Scores rolled in fairly quickly for our virtual dressage show. For the most part, it seems things lined up pretty well, but I was definitely scoring things I felt vs. what you could see. If you want to see the videos, they are at the bottom of this post.

Novice A

TestMy Comments/ScoresJudge’s Comments/Scores
1. A
C
Enter working trot
Track left
mostly straight. could be more steady in contact
7.0
Fairly good center line
Shows bend in corner.
7.0
2. ECircle left 20 meters, working trotcould have more bend
6.5
Fairly good rhythm and size of circle.
7..0
3. A-CSerpentine of two loops working trotshow clearer change of bend
6.5
Needs slightly better change in flexion.
6.5
4. BCircle right, 20 meters working trotcould have more bend. btr second half
6.5
Clear rhythm
7.0
5. Between
F and A
Medium WalkLoss of rhythm in transition. more march.
6.0
Smooth transition but then needs more forward.
7.0
6. K-X-MFree WalkGood stretch. More march & overtrack.
6.5
Needs more swing through back but willing and stretching well.
7.5
7. Approaching M
M – C
Develop Medium Walk
Medium Walk
resistant to contact
6.0
accurate
7.0
8. CWorking Trotabove bit
5.5
fairly smooth transition
7.0
9. E – B
Between centerline and B
Half circle left 20M working trot
working canter left lead
above bit
6.0
No Comment
7.0
10. BCircle left 20 metersCould use more impulsion
6.5
Fairly good balance
7.0
11. Between B and MWorking Troton forehand
6.0
nicely forward
7.0
12. H-X-FChange rein, working trotmostly good
7.0
becomming hurried after x
6.5
13. E – B
Between centerline and B
Half circle right 20M working trot
working canter left lead
Good bend. transition could be more prompt.
6.5
Smooth transition
7.0
14. BCircle right 20 metersCircle a bit big
6.5
Fairly balanced on circle
7.0
15. Between B and FWorking Troton forehand
6.0
nicely forward
7.0
16. ADown Centerlinestraight
7.5
accurate on centerline then straight
7.5
17. XHalt, Salutemostly square
7.0
(OMG why did I salute with my whip hand)
fairly balanced halt
7.0
Collective MarksMy scoresJudge’s Scores
Gaits6.56.5
Impulsion7.07.0
Submission6.5 more acceptance of bit and lightness of forehand7.0
Rider6.5 omg what are your hands doing7.0
overall judges comments: Very steady, accurate test. nice job!

Total Score: 30.24

Ok, so I do think the judge was a bit generous, but we were in the top 3 of our class. So overall, I think the score might be a bit low, but we did do a good job executing it. I really need to stop pushing down the trotting diagonals. It used to help us when she would get a bit behind my leg, but now that she is more forward (especially when carrying a whip), it just makes her rush.

I do think that I scored more what I felt vs. what you could see in the video. But I was happy that most of my comments lined up with the judge’s.

Novice B:

TestMy Comments/ScoresJudge’s Comments/Scores
1. A
C
Enter working trot
Track right
straight & forward
7.5
Slightly unsteady in turn
6.5
2. B
E
Turn right working trot
track left working trot
Could show more bend and better balance
6.5
Fairly good. More flexion
7.0
3. ACircle left, 20 meters working trotGood
7.0
Clear rhythm. Fairly good size
7.0
4. Between
A and F
Working Canter left leadfussy into canter
6.0
Smooth transition
7.0
5. BCircle left 20 meters working canterGood
7.0
fairly good balance and size
7.5
6. Between B and MWorking TrotOn forehand
5.5
Steady into trot
7.0
7. CCircle left 20 meters working trot,
allowing horse to stretch forward
and downward. Before C shorten
reins
Could show more consistent stretch.
6.0
some stretching and quickened tempo
6.5
8. ETurn left working trot. B track right
working trot
Could show more bend and better balance
6.5
Fairly good change of flexion and bend.
7.0
9. ACircle left 20 meters working trotmore bend needed
6.5
Fairly steady
7.0
10. Between A and KWorking canter right leadBetter transition
7.0
Could be more supple. Falling in a little.
6.5
11. ECircle right 20 meters working trotLeaning in.
6.0
loss connection
6.5
12. Between E and HWorking trotBetter transition
6.5
accurate & balanced
7.0
13. CMedium Walkneeds more forward
6.5
could cover more ground but shows stretch
7.0
14. M-X-KChange rein free walkGood stretch and march
7.0
clear difference
7.5
15. Approaching K
K-A
Develop medium walk
Medium walk
Head wagging in transition. Walk could be more forward.
6.5
no comment
7.0
16. A
F-X-G
Working Trot
Onto center line
Early. above bit. Crooked to center line.
5.5
nice up transition
7.5
17. GHalt, SaluteMostly square
7.0
fairly balanced
7
Collective MarksMy Scores & CommentsJudge’s Scores
Gaits6.56.5
Impulsion7.07.0
Submission6.5 lightness of forehand and more balanced transitions7.0
Rider6.5 omg what are your hands doing7.0
Judge’s overall comments: well done. Very steady & willing

Total Score: 30.48

So this one scored slightly higher than my other one. But like when I scored them, they actually came out pretty similar. This test FELT worse than the other one, but on video, looked pretty much in line. I am happy that the judge and I seemed pretty well aligned on our comments. I guess I need to be less critical of my down transitions.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Sara

    Your scores were very spot on. Good job on two solid tests.

    1. Emily - May As Well Event

      Thanks! It was a cool exercise and good to see that I am pretty aware of what we should be striving for!

  2. Stacie Seidman

    It’s definitely nice to know you’re on the same page as what a judge is thinking! Great job on both tests!

  3. martidoll123

    way too much dressage for me (Ha) but glad that the scores were better (and even if generous :))….

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