ASK THE EXPERTS – June 2009

Q: Why is it that dressage judges’ comments always seem to be negative, regardless of the score? Is it me, or do they tend to focus on what is wrong rather than what is correct? Whatever happened to constructive criticism? Sincerely, Thin Skin

A: Dear Thin Skin, To better understand this frequently asked question and ultimately its answer we must look at both the competitor’s and the judge’s point of view.

After months of training and personal sacrifices, competitors enter at “A” with a lot of emotional investment and often think during the test “Blaze’s halt was much better than last time” or “Sugar only took one trot step in that simple change instead of three”. While a rider’s evaluation is a comparative one based on history, the judge is making a purely qualitative evaluation. The judge has been trained to first consider the quality of the gait by assessing if there is a clear and correct rhythm and its brilliance or lack thereof. Next the judge assesses whether the essence of the movement is executed (i.e., was a 20 meter trot circle ridden? did the horse halt?) and finally how well the movement was ridden. This is where balance, engagement, acceptance of contact, roundness of the circle, etc. are evaluated. A cumulative score is given for that movement. With 20 to 30 movements occurring in a five minute test, time is of the essence preventing in-depth commentary. In addition to judging the test, the judge must make sure that their scribe is keeping up with them. Being concise is the best way to prevent mistakes as well as ending the day with a frazzled scribe.

According to USEF rule DR 122.7(a): Judges are required to comment on a score of 6 and below, and encouraged to comment throughout the test to explain why the score was not a "10". This automatically puts the comments in a "needs more...." context. For example: a canter-trot transition at first level may score a 7 with comment: “stiffened slightly”. This means that the transition was executed fairly well but would have scored higher if the throughness had been maintained. If read in this manner one can see that the judge’s comment is indeed constructive. The collective scores reflect the body of the test, and final comments are used to summarize the ride but also to affirm riders (i.e., capable pair, talented horse, etc.).

Riders would benefit by learning what the judge is evaluating in each movement (directives), know what each score means (i.e., “6” satisfactory, “7” fairly good….) and then use the comments to understand how you can improve. This approach turns a comment that looks negative at first glance into helpful guidance. Auditing an USDF “L” Program can help you with this. Judges have been entrusted with an important job and take it very seriously. Regardless of the long hours and the mentally fatiguing task, they strive to be fair and accurate with the rider’s and the horse’s best interest at heart.

Donna Kelly's riding experience has spanned the globe – from Japan to both coasts of the U.S., to Switzerland; and has ranged from Western stock seat and hunter/jumpers, to dressage. Kelly, who has earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals and is an "L" Graduate with Distinction, teaches and trains at her BayMare Meadows Farm in Oak Ridge. When she isn’t teaching or riding, Kelly devotes her time to her family – husband Michael, son Justin (17) and daughter Grace (13).