them, horses and members with USEF numbers should be listed in the results. If membership or HID information is missing, please leave the USEF number field blank.
    • Section codes for submission of e-Results are as follows: Open Opportunity – 5702; Amateur Opportunity – 5703.

1. What about the USEF Post-Competition Report?
   Since “opportunity” classes are exempt from membership, non-member fees, Drugs & Med Fee and the Federation Fee, these classes are not reported on the Post Competition Report.
2. Can “opportunity” class results count towards USEF or USDF awards?
   No. Scores earned in dressage “opportunity” classes may not be used towards USEF or USDF awards or programs.

Still have questions? Please send your inquiry via e-mail to Jennifer Keeler,
USEF National Director of Dressage, at jkeeler@usef.org.