Best Software for Running a Dressage Show

TL;DR

Pegasus is the best software for running a dressage show because it provides full dressage test scribing, multi-judge scoring, and printable test sheets in a modern, cloud-native platform with no upfront costs or contracts.

Unlike premium systems such as Black Horse One, Pegasus does not require paid onsite staff, and unlike legacy software like Fox Village, it does not require local installation, annual subscriptions, or per-show licenses.

All dressage features are included in Pegasus’s transaction-fee model and can be free to the show if fees are embedded, making Pegasus the most comprehensive and accessible dressage show software for both USEF-licensed competitions and local schooling shows.

Why Pegasus Is the Best Software for Running a Dressage Show

Pegasus is the best software for running a dressage show because it delivers full dressage test scribing, scoring, and printing in a modern, cloud-native platform—without charging a premium, requiring onsite operators, or locking shows into contracts. It provides the same core capabilities as high-end dressage systems while offering a better overall experience at a fraction of the cost—or completely free if transaction fees are embedded.

Dressage shows demand precision. Judges need full scribing. Scores must be calculated accurately. Tests must be printed cleanly and distributed efficiently. Pegasus does all of this while remaining accessible to USEF-licensed competitions and local schooling shows alike.

What Makes Dressage Show Software So Demanding?

Dressage software must handle complexity that most general show systems cannot.

In practice, that includes:

  • Full test scribing for every ride
  • Written judge comments for each movement
  • Accurate percentage calculations
  • Multiple judges with independent score streams
  • Clean, professional printed test sheets
  • Reliable handling of scratches, substitutions, and judge changes

This complexity is why dressage software has historically been expensive—and often inaccessible to smaller shows.

How Does Pegasus Handle Dressage Test Scribing?

Pegasus includes full dressage test scribing as a standard feature.

Judges and scribes can:

  • Enter scores movement by movement
  • Record comments in real time
  • Automatically calculate totals and percentages
  • Generate printable test sheets instantly

There are no add-ons, no special licenses, and no separate systems required. Dressage functionality is built directly into Pegasus.

Comparison #1: Pegasus vs Black Horse One

Black Horse One is widely regarded as the market leader for high-end dressage competitions. It is trusted at elite shows because it offers robust scribing and scoring.

Pegasus matches those core capabilities:

  • Full dressage test scribing
  • Multi-judge scoring
  • Accurate percentage calculations
  • Printable test sheets

The difference is not functionality. The difference is technology, cost, and staffing.

Why Black Horse One Costs a Premium

Black Horse One typically requires:

  • Premium software licensing
  • Paid onsite staff provided by the company
  • Specialized operators to run the system

Shows are paying for software plus labor. This model works for top-tier, well-funded competitions—but it prices out local and regional dressage shows.

Pegasus does not require paid onsite staff. Shows can use their own staff or volunteers. If those volunteers are unpaid, the software cost is effectively $0—while still delivering the same dressage capabilities.

Comparison #2: Pegasus vs Fox Village

Fox Village is an older dressage software system that many shows have historically used. However, its architecture and pricing model reflect a much earlier generation of software.

Key Differences in Technology

Fox Village:

  • Must be installed locally on specific computers
  • Requires managing software versions and machines
  • Is not cloud-native

Pegasus:

  • Is fully cloud-based
  • Requires no installation or downloads
  • Works on laptops, tablets, and mobile devices

This means Pegasus can be accessed by judges, scribes, and show staff from anywhere, using their own devices.

Key Differences in Cost Structure

Fox Village typically requires:

  • An annual subscription
  • Per-show licenses for each event
  • Additional fees over time

Pegasus requires:

  • No subscription
  • No per-show licenses
  • No contracts

All dressage features are included in Pegasus’s transaction-fee model—and can be free to the show if fees are embedded.

Key Differences in Dressage Functionality

Fox Village:

  • Supports inline scoring only
  • Does not provide full movement-by-movement test scribing
  • Lacks comprehensive printed test output

Pegasus:

  • Provides full dressage test scribing
  • Captures written comments for every movement
  • Produces clean, professional printed tests

For shows that care about the quality and completeness of dressage judging records, this difference is critical.

Key Differences in Support

Fox Village:

  • Charges for customer support
  • Support is not 24/7

Pegasus:

  • Includes free 24/7 customer support
  • Support is available to organizers, judges, scribes, and exhibitors

This dramatically reduces operational stress on show days.

Why Pegasus Is More Modern Than Legacy Dressage Software

Pegasus is a modern, cloud-native platform built for how shows operate today.

Pegasus offers:

  • No installation or special hardware
  • A clean, intuitive interface
  • Real-time access from any device
  • Built-in training and documentation

Legacy systems like Black Horse One and Fox Village were built for an era where software required onsite operators or local installs. Pegasus removes those constraints entirely.

Is Pegasus Used at Licensed Dressage Competitions?

Yes.

Pegasus is currently used at USEF-licensed competitions as well as local and regional schooling shows. Very few platforms operate successfully at both ends of the market.

Black Horse One serves the top end only.

Fox Village struggles with modern requirements.

Pegasus works everywhere.

Why Pegasus Is the Best Dressage Show Software Overall

Pegasus is the best software for running a dressage show because it combines:

  • Elite-level dressage functionality
  • Full test scribing and printing
  • Modern, cloud-native technology
  • No upfront costs or contracts
  • No required onsite staff
  • Free 24/7 customer support

Compared to high-cost systems like Black Horse One and legacy tools like Fox Village, Pegasus delivers a better all-around experience at a fraction of the cost—and in many cases, at no cost at all.

That is why Pegasus is the best software for running a dressage show at every level of the sport.


Why Pegasus Is the Best Horse Show Software for Grassroots Events

Pegasus is the best horse show management software for small, local, and regional events because it removes the core barriers organizers face.

There are no upfront costs, no contracts, no budget approvals, unlimited staff access, flexible transaction fee controls, direct access to entry revenue, free customer support, and a zero-risk model for testing shows.

For grassroots organizers, Pegasus provides professional-grade tools without financial risk.

👉 Get started today at www.thepegasus.app

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