Guide to dressage scores

This is a companion article to my series "Surviving your first dressage test". This article briefly covers dressage levels and then goes into the details of scoring. As always, please note that I am an adult amateur rider, and not a professional nor an expert.

Levels
The national dressage levels as sanctioned by the US Dressage Federation are:
Introductory, First, Second, Third, Fourth (other countries have their own levels)

The international levels sanctioned by the FEI are:
Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II, Grand Prix (Olympic)

Within each level there are 2-4 tests to choose from. In theory the first test is the easiest while the fourth is the hardest, but this is not always the case. You can chose to skip tests. For example you could select Training Level 2 and Training Level 4. You may ride the same test more than once (but in different shows). Tests are rewritten approximately every 4 years.

What to expect in the lower levels:
Intro - Ridden at walk and trot only, no canter. Movements include free walk, medium walk, rising trot, and 20 meter circles. The horse and rider are off to a good start, showing acceptance of the aids, relaxation, and beginning to develop bend.
Training - Canter and sitting trot are introduced. New movements include 20 meter canter circles, stretching at the trot, and changing bend at the trot. The horse is developing more bend, and accepting contact with the bit.
First - Lengthening trot and canter are introduced, as are 10m and 15m circles, serpentines, leg-yield, and change of canter lead through trot. The horse is developing impulsion and balance.

Schooling versus Sanctioned
In a nutshell a "schooling" show is "off the record"; scores are not reported to the governing body (USDF). Scores from a "sanctioned" show are. Schooling shows are less expensive and typically less formal. However both schooling and sanctioned shows are judged the same way.

Note about Eventing
This article only discusses dressage alone. Dressage as part of eventing is judged according to the same principles as dressage alone. However the levels and the scores are different. In the US, tests are governed by the US Eventing Association.

Scoring

Each movement is scored:
10 – excellent
9 – very good
8 – good
7 – fairly good
6 – satisfactory
5 – sufficient
4 – insufficient
3 – fairly bad
2 – bad
1 – very bad
0 – not execute

As defined by the test, the score for some movements will be multiplied by a coefficient. This implies the movement is particularly important.

At the bottom of the score sheet are the collective marks for the entire test. Each of these is multiplied by a coefficient.
1. quality of gaits
2. impulsion
3. submission
4. position and effectiveness of the rider (that's the only score for just the rider)

Finally, the scores from the entire test will be added together and divided by the highest possible score, giving the final percentage.

What the numbers really mean
In practice, scores tend to be clustered in the middle of the scale. A "5" is a passing grade; the movement was performed, but it was slightly flawed or not overwhelmingly impressive. Think "so-so" or "just OK". "6" is a bit above average and "7" is rather good. "8" and above are very good, with "9" and "10" being extremely rare scores. A "4" means "needs improvement" and below 4 typically indicates something went wrong. A low score means you should practice that movement more. But if something unexpected went wrong, do not be discouraged.

Comments
Next to each movement, you may find notes. These were written by the scribe (often in short-hand) as the judge spoke them. There may be overall comments at the bottom of the test. Often the comments reveal more than the scores. Pay particular attention to similar comments that you receive from multiple judges.

Moving up
If you are scoring mostly 5s, with some scores higher or lower, you are showing at the correct level. If you are scoring mostly 6s, with frequent 7s or higher, you should consider moving up a level. If you are consistently scoring higher than that, you are more than ready to move up a level for a new challenge. You know yourself and your horse. Most horses are capable of moving up through the low levels; Intro through 1st. Breeding, and conformation are not particularly important at those levels. Many experienced dressage people can tell you stories of unlikely equines (I've read about mules!) being successful at low levels. The bond you share and learning together as a team will lead you to success in the lower levels.

Interpreting test scores: Example

This example is a scored dressage test, Introductory Level - Test A 2007. The test was performed in June 2008 at the CVDA Summer Schooling Show before a licensed L level judge. The final score was 125 points out of 200 possible for 62.5%. I was the rider, an adult re-starting after riding 4-H in my youth. The horse was my boy Armani, coming 6 at the time Morgan/Trakehner gelding. This test features a range of scores, shows the importance of coefficients, and the comments paint a picture.

The overall picture in this test, is a horse and rider who are off to a good start but need improvement in a few specific areas: relaxation and flexion, and acceptance of the aids. Note that most of the judge's comments reflect this. Movement 6, the free walk, is worth noting. The horse scored well here, 8, and this movement was multiplied by a coefficient of 2. However, also note that the judge commented "could use more energy", which kept the walk from being better. Also note that the horse scored 5 on both halts. The judge commented that he "wiggled" into the halt and "walked at K" in the second halt. The "walk at K" was too early. The trot-walk-halt transition was supposed to be performed closer to X.

