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The UDJC Mindset

UDJC stands for thorough, complete education at the foundation levels.
We do not believe in single-discipline education for beginners. Every rider must first learn both Dressage and Jumping, because both are essential for becoming a well-rounded horseman. 

At the lower levels, in order to earn badges or advance through *Performance Levels, riders must complete requirements in both disciplines.
Dressage develops rhythm, balance, suppleness, and correctness - 
Jumping develops confidence, control and timing.
Together, they form the necessary foundations for whatever path the equestrian elects to grow in. 

UDJC Hunters enter the system later, beginning at 2’6”, once riders already have the right foundation from Dressage and Jumping, since UDJC Hunter courses are more complex and more complicated to ride. 

This philosophy applies to children and adults alike. 

UDJC Certified Riding Schools

A Pathway for Riders of All Ages

The United Dressage & Jumping Club Riding School Program is a nationwide initiative designed to raise the standard of rider education in the United States. 

What makes this program unique is that it is not just a lesson curriculum -
It is the UDJC Pathway. This progressive system fits with the UDJC show structure. From the very first pony ride to competing in performance classes, every stage of training prepares riders directly for the UDJC competition framework. 

All ages move through a clear sequence of levels supported by official UDJC books, earn Badges at Foundation Shows, and progress naturally into the Performance Level System that governs UDJC-recognized shows. This ensures that no rider gets left behind and no one skips ahead. Education and competition are seamlessly connected in a unified system.

The UDJC Riding School Level System

The Riding School Level System is the backbone of UDJC’s education program. It provides a structured, step-by-step pathway that ensures every rider develops correct riding skills and horsemanship knowledge before moving forward. 

Each level is paired with a UDJC book written specifically for riders at that stage. These books give riders both practical exercises and theoretical knowledge, ensuring that learning happens in the arena and in the classroom. 

The Riding UDJC School Levels

U

Riding School Unicorn Level:

First Contact: Confidence, Care, and Curiosity
 

  • Supported by Book 1:
    "Falling in Love."

  • Designed for children under 5. 

  • Focuses on safe behavior around ponies, trust, grooming basics, and leadline/lunge line riding. 

  • Equipment: riders ride mainly in handles, not in saddles. 

  • Progression Test: Unicorn Badge (Pre-B Lunge line riding test and verbal horsemanship questions.)

B

Riding School
Level B:

Skill Building: Balance, Basics, and Independence

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  • Supported by Book 2: "Becoming a Rider." 

  • Suitable for Unicorn graduates or older beginners, including adults. 

  • Focuses on independent mounting and dismounting, walk, trot, and canter on the lunge, sitting trot, free riding towards the end of the level, groundwork, tack awareness, and arena safety rules. 

  • Progression test: UDJC B Badge (Beginner Level Dressage + Oral Theory Test).

E

Riding School
Level E:

Independence: Control, Confidence, and Coursework
 

  • Supported by Book 3:
    "We’re Getting Somewhere." 

  • Suitable for riders ready to ride independently in group lessons. 

  • Focuses on transitions, arena geometry, 20m circles, small patterns, warm-up and cool-down, polework, and small jumps up to 60cm. 

  • Progression test: UDJC E Badge (E* Ability Dressage, E* Jumper .60 - Style, and written/verbal theory exam)

A

Riding School
Level A:

Precision, Performance, and Preparation
 

  • Supported by Book 4:
    "Wow, Awesome Progress!"

  • Suitable for dedicated riders, often with leased or owned horses riding multiple times per week. 

  • Focuses on A Level Dressage, grids and gymnastics, coursework up to 80cm, nutrition, show planning, and mental preparation. 

  • Progression test: UDJC A Badge and Performance Level 3 
    (A* Ability Dressage, A* Jumper .80 - Style, and written/verbal theory exam)

Official UDJC Foundation Shows at Riding Schools

One of the cornerstones of the UDJC Certified Riding School Program are UDJC Foundation Shows. These events are not casual schooling shows - they are fully recognized UDJC competitions, held on familiar ground at the home barn.
 

