Equestrian Life September 2017 Issue

the working in. We have also
seen many different trainers
helping their riders and were very
lucky to observe some training
sessions with Carl Hester who
was helping some British riders
on the Team test day, this was
truly inspirational. To then watch
the riders perform their tests and
witness the live scoreboard that
gives you each movement as it
happens and each judge’s score
brings me on to my next point.
WHY THE DIFFERENCE?
It’s that time of year again when
many riders have been out
competing at Championships and
there are often multiple judges
at different positions around the
arena. This brings me on to my
point of watching a dressage test
from different viewpoints. There
is often discussion amongst riders
on forums etc about how the
scores can be so different...as a
rider and judge myself I can totally
see both views but how often have
I challenge you to go and watch
some dressage and view from the
short side of the arena and then
change your view and watch from
the long side of the arena.
you just spent time just watching
dressage tests? I challenge you to
go and watch some dressage and
view from the short side of the
arena and then change your view
and watch from the long side of
the arena. The same horse and
rider can look quite different from
these different viewpoints. For
example if you have a horse that
is a bit short in the neck or has the
mouth opening at times this will
be clearer to see for the judges
on the long side to comment on
as opposed to the judges on the
short side. This can also mean
that every mark from the judges
on the long side may be lower
for most movements than the
judges on the short side hence
this brings a significant difference
to the scores. The same goes for
straightness of the horse, this is
viewed clearer from some points
around the arena, likewise if the
horse is crooked it can be very
clear to see especially if the horse
is going directly towards a judge.
So next time you encounter some
different scores, take a look at
the overall picture and try and
understand more fully what the
difference in scores is telling you.
Enjoy your riding this month and
don’t miss an opportunity to look
and learn!
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