By Michell Combs

Additional contributions by Missy Gilliland and Sarah Lindsten

Del Mar, CA was a wonderful place for the dressage judge clinic presented by Mike Osinski and Bill Warren on April 18-19, 2025. Arizona had fantastic representation with Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz, Ellie Stine-Masek, Beverly Rogers, Missy Gilliland, Sarah Lindsten and Michell Combs attending. Mike and Bill showed comradery and humbleness during the two days, and we saw many Grand Prix rides.

Missy says: “Mike and Bill are masters!”

Friday was an interesting training day. We utilized the BlackHorseOne technology. Many of the dressage judges in attendance had not used the platform before and so there was some time spent to get familiar with it. We judged tests or specific movements with our laptops or iPads and then reviewed the cumulative group scores. Saturday was live judging at the Del Mar show. We were lucky to spend most of the day watching Grand Prix and Prix St Georges tests.

With BlackHorseOne we had lively discussions. With this technology we were able to rewatch & pause the movements where we were the furthest off from each other. With live judging we need to be educated, secure and fast with what we see.

Sarah says: “(We) celebrate our shared commitment to dressage judging excellence!”

Sarah Lindsten said participating at the recent USEF/USDF Judges Clinic was an enriching experience that left me feeling inspired and motivated. I found it very beneficial to explore the online judging platform provided by Blackhorse, using Equestrian Hub. The large contingency of judges from Arizona brought a vibrant energy to the forum, highlighting the strength and dedication of our judging network. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn, engage, and celebrate our shared commitment to dressage judging excellence.

We reviewed many examples of rider’s “losing the haunches” of their horse in walk pirouettes and shoulder-in’s. We also saw many variations of contact issues with tongues – either with the tongue hanging out, or “lizard-like” or bulging. We were asked to look at the whole picture presented, but some concerns necessitate low scores. We noticed that many riders sit to the outside in a half-pass, which is a rider fault and can block or restrict the horse’s movement. We spent time reviewing walks – the quality, the overstep, and the purity – especially the purity before, during and after the walk pirouettes. Bill asked us to be picky about tracking in the walk and trot.

Missy and I both liked how much the group talked about horse welfare and how judges should take serious responsibility to uphold high standards of horsemanship in how we judge tests. Missy noted how impressive she thought the international judges were – how quickly they can gauge a horse’s basics (balance, impulsion, submission) while simultaneously watching how they execute the movements. It takes such skill, and Missy says they are absolute masters!

Michell says: “It was amazing to evaluate so many Grand Prix rides!”

We also talked at length about various degrees of faults or mistakes in movements and what that would do to the score. Bill & Mike had a generalized approach to scoring methodology where if a movement was recognizable, it would be a 5, if it was impressive, it would be 9-10. We reviewed the FEI Dressage Judging Manual which included a term called “firewall”. A firewall is a mistake where the score cannot be greater than a particular score. The manual provides some examples and case studies advising an appropriate score when observing common mistakes. For example, if a horse is uneven behind or in front, it must be below 5.  One counting mistake in the canter zig-zag would be 5.5 or lower.

Every single judge in attendance had to give feedback and judge a live test. Mike and Bill were supportive, helpful and encouraging.  In our group, we had a conversation about the unpleasant side of judging. Some judges have been sued over comments or scores and there is some politicking when working with ambitious riders or their ambitious parents.

Mike and Bill are looking forward to utilizing the BlackHorseOne technology to help develop greater uniformity and standards in our judge training. They want to prevent riders from being blindsided by the effects of mistakes when they get scores and comments at National Finals or other big-time shows.

BREATHE  *  BALANCE  *  BELIEVE

• Consider the dressage training pyramid as a set of rules, in a specific order. What elements will you require to make each rule (or level) true? Every horse needs its own unique way to accomplish the dressage pyramid scale. Use your tools, instincts, and training to make the necessary improvements.

