Rising Stars
The Rising Stars Youth Dressage Program was started in British Columbia in 2015, with the aim of encouraging participation of youth riders in the sport of dressage. Since then, it has expanded across the country and today is an Equestrian Canada recognized program. The organization’s continuing goal is to build competence, confidence, and engagement within the youth dressage rider community.
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At the Ottawa Dressage Festival, riders who are 18 years and younger as of Dec. 31, 2025, are automatically entered and eligible for Rising Stars ribbons, awards, and prizes at the following levels:
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​​Training, First, Second Level: Tests 1, 2, 3
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FEI Children: Preliminary A, Team Tests
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FEI Pony: Team, Individual Tests
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FEI Junior: Team, Individual Tests
Thursday
May 29
Welcome Party
and Team Registration
Come meet other Rising Stars participants, collect your welcome package and gifts, and find out what team you're on.
Food will be served!​​​​
Friday
May 30
Competition
Classes
All day
Compete in your classes and win special ribbons and prizes! Friday Rising Star classes will determine qualifying riders for Saturday’s Equitation Ride-Off. Technical scores from Friday and Saturday classes will be used to determine team awards.
Saturday
May 31
Competition
Classes
All day
Equitation
Ride-Off
The two riders with the best equitation scores 60% or over in each of Rising Star classes from Friday will qualify for the group class ride-off. ​
Even if you don't qualify, come to cheer on your friends and team!
Sunday
June 1
Competition
Classes
All day
Q & A
How are teams created?
​Teams will be created by random draw at the Thursday Rising Star Welcome event.
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Teams consist of 3 or 4 horse/rider pairs.
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Each horse/rider pair can only be on one team but can be made up of mixed levels of horse/rider pairs.
How do I qualify for the Equitation Ride-Off?​
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In Friday’s Rising Star classes, the rider will be scored on their technical movements as well as their equitation skills. The two riders with the best equitation scores 60% or over in each of these classes will qualify for the group class ride-off on Saturday.
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The names of riders qualifying for the ride-off will be posted on the white board at the Rising Stars booth in the main tent. Riders will automatically be entered into Equestrian-Hub.com. There is no charge for this class.
How will the ride-off work?
Qualifying riders will compete in one of two group classes:
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Group A: Training, First, and FEI Children
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Group B: Second, FEI Pony, and FEI Jr
Riders will be directed to walk, trot and canter in both directions. They will be evaluated on equitation only. The judge may also ask for a simple Training Level pattern to be ridden individually. A Champion and Reserve Champion will be determined for each group.