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.

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 championships, where readers are not permitted. I rode Test One first, and then I rode Test Three. I thought I had nice rides on both tests, but when I got back my Test Three sheet, I was surprised to see that I had an error in my flying change, with the comment that I was riding on the wrong line, and two points were deducted from my score. I realized afterwards that I must have accidentally ridden the flying change the way it is called for in Test One, instead of the way it is called for in Test Three, so I did deserve an error. However, I was very confused because I thought that when you got an error, the judge had to ring the bell, and she never did. What’s even more confusing is that I made the same mistake in the other direction and did not receive an error that time, although I did earn a low score. Can you explain why this might have happened?

There was another thing that surprised me. The judge made a comment that warned me that my bridle numbers were too small – I have my own decorative bridle numbers, and I have been using them for years with no problem. Is there a new ruling on this, or something else I should know?
Third Level

Dear Third Level,
Congratulations on being qualified for the Regionals, especially at Third Level! What a good idea to practice showing your test without a reader. As you can see, it is very important to know your patterns. Practicing riding without a whip is also a good idea if you normally carry one, as that is also forbidden at the Regionals.

First, let’s talk about errors. An error is when you make a mistake in your test, either by riding the wrong pattern, or by performing the wrong gait or movement. When you have an error, the judge may ring the bell, stop you, explain what is wrong, and then send you back to finish your test correctly. Errors may be divided into two general groups: errors of test and errors of course. An error of course would throw off the entire pattern – say you turn left when you should have turned right, or forget to make a turn to go across the diagonal, or just get lost. An error of test would be an error that does not disrupt the pattern – say, you canter instead of trot, or ride a diagonal all the way across the ring to one of the letters near the corner, when the test calls for a diagonal line to one of the letters between the middle and the corner.

When there is an error of course, the judge will sound the bell and stop your test because otherwise, you would not be able to proceed correctly. When there is an error of test, your judge may, at his or her discretion, elect not to sound the bell so as not to disrupt the flow of your ride, but will still penalize you with an error. It is important to know, however, that if the judge does not ring the bell to stop you, if you make the same mistake going the other direction, the judge may not count that as an error against you, but is free to mark down your score for inaccuracy. In National tests, your first error will incur two points off your final score; your second error will cost you four more points, and if you have a third error, you will be eliminated.

Third Level is when the flying change is introduced, and it is required in both Test One and Test Three, in a pattern that is similar but not the same. In both tests, the changes are asked for in both directions, and they happen on a diagonal line; however, they are not asked for on the same line. In Test One, the first flying change happens directly after a 10-meter circle on a right lead canter at V, which is halfway between the first letter after the corner (K) and the middle letter (E) on the long side of the arena. After the circle, you take a half diagonal towards R, which is the letter between the middle on the opposite side (B) and the corner (M). You ask for a flying change between the centerline and R. The second flying change is a mirror image: you make a 10-meter circle on the left lead at P (the letter between the first letter after the corner, F, and the middle, B), and then head toward S (halfway between E in the middle and H near the corner) and perform your flying change between the centerline and S. This movement and scoring box has a coefficient of 2.

In Test Three (your championship test) for your first flying change, you come from a half circle of 10 meters to the left from I to S (I is opposite S on the center line) and then head on a diagonal line toward F, which is the letter on the long side right before the corner. You ask for your flying change at, or around, the center line. Again, going the other way, the flying change is a mirror image. You make your half circle on the right lead from I to R (opposite S and halfway between the middle (B) and the last letter, M), and make your flying change at or near the center line while riding across the diagonal to K, the last letter before the corner. In this test, the movement also has a coefficient of two.

You might be surprised how many competitors make errors even with a reader. Third Level Test One and Three can be particularly confusing, especially if you are riding them both at the same show: it is easy to ride the diagonal to the wrong letter. I am sure your judge had your best interest in mind when she did not sound the bell, and probably hoped that you would recognize your mistake for your second flying change going the other direction. Since the judge did not ring the bell when you made your first error, she was not allowed to give you an error for the same mistake in the other direction, but marked you down for inaccuracy instead. I hope this answers your concerns about errors – I am sure you won’t want to make the same mistakes again, so it is a great idea to keep practicing without a reader and continue to familiarize yourself with the championship test so you will be confident and prepared by the time you go to the Regionals.

As far as bridle numbers go, yes, there is a new rule that was passed recently and will go into effect on December 1, 2025. (DR.121.19) According to this new rule, each digit of a number must be a minimum of 1.5 inches tall and 3/8ths of an inch wide. The numbers cannot be obscured by the encasement or holder. Before this rule goes into effect, please confirm the size and legibility of your numbers and replace them if they do not comply with the updated regulations. Remember, it is always appropriate and appreciated to check in with your steward in your warm-up, and when you are going around the apron of the arena to present yourself to the judge and state your number.
Good luck at the Regionals!

