Blackwater Farm presents
DEVIOUS DRESSAGE
November 9, 2024
11:00 a.m.
What is Devious Dressage?
Devious Dressage is a competition and exhibition for dressage-loving ponygirls, ponyboys and trainers in Second Life. The event is a flower dressage competition, followed by a silent dressage exhibition, followed by a party!
When and where is the event?
The event is on November 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. SLT. The event will be held in Old Blackwater Stadium, located here.
Do I need to register for the event?
Yes! The deadline to register is Thursday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. SLT. The registration form is here:
What’s the difference between a competition and an exhibition?
The flower dressage part of the event is a competition. Ponies will compete in performing flower patterns and will receive place ribbons for their performance.
After the competition is over, we will have an exhibition. An exhibition is a free-for-all show where ponies are free to perform both silent and flower dressage in whatever way they want. No judges, no scoring. Everyone who participates wins and receives a ribbon simply for being part of the exhibition.
What are the rules for the competition?
The rules for the competition can be found here. (Scroll down toward the bottom under “Flower Dressage Competition Format.”) The rules are also here:
- The ponies will line up near the field and will take turns competing. Each pony will receive a unique pattern for each round.
- Each round of competition will require ponies to complete successively more difficult patterns as follows:
Round 1: 6-character pattern (4 points)
Round 2: 8-character pattern (6 points)
Round 3: 10-character pattern (10 points)
Round 4: 12-character pattern (12 points)
Round 5: 14-character pattern (14 points)
Round 6: 16-character pattern (16 points)
Round 7: 18-character pattern (18 points)
Round 8: 20-character pattern (20 points)
- A pony who does not successfully complete the pattern will receive zero points for that round. However, the pony can still stay in the competition and compete in further rounds. Thus, a pony can earn a maximum of 100 points, and a minimum of 0 points, while completing all eight rounds.
- At the end of the Eighth Round, the competition is over. Ponies with the highest point totals win. Ties are permitted.
- Before starting a pattern, the pony will have up to 30 seconds to study the pattern before beginning the pattern. The pony must stomp when ready to proceed, and must begin when the trainer cracks the whip. After 30 seconds, the trainer will crack the whip regardless whether the pony has indicated that he or she is ready.
- Running and jumping are not permitted. The use of interpretive HUDs is permitted.
- Each pony must wear appropriate pony tack. Appropriate pony tack includes a bridle with a gag, and a harness. (Tails and footwear are not required at Blackwater, but are encouraged.) This is not a beauty pageant and additional points will not be awarded for appearance, style or manners. HOWEVER, points may be deducted from a pony, in the discretion of the judges, for failure to wear appropriate tack or failure to observe protocol.
- Protocol means: (a) bowing or curtseying to the host upon entering the dressage field, (b) stomping to indicate that the pony is ready, and (c) bowing or curtseying to the host upon completing the pattern, regardless whether successful. Ponies will not be awarded extra points for good manners, but deductions may be made, in the discretion of the judges, for bad manners.
- Ponies must complete the pattern continuously without stopping. A very brief momentary pause is not a stoppage. A stoppage of the pony lasting a second or more will result in a deduction in points, even if the pattern is completed successfully. This is in the discretion of the judges. Similarly, points may be deducted from a pony who completes a pattern successfully but nonetheless deviates substantially from the line, turns in a manner prohibited by the rules, or otherwise disrupts the continuity of the pattern.
Do I need a trainer to participate in the event?
No. If you do not have a trainer, we will provide a trainer for you. We will happily serve as your trainer for both the competition and/or exhibition portions of the event.
What if I have a trainer? Can she or he participate?
Yes, absolutely. When you register, please tell us who your trainer is and your trainer can participate with you in both the competition and/or exhibit portions of the event.
I heard something about a party?
Yes! After the competition and exhibition is over, we are having a party! DJ Winnie will be streaming great music and we will all have fun and hang out. Everyone is welcome to come party with us.
I want to participate but I don’t know the first thing about dressage. Can I still participate?
Yes. If you want to learn more about dressage, we have a great webpage for that. The webpage is here. You can teach yourself dressage using the webpage. Or, better yet, contact me (alli.eberdene) or Miss Winnie (winnie.sweetwater) and we would be very happy to schedule a training session with you.
For the exhibition, can I use props, costumes or partners?
Yes! The exhibition is a free-for-all. You are very welcome to use costumes, decorations, props, and even music in your performance. Have fun with it. You can also use multiple ponies and partners in your performance. Anything goes. Just have a good time with it. If you want to rez something, please be sure to get in touch with us before the exhibition to be sure you have rez rights.