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 dressage test at a schooling show. My test was perfect, accurate, and obedient, my best ever, so I was surprised to see my score was not reflective of this. What could I be missing? 

Wondering about Judging

Dear Wondering,

Thank you for asking for clarification on what qualifies a person to judge at different types of shows. It is a little complicated but good to know. Aiken is very fortunate to offer so many opportunities to compete at dressage and combined training events. Qualifications for judges do have many variables, so let’s take a look.                                                   

A schooling show that does not have any ratings from a local or national organization may hire anyone to be their judge. This officiator is not required to have any specific judge training or licensing.  

Schooling shows that are recognized have some requirements for judges, for example, the SCDCTA (South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association), requires the judge to be a USDF L graduate or hold a USEA (United States Eventing Association) or USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) judging license with a minimum of an ‘r’ distinction.

An eventing competition with a USEA/USEF rating requires the organizers to hire a licensed USEA eventing or USEF dressage judge to officiate. The level of divisions being offered and the judges’ individual qualifications would determine what classes they would be allowed to judge.

A dressage show with USDF/ USEF recognition requires a licensed USEF dressage judge to officiate. Once again, the levels being offered and the judges’ qualifications would determine what classes they would be allowed to judge.

Therefore, a rated USEF dressage judge in good standing may officiate at a schooling show, USEA event, and USDF/ USEF dressage show. A USEA eventing judge may officiate only at schooling shows and rated USEA/USEF events: this license will not permit them to judge at a USDF/ USEF dressage show. Unrecognized schooling shows are not required to have a certified judge.

As for your second question, I am glad to hear you had such a nice Beginner Novice dressage test. Accuracy and obedience certainly go a long way but this alone will not earn you a good score. Let’s take a look at the purpose of this level dressage test. On the front page of all tests, the purpose is clearly stated. For all Beginner Novice tests, this is: “to show an understanding of riding the horse forward in a steady tempo and a clear rhythm. To confirm that the horse’s muscles are supple and loose and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. To show proper geometry and bend in both directions at all gaits. All trot may be done rising or sitting. Halt may be done through the walk.” 

So what does this all mean? Riders should keep in mind when trotting you will not earn higher points just because you sit to the trot. At this level sitting is optional. This means a “10” is a possibility even if you are rising. Often at this level, horses can move more freely when you are rising in the trot work, even if you have a beautiful secure seat. Remember to think about swinging back with ground-covering strides. Your horse should have forward intent and be tracking up (stepping in the tracks of their front hooves with their hind hooves). Do what is best to show off your horse’s gait.

In your trot and canter tours, it is important to keep your horse’s frame at least level while accepting contact. Be careful not to let the frame become too long, short, low, curled, or behind the bit to name a few. Focus on keeping the horse’s poll the highest point. Your judge will also take into account how your horse accepts the bit. Ideally, you want a quiet mouth and connection. Mouths that open and get too busy, or a tongue coming out will have a negative effect on your score. It is also important to have your horse bending to the inside in all turns, corners, and circles as well as going straight on the long sides, diagonals, and centerlines.

In these tests, you are asked to show a medium walk and a free walk. You want to show a clear difference between the two. What they both require are a clear, four-beat rhythm and forward energy. In the medium walk, the frame and stride should be more open than in a working walk, with marching energy. In the free walk, you should let your reins out and allow your horse to stretch the stride and frame in a relaxed manner. If your horse over-tracks in the free walk it is even better. Keeping the forward intent is key. 

When it comes to the halt, remember that a few walk steps (two to three) are permitted between the trot and the halt. This means you could get a 10 whether you have walk steps or not. Do whatever will set your horse up to be straight, square, or close to square, and, most important, immobile. The tests require three seconds of immobility.

Finally, the new eventing tests now have just one final mark for the collective. This mark takes everything into account. So you can see that there are a lot of different factors that go into your final score. Obedience and accuracy are important, but the training scale and purpose of the test have a big influence.  

Whatever type of shows you ride in and whatever the judges’ qualifications, they are there to share their knowledge and to report on how each scoring box was presented. The best way to understand a disappointing score is to look over your test sheet carefully and read all your marks and comments. Hopefully, your judge has shared the highlights of your ride: in your recent case this may have been an obedient horse and accurately ridden test. But your judge should also have shared the places where you and your horse have room for improvement. Maybe your horse needs to move more freely forward or stay in a better-balanced frame; maybe you need to work on straightness on the long side or bending on your circles. 

