Halloween at the Dressage DerbyAfter the official competition wraps up on Saturday, stay with us for some wine and cheese and a special Halloween celebration! We’re inviting everyone to take part in one of our two Costume Dressage Classes, a Walk-Only Costume Class (leadline optional) and a Costume Dressage Class for our more experienced participants.
There are no entry fees, and these classes won’t be judged like regular Dressage tests. Instead, we’re letting the audience decide! Riders, bring your best costumes, and spectators — get ready to vote for your favorites in real time with your smartphones. |
Order of Go
Spectator JudgingLink coming soon!
2025 Top-3 Placings
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Walk-Only Costume Class
- No Entry Fees
- walk-only pattern in a Group setting, Leadline Optional
- Spectator Judging by Smartphone
Take center stage in the walk-only Costume Class, where imagination and creativity are what counts most! Participants are encouraged to dress up in any costume they like — Halloween-themed or not — and bring their favorite character or idea to life in the arena.
This class is all about fun and participation and will be conducted at the walk, optionally with a handler and a leadline. There will be no technical scores for seat, position, or riding execution. Instead, judges and the audience will score the creativity, quality, and inventiveness of each rider’s costume.
It’s the perfect opportunity showcase a costume that might not be suitable for trot and canter, show off style, and share in the Halloween spirit — all in a supportive and festive atmosphere!
This class is all about fun and participation and will be conducted at the walk, optionally with a handler and a leadline. There will be no technical scores for seat, position, or riding execution. Instead, judges and the audience will score the creativity, quality, and inventiveness of each rider’s costume.
It’s the perfect opportunity showcase a costume that might not be suitable for trot and canter, show off style, and share in the Halloween spirit — all in a supportive and festive atmosphere!
Costume Dressage Class
- No Entry Fees
- Spectator Judging by Smartphone
- ride Any Test or Pattern (~5 min)
- Bring your Own Music (optional)
The Costume Dressage Class is the perfect blend of creativity, showmanship, and Halloween spirit! There are no entry fees, and results will be determined through spectator judging via smartphone, allowing everyone to take part in the fun.
Riders may choose to ride any Dressage test or create their own freestyle pattern, with each performance limited to roughly five minutes. You’re also welcome to bring your own music (optional) to personalize your ride and enhance the presentation.
Costumes may be Halloween-themed or not — all styles are welcome! Whether elegant, humorous, or imaginative, we encourage every rider to showcase their creativity.
Each performance will be scored in three equally weighted categories:
Each category will count for one-third of the final score.
This class celebrates originality, teamwork, and festive spirit — so bring your best costume, design your ride, and delight our audience in an afternoon of creative Dressage fun!
Riders may choose to ride any Dressage test or create their own freestyle pattern, with each performance limited to roughly five minutes. You’re also welcome to bring your own music (optional) to personalize your ride and enhance the presentation.
Costumes may be Halloween-themed or not — all styles are welcome! Whether elegant, humorous, or imaginative, we encourage every rider to showcase their creativity.
Each performance will be scored in three equally weighted categories:
- Costume Creativity – evaluating the quality and ingenuity of the horse-and-rider combination’s costume.
- Artistic Impression – judging the music and interpretation, choreography, and degree of difficulty of the performance.
- Technical Execution – assessing the quality of movements, gaits, and submission.
Each category will count for one-third of the final score.
This class celebrates originality, teamwork, and festive spirit — so bring your best costume, design your ride, and delight our audience in an afternoon of creative Dressage fun!
FAQ - Things you Might want to know
Can I use boots on My Horse?
Yes! Since the Halloween Costume Classes take place after the conclusion of Saturday’s official competition, they are not governed by USDF or USEF rules. That means you’re free to use boots or leg wraps on your horse if you wish.
In fact, well-chosen or decorated boots can be a great way to enhance your costume and complete the look. Feel free to get creative — comfort and safety first, but fun and flair encouraged!
In fact, well-chosen or decorated boots can be a great way to enhance your costume and complete the look. Feel free to get creative — comfort and safety first, but fun and flair encouraged!
How about Glitter in my horse's Tail?
You bet you can! We ain't stoppin you.
Does the handler need to dress up when using a leadline?
While it’s not required, we do encourage handlers to consider dressing up — especially if it complements the rider’s costume. It adds to the fun and helps create a cohesive presentation in the ring.
Most importantly, please make sure to wear safe, closed-toe footwear around the horses. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Ideally, handlers should wear paddock boots or sturdy footwear suitable for handling horses.
If you choose not to dress up, we simply ask that your outfit be neat, neutral, and non-distracting, so the focus remains on the rider and their costume.
Most importantly, please make sure to wear safe, closed-toe footwear around the horses. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Ideally, handlers should wear paddock boots or sturdy footwear suitable for handling horses.
If you choose not to dress up, we simply ask that your outfit be neat, neutral, and non-distracting, so the focus remains on the rider and their costume.
