FAQs
If you have a different question please contact us. For all questions regarding USEF Adult Amateur status you can contact USEF here: [email protected]
- What is an adult amateur?
- Am I a USEF Adult Amateur?
- Can I participate in the L Program?
- Can I participate in the Instructor/Trainer Program?
- Can I go to Trainers Conference?
- Does USDF have any adult amateur specific education programs?
- I’m on a tight budget; how can USDF help?
- I would like to see a new program introduced for adult amateurs at USDF. How do I go about getting that started?
What is an adult amateur?
The term “Adult” within USDF membership applies to all members age 21 and over. The term adult amateur applies primarily for competition purposes and is defined within the rules of the US Equestrian (USEF) that provides the body of rules by which dressage is governed. Any questions regarding official AA status should be directed to USEF.
Am I a USEF Adult Amateur?
USDF maintains a list of members who are designated as Adult Amateurs with USEF. Check this list, updated weekly, to confirm your current USEF Adult Amateur status or go to USEF’s website to look up your membership information.
Can I participate in the L Program?
Yes! You can even be an L Graduate and judge schooling shows while keeping your USEF AA status. We encourage all of our members to attend at least the A, B and C (Part1) sessions; the educational content is superb. L Graduates with distinction can even move on to USEF judging programs without changing their AA status. (GR1306.3.i.).
Can I participate in the Instructor/Trainer Program?
Yes! We encourage you to participate, audit or be a demo rider in the workshops. All the education is available to you!
Can I go to Trainers Conference?
Adult amateurs can attend and apply to be a demo rider at Trainers Conference. This is an FEI level concentrated program with attendance criteria and adult amateurs who meet these criteria may attend.
Does USDF have any adult amateur specific education programs?
To us having a USEF Adult Amateur card, or not having it, should not be a roadblock to learning for our education programs. We don’t want to turn away anyone that wants to learn because of their USEF designation. We do not have any programs that require a USEF Adult Amateur card to attend. There are many programs that are designed to primarily engage our adult amateur members such as the USDF Education Library and Online Courses, Podcasts, and Convention education. By not requiring a USEF Adult Amateur card, the trainers and coaches of adult amateurs can also attend and participate. Those trainers and coaches will gain access to valuable information that they can then use to help their adult amateur students.
I’m on a tight budget; how can USDF help?
The Education Membership level is less expensive and a good option for riders who don’t need a higher level of membership to qualify for competition or awards. Benefits include USDF Education Library/Online Education and our online magazine. You can also listen to our Podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Volunteering is a great way to learn at a greatly reduced cost or free to expand your dressage education. Contact your local GMO and let them know you want to help. The Dressage Foundation has several grants available to enable riders to continue their dressage education.
I would like to see a new program introduced for adult amateurs at USDF. How do I go about getting that started?
If you have an idea for a new program we encourage you to talk to a Regional Director, committee chair or regional representative and share your idea. The process can be long but the volunteers who are on our committees, many adult amateurs themselves, represent our members. You can find the list of committees here.