Riding Schools must run a foundation show every three to four months, giving students regular opportunities to test their skills, demonstrate their progress, and earn official UDJC results without the pressure of traveling to larger venues. They are judged by licensed UDJC judges, run through UDJC’s scoring software, award official badges, and offer a qualification path for circuit finals. This ensures that riders experience the same professional standards they will encounter at larger UDJC competitions.

The Foundation Shows serve multiple purposes:

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  • Progression Testing: Riders complete their badge tests - such as the B, E, or A Badge - in front of official judges, making their achievements formal and recognized.
     

  • Performance Level Circuit Finals Qualification: Results at Foundation Shows count toward earning points needed for higher Performance Levels and qualifying for Circuit Finals.
     

  • Confidence Building: Competing at home allows both children and adult beginners to develop experience in a familiar, supportive environment.
     

  • Community Engagement: Parents, families, and barn members are drawn into the event, strengthening community ties and creating a sense of celebration around rider progress.

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By hosting foundation shows on a regular base, UDJC Certified Riding Schools create a rhythm of learning, testing, and achievement. Students stay motivated, parents see tangible progress, and trainers gain a structured calendar that aligns perfectly with the UDJC Pathway.​

The UDJC Performance Level System (PL)

Points are awarded for placings. 

Riders must meet the points requirement of each level to move up.

No rider levels up without quality results.

The Riding School Curriculum ties directly into the UDJC Performance Level System, which governs all recognized UDJC shows.

Every member automatically begins at PL1 in both Dressage and Jumping.
 

Performance Levels divide competition participants into different groups based on their achievements or qualifications.
The lowest Performance Level is 1, and the highest is 8.

Classification into a Performance Level is primarily based on riding badges, competition results, or special qualifications.

Every rider begins at Performance Level 1. Riders with prior experience can advance more quickly, as successful results in Ability Classes—both in Dressage and Jumping—serve as an accelerated pathway into higher Performance Levels.

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Each Performance Level determines which classes a rider is eligible to enter. Riders may only compete in classes corresponding to their current Performance Level or below. This ensures that competitors participate at an appropriate difficulty, promoting fairness, horse welfare, and proper progression through the levels.

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Ranking Points are calculated for both riders and horses, they reflect their competitive success, thru help to create fair and balanced starter fields. (for example: when dividing large classes).

They also form the basis for official UDJC leaderboards, which showcase top riders and horses across all divisions and regions.
Additionally, Ranking Points are an important qualification factor for the UDJC Circuit Finals and other championship events.
For horses, Ranking Points also serve as the basis for calculating breeder premiums.

Do's and Don'ts for
UDJC Certified Riding Schools 
Do's

  • Follow the official UDJC curriculum with all four levels, books, and badges. 

  • Host Foundation Shows and progression tests as official UDJC-recognized competitions frequently (typically 3-4 times a year). 

  • Enforce safety requirements (helmets, proper footwear, tack checks, safe footing). 

  • Teach horsemanship alongside riding: grooming, tacking, feeding, and care. 

  • Recognize that horses are athletes just like people, and that understanding and supporting their physical, mental and social needs is essential for success in this sport. 

  • Keep lesson horses fit, healthy, and fairly rotated. 

  • Limit tack to snaffle bits or approved bitless bridles. 

  • Foster inclusivity for children, teens, and adults. 

  • Encourage riders to progress through the badges and performance levels. 

  • Ensure riders who want to attend bigger UDJC shows receive support.

  • Take part in monthly calls and engage with the UDJC trainer network.

  • Display the UDJC logo as recognition of national approval. 

Don'ts

  • Skip levels or fast-track riders. 

  • Use harsh tack (pelhams, twisted bits, chain mouthpieces). 

  • Overwork or mistreat lesson horses.

  • Allow unqualified instructors to teach lessons. 

  • Ignore the progression rules or performance level system. 

  • Reduce horsemanship to only “getting on and riding.” 

  • Maintain unsafe or unprofessional facilities. 

  • Treat UDJC as a marketing badge without full implementation.

  • Put short-term profit above long-term education and horse welfare.

What UDJC Certified Schools Receive

By joining as a UDJC Certified Riding School, barns gain access to a complete package of benefits and support: 

  • Access to the UDJC Riding School Curriculum and educational framework.