1^st Rhythm                  2^nd Suppleness                       3^rd Connection

4^th Impulsion              5^th Straightness                      6^th Collection

• Set the tone of your ride in the warmup.
• Create the trot you want and vary it. Develop the canter you want and vary it. Don’t just accept your horse’s offered tempo.
• Athletic ability and staying connected to your aids are a result of you changing the tempo.
• Do not mentally or physically rest after performing a movement so therefore never allow a sloppy transition.
• Floppy reins or aggressive hands will never create the connection needed.
• The rider is part of the horse’s recycled energy flow.
• Fix bad habits, otherwise don’t complain about bad results.
• Say ‘whoops’ and move on (don’t hold on to problems that occur).
• Learn to sit in the saddle.
• Decide when to ride your horse’s brain and when to ride his body.
• Set up the movement and then let your horse carry you!
• Excessive kicking irritates the judge – teach the horse to stay active without constant reminders.
• You are an athlete. Treat yourself like one.
• Your horse needs to stretch and rest.
• It’s not about micromanaging your horse; it’s about setting expectations and holding the horse accountable.
• Don’t tell the judge you’re new to this level, nervous or may throw up. Smile and show confidence (act the part if needed).
• Mix up your rides. Some days are stamina conditioning days, some days are trail days, some days are stretching days, and some days are athletic conditioning days.
• Encourage yourself not to limit what your horse can do – occasionally test the boundaries and see if there is more that your horse can offer.
• It’s not always about what is going wrong. Train yourself to think about what is going right.
• Look for the small rewards then get out of the movement.
• To give your horse a break for a solid effort, ride forward on a loose rein, or give a self-carriage check (push your hands forward a beat or two), or ride a medium – do something forward then it’s ok to walk. The reward becomes moving forward with relaxation.
• If you are riding a test and something goes wrong, don’t overthink how to fix the horse. Fix yourself first and immediately – breathe, lower your shoulders, soften your elbows, guide with your seat. If you train yourself to fix YOU first, then you can always add finesse to help your horse, if needed. Fixing yourself will fix most problems.
• The priority isn’t riding your line, it is to supple and relax your horse.
• Allow yourself to change the way you ride, think, react & train.

Nothing changes until you change it.

2023 photo by Marilyn Sheldon

Izzy 2019 Second Level

Q (ADA): What started you on the path to becoming a judge?

A (Michell Combs): When I was still new to dressage, my trainer, Cyndi Jackson, thought attending a USDF L Program would be a great way to continue my education. I had been around horses and had ridden most of my life but lacked Dressage knowledge.

Q: What was the USDF L Program experience like for you?

A: The information was incredible, and a bit overwhelming. I was fascinated, eager to learn, as well as a little intimidated. There were some formulas, some “judgements” and a lot of rules to learn. We learned what the essence of each movement in a test was, what a modifying factor was, and what the main criteria was. We had to have a better understanding of the horse’s gaits, paces and movements, in addition to putting it all that together in the blink of an eye to provide a comment and score. The testing process was mentally stressful for me. At first, I wanted to pass the programs with high scores. Then, on testing day, I just wanted to pass!

Q: Why did you decide to continue the judge training to become a USEF licensed judge?

A: I discovered that I enjoyed judging. After receiving positive feedback on my comments, scores and further remarks, it just inspired me to continue. Plus, the best way to get better as a judge is to continue to learn and get evaluated. I looked over the application to be sure I had the qualifications needed to apply and then I did!

Q: What was the USEF small r program like?

A: My group was the last small r program done through USEF. It’s now run by USDF. After applying, I waited several years to get assigned to a program. From there, I took an online program, started sitting with approved judges to learn how they do their craft, and then flew to New York for the part 1 and part 2/testing for the program. In between the two programs, which is somewhat similar to the L Program, I went to shows and judged classes. The classes I judged didn’t get scored by the show. I met with the “C” judge to be evaluated. He or she had to answer questions about my professionalism, my skills and we also had to compare how I placed the class with how that judge placed the class. For me, the hardest part is testing. It’s amazing how hard it is for me not to overthink or second guess myself, or not get intimidated about measuring up to the high standards.

