What Is Dressage? What Is Dressage Judging?

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What Is Dressage? What Is Dressage Judging?; By Jane Kidd
Topic Started: May 15 2007, 11:10 AM (1,250 Views)
Aby Latham-Moore	May 15 2007, 11:10 AM Post #1
Administrator Posts: 80 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: October 13, 2006	Judging Dressage By Jane Kidd Whenever we think about Dressage we turn to the international authorities, the FEI, for their leadership. They define the object of dressage as the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple; loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider". If in doubt as to whether a test or movement was good or bad, turn to this objective and decide how much it fulfilled these concepts. Dressage is first and foremost about the harmony between horse and rider. For judges that is the principle that over rides all others. The other important general principle is that the horse is working in a way that is classical and will help him progress towards advanced levels in dressage. There are many ways of describing what is classical but the FEI authorities have concluded that it is the Scales of Training that have been best tested over the years and explain most clearly what is a classical way of going. Therefore when judging each and every movement judges should look first to see whether the combination has shown rhythm, suppleness, contact (at Preliminary levels), in addition impulsion, and straightness (at novice level) and collection from Elementary upwards. The degree of the Scale at each level will increase as the tests become more advanced. The Suppleness needed for a Preliminary horse is much less that for a Medium horse and a great deal less than a Prix St Georges horse. Any judge should build up very clear pictures of each of the Scales, the amount appropriate to each level and for it to become second nature to assess them in each and every movement. The other aspect of assessing a movement is the technical side. Take for example a circle of 20 metres diameter in working trot. The judge assesses the accuracy of the size and shape, and the uniformity of the bend along the line of the circle. With medium and extended paces they must decide on the degree of extension achieved and with lateral movements they must assess the correctness of the position of the movement and at higher levels the technical requirements of pirouettes, tempi changes, piaffe and passage, i.e. number of steps required. Directives are now supplied on BD Test and Score Sheets for each movement up to Medium level. The FEI also supplies directives on all their Score Sheets. They help judges, riders and trainers to identify what is the essence of the movement, what are the most important points to achieve in order to earn a high mark. In a test judges can ask their writers to underline a directive (as they do for the collective marks) to show where the problem was in the movement. From the above it is clear that a judge has to balance many points when deciding on a mark. Some of the points may be good or very good and others only satisfactory or fairly good. Judging is a balancing act and to do this as quickly as is needed to produce a mark means that this knowledge has to be second nature to the judge. Watching training, reading books, sitting in with experienced judges, watching videos and DVDs, attending conventions and seminars and plenty of practice are the key elements in developing the skills of judging. Knowledge and quick thinking are not the only features of good judging. The judge has to be fair minded, honest and unprejudiced. British judges have a great reputation for their integrity and this is a reputation we want to keep!. Conflicts of interests (eg judge owns or trains a horse in the class), are to be avoided but if not possible, then it is important that they are declared. A positive constructive approach towards judging is important. Most competitors will have spent many hours training, and put a great deal of effort into producing their horse to be assessed by the judge. This needs to be respected by the judge. It is easy to criticise, be negative and unnecessarily upset competitors. Most learn much more from constructive comments, from being told what is good in their work, and judges should never lose sight that for most competitors this is their hobby and should be fun. Finally most competitors read the judges' comments avidly. It is important that they are clear and helpful. There is not the time to say much, so it is important to develop the skill of being concise, constructive and clear. The best way towards this is practice. Remember too that the marks are the most important thing, getting into a rhythm in producing them is helpful, so do not try to say everything you want to if it means getting behind with the marks and out of a rhythm. Save up the important points for your general comments at the end. Good judging! F.E.I. 121. OBJECT AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES a) The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider. b ) These qualities are revealed by: i) The freedom and regularity of the paces; ii) The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements iii) The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hind quarters originating in a lively impulsion. iv) The acceptance of the bridle, with submissiveness throughout and without any tenseness or resistance. c) The horse thus gives the impression of doing of his own accord what is required of him. Confident and attentive he submits generously to the control of his rider….. The rest of the F.E.I Definitions of Paces and Movements can be found under the section Making a Good Judge


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