Keep enjoying your dressage work and try to learn from all your scores. A main goal of showing is to obtain an objective opinion of how you and your horse are progressing in your dressage journey and to learn what you need to do to advance. Judges want to help you do that: their feedback is intended to help bring out the best in you and your horse.

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 judged?

Spectating

Dear Spectating,

I am so glad you have been able to come out to these shows. It is especially nice you were there to support and watch the musical freestyle rides. They certainly are fun to watch, and they are fun to ride. These tests can highlight a horse’s best qualities and movements, and a lot of time and work goes into performing a competitive ride. As you have probably guessed, these tests have a different system of scoring in comparison to straight dressage tests.

Let’s take a look at how judges evaluate musical freestyles. This type of ride includes two separate scoring categories per test. One is known as the technical side, which is similar to a standard dressage test. The other is called the artistic side, which you do not see in a standard dressage test.

All the USDF levels (Training through Fourth Level) offer freestyle tests. There are also FEI freestyle tests at these levels: Intermediate 1, Intermediate A/B, Grand Prix, Juniors, and Young Riders. For any level of test, there are certain required movements that must be performed. You are allowed to perform any additional movement or transition as long as it’s not above the level you have entered. For example, if you ride a First Level freestyle, you are not allowed to perform flying changes, because they are not introduced until the Third Level.

On the technical side of a freestyle, you can earn your scores in full points or in half points, just like in standard tests (For example 6.0 or 6.5.) Each time a movement is performed you will earn a score. At the end of your ride, if you have multiple marks for a movement they will all be taken into account to arrive at a final score on that movement. Let’s say you are doing a First Level freestyle. Although only one leg yield is required in each direction, if you chose to do more than one, you would earn a mark each time a leg yield is performed. You might earn a 6.5, 7.0, and a 7.5 for doing three leg yields to the left. In this case, your final mark for “leg yield left” would likely be a 7.0. 

The score you earn for each movement is evaluated the same way as on your regular tests, but in a freestyle, there are no final collective marks. Instead, there is a single scoring box on the technical side for “Rhythm, Energy, Elasticity.” Overall, the more confirmed and reliable your horse is performing at the level you are competing in, the higher your technical score is likely to be.

When judging the artistic side of a freestyle test there are five scoring boxes for your judge to consider. The scores for the artistic side can be considered more like the collective marks in a standard test. These scores may be given in tenths, for example, 6.2, 7.7, etc. The artistic boxes for USDF freestyles are as follows: 

 1. Harmony between Horse and Rider, which has a coefficient of four. For example, if you earn a 7.0 here, your final mark for this category would be worth 28 points. This score is based on the technical execution of your ride. It also takes into account the trust, confidence, calmness, and attentiveness of the horse, and the ease of execution of the moves. Any tension or disobedience would be part of this score, similar to the criteria you would have for the submission score on a standard test.

2. Choreography also has a coefficient of four points. This score is mostly independent of the technical execution. Your judge is looking at the design of the test, including the use of the arena, balance, and creativity. The judge would like to see you use the entire arena while keeping it easy to recognize the individual moves and follow along. In the best tests, the horse and rider execute moves equally in both directions, and in interesting patterns, not similar to a standard test. 

3. Degree of Difficulty has a coefficient of one. This score is based mostly on technical execution. The test should be advanced for the level: it should be harder than the highest test of the level you are performing. For example, if you are showing First Level, your freestyle should be more difficult than First Level, test three. However, you must be careful not to include any movements that are above First Level, as these are forbidden. The more difficult the ride, the higher the mark – as long as it is successful!

4. Music has a coefficient of three. This score is mostly independent of the technical score. You want your music to be memorable. It should enhance the way your horse moves at each gait, and it should be distinctive: music for the walk should not be the same as music for the trot. In this scoring box, the editing, seamlessness, and cohesiveness of the music are a factor. When mixing music for a freestyle, it is also suggested to use a common genre, theme, or instrumentation.

5. Interpretation has a coefficient of three. This category is mostly scored independently of technical execution. The judge will be looking for music that shows off the horse’s gaits and matches his footfall. The ride should have clear phrasing, with a suggested minimum of six variations of music per test.

The scoring for FEI tests is different. In an FEI freestyle at a national show, there are also five artistic scores, but all of them have a coefficient of four points. Let’s look at these scoring boxes.

