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Showing horses in the United States has become synonymous with high costs: multi-week circuits, mandatory stalls, and endless fees that push participation out of reach for many riders. Trainer David Reichert thinks it doesn’t have to be this way.
At the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC), which he founded in 2023, affordability is a core principle. “The only thing you pay at UDJC shows is your class fee, sometimes a tiny office fee, and your stall and shavings if it’s an overnight show,” Reichert explained on The Plaidcast. “But a lot of shows are trailer-in shows, so there may not even be stabling costs.”
The numbers speak for themselves. At a recent UDJC show at Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, the average all-in show bill was just $320–$350 per exhibitor including stalls, shavings, and classes. Riders who trailered in and showed only one or two days spent even less.
Compare that to the $1,000–$1,500 per week many A-rated shows cost, and the contrast is stark.
Local Shows, Greater Access
Keeping events affordable isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating access. UDJC strategically hosts shows in multiple regions so riders don’t have to spend thousands traveling across the country. “Our shows are typically three-day shows, Friday through Sunday,” Reichert said. “We want people to be able to compete more often without leaving their communities for weeks at a time.”
This local-first model also supports horse welfare. Horses aren’t hauled across states for a handful of classes; they’re able to get regular exposure closer to home.
Judges Who Actually Talk to You
One of UDJC’s most innovative features is how judging works. At these shows, the judge doesn’t just scribble notes and post a score. Instead, they take the microphone and give riders immediate feedback after their round.
“You’re not guessing scores or left wondering why you got what you did,” Reichert said. “The judge tells you directly: ‘I liked jump one through five, but then you lost rhythm to six and chipped at seven. Next time, try this.’”
That level of transparency has been transformative. Riders leave the ring with not just a ribbon, but also concrete advice to improve. “Everybody loves the feedback,” Reichert said. “I didn’t realize it would become such a big deal, but it’s one of the things people value most.”
Rethinking Dressage: The Ability Classes
Reichert also wanted to reinvent dressage showing to make it less intimidating and more educational. UDJC offers two tracks: Benchmark Tests, which mirror traditional dressage tests with required qualifications, and Ability Classes, which emphasize riding skills over formality.
In Ability Classes, three riders enter the ring together. The judge calls out level-specific movements like shoulder-in, flying changes, half-passes, and the riders perform them like a group clinic. Afterward, the judge gives direct feedback before each rider performs a short individual pattern.
Crucially, the horse’s quality is not judged—only the rider’s skill and effectiveness. That means a well-ridden pony can earn top scores against fancier warmbloods.
“Amateurs love it,” Reichert said. “They say, ‘I’m not alone in the ring for six minutes, I can walk if I need to, and I still get judged and learn. It’s less serious, more fun, but still real feedback.’”
Volunteers Power the System
Another way UDJC keeps costs down is by running shows with volunteers. From the in-gate to course crew to scribes, many positions are filled by people giving back to the sport. Far from feeling like a burden, Reichert believes this enriches the experience.
“The best example is the dressage scribe,” he said. “You sit next to the judge for hours, listening to every comment. It’s so valuable for learning. Gate work, warm-up management… there’s so much to observe. Volunteers don’t just help the show run, they become better horsemen through it.”
Because UDJC isn’t structured as a profit-driven federation, volunteers feel their efforts matter. “There’s not somebody sitting there filling their pockets while others work for free,” Reichert said. “That makes a huge difference.”
Building a New Model for the Sport
For Reichert, UDJC isn’t about building another bloated system. It’s about putting horses and riders first. Affordable entries mean more people can participate. Transparent judging means riders walk away with tools to improve. Ability Classes mean more riders can find confidence in dressage. And volunteers make it all possible.
“We just want to change the industry,” Reichert said simply. “It’s not about money. It’s about creating a better sport for people and horses.”
The United Dressage and Jumping Club is still young, but it’s already proving that shows don’t have to cost a fortune, judges don’t have to stay silent, and dressage doesn’t have to be intimidating. By prioritizing access, education, and community, UDJC is showing what the future of horse shows in America could look like.
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