Review of the 2022 USEF/USDF Dressage Judges’ mini clinic

April 13, 2022

photo by Michele Dodge

Missy Gilliland, Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz, Ellie Stine-Masek and I represented Arizona dressage judges at the mini clinic with instructor Jane Weatherwax, an FEI 4star dressage judge, at the Murieta Equestrian Center, near Sacramento, CA. There was a great group of judges at the clinic, including Hilda Gurney, J Ashton Moore, who co-created the dressage glossary, and many of our judge friends. Although a bit chilly and very windy, we enjoyed learning from each other.

 

We observed second level through Grand Prix rides, took turns judging movements out loud (no matter our USEF judging letter), as well as listening to how Jane would judge. We discussed in-depth the quality of the horses, their movements and the amount of collection needed for Prix St. George since we need more than the lower levels but less than Grand Prix.

 

Ellie Stine-Masek said that she enjoyed the discussion about biomechanics in the execution of the movements and how conformation effects the biomechanics. She noted that we had several good examples to watch.

 

Missy Gilliland said that it is inspiring to be around a group of educated, dedicated professionals in our sport.  She say, “my takeaway from watching the weekend is how important it is to communicate clearly with our equine partners. From the most basic test to the Grand Prix, the challenge is still to clearly communicate with our aids what we want our horses to accomplish with their bodies.”

 

Some fun and educational take-aways from the weekend were:

  • Why have a scale if you don’t go above 7 or below 4?
  • Have a scale with compassion.
  • Ask yourself if the horse and rider look comfortable at this level? It they don’t appear overtaxed they might be in the 70+% range.
  • Try to be on the rider’s side if you can.
  • We are the last line to advocate for the horse.
  • Don’t make the scribe hate you! Discuss the essence of a problem in one sentence in the boxes and then teach a little in the further remarks.
  • Remember to be positive.

 

 

Other notes I took were:

  • Always mention if the mouth is open.
  • The rein back tells a lot in the test – and it is always about submission.
  • Tempi’s – check that they are the same left and right.
  • Mention lack of bend in a canter (or walk) pirouette because bending is what makes the movement hard – don’t skip that detail!
  • If a medium or extended is “flashy”, make sure it is also over the back.
  • In the extended walk we want to see the poll even with the withers.
  • In order for a medium or extended pace to get a score of 7 or more, it must have cadence.
  • Don’t get hung up on legs. Look at the whole picture – including the topline!

 

 

On the non-judging side of the trip, Missy and I had an excellent Italian dinner Saturday evening! With wine, gnocchi, ravioli, risotto (with the freshest peas I’ve ever sampled), and Crème Brulé – wow, it was a treat!

 

We hope the dressage showing community reaps the benefit of what we learned this past weekend. See you at the shows!