Dear Amy,
I recently went to a recognized dressage show as a spectator to observe before I attempt competing. I was curious about some of what I saw. I was wondering if you could explain some things to me.

First: After finishing the test, everyone seemed to have a different way to get to the exit at A. Some people just turned around and left, some approached and thanked the judge, and some even added a circle before the exit. Is there an appropriate way to leave the arena when your test is completed?

Second: Is it common for judges to call you and talk to you at the end of the test? The judge called several riders to the booth at the completion of their test and reprimanded them for using their voice while competing. What are the consequences of using your voice? 

First-timer

Dear First-timer,
What a great idea to observe how a recognized show will be run. This will give you some insight on what to expect when you are ready to compete.

In answer to your first question, I agree. As a judge I do see riders leaving the arena after their salute in many different ways. There actually is no real rule for leaving the arena other than the way stated on every dressage test: After the final salute, leave the arena at A in a free walk. In theory, it should not matter what you do: According to the USEF rulebook DR122.78, a test begins with the entry at A and ends after the final salute. Everything before the beginning or after the end of a test has no effect on the marks. 

So, after your final salute, your test is officially over. There is no time limit for leaving the arena. There is no correct way to turn – you may turn left or right at your discretion. However, a polite way to leave is to take a few walking steps forward toward your judge at C. It is then appropriate to thank your judge and even to smile before turning back onto the long side and exiting at A at the free walk.

People sometimes do make a circle before leaving the arena, presumably for schooling purposes. Judges are usually not appreciative of this. Remember, once you have saluted, the next rider will be waiting their turn to enter. It is courteous to leave the arena promptly to help keep the show running on time. Stay focused and purposeful until you are out of the dressage arena. Once you are out, you may wave to or acknowledge any friends or spectators who are interested in your ride. Do remember that the judge can hear what you are saying at this time, as they will be finalizing their comments and scores.

As for your question about the voice and the judge calling riders to the booth, the judge has the right to call any competitor to their booth to talk to them, for any legitimate reason. You do not see this often, but it does happen. The judge is generally not reprimanding riders, but pointing out reasons they may have some deductions on their test, and trying to help them do better next time.

In this case the judge was clearly making a point about deductions on the test for the use of voice. According to USEF DR 122.3., the use of voice, clicking the tongue once or repeatedly, is a serious fault involving deductions of at least two marks from the movement in which it occurs. In cases where the movement has a coefficient, judges may choose to deduct only one mark off the movement.

If your judge hears you using your voice in any way, they may cross the number awarded for the movement out, and then write “minus 2, voice” and put in the new number. For instance, if you would have had a 7 on your trot lengthening but judge hears you cluck, they might cross out the 7, make it a 5, and write the word “voice” in the scoring box. A voice deduction is not considered an error and there is no limit to how many deductions can be taken for voice in a test. However, there can only be one deduction per scoring box. Remember, voice can be any talking or sounds used to influence your horse’s way of going. Be very careful about using your voice – riders sometimes do not even realize that they are doing it, especially those who have a habit of talking to and clucking to their horses in their regular schooling. 

I hope this helps you be confident on how to exit the arena and not to be worried about the judge calling you over after your test – this does not happen very often, but when it does it is to help you. Good luck at your first show.

Dear Amy,

I was recently at a two-day dressage show. I rode the same test both days, but for two different judges. I thought the second day I did so much better, but my score was about the same. I didn’t agree with the marks, and I was so disappointed. Is it ever possible to discuss your scores with the judge?

Disappointed.

Dear Disappointed,

That brings up a very interesting question. According to the USEF rulebook, DR 122.10, a member of the jury may not discuss a ride with a competitor before or after the final salute. However, it is sometimes possible to talk with your judge during a break, if you have arranged a meeting through the technical delegate (TD). 

If you feel as if there might be some discrepancy in your test (a comment doesn’t match the number, or the number seems like it is incorrect) the first thing you would do is contact the TD, who is required to be present on the grounds of all USEF shows during the competition. (If you don’t see the TD, you can inquire at the show office.) You would explain the problem with your test and why you wish to speak to the judge. The TD is allowed to ask judges if they would be willing to have a meeting. Judges are not required to meet with competitors, but most judges will if they can. Sometimes time restrictions make meetings impossible. 

If the judge agrees to talk to you, the judge and the TD will come up with a convenient time and place. Many judges will likely keep the TD within ear’s range during your meeting. If permission is granted, I would try to make your meeting no longer than five minutes and I suggest bringing a copy of the test in question. This will help the judge remember your ride. 

Unfortunately, using a videotape to dispute a judge’s decision is illegal, according to USEF DR 123.7. Keep in mind that a discussion does not imply a change in your test scores. You should approach this kind of meeting as a chance to gain insight into your ride. Remember to be polite and thoughtful.

