What is materiale?
Materiale classes are not part of the USDFBC Series, but are often held in conjunction with the Series. Horses entered in a Materiale class will be ridden in a group and judged on movement, potential as a dressage horse, and an overall general impression. Movement, walk, trot, and canter, should demonstrate purity and quality, and correctness. Movement at trot and canter should be big, light, and springy. Materiale classes may be offered in the following categories: Three-year old Fillies, Three-year old Colts and Geldings, Four and Five-year old Mares, and Four and Five-year old Stallions and Geldings. Classes for fillies and mares may not be combined with classes for colts, geldings, or stallions. (USEF DR 133.1) Horses must be at least 36 months of age to participate in Materiale Classes. For competition purposes, the age of a horse is considered to be one-year old on the first day of January following the actual date of foaling.