Q: Now that you are a USEF licensed small r judge, what next?

A: Of course, to enjoy judging rated shows. I’ve had my small r a couple of years and now meet the requirements to join the large R program, so I’m waiting to be assigned into the new training program.

Q: What is the best part of being a judge?

A: The list is endless. I love to judge. I enjoy helping riders by providing quality comments and appropriate scores to help them with their dressage journey. I enjoy the comradery with other judges, show managers and show staff. I always enjoy the volunteers, particularly the scribe, who I spend a lot of time with at each show.  I enjoy travelling – seeing new places, new show venues, and seeing new horses and riders. I am still learning and developing my skills. Being a judge helps me become a better rider and trainer. The horse-world is a great community and judging is my way to give back to my favorite sport!

Q: What advice do you have to anyone thinking about becoming a judge?

A: Do it! If you love education and want to see the horse show world from another perspective, start by scribing to get a feel for what a judge does and what we’re responsible for. Then take the USDF L Program. It’s a great, well-thought-out program. Along the way, remember to keep your sense of humor and humility. As in riding Dressage, we’re aiming for Excellence, not Perfection!

Debbie McDonald & Michell Combs

By Michell Combs

Debbie McDonald gave a two-day dressage clinic at Carefree Farms, coordinated by Michell Combs, October 26 & 27.

Debbie, who likely needs no introduction to our community, is an American dressage icon who works with the U.S. Dressage teams. She literally just returned to the States from Denmark where she supported the U.S. riders for the World Equestrian Games. Debbie served as the USEF’s Dressage Development Coach for about four years before taking on the Chef d’Equipe role for three years. She coached and guided three of her athletes and their horses to the Olympics, including 2012 London participants Adrienne Lyle and Wizard and Rio 2016 team bronze medalists Laura Graves and Verdades and Kasey Perry-Glass and Gorklintgaards Dublet. As an athlete, Debbie has impressive achievements with Brentina. Their accolades included a 1999 Pan American Games team and individual gold medal, an Athens 2004 Olympic team bronze medal, a WEG 2002 team silver and 2006 team bronze medal. Debbie was the first American to win a FEI World Cup Dressage Final in 2003. Debbie is heading to Florida next.

Gems from day 1:

• Wide hands causes shoulders to lean forward
• When the horse pulls don’t take the legs off
• You are in control of the tempo
• Let him know you are not going to hold him
• A little flexion can take the tension away
• You get more expression when the back is soft
• Between every half-halt is the thought of stretch
• If you give him too much help he comes against the hand
• Stretch up and use your seat
• Make him wait then take him forward

And so much more!

Gems from day 2:

• Don’t keep the neck so straight all the time
• You be precise -no rushing
• Pet him all over – make him feel good about himself
• Don’t be in a hurry – get organized
• Getting into the canter isn’t the problem – getting him light off the aids is what you address
• Don’t fix the mouth – fix your legs
• Inside rein to flex and bend – outside rein is tempo control
• Not so straight – be supple
• Hold the rein – don’t pull it
• When the neck gets higher and longer that means your reins are too long
• Don’t fight – position
• If you position she’ll let go
• Legs give him a hug so he won’t break
• Don’t wiggle
• There has to be motion with the arm
• A flying change that is late in front is a connection issue whereas late behind is an aid issue
• Close your knee and sit up – teach that to be the collection aid

And so much more!

Thanks to Devoucoux for sponsoring lunch on Wednesday and showing off their lovely saddles, Martin Pro Therapy Services, Joan & Mark Gasperak, and Karen Bjorn! Of course, nothing is possible without Laura Borghesani and all the work she and her team put in at the farm! Thanks to our horses, riders, owners and auditors. I’m so happy for us all to share the experience.

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!