Dear Amy,
I am so looking forward to this year’s dressage competitions. After not having an upper-level horse to show for many years, I have just purchased a lovely FEI schoolmaster that I am planning to compete at the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire 1 levels at our national shows here in Aiken. I hope to advance all the way to Grand Prix. I do have some questions.
First, I have heard a rumor there were changes to the 2026 tests at the FEI levels. Is this true? Second, I want to purchase a new dressage whip so I need to confirm the legal length of a dressage whip and if I will be allowed to carry a whip in my test. Finally, I heard there is the Grand Prix Special test and wonder what that is and can anyone enter? How is it different from the Grand Prix? I would be very grateful for any information you can provide.
Upward Bound!
Dear Upward,
How exciting to have a new horse and especially a schoolmaster so that you can return to the FEI levels. You are correct there have been some updates to the FEI tests in 2026. The FEI is the international body that regulates horse sports, and it does not follow the same timeline as US Equestrian. The FEI tests (Prix St. Georges through Grand Prix) and the National-level USDF tests (Fourth Level and below) are revised every four years. Changes to the FEI tests are effective in 2026, while the USDF tests will be updated next year, in 2027.
The FEI often alters its tests to a smaller degree than the USDF, which usually revamps its tests rather extensively every cycle. In the 2026 FEI tests you are interested in, there is only one change that you will see. This is the rewording and criteria of the final collective mark: “Rider position and seat, correctness and effectiveness of aids.” This mark is a number that summarizes your ride and has a coefficient of two, meaning that it counts double. In 2026, this final mark is now simply called “Harmony” and evaluates “Harmony, cooperation, lightness, effectiveness, and sensitivity of aids as well as adherence to the training scale.” This is such a wonderful change of wording, making it clear for all to understand what is to be achieved and rewarded. True harmony is such a joy to ride, judge, and observe. The PSG and Intermediaire 1 tests have no other changes to the patterns, directives or coefficient movements.
To answer your question about whips, yes, you may carry one during your test: According to the 2026 USEF rule book, in National shows, you may carry a whip in all levels (Introductory through Grand Prix) unless you are competing at a championships show such as the USDF regionals or USDF finals. (Keep in mind these competitions may have different rules than a regular show.)
The following is the current legal length for a dressage whip, including the whip itself and the lash: When schooling your horse mounted at a show or performing your test, you may carry a whip with a maximum length of 47.2 inches. A whip with an adjustable length is never permitted when you are mounted. However, when you are doing groundwork or working your horse in hand (lungeing, for example) there are no limitations on the length of your whip. At all levels, if the ring steward conducts an inspection of your horse and equipment after your ride, they will measure your whip to confirm that is a legal length. If you have any concerns about your whip when you are at a show, you are always welcome to ask the technical delegate (TD) to measure it before you enter the arena. You may also ask the TD to check any other equipment to ensure that all your tack, clothing and other gear is legal. Remember that a TD must be present and available throughout any recognized show.
Finally, you asked about the Grand Prix Special and who may enter to ride. Many people do not realize that Grand Prix level has more than one test. In addition to the standard test and the freestyle, there is also an FEI Grand Prix Young Horse test and a US Equestrian Developing Horse Grand Prix test for horses between 8 and 10 years of age. For young riders, there is an FEI Grand Prix 16-25. Finally, there is a variation called the Grand Prix Special.
The Grand Prix Special (GPS) is not as commonly seen at National levels, but it is a test like any other, and you do not need any particular qualifications to ride it. (In fact, in regular National shows – not championships – anyone can ride any test!) The special has the same movements and criteria as the Grand Prix, but its pattern and transitions are a little more intricate.
It sounds like you have much to look forward to with your new horse as you get back into competing at the FEI levels. I wish you success at the PSG and Intermediaire levels – hopefully there will be a Grand Prix in your future, and maybe even a Grand Prix Special. Good luck!