Dear Amy,

I recently went to a dressage competition where I entered Third Level, Test 2. This level and test are
a step up for me. I thought I had a lovely ride! My horse was very steady and happily listened to my
aids. I was very surprised to see my score was not as high as I had hoped and expected. After
reviewing my test sheet I saw that I had received very low marks for my “renvers” both to the left and
to the right. The comment said I was on wrong bend and angle. I think my horse was doing exactly
what I asked, so this makes me think maybe I do not know how to do the renvers correctly. Could you
please explain how to get a good score for this movement?

The other place where I had low marks was on the “circle with a clear release.” My test sheet said
“not to be ridden or confused with a stretch circle.” I am thinking maybe I do not understand what is
meant by a “clear release,” and I am not sure what I need to do differently. Could you please explain
how to ride this movement and what the judge is looking for?
–Stepping Up

Dear Stepping,
Congratulations for making the move to Third Level. With this level comes a few additional new movements: extended gaits, half passes, and single flying changes. Also, you now have the option to compete in a double bridle. Specifically, in Third Level, Test 2, there are three new elements introduced: Renvers left and right, and a release of reins at the canter on right lead.

Let’s take a look at renvers. This movement can be ridden in the walk, trot, and canter. In this test, it is judged only at the trot. So what is renvers? In this movement, the horse’s hindquarters remain on the track, while the forehand moves off the track to the inside of the arena. Let’s imagine you are tracking left and want to do a renvers along the long side of the arena. In a correctly ridden renvers, the horse should be traveling at a 35 degree angle to the track, and his body should be bent slightly around the rider’s right leg. At the correct bend and angle, the horse will be looking straight ahead toward the short side of the arena. Viewed from the front or the back, the horse’s legs should be moving on four separate tracks.

The renvers only appears in one standard USDF dressage test, Third Level Test 2, and the test sets up the movement to make it easier to perform correctly. In both directions, you will be on the long side performing a shoulders-in, and then you switch to the renvers. The horse’s shoulders are already off the track, so you just need to add more angle and change the bend. For example, if you are tracking to the left, you would start your shoulder-in with your horse bent around your left leg and at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the track. When you transition to the renvers, you add a bit more angle and change the bend so that the horse is slightly bent around your right leg and his head is looking straight ahead in the direction he is going.

The renvers has a coefficient of two for both the left and right direction, and the shoulder-in has its own separate scoring box. These movements are worth a lot of points, and will also be taken into consideration when doing the final collective marks. Whether you show Third 2 or not, it is a wonderful exercise to understand and be able to execute as you move up the levels, since it encourages engagement. It sounds to me from your judge’s comments that you might have been accidentally riding a different movement, called the travers or haunches-in. In this movement, the horse is slightly bent around the rider’s inside leg and moves at a consistent angle of 35 degrees from the track, which can be seen from the front or the back. The travers (which dressage riders almost always call the haunches-in) appears in the Second Level at the trot. The big difference between the renvers and the travers is that in the travers, it is the forehand that remains on the track and the haunches that are moved inward. The horse’s outside legs pass and cross in front of the inside legs. This is also a good schooling movement that may be executed in the walk, trot, or canter.

Now let’s talk about the release circle. This can easily be confused and ridden as a stretch circle, which is a movement seen in Training and First Level tests. In a stretch circle, you allow your reins to lengthen as your horse stretches his or her neck forward and downward until the mouth is at the level of the point of the shoulder or lower. In a properly ridden stretch circle, you maintain a light contact with the horse’s mouth at all times. A stretch circle is good for training and is often used at the end of a schooling session.

The release circle required in Third Level, Test 2 is quite different. In this test, you are asked to perform the canter right lead on a 20-meter circle, “showing a clear release of both reins for 4 to 5 strides over the centerline.” In a properly ridden release circle, you must show a clear loop in the reins for four or five strides, with no contact at all. The horse should maintain the same frame, demonstrating self-carriage and keeping the rhythm, tempo, and quality of the gait. The release circle has a coefficient of two, so it is worth double points, and its performance will also be taken into consideration in the final collective marks. From your judge’s comment, I believe you may have performed a stretch circle rather than a release circle. Since these three movements have coefficients, they will greatly affect your final percentage. They are particularly important because they are movements that are introduced at this level and represent new steps along your dressage journey. I hope this has helped to clarify the necessary adjustments you will have to make to improve your score and be even more comfortable and competitive at this test.
Good luck as you reach new levels!