In the collective marks, the judge circled "relaxation of the back" and "acceptance of the aids", noting that those areas need improvement. Also in her final comments, she said "work on stretching head and neck down into consistent connection". That confirms the overall picture. I can tell you that the judges comments were very accurate. They reflect what we'd been hearing consistently from our instructor in lessons.

Surviving your first dressage test: Part 4

Here is Part 4 of my series "Surviving your first dressage test". You can read the other parts so far here:

• Introduction


• Part 1


• Part 2


• Part 3
  


• Part 4 You are here


• Scoring Guide

Here you are at the Show

In this entry I'm going to give you a walk-through of what to expect. My final entry will be a wrap-up.

Hurray, you have arrived at your first dressage show! Congratulate yourself and your horse!

Arrival
If possible try to arrive at least 2 hours before your first test. Yes, I'm sorry to tell you that even the best run horse shows are a lot like airports. Expect lots of paperwork, misplaced baggage, delays, and trailers taxiing around the tarmac. But fortunately, you can leave your shoes on and there are no closed door "searches". Personally, I like shows where I can arrive the day before and school my horse. Then I pay to stable him overnight. The extra expense is worth it for the chance to unload and school before the real action starts. But overnight stabling often fills up quickly.



Before you unload your horse, you'll want to "check-in" with the Show Secretary at the Show Office. They will ask you for any paper work they need and let you know if you've forgotten to pay any fees. Next they will give you your horse's number, and a show program and information. Your horse must wear her number at all times on show grounds, except when she is trailered or stalled. Now that you are checked-in you can go ahead and unload.

Checking things out
After you get your horse situated, take a little time to stroll around on your own. Take note of the warm-up area, the ring you'll ride your test in, and the bathrooms. Note what starting signal your ring uses: is it a whistle, or a bell? Find the Ring Steward for your ring. They'll be the person with a clip-board, a pen, and a walky-talky. Think of him as a flight attendant. If you'll be riding your test soon, ask him if the ring is running on schedule. Also, if you plan to have a friend read your test to you, ask about the rules. (I'll discuss "readers" and other tidbits in the wrap up.) Next you may want to hand walk or ride your horse around these areas, except into the bathrooms of course.

Warm-up
Finally, ride over to the warm-up area. You know your horse, so plan on warming up just long enough for her to feel limber, but not tired. For my guy, we need 20 minutes before our first test, and 10 minutes before our second test on the same day. Any more and he'll be too tired for his second test, any less and he'll be stiff for his first. When you arrive in the warm-up area, check in with that Ring Steward (Yup, every ring has a different Steward). She'll confirm your number, name, ring, and time with you. Check with her if things are on schedule. When it's 5 minutes before your scheduled test, the Steward will let you know. Then you should head over to your ring.

Here we go
When you get to your ring, let your Ring Steward know you are ready. There may be other riders still ahead of you. I like to just sit back and enjoy their tests. When it's your turn, he'll let you know. Ask him if you may warm-up inside the ring, until they blow the whistle. Usually this is allowed and it's a good opportunity for you and your horse to see the judge. You'll have about 2 minutes. Enter the ring, and walk over to the judges' booth. You'll see one or two judges, and a scribe, who will be frantically writing. Say "Good Morning!" and once everyone can give you their attention say "We're number 98, Jane Smith riding Floyd's Fuzzy Navel." They will thank you, and usually let you know that you've got "about a minute" before they blow the whistle. At this point, they're making sure they've finished the paperwork for the previous ride and starting your paperwork. Continue to ride around the ring. Try some loops, try both directions, but keep it simple. The judge will blow the whistle when she's ready. Now you have 45 seconds to exit the ring, and begin your test.

Your test
Yay! Your first test! How long have you spent working for this moment? Try to save the waterworks until after you are finished though. I managed not to blubber until after the final halt at X. So now the judge has whistled you. You must exit the ring, and re-enter. As soon as you re-enter, your test has officially begun. Try to ride the test like you are at home. Remember to prepare for transitions, ride into the corners, and breath and smile. You'll be amazed how few riders smile during their test. So even if you aren't feeling it, go ahead and force a smile on your face to break the mold. Other than that, you've probably gotten more professional riding advice from someone else, so I'll spare you. But if you'd like some tips on what judges look for, see here.

Very suddenly, your test will be finished! Walk your horse on a loose rein directly up to the judge. Tell her "Thank you!". She will probably share some quick feedback with you right away. Listen well and try to remember the pointers she gives you. You'll also get written notes on your test later. When she's finished, thank her again and walk on a loose rein out of the arena. The next team will already be entering to warm-up.

