HOW TO EARN A HIGH SCHOOL CLUB LETTER IN DRESSAGE

In 2001 the Oregon Department of Education approved dressage as a club sport, allowing High School Students to earn their Letter in Dressage. In 2002, thanks to Salem Academy Christian High School (SAC) and Regis Catholic High School (RHS) in Stayton, the Classical Equestrian Team was formed and it became the first High School Dressage Team in the Nation to earn High School Team letters in Dressage. SAC continues to host students and home-schoolers from all over the State of Oregon to join the Classical Equestrian Team (CET) and become eligible to earn a high school letter in Dressage. To date, there are two public high schools with Dressage teams:
Estacada H.S. and Cottage Grove High School/CGHS. CGHS is the host High School for students in Lane County and surrounding areas who’s high school is not willing to form a team.

For most equestrians, riding is a year round sport. The purpose of High School Dressage Clubs is to give students from all over the State, regardless of their riding level, the experience of competing with fellow high schoolers in a sport that they love, plus the opportunity to earn a high school athletic/club letter in the process. Non-riders are also welcome to join and gain the opportunity to learn about horse care and the art/sport of dressage.

To earn a high school letter students must:

• Be a current ODS member (select a chapter or General Member)
• Be a high school student (public, private or home-schooled) in good academic and citizenship standing
• Find a team to join (or start your own team) and fill out all forms required by that team
• Participate in one Team Show per year (ODS League or USDF level)
• Obtain two scores of 60% or higher at two different ODS League &/or USDF level shows (at the appropriate level for the student and horse)
• Volunteer for a minimum of one hour per day, per show – be sure to have the show secretary verifies that you volunteered.
• Submit a copy of your qualifying test/s and volunteer hours to your club’s team Coordinator
• Receive appropriate Dressage instruction on a regular basis

To form your own team please obtain the rules around forming a team, which basically are that your team must have:

• A team advisor who must be an ODS member
• Elect Officers
• Select a club advisor /team coordinator (by a vote of the members) who will coordinate and track the paperwork, forms, team activities, requirements, meetings, volunteer time, etc. and report to ODS when members have meet lettering requirements

For more information please contact Gaye McCabe 503-378-0309 or Carol Jackson 503-949-0156.

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