Dressage Symposium: The Judges View

Last weekend I was lucky enough to get to ride in the California Dressage Society’s annual Symposium. The panel of presenters was Mike Osinki, Jan Curtis, Melissa Creswick, and Hilda Gurney. I rode 4th Level Test 2 with Kensington and the Grand Prix with Natasha and got feedback from these judges. Here were my biggest takeaways from the event.

Ride the horse you have:
Dressage is not all about winning and getting the highest score. It is about the partnership and the bond that you have with your horse. It is more important to give your horse confidence and to ride with harmony and feel than to win.

Focus on your position:
You must sit up straight, keep your heels down, and ride with subtle and effective aids. The judges DO take this into account and it does matter. Throughout the day, the judges made small changes and tweaks that did end up making a big difference in the horses and the overall presentation. After all - only a rider in the correct position can give the correct aids!

Judges Judge to a Standard:
The same 1-10 scale applies whether you’re Charlotte Dujardin on Valegro or it is your first time competing at a small local show. So don’t get too discouraged by a “low” score. Mr. Osinki also mentioned something that I did not know called a fire wall. In my Grand Prix Test on Natasha, I had a counting mistake in the canter half pass zig zag. He gave me a five and explained that if there is a mistake in a movement, the judge must give a 5 - even if the basics are correct and the overall impression of the horse is good.

I want to thank the California Dressage Society for putting together this wonderful event. There were over 350 spectators - even though it was wet and rainy! It is so important for the sport that we continue to learn and support these educational events! I was honored to participate in the event and it was a great experience for my horses.

[kendyvarble]

Thank you for sharing! You are so good at explaining everything!

[amandafrench]

Your point about the judges working to "a standard" is pertinent indeed. I've not ridden many test's but have been around a lotta shows and its the one thing I perceive riders/owners forgetting when they go over their scores, mark by mark. Movement by movement plus judges comments if there are any. Thanks for putting this post out there Amelia. Go 100, 00! :)

[joelbailey]

Great information video. Kudos for your performance. I train with a Grand Prix coach and judge. Thanks for sharing Amelia.

[MillsandMe]

Great job!! I admire your bravery and passion for learning more about our sport.

[katharinenewman]

Maybe you mean to say "objective" as opposed to subjective...?? I am interpreting that you are indicating that the judges are doing their best to ideally judge from a same set of standards for all riders/horses regardless of characteristics of horse and rider... I absolutely love all your videos and hope you continue doing this! I have learned so many things to improve my dressage riding. You are concise and have great teaching techniquies.
Thanks!!

[animallover]

This is great symposium what judges look for. What about the politics that run rampant in our sport ??? Not a wonderful topic but a fact of sport . Would love your input on this subject

[pkchateau]

This was so informative to watch. How difficult it must have been to have the judges' narration going on while you were riding the test! What a challenge of concentration. Thank you for modeling how important it is to participate in clinics and symposiums when possible in order to advance our skills.

[judysorensen]

My Super Star! I enjoy and learn so much from your programs!

[vernalin]

You and horses look good! And very interesting to hear the judge's comments on what they wanted done! Thanks for sharing this.

[mimiazrinabubakar]

How can I buy yr vest and cap..they are awesome

[terriwallace]

Thanks for sharing Amelia. You looked great what an experience to do this. You are the best and don’t know how you do all you do, but very glad you do it.!

[lameesmo]

Hi Amelia, Thank you for everything u doing!, I would like to ask u about problem i have with my mare, whan i get her on the bit she is slowing down and she doesn’t respon whan i ask her to go forward. And I’m sorry if my English not very good