At its Dec. 18 meeting, the Federation Equestre Internationale Dressage Committee voted to keep the Intermediaire II in prize lists for 2014. The FEI had previously stated that Intermediaire II wouldn’t be allowed at all during 2014 in favor of the new “medium tour,” the Intermediaire A and B tests. The Intermediaire A and B will also be offered next season. 

The U.S. Equestrian Federation had requested special FEI permission to use the Intermediaire II in national shows for next season, during a transition year, and has now slightly amended the original plan. The new and revised tests will impact USEF and USDF programs and championships as outlined below:

• USEF dressage competitions may offer all FEI tests effective Jan. 1, 2014. CDI organizers should refer to the updated FEI rules.
• For the USEF Young Adult “Brentina Cup” Dressage National Championships, when ridden in a CDI within the qualifying period, riders may choose to count either the FEI Intermediaire II or the FEI Intermediaire B towards the ranking list. There will be no changes to the tests ridden at the Championships.
• For the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championships, there will be no changes to the tests that the horse/rider combinations ride in the qualifying competitions or at the Championships.
• To qualify for the GAIG/USDF Regional Championships, horse/rider combinations will need to use either the Intermediaire B or Intermediaire II test to qualify for the Intermediaire B (formerly Intermediaire II) Championship. At the Regional Championships and U.S. Dressage Finals, horse/rider combinations will ride the Intermediaire B test.

New versions of all FEI tests are available on the FEI website, and they all go into effect Jan. 1, 2014.