Latest News

US National Dressage Classic Online Semi-Final and National Final Shows (2026)
October 27, 2025
2026 is the sixth year that Spotlight Horse Shows will be holding the US National Dressage Classic (USNDC) show series. Although we have changed the name from the Regional Championships to the Semi-Finals, all other program details remain the same. To qualify, you must compete in Spotlight Horse Shows events. No outside shows are accepted.
Here are the dates for 2026.
Qualifying Period: August 23, 2025 – August 21, 2026
Regional Championships: Opens 7/24 Closes 8/23. Videos through 9/13
National Finals: Opens 9/25 – 10/18. Videos through 11/8
Ride in any Spotlight Horse Show and get the results during the qualifying period.
Those who meet the score requirement can then compete for their Region in the USNDC Semi-Finals. Once successful in the Semi-Finals, those people are qualified to ride in the USNDC National Finals.
Prizes are elevated as the show progresses. You can check your qualifications by logging into your account. Then choose the Qualifications tab in the menu bar. Enter the year, competitor, and horse to see if you have qualified.
Click here for additional details.

Enter the Fall 2025 PIVO CHALLENGE for a Chance to Win A Pivo Package
October 2, 2025
CLICK HERE to enter the Pivo Fall Challenge and have a chance to win fabulous Pivo prizes, qualify for the 2026 US National Dressage Clasic, and WDAA World Show.
Entries Open Dates: October 3 - 26, 2025
Video Submission: through November 16
Results by: November 27
View the PRIZE LIST for all the details.
FALL PIVO CHALLENGE AWARDS*
RIBBONS – Will be awarded through 6th place.
Ties will not be broken.
DOOR PRIZE - Pivo Pod (Qty 1)
PIVO QUESTRIAN POD PACK (Qty 3) – 1 each to the best scoring Junior, Amateur and Open rider. For product details visit: pivoequestrian.com
$50 PIVO GIFT CERTIFICATES (Qty 9) – 1 each to the best scoring Junior, Amateur, and Open rider in each of the following divisions: Dressage, Eventing, Western Dressage
10% Discount Code with Entry
*Your contact information will be shared with the show organizers, Pivo

2025 US NATIONAL DRESSAGE CLASSIC REGIONALS - CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCED
September 27, 2025
The 2025 Regional Championships Are Now Complete!
Congratulations to all who participated. There were some very impressive rides.
CLICK HERE to view a list of the champions and reserve champions by region. The full list of results and video links (if the competitors allowed) is posted on the Results Page.
This is listed alphabetically, so scroll down for your region.
Wondering if you qualified for the National Finals? This is now posted in your portal. So, log in and check your qualifications. If you have any questions, contact Gail Matheus.
First time using the site? Here are some helpful hints. The first time you log-in you will need to reset your password by clicking Forgot Password.
Once done, you will be able to view all your information under "My Account."
If you are accessing the website via your mobile device, make sure that you have pop-ups allowed in your browser settings.
Want To Enter the National Finals? USE THIS LINK

