Half marks may be introduced, says British Dressage
Dressage riders and judges have welcomed the news that British Dressage (BD) is discussing whether to introduce half marks to its scoring system.
Currently, half marks are used for FEI level tests — prix st georges (PSG) and up — but not below. But many think the introduction to lower levels would “widen the range” of scores.
Internet forums have been buzzing with debate, with most people backing the idea.
However, there are concerns that the move might make for “safer” judging and longer waits for results.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea and something I’ve been talking about for the past 20 years,” judge and trainer Kim Ratcliffe told H&H.
“This will give more opportunities to differentiate. And if tests are quite good but have a small blip, they needn’t go down a full mark.
Judges have been using it at FEI level for a couple of years now anyway — it’s just a matter of getting used to it.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I can’t see it being an added complication mathematically,” she added.
International rider Wayne Channon thought it was an “excellent idea”.
“It would be nice to see BD adopting international standards,” he said.
“And anything to increase accuracy should be welcomed. I think it will be popular with riders and most judges as now scores won’t be rounded up or down as much.”
A BD spokesman said the move was “under discussion”, but a final decision has not yet been taken.
“Bringing in half marks at all levels has been discussed within the judges committee, but it has yet to be discussed in the other relevant committees and will require approval from the Board. We will let you know when a decision is taken.”
Would you like judges to use half marks? Let us know at hhletters@ipcmedia.com.
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (1 November 2012)
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.