Cool-down
If you've got another test today, you know the drill now, just rinse and repeat. Otherwise it's time to relax! Get your horse situated. When every horse and rider in your class has finished, the scores and placings will be posted at the Show Office. The office will also have a copy of your test. Your scribe will have written down your judge's comments. They'll probably be in short-hand. If you have trouble interpreting them, ask a friend or another competitor to help you figure them out (the judge is usually too busy). The comments are really valuable. Some judges tend to score everyone high or low, but the comments will give you insight into what she saw. As you ride before more judges, you'll find you get some of the same comments. Strongly consider those repeat comments. Here is a scoring guide.

Stroll around the show and watch some other tests. Feel free to clap after a test has finished. Compliment other riders and ask them about their horse. We all love to talk about our horse! Enjoy the rest of your day at the show! Congratulations!

Coming soon, the final wrap-up entry. It will cover rules, readers, etc.

Surviving your first dressage test: Part 3

Here is Part 3 of my series "Surviving your first dressage test". You can read the other parts so far here:

• Introduction


• Part 1


• Part 2


• Part 3 (you are here)


• Part 4


• Scoring Guide

Part 3: Final Preparations

Practice
A few days before the show, try to ride through your tests for an audience. Ideally ask your regular instructor to watch, but otherwise find another "pro" or a friend to watch. I've seen it suggested that you shouldn't ride your test too many times, or your horse will anticipate movements. I'm not sure if I agree with that or not, but I do believe doing a few run-throughs with an audience will help more than hurt. After that, try practicing the specific movements that need the most improvement. Ask your audience if they can see the improvement.

Warm-up
Now is also a good time to assess you and your horse's warm-up routine.
Does your horse warm-up best with lots of walk work or some trot?
For how many minutes?
Does stretching help her?
Do you like to lunge before riding? Make sure to check the show's lunging and warm-up rules.

Arrangements
Finalize plans for trailering and stabling now. If you'll be using a pro trailer service, make sure pick-up and drop-off times are all set. If you'll be trailering with a friend or instructor, it's common practice for them to request gas money. If they don't ask, I always offer anyway. It's surprisingly expensive to drag a loaded trailer and it's cheaper to contribute to a friend's gas than it is to use a pro service. Plus your friend will be happy to bring you along in the future!

Are you trailering yourself? Are your truck and trailer all ready? Check out this guide

Packing
See my previous post on packing.

...Read part 4

Surviving your first dressage test: Part 2

Here is Part 2 of my series "Surviving your first dressage test". You can read the other parts so far here:

• Introduction


• Part 1


• Part 2(You are here)


• Part 3


• Part 4


• Scoring Guide

Part 2: Packing

Try to pack a day or two before your first show. That will give you enough time to remember anything additional. And you'll be able to relax as you pack and feel prepared early. Next time you might be able to pack at the last minute, or keep a box of "show stuff" that you don't use often packed away and ready.

I think it's better to over prepare. I was over prepared for my first test, but I did not forget anything and was even able to supply paper towels and braid bands to friends.

First, find yourself a plastic storage box or footlocker that's easy to carry, roomy, and can fit in your trunk or trailer. I already had one with old sweaters in it. I just evicted the sweaters for a few days and bought a replacement later. You'll find my packing list at the end of this post. Here are a few tips to get organized:

* bring a notebook to the barn and make a list of things you use: while you prepare to ride, after you finish, when you feed
* use my list as a guide, and compare it to the list you made to come up with your packing list
* zip-lock sandwich bags are good for organizing small items
* use rubber bands to keep other things together
* clothes pins and paper clips can help with paper work
* If you'll be feeding your horse meals at the show, measure them out at home and pack them ready to eat.

Packing List

Paperwork
- Copies of the class schedule
- Copies of stall assignments
- Extra photocopies of your horse's Coggins Test
- Copies of each test you're riding

Grooming
- All your brushes, curries, hoof pick
- Braiding bands
- Fly spray
- Shine spray
- Shampoo
- thinning shears
- regular scissors
- regular towel
- paper towels
- sponge
- hoof polish

Tack
- bridle
- saddle
- girth
- 2 saddle pads
- whip
- leadrope
- halter
- tack cleaner

Horse clothes
- cooler
- trailering gear (shipping boots, etc)

My gear
- helmet
- boots
- muck boots
- show breeches
- cover-up pants for over breeches
- schooling breeches
- show jacket
- show shirt
- tie
- stock pin
- gloves
- extra sweater
- waterproof jacket
- spurs
- hair brush
- hair net
- hair pins
- hair elastic

Stall and trailer
- 2 buckets
- shavings
- pitch fork
- wheelbarrow
- hay

Misc
- needle and thread
- safety pins
- tylenol
- black duct tape
- chairs
- cash
- box o tissues
- allergy stuff
- cellphone

Food
- sandwiches
- bottled drinks
- fruit
- chips
- horse treats
- your horse's meals

Continue to part 3...

