The High-Performance Dressage Squad (HP Squad) was formed in 2013 to provide a platform for the best Victorian horse* and rider combinations to regularly access world-class dressage instruction, including a holistic approach to each athlete’s competition preparation.

The Squad is reviewed in June and December for those combinations who have obtained the necessary scores to qualify. 

*Horse: exceeding 149cm with shoes, 148cm without shoes. 

Current Squad Year 2023/2024

• Successful combinations will be expected to agree to an Athletes Agreement which sets out certain criteria and obligations which need to be met.  Please read and accept the agreement in the online form.
• Those not meeting requirements will not qualify for the 2024/2025 squad selection.
• Those applying and successful for the December intake will remain on the squad for 6 months until the end of June when all must reapply.

• Official unrestricted classes
• No Junior or Young Rider classes.
• Eligible classes must have a minimum of two judges.

OPEN EA LEVELS:

• Medium & Advanced: 
• Three scores of 70 percent or higher from official competitions. Freestyle scores are NOT permitted.

SMALL & MEDIUM TOURS - PSG, INTER I & INTER A & B:

• Three scores of 66 percent or above from official competitions. Freestyle scores are NOT permitted.
• Qualifying scores must be obtained whilst competing in a double bridle.

PARA RIDERS:

Para riders are required to achieve three scores based on the FEI individual test and the FEI team championship test scores at their respective grades at official competitions with at least one official Para judge.

• Grade 1 68% or above
• Grade 2 70% or above
• Grade 3 68% or above
• Grade 4 69% or above
• Grade 5 69% or above

YOUNG HORSE:

• 5-year-old horse and rider combinations who have achieved three scores of 78% or greater in Young Horse classes. 
• 6-year-old horse and rider combinations who have achieved three scores of 78% or greater in Young Horse classes.  
• 7-year-old horse and rider combinations who have achieved three scores of 75% or greater in Young Horse classes. 

SQUAD DATES

• 22 & 23 August, 2023 – Welcome function and clinic
• 25 & 26 November, 2023
• 30 & 31 January, 2024 – Protocol 
• 6 & 7 April, 2024
• 22 & 23 June, 2024