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 see you were judging, and we have some questions about that.  
 
We understand there is a process to be eligible to compete at the finals and we wondered about how the judges are chosen. What protocol do you need to judge at finals? Do you pick your classes, your arenas, or the other judges you will be working with? What happens if you know the riders that are in your class?


Also, we noticed the classes have three judges, two on the short side of the arena, and one on the long side. Do you pick which letter you are at? Do you discuss your marks with the other judges? It was fascinating to see how fast all the scores were displayed and announced.
We are hoping to come again next year, hopefully as competitors!
 
Dressage Dreamers
 
 
Dear Dreamers,

How exciting that you were able to attend the U.S. Dressage Finals in Kentucky. You are lucky to have been able to go this year because this was the last year the finals will be held in Kentucky, at least for a while. The Kentucky Horse Park has been the site of the prestigious show since its inception 10 years ago. Starting in 2025, the finals will take place at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio. The show dates are set for October 30 to November 2, 2025.

Let’s start by explaining what the U.S. Finals are, and how you can be eligible to compete. This is a national level championship where top U.S. horse-and-rider combinations from across the country come to vie for the championship title. It is a Level Five competition, which is the highest level of competition under United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules. All levels are offered, Training through the Grand Prix, including freestyles. Classes for championships are split into junior/young rider, adult amateur, and open divisions.
 
Unfortunately, you cannot just enter a championship class at this show. In order to be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, you must declare your intention to compete, and then you must compete and qualify in a regional championship. The U.S. is divided into nine dressage regions. Each region holds a USDF regional championship show, usually in September or October. Champion and reserve champion combinations from all the levels at these regionals are automatically invited to the finals, as long as they earn at least a 57% in their championship class, they are U.S. citizens, and, importantly, they have submitted their declaration of intent by the deadline, which is midnight on the day prior to the start of their regional championship show. There is no fee to declare your intention to compete, and declaring will not commit you to go to the finals, but it gives you an opportunity if you meet all the other requirements.
Even if you are not champion or reserve at the regionals it is possible to qualify, as long as you have met the other restrictions. If the top two horse-and-rider combinations decline an invitation or are otherwise ineligible, the next highest-placed combinations are invited, all the way down through the fifth place (as long as the score is at least 57%). In addition, there is wild card eligibility. Receiving a wild card spot is based on the score of your championship ride at the regionals, and does not take into account how you place in the competition. Horse-and-rider combinations that earn a minimum score or above earn a wild card spot. The minimums vary by level, and Open and Adult Amateur riders have different required scores. For instance, at Training Level, an Open rider needs to earn a 72%, while for an Adult Amateur, the minimum score is  68%. At Intermediaire I through Grand Prix, Open riders need a 66%, while AA riders need a 64%.  

Now that we know how you can be a competitor, let’s get to your questions about judging. I did have the opportunity to be one of the many dressage officials at the 2024 finals. This is actually the second finals I have judged, but the Saturday night Grand Prix freestyles in the Alltech indoor arena was an exciting first for me.

For any dressage show, including regionals and finals, a judge will receive an invitation to officiate. A judge may accept the invitation or decline it. It is a great honor to receive any invite,  especially for the more prestigious competitions. All licensed judges have ratings – r, R ,S, or FEI –  which limit what levels and at what shows they are qualified to judge. At the finals most judges hold an S or an FEI license.

The show management decides which judges to assign to the various classes and arenas at the show – the judge does not make a request. However, judges do tell the management about any rider conflicts they might have, such as if they have a student competing in a specific class. It is also helpful if the rider makes a note in their entry that they may not compete in front of a specific judge if there is a known conflict. There is a USEF rule that prohibits judges from officiating in a class that includes their students, clients, family, coaches and others with similar relationships, unless the relationship has been terminated at least 30 days before the show. To answer your question, it is acceptable to know the rider you are judging, as long as you observe the USEF rule.
 
The U.S. Dressage Finals presents an opportunity to compete in front of three judges.  When there are three judges, the chief judge is placed at C on the short side of the arena. Another judge sits either at H or M, also on the short side, and the third judge is placed at B or E on the long side opposite X.  If there is a judge placed at H, the side judge is on the other side of the arena at B, and vice versa: if there is a judge at M, the side judge is at E.  This configuration enables each judge to have a good view of the performance and to evaluate different aspects of the ride: These combined views can really tell the true story of what goes on in the test. 

