Virtual Dressage Competitions

lisaellen2
Apr 8
2 min read

Meet your local Santa Barbara County Virtual Show enthusiast Wendy Brown, and her Andalusian Fogoso, also known as Gus.

Wendy is our point person for Virtual Shows and she is the one who schedules our Chapter shows on Virtual Horse Sport. As Wendy will tell you, the benefits of virtual shows are many! She encourages you to try one!

They are cost effective, typically $45-50.
You ride your test in an arena where both you and your horse are comfortable. It's almost like a personal clinic.
You get direct feedback on your ride from a qualified Judge. All 3 of our 2026 Judges are USEF "S" Judges.
You can have a "do-over" if you missed a rein-back, or lead change, or maybe had a poor transition. Just delete that video and take a second. (Or a third!)
You do not need to be in full show attire. Wendy does suggest that riders look neat and have your horse well groomed.
You can ride the test anytime and any day that suits you and your horse. As long as you submit your video before the close date.
Most people see their test results within a week of the close date.

SBC-CDS has three virtual shows in 2026 but there is a show nearly every month that anyone can register for. It's constructive practice and excellent feedback to have before you enter an in-person show. The virtual show cannot replace the excitement, fun and camaraderie that an in-person show offers. However, it is an excellent tool to monitor progress and improve your score.

Board Member Kelly Thoits notes that the 2025 the Virtual Horse Sport High Participation Award went to an Arizona club with only 7 rides. She would love to see our Santa Barbara County chapter riders win that award in 2026!

Taking the video of your ride usually requires a second person. For help with how to video your ride, check out this site: https://virtualhorsesport.com/help-me-guide/#filmride

More useful tips can be found here: https://virtualhorsesport.com/the-rules/

Questions? Contact Wendy Brown at wbrownphd@gmail.com