What judges look for

When you want the best ...go to the top.

All of my pupils, if they are serious competitors are required to - very soon after we start working together - attend a judge's clinic.  Very few of them will ever want to actually judge, I encourage them to attend judge's clinics so they can learn, correctly, what the judges really are looking for.

One of the main reasons is that there are so many "opinions" out there, and it's very important to stop "listening to the locals" and start to listen to the people that matter...the judges!

No matter if you are involved in pony club, adult riding club, an official dressage club, or para-equestrian competition - more can be achieved in attending a one Judge's Clinic than any other way I can think of.

Run by your local Federation or Association, a Judge's Clinic is normally 1 or 2 days specially designed to help train your eye, build your confidence & knowledge, and see how the movements should look.

The best way to find out what the judge is looking for is to go to their clinics!!!  They have clinics for all levels - even for beginners, and they normally cost very little.  Just contact your local Association or Federation.  In the meantime - some very important reading:

1. The Official Version: What do judges look for?

2. Free Dressage Tests (Australian)

3. Correct descriptions of every movement & requirement  (EFA Rules - even has pictures *smile*)

4. FEI Rules:  Read the FEI Rules.  Covering higher level tests & movements - & special note on "rider position"

THE POSITION AND AIDS OF THE RIDER Article 418 (Pg 18) 

Article 418 THE POSITION AND AIDS OF THE RIDER

1. All the movements should be obtained with invisible aids and without apparent effort of the rider. The rider should be well balanced, elastic, sitting deep in the centre of the saddle and smoothly joining the rhythm of the horse with his loins and hips supple, thighs and legs steady and well stretched downwards. The heels must be the lowest point. The upper part of the body should be easy, free and erect on the vertical. The hands should be carried steady and low and close together, with the thumb as the highest point and independent from the seat. The elbows should be close to the body, enabling the rider to follow the movements of the horse smoothly and freely.....There shall always be the impression of a harmonious co-operation between horse and rider.

Official International Rules can be found at www.horsesport.org