1. Rhythm, Energy, and Elasticity, which is based on the technical aspect of the ride. This score takes into consideration gaits and impulsion. 

2. Harmony, which takes into consideration overall submission and the relationship between the horse and rider. Judges are looking for reliability and ease. This is scored similarly to the “harmony” box of the USDF tests.

3. Choreography is scored similarly to the USDF tests. Creative use of the arena is important and interesting lines, different from standard tests, are key. For example broken lines when doing flying changes, using quarter lines and centerlines for movements.

4. Degree of difficulty is scored similarly to the USDF tests. Here judges would like to see more calculated risks as long as you can successfully perform everything. 

5. Music and interpretation are scored similarly to the USDF test. Judges are really looking for music that matches and expresses the horse’s gaits and movements. Once again, much phrasing can really highlight the horse and the test.

There are many more factors and scoring details that come into arriving at a final score. When the ride is complete, the technical side and artistic side are tallied together to derive a final percentage. 

So in other words, freestyle is not all about the music, since you can’t get a high score without good technical marks. Music is definitely a big factor and can and should enhance the ride. You want the judge to be humming the music – some of the best freestyles I have judged, I truly wished would not end, and the music stayed with me long afterward. This is a winning freestyle. 

I hope this helps you. Please support all these riders. A lot of time and work goes into making a magical freestyle test, and many riders appreciate an enthusiastic audience.

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 eliminated. Can the judge do that legally? And what does it mean for a helmet to be “properly” secured? I also have a question on another note, since I do not want to get eliminated: for Christmas, I received two show shirts that have integrated collars. They are beautiful and I cannot wait to wear them, so my question is, what do I do when the weather is warm and coats are waived? Can I still wear these shirts?  Please advise.

Confused about Clothing

Dear Confused,

Thank you for reaching out about these important and interesting dress code rules and violations. I would be happy to review the rulings with you. Let’s start with headgear. 

According to the USEF 2022 rulebook, DR120 1.1, “Protective headgear is defined as a riding helmet, which meets or exceeds current ASTM standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any rider violating this rule at any time must be prohibited from further riding until the headgear is properly in place.” In your friend’s case, it is possible that her helmet’s harness strap was originally appropriately secure, but by this show, it might have loosened from normal wear and was no longer properly fitted; this might explain why she was never called out before.

This rule is in place for your safety and full protection. In addition to judging your ride, one of the many assessments your judge must make is whether all your dress and equipment are legal for your level and the class in which you are competing. For the judge to have stopped your friend, I am guessing her harness strap was much too loose or the helmet was moving around on her head. It is your judge’s responsibility and duty to keep you safe, and it is both legal and appropriate for the judge to take action if needed. If your judge notices that your strap and/or helmet is not properly fitted before you enter the arena, it is possible you might have time to adjust before you come down the centerline. But once you are in the arena, if the judge believes your equipment is unsafe, her only option is to eliminate you. This is a tough lesson, but a safe one. Whether you are competing at a show or riding at home, please make sure your helmet is securely on your head. 

Now let’s talk about your beautiful new show shirts. The integrated stand-up collar show shirts are very popular this year. For those of you who do not know, this is a shirt with a collar that has non-detachable neckwear built into one solid shirt. This style of shirt has become very popular for many reasons. Besides being quite elegant, there is its convenience factor: No more tying a stock, worrying about placing a pin, or struggling to make sure it is all centered, to name a few things. These shirts look perfect as soon as you put them on. But can you wear them when you are not wearing a coat over them? 

According to USEF 2022 rulebook DR120.15 Shirts with tie, choker, stock tie, or integrated stand up collar are required. Rule 120.21 states that when coats are waived you must wear a shirt with sleeves (long or short), a collar (no t-shirts), and no neckwear. So what to do if you are wearing an integrated shirt? The answer is nothing. You may wear your shirt without penalty. Neckwear is only required to be removed when it is an add-on. There is no need to open any buttons or zippers if there are any. The same also applies if you do have removable neckwear, which you will need to take off when jackets are waived. There is no ruling that requires you to have any button or zipper opened or lowered when not wearing your show coat. However, you should keep in mind that if you do not wear a coat, your shirt (with an integrated collar or not) must not have a bold pattern (if you could see the pattern from a short distance it is likely considered too bold) or bright colors (for example neon green). According to the 2022 rulebook DR124 2b. “Elimination for dress code violations inside the competition ring is mandatory.” So it is very important to be clear on these shirt dress code rules!