The finals used electronic scoring, and you are correct that the final percentages were available very quickly, as they generally are in shows with electronic scoring. Judges are encouraged to submit their marks as the competitor is leaving the arena. It is really great for the competitor, spectators and judges to see results quickly. In answer to your other question, judges arrive at their marks independently. Each judge has their own electronic board and each has a code we put in that displays our signature. When you have completed your final marks, you place your code, push “submit” and your score is final. You do not consult with the other judges before you submit your marks, and you cannot see the other judges’ scores until they have all pressed the submit button. All three scores are averaged together for your final score and placing.

I hope that answers your questions about finals. Also, congratulations to all my fellow Aikenites for all your successes. I do hope you, your friends, and all dressage riders get an opportunity to experience the U.S. Dressage Finals at least once in their lifetime, as a spectator, or better yet as a competitor. Keep pursuing your dressage dreams!

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 to know when competing in musical freestyle classes. We were also wondering if you could share some insight on what to expect when riding in an equitation class.
In the past we have only competed in traditional dressage classes.
Seeking Variety

Dear Seeking,
What fun that you are trying some new competition classes. They can be very rewarding! I would be happy to share some insight on how to make the most of the experience. Here are some tips and the regulations for riding these classes in 2024.

Let’s first start with the freestyle tests. Unlike traditional dressage classes, you cannot just sign up for a freestyle. A horse and rider combination must have competed at the highest test of that level or above and earned one minimum score to be eligible. This means you and your horse need to have competed at First Level Test Three (or any test at a higher level) and scored at least one 63%. Your friend and her horse need to have competed at Third Level Test Three (or above that level) and scored at least one 63%. For your information, all USDF freestyle tests (Training through Fourth level) require horse and rider pair to have scored a minimum of 63%. These scores must be earned at a competition held prior to the freestyle class you plan to enter. Your music must be presented to the show before the competition starts. Do check your prize list to see what format the show needs for the music. Sound checks are required before your ride. This is an important opportunity to make sure your music plays and to set the volume so
you and the judge can hear the music clearly and comfortably. It is important not to exceed the maximum time limit. You will be timed from your first halt to your final halt. Entry music is not timed. First level and Third level have no minimum time required, but there is a maximum 5-minute time limit for both levels. Each level has compulsory movements, and it is important to make note of the minimum meters required for certain movements. For example, in First level, you are required to show medium and free walk for at least 20 continuous meters. At First level there is a trot and canter lengthening, and they must be shown at least one time on a straight line. Beyond the compulsory elements, there are also “additionally allowed” movements. If you leave out a required movement, you will receive a 0 for that box on the scoring sheet. You may be creative after you have shown the required elements, but be mindful not to perform any moves, including transitions, above the level at which you are showing. These are known as “forbidden” moves, and will take points off your score. Freestyle tests have two scoring categories. The technical execution (compulsory elements) and artistic impression (collective marks). The same judge scores these two sections and the scores will be combined for a final percentage.

When it comes to music, I suggest sticking with one genre: show tunes, television theme songs, classical music, 1970s music and so on. Find something that suits you and matches your horse’s gaits. Don’t choose music with too many lyrics, and have different music for each of your gaits. Recognizable music always goes over well. Many good musical rides I have judged have had such memorable music, I cannot get it out of my mind for days and sometimes months! Try to be creative and entertaining from the start. Be clever, but make the ride easy to follow with a balanced use of the arena. Highlight the elements in which you and your horse excel and try to make the pattern of your ride more difficult than the highest test of the level you’re showing. Keep in mind it is not necessary to ride the full five minutes, although you want your judge to wish the ride would not end.

Now, let’s investigate dressage equitation classes. These are offered to juniors, young riders, adult amateurs, and open riders. This is a group class; all riders present themselves in the arena together. A class may have one rider or up to 25 riders. In this class, you will all be asked to show your horse in the medium walk, working trot and canter both ways of the arena. Be prepared to sit the trot if asked. Some shows may offer an “opportunity” equitation class. In these classes, riders will only be asked to walk and trot. Equitation classes evaluate your position, seat and specifically the correct use and effect of aids required for Training and First level. You may enter this class even if you normally ride at a higher level, but you must ride your horse in a snaffle bit. You may wear spurs and carry a whip. The judge is only looking at the rider, not the horse, unless there is a question of his soundness – a lame horse will be excused. All riders will earn a final mark as a percentage, which is usually similar to, or possibly a little higher than, what you would see in “rider position” on a standard test. For example, you might get a 78% as a final score. Usually, the judge will give verbal comments to the riders individually at the completion of the class.

Enjoy competing in these newer classes for both of you. In your freestyle, remember you are at liberty to ride your test artistically: you are free to ride movements, patterns, and gaits however you choose. Let the music highlight the harmony you share with your horse. An equitation class can be fun and instructive: Take the advice your judge offers at the end of the class. The better your equitation, the more effective you can be. Good luck!