Surviving your first dressage test: Part 1

Here is Part 1 of my series "Surviving your first dressage test". You can read the other parts so far here:

• Introduction


• Part 1 (You are here)


• Part 2


• Part 3


• Part 4


• Scoring Guide

By now you've probably already submitted your entry and are on the "acceptance list" for the show. But if you are just getting into dressage and are looking for a show, you should contact your local "USDF Group Member Organization". You can find your local dressage club on the USDF.org website. Your local group can help you figure out how to get started in dressage. They can recommend instructors, shows, and probably even have some books or videos for you to check out. Don't be shy about contacting them, they'll be thrilled to welcome you to the sport.

Establishing a routine

So now that you are accepted to the show, where do you begin? I like to start by establishing a relaxing and reassuring routine for myself and my horse. As the show draws near, now is the time for you and your horse to feel proud of your progress and to keep up good habits that'll help you have fun and relax.

Some suggestions:

1. Establish a good sleep routine. Before bed, I relax in front of a short, soothing TV show or with a book. I enjoy a cup of herbal tea and a light snack of popcorn. Since I'm used to this routine, I usually feel sleepy within half an hour. Then I go to bed, sleepy or not. Find a routine that works for you and stick with it. It will help you get relaxing rest before any exciting day, not just a dressage show.

2. Stick with your training program. Give yourselves a break and wait until after the show to learn a challenging new movement or before starting a new schedule. You've come a long way with your current program, so stick with it! Keep taking lessons with your regular instructor (if you've got one). They know you and your horse. Work on reinforcing what you and your horse already know, so that it becomes natural. That'll help you get in your groove at the show. It's also not the best time to change around your tack. But don't worry, I busted a bridle before my first show and had to get a new one 2 days before and we managed fine.

3. Help your horse relax. Spend time doing things with your horse that helps her relax. It'll help you unwind too! My horse enjoys a massage and I've learned a few basic techniques for him. You could take a trail ride or have a few "grooming only, beauty-parlor days".

4. Enlist your friends. Get advice from horse-friends who've shown, even in a different discipline; we're all under one big tent after all. If you can, find one experienced friend who can help you at the show. Or perhaps your instructor could help? I asked a friend from my barn to help me through my first show. Basically, she carried me through it, and I was so fortunate to have her help! Even the company of a non-horsey friend or family member will be wonderful. You'll be glad to have a buddy at the show. You can also ask them to read your test to you at the show. I'll write a lot more on this topic in a later entry.

5. Do some non-horsey stuff. Don't forget to spend some time doing non-horsey things you enjoy, go out with your spouse, family or a friend. Spend time on another hobby. Or you could even just clean the house while blasting loud music (works for me, and I feel good looking at my clean house afterwards). You are a multi-faceted, 21st century, renaissance person! Relish your diverse talents and interests.


Continue to Read Part 2

Surviving your first dressage test: Introduction

• Introduction (You are here)


• Part 1


• Part 2


• Part 3


• Part 4


• Scoring Guide

Armani and I now safely have 4 dressage tests under our belt. I'd taken dressage lessons for years (...and Hunter before that. I am sure my dressage instructor is sick of saying "Sit up, elbows back!"), and had been active in 4-H in my teen years, but Armani is my first horse I've owned as an adult. And in so many ways, I feel more responsible for his health and happiness than previous horses. My mother would readily suggest it's my mothering instincts and that I better "Get to it before it's too late for grandbabies. Tick tock."

Finally all the college exams and early years drudging in the work force have paid off. I knew there was a reason I ate late-night ramen noodles, hadn't bought new clothes since circa 1995, wore my aunt's old suit-pants to the office, and got home from the barn around 9pm each night to my adoring new husband. (Now if I could just convince by husband it was all so worthwhile!)

When I was a teenager I easily relaxed and enjoyed 4-H shows on my bouncy off-the-track Thoroughbred. However, when my instructor invited Armani and I to our first show, I did feel unfamiliar nervousness. I knew it wasn't pressure to perform, because frankly I just wanted us to pull-together and have a good time. No, it was more nervousness about the unknown. Would we have fun? Would we be relaxed? Would he enter at A with his whole brain, half his brain, or a few neurons and a whole lot of nerves? Would he spook at the judges booth, jump out of the ring, leave a "load" at X, or stop and eat the flowers from the planters?



Ah yes, but now I can look back at the great time we had. And having survived one show, we were more able to relax at the next, and I am eager for us to continue! And so, while it's fresh in my mind, I'm going to write up some survival tips for anyone else out there, who is eagerly, if nervously, anticipating their first dressage show. So yes, these are tips from a recent beginner to another. And before you faint with curiosity, we got a whopping 47% on our first test. But I am reasonably sure we were the happiest (perhaps dementedly so?) 47% anyone had ever seen! But fear not, it only got better from there. You have to stand on solid ground before you can take off!

Click here to read the next part.