Questions about dressage with Amy McElroy. In Amy’s popular column, written for “The Aiken Horse,” she answers readers questions about dressage.
August 9, 2026
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I am new to dressage and competing, and I have a few questions. First, I recently rode in a dressage clinic and was corrected throughout the lesson: I was told that my excess rein should always lie on the right side of my horse. Somehow my rein continually ended up on the left
May 9, 2026
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I have been a seasoned dressage competitor for many years, riding many lovely horses throughout the levels. I have always been petite, and now that I am older, I have purchased the most charming pony to be my next competition horse. We are only getting to know each other now, but I was
February 9, 2026
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I am so looking forward to this year’s dressage competitions. After not having an upper-level horse to show for many years, I have just purchased a lovely FEI schoolmaster that I am planning to compete at the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire 1 levels at our national shows here in Aiken. I hope
October 28, 2025
By amymcelroy
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
August 29, 2025
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy,I am competing in dressage at Third Level. I have been riding Third Level Test One and Third Level Test Three, and I am excited to be qualified for the Regionals. In my most recent show, I decided to ride my tests by memory (my first time without a caller) in practice for the
August 29, 2025
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I recently went to a dressage competition where I entered Third Level, Test 2. This level and test area step up for me. I thought I had a lovely ride! My horse was very steady and happily listened to myaids. I was very surprised to see my score was not as high as
December 14, 2024
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy This year a group of my riding friends were lucky enough to attend the United States Dressage Finals in Lexington, Kentucky as spectators. It was wonderful to see so many riders from the Aiken area competing. We were really excited on Saturday evening when watching the Grand Prix freestyles in the Alltech Arena to
October 30, 2024
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy,My friend and I are adult amateur dressage riders. I ride at First level and my friend at Third level. We both are planning to ride a musical freestyle this fall. We were also interested in the dressage seat equitation classes. We were wondering if you could share any information and advice about things
January 31, 2024
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I recently imported an FEI dressage horse from Holland. I am planning to compete with him starting at Prix St. Georges this season in Aiken. I have competed at dressage shows in the past but never at this level, or done any upper level tests. I have a few questions I am curious about, and I have asked around but gotten mixed
January 31, 2024
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, While I competed recently at a local USDF dressage show, I was very surprised to see my show arena had two judges! I was only showing at the lower levels. I thought only more advanced or special shows had multiple judges. So I was wondering if you could you explain the protocol when there
January 31, 2024
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I am planning to compete at recognized dressage shows this summer in Aiken. I have a few questions that I hope you can answer for me. First, with this heat, I am not planning to wear my show jacket, which I know is legal, assuming that jackets are waived at the show. But is it
May 12, 2023
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I am getting ready to move my horse up to the Prix St. Georges level. This winter, I had a chance to watch FEI tests in Florida and I saw there were several versions of the Prix St. Georges (PSG) test being ridden there. Are these classes available at all shows? What is
February 3, 2023
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I am planning to compete with my horse at Training Level Test Three and First Level Test One this season. I noticed that there have been some changes in the new 2023 versions of these tests and I am hoping you can answer some questions about them. First, I am curious why the
July 22, 2022
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I compete regularly at local schooling shows in dressage and combined tests, as well as recognized shows in both disciplines. I am wondering about the judges. Could you explain what the qualifications are to judge at schooling and recognized shows? I am also curious about a score I received for a Beginner Novice
July 22, 2022
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I have been a spectator at some of Aiken’s dressage shows this winter. I have especially enjoyed watching all the musical freestyles. I was surprised when some of my favorite rides, with the best music, did not place very high – I thought they would win! Can you explain how these rides are
March 22, 2022
By amymcelroy
Dear Amy, I was recently at a USDF dressage show with a friend of mine. While she was competing, the judge blew the whistle and eliminated her. The judge said this was because my friend’s helmet was not properly secured. This was the helmet she usually competes in, so we were quite surprised she was
