News
New season qualification open
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:07
New year, new opportunities. Get a head start on your summer BD goals, with four championship qualification pathways now open.
- Summer Area Festivals
- Summer Regionals
- Quest Semi-Finals
- Associated Championships
If you're unsure of which pathway to take, here's a handy overview of the levels and sections, and what's needed to qualify.
Summer Regionals
Sections: Gold and Silver
Levels: Prelim to Intermediate I
Where to qualify: Qualify for a Regional Championship by taking part in regular day to day BD competitions at your local venues.
How to qualify: Achieve either four, three or two scores at your chosen level, above a certain percentage. As you go up through the levels, the number of scores required becomes lower. You can also gain multiple qualifications, by gaining further scores.
Your pathway: If you're feeling secure at your level and are aiming to make it to the LeMieux National Championships, this is a great championship choice for you.
View the full details on how to reach the Summer Regionals, including percentages and number of scores required, using the button below.
Summer Area Festivals
Sections: Silver and Bronze
Levels: Prelim to Intermediate I (including Freestyle to Music)
Where to qualify: Qualify for a Summer Area Festival by taking part in regular day to day BD competitions at your local venues.
How to qualify: Achieve either four, three or two scores at your chosen level for standard classes, these need to be above a certain percentage. As you go up through the levels, the number of scores required becomes lower. You can also gain multiple qualifications, by gaining further scores. Music qualification is also scores based, with two required.
Your pathway: The Area Festivals are a great introduction to championship competition. If you're looking to gain experience at a big occasion, or step up to a new level, this is the ideal choice for you and your horse.
View the complete Area Festival rules on page 191 in the BD Members' Handbook, available via the link below.
Quest Semi-Finals
Sections: Team Quest and My Quest, U21 and Open
Levels: Intro to Novice
Where to qualify: Qualify by taking part in BD Quest shows at your local venues.
How to qualify: Convert scores to points to earn the top placings on your local leader board. Leader boards are selected at the start of the season, with the top ten teams (U21 and Open) progressing to the Semi-Finals, plus the top 12 from each leader board (U21 and Open) progressing to the My Quest Semi-Finals.
Your pathway: If you're new to dressage, Quest is the ultimate place to start. With relaxed rules and an encouraging, fun environment, you can work towards progression and an amazing end goal. It's also the best place to enjoy competing with your friends, with team spirit at the heart of qualification goals.
Quest has it's own section in the BD Members' Handbook, available to view from page 166. You can also find all of the information on the Quest section of the website via the button below.
Associated Championships
Sections: Gold, Silver and Bronze
Levels: Intro to Prix St Georges
Where to qualify: Qualify for the Associated Championships by taking part in regular day to day BD competitions at your local venues.
How to qualify: All you need to achieve is four scores over 60% (Prix St Georges - only two scores over 60% required) within the level you wish to qualify for in accordance with the BD rules which can be found in the Members' Handbook.
Your pathway: Something for everyone! The Associated Championships offers a fantastic title-winning opportunity for over ten different breeds, categories and groups. If you're riding a top-notch native, a dressage-loving draught or are sitting pretty side-saddle, come along and give this one a go.
To view the full Associated Championship repertoire and learn more about qualification, visit the link below.
Make 2026 your year to shine. Aiming for a championship can be a truly rewarding process, and helps you to improve your skills along the way. If you're unsure of what's best for you and your horse to take part in, speak to your local DO or contact our friendly team in the office who will be happy to give advice on where to get started.
