It’s in the Judge’s Hands

The November 1-2, 2025, ADA Fall Fiesta horses show at West World included a group of six large R (Registered) apprentice candidates and Hilda Gurney, of Keenridge Farm, who is a two-time Olympian, trainer, coach, and judge. She is one of the most respected names in dressage. Hilda was brought in to be the mentor and evaluator of our apprenticeship group. The candidates came from California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Arizona.

The USEF/USDF large R program is designed to educate and evaluate candidates to see if they are qualified to judge Third and Fourth level at USEF licensed dressage shows. Hilda told the group, “It’s in the judge’s hands if this sport survives.” She’s very clear, direct and supportive of horses, riders and judge candidates. Our learning from Hilda comes from such rich experiences that she so readily shares.

There are many requirements to fulfill within the program, and part of the apprenticing requirements include judging a certain number of rides and classes at a minimum of three licensed open-breed dressage shows. To encourage rider participation at these levels, the group offered a financial incentive for the top combined percentage for the two competition days for Third level test 3 and Fourth level test 3.

“Our words should build up riders” – Hilda Gurney

Some gems shared from Hilda’s education were:

• It’s our job to encourage riders to build our sport.
• The riders are only doing the HARDEST sport there is.
• Discern if the rider was helping the horse enough.
• Our words should build up riders, that’s what helps them be more effective.
• Riders should not be bouncing so be sure to teach more no-stirrup riding.
• Where can we direct the rider’s attention: seat stability, following mechanics, preparation for movements? We might need to say on the rider’s test “needs to be more impactful on helping the horse through this test”.
• What is the root problem of what we see?
• Try not to only see the results of the problem but try to observe the why. For example, if we don’t see enough collection think about the root cause – is it from the lack of impulsion, or maybe the lack of straightness? What is the basis of the problem?
• The horse’s balance affects the quality of the gaits.
• If the rider is riding the correct energy and balance, the gaits will be improved.
• You can do this sport your whole life (note that Hilda is in her 80’s and rides 8-10 horses every morning before teaching the rest of her day).
• It takes less time to become a doctor, lawyer, or most any other highly educated profession than it does to become a USEF licensed S (Senior) dressage judge.
• Make comments that help riders, in a positive way, understand and improve their riding skills when they make mistakes.
• Be cognizant of how much time and money goes into developing an upper-level horse and becoming an upper-level rider.

“It takes less time to become… most any other highly educated profession than it does to become a USEF licensed S dressage judge”. – Hilda Gurney

The candidates in our apprenticeship group express a very appreciative thank you to the owners, riders, and, of course, horses that were in the third and fourth levels classes at this show. We give a warm thank you to the scribes that volunteered their time to spend with us. Many said they enjoyed it and learned a lot from our group. Thank you to the Arizona Dressage Association and the show management for their continued support to promote judge’s education. I personally always enjoy being around Hilda Gurney and learning from her. Thank you to Hilda Gurney, and her helper for the weekend, Mary Zhou. Welcome back to Arizona any time!

More information about Hilda Gurney can be found at www.hildagurneydressage.com