By amymcelroy
Posted: July 22, 2022
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
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Wondering About Judging”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: July 22, 2022
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
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Musical Freestyles”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: March 22, 2022
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
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – Confused About Clothes”
Category: Ask the Judge
By amymcelroy
Posted: January 17, 2022
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
Continue Reading “Ask the Judge – 2022 Dressage Rules Update”
Category: Ask the Judge
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
