By amymcelroy
Posted: September 12, 2021
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
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Medals on My Mind”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: May 31, 2021
Dear Amy, At several of our local USDF dressage shows there have been two or three judges’ booths with judges in them for some of the dressage classes. I wanted to know if these classes are judged differently from ones with a single judge? If you have three judges, do you receive all of the
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Number of Judges”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: May 31, 2021
Dear Amy, I am an adult amateur dressage competitor and will be competing throughout the summer months at Second Level. Although I don’t mind the heat too much, I am concerned about the sun on my skin and eyes. I wondered about the following dress codes. Can I warm up and compete with a wide
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Attire & Shoulder In”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: March 28, 2021
Dear Amy, I recently started competing at the Prix St. Georges level at dressage shows and I am now riding with a double bridle. In the entry of my test I come down the centerline, and halt and salute with a nod of my head. In the final centerline, I halt and salute with a
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Proper Salute”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: November 13, 2020
Dear Amy, I was recently a competitor at a USDF dressage show and I watched some other riders’ tests. I am confused by some of the rulings for decorating mane braids and tail braids, and for riding with seat covers on the saddle and nose nets on the bridle. I observed several riders who were
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge -Rule Clarifications”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: July 20, 2020
Dear Amy, I am going to be competing at the dressage Training Levels starting this summer. I know everyone says “remember to use your corners,” but I am not sure what that means and what the judges are looking for. I also don’t see where you get a score for the corners. I also wondered
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Using Your Corners”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: December 23, 2019
Dear Amy,I heard you were on the panel of judges at the U.S Dressage National Finals this year at the Kentucky Horse Park. Congratulations! I’m hoping someday to be able to participate as a competitor in the finals. I was wondering, how does riding a test in the Nationals differ from riding a test at
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – National Championships”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: December 23, 2019
Dear Amy , My horse and I will be competing at our first recognized dressage show this month. We will be trying out the Training Level. Can you give me some tips to avoid making beginner mistakes and ride a winning test? Dressage Newbie Dear Newbie, I am excited for you and your horse: welcome to
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Dressage Newbie”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: December 23, 2019
Dear Amy.I was recently a spectator at a USEF Dressage show. I enjoyed watching all the rides but I saw so many different outfits. I always thought dressage meant a black coat and white pants. At this show I saw many people not wearing a coat; someone was in a military uniform; there was a
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – What to Wear?”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: December 23, 2019
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
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Ring Etiquette”
Category: Ask the Judge
