The Jockey Club (TJC) actively participates in the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) All-Breeds Awards program, offering Thoroughbred owners and riders a valuable opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the participation process, eligibility requirements, and necessary forms, ensuring a smooth experience for all involved. Understanding these steps is crucial for anyone looking to compete and be acknowledged within this prestigious program.
Eligibility Requirements for Thoroughbreds
To be considered eligible for the USDF All-Breeds Awards as a Thoroughbred, a horse must meet specific registration criteria. According to TJC’s definition, a “Thoroughbred” is any horse registered with The Jockey Club or a foreign Thoroughbred stud book recognized by TJC. To substantiate this eligibility, participants must provide one of the following:
- The Jockey Club Certificate of Foal Registration.
- The Jockey Club Digital Certificate of Foal Registration (applicable only to horses born in 2018 or later).
- A T.I.P. eligibility letter, which can be obtained by following the instructions outlined below.
These documentation requirements ensure the integrity and accuracy of the program’s participant data.
How to Participate in the USDF All-Breeds Awards
The participation process involves several key steps, beginning with completing the necessary application forms and obtaining essential documentation for your horse.
- Complete The Jockey Club T.I.P.’s Registration Form: Download and fill out the Registration for Participation in USDF All-Breeds Awards form. This form, along with the required photograph(s) and a copy of the horse’s registration certificate or eligibility letter, must be submitted along with the applicable fees. You can access the form here: Registration for Participation in USDF All-Breeds Awards.
- Obtain a T.I.P. Number for Your Horse: Each horse participating in the program must have a unique T.I.P. Number.
- Declare Your Horse with USDF: Visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org/docs/awards/all-breeds/DeclarationForm.pdf to download the All-Breeds Awards Declaration Form and formally declare your horse with the USDF All-Breeds Award Program.
Adhering to these steps is vital for successful enrollment.
Understanding the Fees
Participation in the USDF All-Breeds Awards program involves specific fees to cover administrative and verification processes.
- Registration Fee: A fee of $35 is required to register with The Jockey Club for the USDF All-Breeds program.
- DNA Typing Fee: A one-time fee of $85 is charged for DNA typing of the horse, which may be required in certain cases, as detailed below.
These fees contribute to the program’s operation and the verification of each horse’s identity and lineage.
Obtaining a T.I.P. Eligibility Letter
The process for obtaining a T.I.P. eligibility letter depends on whether you know your horse’s registered name.
If You Know Your Horse’s Registered Name:
Submit the Registration for Participation in USDF All-Breeds Awards form along with:
- At least four full-body photos of the horse (front, back, and both sides, without blankets, wraps, or boots).
- Photos of the horse’s tattoo.
- If the horse has no white markings, a photo of its face showing the cowlick and photos of the chestnuts (night eyes) on the legs.
- A completed horse information section.
- The $35 registration fee.
If TJC can verify the horse’s identity as one they have registered, an eligibility letter will be issued for T.I.P. purposes. If verification is not possible, DNA typing may be required for an additional fee.
If You Do Not Know Your Horse’s Registered Name:
Submit the Registration for Participation in USDF All-Breeds Awards form along with the same photographic requirements as listed above. Additionally, you must:
- Complete the horse information section to the best of your ability.
- Write any additional information about the horse, such as possible names or origin, on the back of the form.
- Submit a total fee of $120, which includes the $35 All-Breeds Program fee and the $85 DNA typing fee.
If TJC can verify the horse’s identity, an eligibility letter will be issued. Please note that DNA typing is only available for horses born in 2001 or later. For more details on the USDF All-Breeds Awards, you can visit the official USDF website.
USDF All-Breed Divisions and Placings
The program offers various divisions and placing opportunities for participants:
- Open (5)
- Adult Amateur (5)
- Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle (2)
- Junior/Young Rider (2)
- Musical Freestyle (2)
- Vintage Cup (2)
- DSHB (1)
- Materiale (1)
These divisions cater to a wide range of riders and experience levels, ensuring broad participation.
2024 US Dressage Finals Awards
The Jockey Club will present four high-score breed awards at the 2024 US Dressage Finals. These awards are divided into categories for adult amateur and open riders, further segmented by national (Training through Fourth levels) and FEI levels (Prix St. Georges through Grand Prix). Additionally, there will be one high-score award for junior/young riders at the National Levels. Importantly, results from freestyle and non-championship classes will not be included in these calculations; only scores from the official US Dressage Finals classes will be considered. For further information on the US Dressage Finals, please refer to US Dressage Finals.