I hope this gives you more insight into dress code rules regarding helmets and show shirts. So come proudly down the centerline with your well-fitted helmet and secure chin strap and show off your beautiful new shirts with or without your coat, with no worries about neckwear. Do remember to wear your smile! And enjoy the ride.

Dear Amy,

I will be wintering in Aiken this year with my two horses and I am planning to be competing at a few recognized events and dressage shows. Would you please provide an update on any new dressage rules and changes for the 2022 competition year?

-Getting Ready

Dear Ready,

How lucky that you will get to spend the winter in our wonderful horsey town. This competition year does have many changes in both the event and dressage divisions. I would be happy to share the most important changes that will go into effect as of December 1, 2021.

First, let’s take a look at Eventing dressage divisions changes. If you haven’t already heard, this is the year the eventing tests change. As of December 1, 2021, competitions will only be using the new 2022 tests. These tests stay in effect for the next four years (through 2025.)  All the new tests can be found online on the USEA website as well on various other sites.

The biggest change on all the event dressage tests is a reduction in the collective marks. There will no longer be the standard four collective marks: Gaits, Impulsion, Submission, and Rider. Instead, the new format calls for a single collective mark. This collective mark is valid for all the new tests from Starter (a new category) through Advanced level. The new singular collective mark is referred to as Harmony of Athlete and Horse. That means your final mark is based on the directive of “a confident partnership created by adhering to the scales of training.” This collective will have a coefficient of two, meaning that it counts double. Since it is a reflection of your whole ride, your number should be similar to the numbers you have earned in your test. For example, if most of your movements earn you a 5 or a 6, you would not likely see an 8 for your collective; it would more likely be in the 6 range. This singular collective was actually introduced in 2020, but at that time was only adopted in the FEI tests. 

The Starter division, new for 2022, has just one test.  Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training will once again have two different tests, Test A and Test B. The Modified division has become so popular over the last four years that they have added a third test to that division: now there are Modified A, B, and C tests. The Preliminary and Intermediate divisions have also added a third, C test. Another change: Preliminary B will use a small arena (20 x 40) rather than a large arena (20 x 60) as in previous tests, with the Preliminary C test designed for a full-sized arena. The movements in the new tests are similar to those in the old ones, but they will occur in different places and the geometry of the tests is different.

If you are planning to compete, it is always advisable to review the current rules in the USEF rulebook under the Eventing Division.  I hope you will get to try out some of these new tests. I am looking forward to seeing how they ride.

On to the Dressage division. Dressage tests themselves will not be changing until December 1, 2022. (Both eventing and straight dressage divisions have new tests every four years, but they are on a slightly different schedule.) The greatest changes you will see in the rulebook are under “DR120” the dress code rules.  The new, less restrictive, dress code rules apply to all levels and classes at all USEF/USDF shows, including the Regional Championships.  

According to the USEF 2022 rulebook, protective headgear is always mandatory, but you may have your helmet color match your coat. Contrast coloring, accents, and crystal decoration are also allowed on your helmet. As in the past, a short riding jacket or a cutaway coat (a modified tailcoat) with short tails is allowed at any level. But the rules on color have been changed.  Whereas in the past, jackets or coats were required to be “of conservative color,” now any single color jacket (Fourth Level and below), or tailcoat (above Fourth level) is allowed, and may have subtle pin striping, checks, or tweeds. Tasteful and discrete accents and decorations are acceptable, but striped and multi-colored jackets or coats are still not permitted. Shirts and stock ties can be any color, but if worn without a jacket, your shirt should not have a bold pattern, and you may not wear a stock tie if you are not wearing a coat. In the past, breeches were required to be white or light, but now they may also be dark and may even have contrast piping.  However, bright colors or patterns are still illegal. When it comes to riding boots, in any tests below Fourth level you may wear tall boots or paddock/jodhpur boots with half chaps of a matching the color (these used to be allowed only up to First Level.) Tall English-style boots are required above Fourth level. Field boots are also permitted. Boots of coordinating color with or without accents are also permitted. 

Although the new rules give you more choices, they are not actually relaxed. In fact, in some ways they are stricter because now you will be eliminated for dress code violations. This used to be at the discretion of the judge, but as of 2022, it is mandatory.  So, if you have any questions about whether your attire is permitted, be sure to check with the technical delegate of the show before your ride. It is always up to the rider to know and understand the current rules. 