Win Pivo Prizes in the FALL 2025 Pivo Challenge
September 22, 2025
Pivo Announces Fall 2025 Online Dressage Challenge: “Ride. Record. Succeed.”
AI-Powered Training Technology and a Turnkey Business Model Poised to Accelerate Growth in Equestrian Sport
[San Jose, CA — September 8, 2025] — Virtual equestrian competition began as a response to the pandemic crisis and has since grown in a slow and steady manner. But now, with the introduction of Pivo’s AI-powered technology and innovation, the sport is set for accelerated growth — positioning virtual competition to become one of the most important drivers of equestrian sport and participation.
With this shift, Pivo — the worldwide leader in AI-powered equestrian training technology — is stepping into competition for the first time as an innovation partner. In collaboration with Spotlight Horse Shows, Pivo is launching the Fall 2025 Online Dressage Challenge: “Ride. Record. Succeed.” — a breakthrough initiative designed to expand participation, empower organizers, and deliver smarter, more educational competition experiences for riders everywhere.
From Pandemic Fix to Accelerated Future
Virtual testing was created not for elites, but for every rider — offering structure, goals, and professional feedback without the cost, travel, or logistics of traditional shows. It proved its value during the pandemic, but until now, its growth has been steady rather than transformative.
“Virtual testing has always held promise, but it needed technology to take the next step,” said Ken Kim, CEO of Pivo. “Pivo is that catalyst. We’re not here to compete with organizers — we’re here to accelerate their growth by giving them innovation that expands participation and improves the rider experience.”
By fusing advanced AI technology with Spotlight’s proven business platform, the partnership is turning virtual competition into a scalable, sustainable, and enduring growth engine for equestrian sport.
AI Motion Tracking Eliminates the Recording Barrier
The biggest challenge for riders entering online tests has always been video. Tripods, friends, or inconsistent footage discouraged participation. Many riders never entered at all because they didn’t know how to create a judge-ready video.
Pivo’s innovation changes that:
- AI-driven Instant Test presets in the Pivo app automatically apply all discipline-specific settings — including auto zoom, target exposure, and predictive follow.
- Simple instructional videos make setup easy for riders at every level.
- Integration with Spotlight’s entry platform creates a seamless start-to-finish experience.
By removing the recording barrier, Pivo will accelerate rider participation — making it easier for more people to enter, stay involved, and benefit from competition.
Spotlight Delivers the Business Model That Grows Organizers
While Pivo brings the technology, Spotlight Horse Shows delivers the business engine that makes virtual events viable for federations, associations, and independent organizers.
“Spotlight was created to make competition more accessible and rewarding,” said Gail Matheus, President of Spotlight Horse Shows. “With Pivo’s AI innovation, we hope to enable more organizers to offer this type of competition, grow rider participations, and develop a strong entry point into equestrian sport.”
Spotlight’s turnkey platform is designed to reduce the traditional burdens of event management by:
- Eliminating facility costs — competitions run virtually, without venues.
- Minimizing staffing requirements — Spotlight manages judging, scoring, and results.
- Providing built-in marketing support — co-branded campaigns drive entries and visibility.
- Creating new revenue streams — organizers earn commissionable revenue without upfront risk.
The result: organizers can confidently add virtual competition to their offerings, attract new participants, and grow their business — with minimal manpower and financial risk.
More Riders. Smarter Technology. A Stronger Sport.
With more than 200,000 riders and coaches in 100+ countries, Pivo is already the trusted leader in equestrian training technology. As the Official FEI Training Technology Partner and the Official USEF Training Technology Partner, and through partnerships with Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA), United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), Cowboy Dressage World (CDW), Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and US Pony Clubs, Pivo has proven how AI and innovation can modernize equestrian training.
Now, in partnership with Spotlight Horse Shows, Pivo is extending that impact into competition. The Fall 2025 Pivo Online Dressage Challenge: “Ride. Record. Succeed.” launches October 3, 2025, as the first step in a multi-year movement to:
- Bring more riders into competition.
- Enable more organizations and federations to grow their business.
- Build better riders and better horses through technology-driven feedback.
For organizers, the partnership offers more than just technology: it provides a ready-to-implement framework for launching and managing virtual competitions that can expand membership, increase participation, and engage new communities of riders. For riders, it opens doors to compete, learn, and improve — no matter where they live or what resources they have locally.
By leveraging AI-powered technology, Spotlight Horse Shows and Pivo are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen equestrian sport and provide new opportunities for riders at every level.
Event organizers interested in expanding their reach and being part of this new wave of equestrian innovation are encouraged to join the effort today. Together, we can grow participation, bring more riders into the sport, and ensure equestrian competition continues to thrive in the digital age.
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT HORSE SHOWS
Spotlight Horse Shows is an online show management company that works with corporate clients to develop and implement programs tailored to their needs. Clients include FHANA, The American Driving Society, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Western Dressage Association of America affiliates, and US Dressage Federation group members.
ABOUT PIVO INC.
Pivo Inc. is a U.S.-based technology company specializing in AI-powered smartphone robotics that transform mobile devices into intelligent, hands-free, auto-tracking cameras.
Pivo Equestrian is the world’s leading equestrian video training system, trusted by over 200,000 riders and coaches globally. Pivo helps riders capture high-quality training footage, participate in virtual lessons, and improve performance through accessible, affordable video solutions.
Pivo is the Official FEI Training Technology Partner and the Official USEF Training Technology Partner, the Official Partner of the USEF International Disciplines Program, and the Official Supplier to the U.S. Equestrian Teams. Pivo has also partnered with WDAA, CDW, IHSA, and the US Pony Clubs, Inc.
Pivo has received global recognition for innovation, including the CES Innovation Award, iF Design Award, and Spoga Horse Innovation of the Year. Learn more at www.pivoequestrian.com.

Year-End High Point Trophies for AHA members.
July 24, 2025
The Arabian Horse Association, in partnership with Spotlight Horse Shows, will award four (4) year-end high point trophies for 2023. You must be a member to be eligible. Awards are for Arabian and Half-Arabian horses in Dressage and Western Dressage.