Dear Amy,
I am a newbie to the dressage competition world, although dressage has always intrigued me. I competed in a few schooling shows and did fairly well, so I decided to try a USDF-rated show. I had a rude awakening. I was surprised to learn so many things are illegal!
I had one test on Saturday and a second one on Sunday. For my first test, the ring steward sent me into the arena, and I was riding around the outside. I was so nervous, I had forgotten to take my number off my halter and put it on my bridle. The judge said I needed to dismount because I could not ride without a number. I made a temporary number and was able to start my test in time, but I was really rattled. Halfway through my ride, the judge kept blowing her whistle, so I stopped, and she told me I was off course. She gave me instructions on how to proceed, but now I was even more rattled, so I decided I had had enough and headed out of the arena. My judge blew her whistle again and said I could not just leave the arena; I would need to ask to retire. She encouraged me to continue, so I completed my test successfully. When I did my final salute, I dropped my whip, so I dismounted to pick it up, and the judge blew her whistle again! This time, she said I was eliminated because I was required to leave the arena mounted.
I was very upset, but was planning to try again the next day. To cheer myself up, I purchased a fun saddle pad with matching socks and a shirt decorated with margaritas. I thought I was dressed for success, but when I rode into the arena, the judge blew her whistle to say I was in an illegal saddle pad and would be eliminated. I am thinking this
judge had it in for me! Can you please explain these rulings? Was this judge correct?
First Timer
Dear First Timer,
That was quite an interesting first recognized dressage show! To answer your question, there can be differences in the rulings between schooling and recognized shows. I can certainly understand your confusion and distress, and would be happy to explain all the scenarios you described.
Let’s start with your competition number. You were correct to have the number on your halter initially. The USEF rule states that competition-assigned numbers must be worn and visible at all times when a horse is being hand-walked, exercised, or ridden, under penalty of elimination. It is unfortunate that the warm-up area ring steward did not notice
you did not have your number, as you should not have been allowed to be mounted without it. In any case, the rules are ultimately the responsibility of the rider. It was quick thinking to create a make-shift number and get into the arena on time. Your judge was absolutely correct in this situation, and moving forward, I bet you will never forget your number again. Some riders invest in a set of their own numbers so they can leave one on the halter and the other on their bridle or saddle pad. This can make it easier to be sure you always have your number on.
As far as going off course, your judge was absolutely following the correct protocol. She may have had to blow the whistle many times to get your attention, and I can see how that would be unnerving, especially combined with the number incident. In the future, if you are worried about forgetting your test, remember that you are permitted to have a “caller” who reads the test to you out loud. When you do get lost or miss a movement, your judge will need to signal you to explain your mistake and help put you back on track. This will incur an error (2 points off your score for the first incident), but it is not the end of the world, and it is still possible to earn a good score. You would be surprised how many riders, including professionals, go off course. As long as the ride is safe, you are expected and encouraged to continue your test. You will not be eliminated unless you make three errors in one test.
After this many mishaps, it is certainly tempting to call it a day, but you may not simply ride out of the dressage arena. The USEF rules state a rider can choose to retire their ride at any point before the final salute. The correct procedure would be to come on the centerline and/or face your judge at C and salute. It is appropriate and appreciated to say you would like to retire. If you do retire, you would not be eligible for a final score or placing in the class, but you still can receive your test sheet, where you would be able to see your comments up to that point, and you are still permitted to compete in other classes if you choose to. In this case, it sounds like your judge was following the rules and offering you a way to end your ride correctly. It is admirable that you decided to complete the test, and I am glad your judge encouraged you to keep going.
Now let’s talk about your final salute and dismount. Dismounting inside your competition arena after your test has started is prohibited and will always result in immediate elimination: your ride is not officially concluded until you exit the arena at A. The correct procedure after completing your final halt and salute is to leave the arena at the walk on a loose rein. If you dropped something during your test, it is appropriate to tell your judge or the ring steward after your ride, and they will have someone gather the item for you. Only dismount once you have a tack check if one is required (usually right outside the arena), and you are away from the competition arena. In this case, even after all you went through, your judge had no choice but to eliminate you.
It sounds like you kept a positive attitude and were planning to start the next day anew. Treating yourself to some new equestrian gear sounds well-deserved. Unfortunately, the USEF has a number of rulings about legal and illegal equipment and attire for horse and rider, and if you violate the rules, you will be eliminated. While there is no ruling on socks, as they are hidden by your riding boots, the 2025 rules for shirts state that they may be of any color or pattern. If the management has made jackets optional and you have elected not to wear one, your shirt must have sleeves (long or short) and a collar.
If you are not wearing a jacket, you also would not wear any neckwear. So, according to the rules, it sounds like your new fun shirt was legal. Unfortunately, the regulations for saddle pads are more stringent. Surprisingly, saddle pads themselves are optional, but I have never seen anyone go without one. The rules state that pad should be white or of a conservative color and that contrast piping and colors are permitted. However, stripes, multi-colors, patterns, and shiny or reflective materials are not permitted in the competition arena. Your judge must follow the rules, and the rules clearly state that equipment and dress code violations inside the competition arena will entail mandatory elimination. Again, your judge handled the situation appropriately.
You had quite a learning experience at your first rated show. No, your judge did not have it in for you: all the discrepancies were correctly handled. I hope this clarifies all your concerns, and now you know for the future! All the rules may be found on the USEF rulebook online, which is an excellent and informative read for all competitors. I hope you will get back out soon, now that you understand a little more about recognized dressage shows. Remember your number, use a caller if you are worried about forgetting your test, and know the correct way to retire if you need to. Finally, always stay on your horse, and save your fun pad for schooling at home.
Good luck at your next show.