Comments on: Dressage Judges’ Pet Peeves

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:52:33 +0000

I have appreciated most judges comments as helpful, constructive and positive, as a competitor I hate the word fussy. I know the horse is tossing it head and running through the aids, please use a better word, more descriptive. I also love to braid, I will even braid for a lesson at home, I think the young horses need to get used to the process, part of the obedience expected . We live in the north and do not trim tails so I also brade tails. I can get an obedient horse braided in about 25 min, mane and tail, not to Olympic levels but 14 buttons and a good tail.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 09:42:54 +0000

So sick of Judges “holier than thou” attitude. It seems to me that many Dressage Judges forget that they are getting paid and not doing a “Public Service”. So sick of the frowning negativity that comes from the box! Either get some positivity, kindness, and a smile, or get out!

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:56:52 +0000

I am a judge in Australia and we use the same tests as the US. I agree with most of the judges pet peeves. Learn your test! Never be harsh, cruel or lose your temper with your horse. Presentation? Clean, neat presentation shows you care. As for bling or a bit of colour, I don’t mind it at all and it certainly will not affect your horses way of going. I have had lessons with top international riders who encourage the use of voice! A murmured “good boy” or “steady” to settle or sooth your horse is unlikely to draw the attention of the judges, while “clucking” to enhance your leg aids is more likely to draw attention and shows your horse is not reacting well enough to your aids. My personal pet peeves, and I would really like a stamp made up because I see it so often, is riders who show lengthened strides or medium paces, but then do not show a transition back to the working pace. There is generally a separate mark for the transitions and the rider just throws away marks by not showing one in and out of the lengthened pace, it also prevents the judge from seeing if the horse is showing the desired tendency to show engagement and an ability to shift the weight back to the quarters. My other pet peeve, if your test allows you to show rising trot, please make sure you are on the correct diagonal :-). Serpentines and circles do not go into the corners in lower levels, at all other times, ride into the corners!

By: barbara

barbara — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:54:35 +0000

ok, i believe that i have ridden in front of all three of these judges and found them to be fair, and just as important, helpful. BUT- one is peeved because a rider “hasn’t bothered” to ride in a standard size arena? well-not everyone has has access. or a trailer. please believe that we do the best we can, with limited time and funds. another doesn’t like “bling?” i am not fond of a lot of it either. but, well, it’s legal. i’m glad you can put it out of your mind while judging. finally-braiding? yes, i braid. but i hate it and i wish that there wasn’t so much peer pressure(and now judge pressure) to do it. a well groomed horse with a neat mane looks just fine. and the rider didn’t have to pay someone, or get up at 4 am to struggle with braids. which most horses HATE and try to rub out anyway.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 17:33:23 +0000

The hardest part for me is not talking to my horse! I like to praise them out loud and reassure them that they are doing well. I don’t know how some people can get so impatient with their horse like that. Dressage is harmony, as any equestrian sport is, and a team effort. If the rider is using muscle power to handle the horse, there’s a problem. I suggest those riders to take a few horsemanship reviews and see how much better they can do if they take the time to remember that their horses are as alive as we are.

By: Mason Craimer

Mason Craimer — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:00:54 +0000

This will really help me during all shows including the dressage show that i will be going to this weekend!

By: med

med — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:39:41 +0000

Neat to hear som of the judges peeves.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:23:31 +0000

Totally understndable. I would like to compete in dressage, so now I can look at this artical. I think I’ll skim through it again.

By: Nichole

Nichole — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:22:24 +0000

This is a very, very good article. I am in wholehearted agreement.

By: Aly

Aly — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 00:51:13 +0000

Correctly Said