  • Integration with the official UDJC books and educational materials, tailored for each level of progression. 

  • Hosting 3-4 UDJC Foundation Shows per year for your students, with the option to open classes to outside riders if space allows. 

  • Access to official badges awarded to riders who pass their progression tests.

  • Permission to use the UDJC logo for websites, flyers, and promotional materials. 

  • Listing on the official UDJC website as an Certified Riding School. 

  • Access to Clinics with UDJC Judges at your barn.

  • A consulting call with UDJC leadership for onboarding. 

  • A second consulting call dedicated to planning and hosting your first UDJC Foundation Show. 

  • Eligibility for special pricing through UDJC’s commercial partners in tack, feed, apparel, and equipment. 

  • Participation in monthly Zoom calls for consulting and business related Q&A with the UDJC team and the nationwide network of Certified Riding Schools. 

  • Ongoing support, resources, and recognition from UDJC as part of a growing national community.

Why UDJC Improves Your Income

Running a riding school is about more than good teaching — it’s about financial sustainability. Many trainers struggle with slim margins, unpredictable lesson revenue, and high costs of horses, staff, and facility upkeep.

The UDJC system provides a clear solution: it creates new revenue streams while improving rider retention and community engagement.

 

By becoming a UDJC Certified Riding School, you don’t just get a teaching system. You get the opportunity to run Foundation Shows, Badge Tests, and Clinics — all of which bring direct income, sponsor opportunities, and long-term growth.

1.
Long-Term Lesson Income Through Clear Pathway

The UDJC level system (Unicorns, B, E, and A) keeps riders engaged longer. Each badge is a milestone that motivates families to stay enrolled.

Instead of losing students after a few months, schools retain them for years — from first pony rides to competitive showing.

Higher retention means higher stable income.

2.
Foundation Shows & Clinics: Turning Barn Events Into Revenue

Foundation Shows are a built-in profit center. They are easy to run, fully recognized by UDJC, and add prestige to your program. They’re not only for your students, but also for outside riders.

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Revenue Example:

One day clinic and one day show.
Running Foundation Shows and clinics several times per year creates a reliable, repeatable revenue stream.

3.
Long-Term Financial Benefits

  • Rider Retention = Lesson Income
    Families stay because they see progress and clear goals.
     

  • Badges = Incentive to Keep Riding
    Every test is an opportunity to host an event, celebrate riders, and charge a modest testing fee.
     

  • Shows = Sponsorship
    Sponsors love supporting community events. Even small local businesses can add thousands of dollars over a year.
     

  • Clinics = Reputation & Growth
    Schools that run clinics with licensed UDJC professionals attract new riders and raise their credibility.

Pricing

One-Time Setup Fee – $200

The setup fee establishes your school as an official UDJC partner and provides immediate, practical value.

Included in the Setup Fee:

  • Consulting Call with Owner/Manager – How to structure the UDJC program at your school for maximum retention and growth.

  • Consulting Call on Foundation Shows – How to organize and run a UDJC Foundation Show, including judging, scheduling, and class structures.

  • Website & Marketing Integration – Your school is added to the UDJC website, promoted in marketing rotation, and recognized as an official UDJC Certified Riding School.

  • Ongoing Support Materials – Access to UDJC guidelines, show resources, badge testing materials, and official updates.
     

This setup fee ensures that every school begins with a strong foundation and is equipped with the right tools to succeed

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Optional Add-On: On-Site “Set-Up Clinic”

For larger schools or those looking for a complete program overhaul,

a UDJC representative can come to your facility.

On-Site Support Includes:

  • Full review and restructuring of your riding program.

  • Hands-on consulting with trainers and staff.

  • Marketing and branding support tailored to your area.

  • Facility improvement suggestions (layout, safety, efficiency).

  • Business and pricing strategy guidance.    

  • Follow up call after review with notes.

Cost: $500 per day + travel & hotel expenses.

We highly recommend this option for larger schools, as it brings a fresh set of experienced eyes to accelerate your growth.

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Annual Membership – $300 per Location

Your annual membership ensures your school remains recognized, supported, and integrated within UDJC.

Ready to get Started? 


Fill out the Application and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible!

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