So many colors to choose from, and so many opportunities to show off your individual taste and style!  Expect to see fewer white shirts, white ties, and white pants with black boots, black coats, and black helmets. It’s 2022: Time to express yourself!

It’s going to be an exciting competition year with all the new event tests and the new, fun dressage attire. Enjoy your winter and I hope to see you come down my centerline.

Dear Amy,
I was at a dressage show recently and I heard the announcer congratulating one competitor for earning her Bronze medal, and then another one for earning her Silver medal. I am interested in learning more about these awards. What classes do I need to sign up for to be eligible? Is it the same as entering a qualifying class? How does your judge know if you are trying to earn one of the medals? Can any rider earn one?
-Medals on My Mind

Dear Medals,
I am glad to hear you are interested in working towards your riding medals, and you bring up some interesting questions that I hope to be able to clarify.

Let’s first talk about the medals themselves. These are awarded through the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and there are three different medals a rider may earn by getting a specified number of minimum scores on tests at various levels. The good news is that a USDF medal is based solely on the rider’s achievements. This means you can earn scores on many different horses and at your own pace. There are no time restraints. It is even possible to receive all three medals at one show (which is exceptionally rare) or to take 30 or more years to get your first one.

The three medals are Bronze, Silver, and Gold. To earn your Bronze medal you would need to compete in First, Second, and Third level tests. You are required to ride two tests from each of the three levels and earn a total of six scores of 60% or higher. The scores must come from two different judges for each level and on two different rides, but maybe at the same show. There is not a required test for any levels for your score to count. This is totally up to the rider.

To earn your Silver medal, you must earn a total of four scores of 60% or higher: two from Fourth Level and two from Prix St Georges. These scores likewise need to come from two different judges and two different rides per level. You can earn scores in any of the Fourth level tests, but there is only one Prix St Georges (PSG) test.

To earn your Gold medal you must have four scores of 60% or higher. Two of the scores can be earned from any of the following tests; Intermediaire I, Intermediaire A, Intermediaire B, Intermediaire II. The two final scores must be earned on the Grand Prix test. It is important to keep in mind that freestyle scores do not count towards points for any medals.

In order to be eligible for a medal, you must receive your scores while competing at a recognized USDF show. You are required to be a USDF Participating or Group member in good standing when you earn your scores, and the competing horse (and there can be several), must be registered with USDF or have a Horse Identification (HID) number when the scores are earned.

Although it is not mandatory to earn the medals in chronological order, many riders do start with the goal of earning a Bronze medal, which is quite an accomplishment in itself. There is not a special class or an extra fee to ride for a score that counts for a medal and there is no place on an entry form or on your judge’s day sheet that would inform you a ride would be counting towards a medal. This is different from entering a “Q” or qualifier class for the regional USDF championships. You do need to sign up for qualifier classes: there is also an extra fee and your judge would see you are trying to qualify on their day sheets, which should not have an impact on the way your ride is scored. Qualifier tests are always the highest level test of each division — for example, in First through Fourth level, the Qualifier
would be test 3. In the FEI tests (above Fourth level) there is only one test per level. To be eligible to compete in the regional championships, you need two qualifying scores from two different judges and
at two different shows.

If you have earned a medal at a show, you or your representative can inform the show secretary or announcer to share the exciting news of your accomplishment. In the year 2021 so far there have been 12 riders from South Carolina who have earned their Bronze medals and five who have earned their Silver medals. There are two riders from South Carolina (and in fact from Aiken) who earned their Gold medals this year: Congratulations to Aiken’s own Kathy Viele and Justine Wilson.

Although you do not have to enter any special classes to earn a medal, you do need to apply for it when you have earned all the required scores. The application is online on the USDF site and it does not have a fee. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a beautiful certificate and a medal. You may also purchase a smaller version of this medal as a pin to wear on your show jacket. Many riders do choose to do this and it is perfectly acceptable.

A part of the USDF mission is to offer many award programs so riders at all levels can have riding goals. Striving to obtain a qualifying score, competing in the regional championships, and the popular USDF rider medals are just a sample of the programs that are offered. So go ahead and start your mission to earn your scores. Other than having your membership up-to-date there is nothing special you need to do. Just ride the best you can and continue to enjoy your journey in dressage.