I would suggest reading your judge’s comments thoroughly, especially anywhere that you might have concerns. Pay special attention to the “further remarks” which you will find at the bottom of your test below the collective marks. This is where your judge will point out the highlights of your test and give you advice about what needs to be improved and developed to enhance the ride. Your judge is not permitted to teach you in these remarks, and will not give you specific directions on what to do: this will be up to you and your coach. Your judge will tell what needs to improve, not how to make that improvement.

If you find your judge was very helpful to you, whether just from the comments on the written test, or from a conversation, you can praise them by filling out an official judge’s evaluation form. In fact, anyone who has ridden for a judge can fill out one of these forms. These may be found in your show packet, or at the show office, or even online. Of course, if you are unhappy with your judge’s observations or manner, (we hope not), you can also use this evaluation form. These forms are submitted to the USEF licensed officials committee, and become part of the judge’s record. 

In addition to feedback from your judges, there are many other ways to learn more about how to ride a successful dressage test. For instance, the Internet has many sites with question and answer forums with trainers, who can give you many tips and insights. If you don’t already have a coach, consider finding one. Judges really try to be fair to all the competitors. They want you to do your best, and they hope that their evaluations will be an asset to your riding.

So, to answer your question, it can be possible to talk directly to your judge. But this kind of conversation should be reserved for a clear discrepancy or error, because, unfortunately, judges do not have time for personal discussions with every rider. Remember to go over your test thoroughly. Consider having your ride videotaped so that you can match the comments to your movements. Make sure you are riding at an appropriate level for you and your horse’s stage of training. Possibly seek a professional, who can help you improve your test and achieve your goals. Good luck!

Dear Amy,
I was recently at a recognized dressage show as a spectator before I attempt competing. I
was curious about some of my observations. I was wondering if you could explain some
things to me.
First: Everyone seemed to have a different way to get to the exit at A. Some people just
turned around and left, some approached and thanked the judge, and some even added a
circle before the exit. Is there an appropriate way to leave the arena when your test is
completed?
Second, Is it common for judges to call you and talk to you at the end of the test? The
judge called several riders to the booth at the completion of their test and reprimanded
them about using their voice. What are the consequences of using your voice?

Dear First-Timer,
What a great idea to spectate and observe how a recognized show will be run. This will
give you some insight on what to expect when you are ready to compete.
In answer to your first question, I agree. As a judge I do see riders leaving the arena after
their salute in many different ways. There actually is no real rule for leaving the arena
other than the way stated on every dressage test: After the final salute, leave the arena at
A in a free walk.
According to the USEF rulebook DR122.78, a test begins with the entry at A and ends
after the final salute. Everything before the beginning or after the end of a test has no
effect on the marks.
So, after your final salute, your test is officially over. There is no time limit for leaving
the arena. There is no correct way to turn – you may turn left or right at your discretion.
However, a polite way to leave is to take a few walking steps forward toward your judge
at C. It is then appropriate to thank your and even to smile before turning back onto the
long side and exiting at A at the free walk.
People sometimes do make a circle before leaving the arena, presumably for schooling
purposes. Judges are usually not appreciative of this. Remember, once you do salute, the
next rider will be awaiting their turn to enter. It is courteous to leave the arena promptly
to help keep the show running on time. Stay focused and purposeful until you are out of
the dressage arena. Once you are out, you may wave to and acknowledge any friends or
spectators who are interested in your ride. Do remember that the judge can hear what you
are saying at this time, as they will be finalizing their comments and scores.
As for your question about the voice and the judge calling riders to the booth, the judge
has the right to call any competitor to their booth to talk to them, for any legitimate
reason. You do not see this often, but it does happen. The judge is generally not

reprimanding riders, but pointing out reasons they may have some deductions on their
test, and trying to help them do better next time.
In this case the judge was clearly making a point about deductions on the test for the use
of voice. According to USEF DR 122.3. the use of voice, clicking the tongue once or
repeatedly, is a serious fault involving deductions of at least two marks from the
movement in which it occurs. In cases where the movement has a coefficient, judges may
choose to deduct only one mark off the movement.
If your judge hears you using your voice in any way, they may cross the number awarded
for the movement out, and then write “minus 2, voice” and put in the new number. For
instance, if you would have had a 7 on your trot lengthening but judge hears you cluck,
they might cross out the 7, make it a 5, and write the word “voice” in the scoring box. A
voice deduction is not considered an error. There is no limit to how many deductions can
be taken for voice. However, there can only be one deduction per scoring box.
Remember, voice can be any talking or sounds used to influence your horse’s way of
going. Be very careful about using your voice – riders sometimes do not even realize that
they are doing it, especially those who have a habit of talking to and clucking to their
horses in their regular schooling.
I hope this helps you be confident on how to exit the arena and not to be worried about
the judge calling you over after your test – this does not happen very often, but when it
does it is to help you. Good luck at your first show.