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| Para Dressage Judging; What training is required? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 25 2008, 10:05 PM (1,709 Views) | |
| Prelude | Feb 25 2008, 10:05 PM Post #1 |
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Can anyone explain to me what type of training a judge must attend before judging para dressage tests? There seems to be no set standard or guidelines, and consequently I have seen a wide variation in the level of judging - with some more experienced judges being particularly strict and others being over-generous and often giving scores over 70% when they are not necessarily deserved. Does attendance at RDA judge training suffice? Is RDA judging the same as para dressage judging, when the RDA riders tend to be mounted on more 'ordinary' horses and the para riders are now riding 'dressage horses'. I would be interested to hear the judges' views on this and to find out what they are looking for in para tests, and how much training they've had. Is it hard for them to focus on the horse and not get distracted by a rider's disability? |
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| Donna Johnston | Feb 26 2008, 11:02 AM Post #2 |
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Don't know the answer to your question but I've had a few para's compete in ordinary classes and its really quite difficult sometimes when the disability is quite severe. |
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| Steve Smith | Mar 3 2008, 05:01 PM Post #3 |
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For BD classes, the isn't actually any formal requirement either way. It is "encouraged" that List 4+ (Non Qualifier) and List 3+ (Qualifier) are used for para classes - but there is no training requirement as things are judged exactly the same way, albeit that the collective marks are awarded slightly differently. RDA judging is different from para judging, but a day with Inger will prepare you for both. RDA is often at a much lower level of ability (but not necessarily so - and don't confuse riding ability with physical disability) and on more riding school type horses (but not necessarily so). It is difficult not to be distracted by the disability (and thence to over or under mark ... but I guess that is why BD "prefer" more senior judges for the qualifiers) - but that comes with familiarity. |
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| Jane Atack | Mar 11 2008, 08:55 PM Post #4 |
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For RDA as Steve has said a course with Inga is usually sufficient. Para judging is a different matter. If a para presents in a regular BD class you judge it the same as everyone else. Para is short for parallel so you will find that the Paras expect no charity quota and resent the idea that they may have achieved pity marks. One should however be a little more careful with comments, needs to more in front of leg forinstance may not, in some cases, be appropriate. But needs more energy or impulsion, or needs to be more on the aids is fine. As the grade 4 test is medium standard list 3 or above really need to be judging the para tests, and usually do. Chris Porterfield recently did a para judge training evening at Vale View which was very interesting. |
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| Chris Porterfield | Mar 16 2008, 05:04 PM Post #5 |
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As Jane has oulined RDA is a good grounding for all wanting to become a para judge,to be familiar with aids of specialised tack allowed etc, There is now a pathway for judges interested in becoming a Para judge to provide training and understanding . .List 3 and above can become National Para Judges with requirements of attending seminar and practical judge training with written paper for application to judge. List 2 and above can become National or qualify to become FEI international judges by attendance at Seminar and with shown judging experience . We are world leaders in both Judging and Training due to Inger Bryant and Jane Goldsmiths efforts which we now build on for the future. Judge training sessions,seminars , DVD evenings will be implemented country wide and be advertised in BD news under regions and on the BD website . We also have Talent Spotting which is held at Vale View in February,this year with Kyell Myore from Norway. Very happy to answer questions etc by E-mail c.porterfield@ntlworld.com |
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| sidesaddle | Mar 18 2008, 06:20 PM Post #6 |
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For anybody interested there is going to be a para judge DVD training evening in Cheshire on 21st April. This is being run by Pam Rigby, the BD regional para rep and being taken by Sarah Rogers. I believe it will be listed in the next BD schedule and Pam's details are listed in the same place or, I believe, on the BD website. All those interested are welcome to attend - so please come.
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| Prelude | Apr 6 2008, 04:18 PM Post #7 |
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I'm not actually a judge but I am heavily invovled in para dressage and attend a number of para competitions including internationals. My original query was raised as I am concerned at the wide variation in marks, which is particularly noticable if you follow the scores from the Winter and Spring Para Qualifiers. One show in particular showed a very wide variation, and that was Vale View on 17 Feb where scores ranged from 51-81%!!! I totally understand that Grade I and II tend to achieve the higher marks, but one Grade II rider achieved over 80%, having scored just 64% the day before at Richmond. Could she really improve 16% overnight? Even though none of our World Class Performance squad were present, at Blue Barn yesterday top scores were well over 70% which would have given these riders gold medals at the World Championships! Should the marks achieved at National level reflect the marks the rider would achieve at International level or even in BD competition of a similar level, or should riders expect scores of up to 10% above what they could achieve in other competitions? I would be interested to hear what judges think of these variations. Anyone interested in the scores can find them at www.para-equestrian.com |
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8:17 AM Jul 11