Top British judge Isobel Wessels, who was on the panel at all of Valegro’s record-breaking performances, has remembered him and Uthopia for their talent and characters – and putting Britain on the world stage.

The international rider, trainer and five-star judge has paid tribute to the much-loved pair following the announcement on 1 December that they had been put down.

Isobel described Valegro (Blueberry) and Uthopia (Uti) as being “both such complete horses”.

“When you judged them they both had clearly been so well trained and were so willing. It was the beginning of all of this wonderful harmony we talk about now. Those two, coming with Carl and Charlotte, they started the ‘pole’ rolling so to speak,” Isobel told H&H.

“We’d seen lovely combinations in the past, but these horses just always gave me the feeling that they were happy in their job. They loved what they did, and they did it with such ease and willingness. They both just got better and better, and that isn’t always the case with horses.”

Uthopia and Valegro first made their mark at the European Dressage Championships at Rotterdam in 2011, under Carl and Charlotte, helping deliver Britain’s first European team gold medal – alongside teammates Laura Tomlinson and Mistral Hojris and Emile Faurie and Elemegardens Marquis. It was at this competition that Uthopia came to the forefront, taking individual silver, behind the Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Pazival.

“Uti was just like a little powerhouse. He came across as being not a huge mover, but his extended trot just came out of something inside him. There was this willingness,” she said.

“He wasn’t the biggest horse in stature, but the way Carl trained him, it was every other moment one was thinking ‘Wow, where did that come from?’. I’ll never forget in Rotterdam when he got all 10s for his extended trot. He was small but mighty. That was the beginning of this power pair coming up, that was their first step.”

Isobel said Valegro was “such an enormous character”.

“Blueberry was like a big rubber ball; just so talented but he had this character and personality. When you sat on the side of the arena judging he, he grabbed you,” she said.

“I’m so proud that I was on the jury of all his record-breaking scores for the grand prix, special and freestyle. I feel very honoured my name was on all those test sheets.”

Isobel added that judging Valegro and Uthopia made her job very enjoyable.

“Horses that have some spectacular moments are of course wonderful to observe and judge, but when you have this complete horse, which they both were, it was like a symphony. Every note was so beautiful,” she said.

“There was no struggle, it was just a natural easygoing picture, where the horses blossomed and became more and more because of who they were and their wonderful training.”

Isobel said that Valegro and Uthopia “put Britain on the world stage”.

“It’s been the showcase of our traditional and worldly respected horsemanship and ability,” she said.

“I think with those horses, it was just like: ‘Bang, here we are on the world stage – look out, Britain’s coming’.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘It was an honour’: Alan Davies pays tribute to dressage superstars Valegro and Uthopia

‘You are still so loved’: Charlotte Dujardin pays farewell tribute to her world record-breaking partner Valegro

Heartbroken farewell to beloved superstars Valegro and Uthopia who created dressage’s golden era

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

If you’re struggling to get the dressage marks you think you deserve, take a look at this expert advice from five-star dressage judge Isobel Wessels — from the benefits of planning well to setting yourself realistic targets.

1. Get out competing on a regular basis

One of the main problems I see is riders becoming very tight and nervous the minute the bell rings. Riders who have this problem need to compete on a regular basis and become more at ease in the test situation.

2. Set yourself realistic targets

Try riding at venues where the horse tends to be relaxed and go well and do not attempt a dressage level or test that is too difficult. It is better to get mileage at a local friendly venue and enter for tests that are easier and familiar so that it is not necessary to have a caller. I think many riders feel they have to go to the higher profile shows and sometimes, if the combination is not secure at the level, this can lead to bitter disappointment and a big gash in confidence.

3. Work at a higher level at home

Try to make sure your horse is working at a higher level at home than you’re competing at. This gives the rider the opportunity to show off. If you’re going out at a level barely within your grasp, the overall picture won’t be one of lightness and harmony.

4. Plan ahead

Just planning well, arriving in good time not being rushed and stressed can make a huge difference.

5. Know the test inside out

The rider should know the test inside out and feel confident about riding it in a competition. Confidence is at the root of success. Lack of confidence will translate to your horse.

6. Concentrate on what you’re doing

Don’t look at other people too much and don’t feel inhibited by working in alongside “big names”. Concentrate on what you are doing with your own horse. If your horse becomes distracted during a test, put it behind you and concentrate on riding the next movement well.

7. Take your time

I often see the rider presenting the horse at breakneck speed, cutting corners with no preparation for the movements in the test. The way of going — which is under scrutiny throughout the entire test — is totally lost and naturally the horse has little chance to be shown at his best. The rider must be confident enough to take time, use the corners, make good use of the half-halt and ensure that the horse is in the right balance to show off his training — not his lack of it.

8. Get the basics right

Getting things right at the beginning is vital to progress. If the horse shows a really good way of going in confidence with his rider and the tasks in the test, the chances are that climbing the higher levels will be easy. Excessive spooking and tension is often a sign that the horse is not secure in the basics and needs more time.

9. Ask for feedbackMost judges are happy to discuss a test if they have time afterwards. Bring your sheet with you and, as long as you are polite rather than confrontational, the judge will be happy to explain why you got the marks you did.

You might also be interested in:

15 signs you’re totally addicted to horses (and wouldn’t have it any other way)

25 signs you’re an incurable dressage diva/divo

Does seeing female competitors without hairnets make your stomach do a little flip? And is all your kit patent or

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012. 

Isobel Wessels, is an international dressage rider, trainer and five-star judge, and on an episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast she talked about some of her fondest judging memories.

“There have been so many highlights, but one of the most amazing experiences I had was in Hagen in 2012, where Valegro and Charlotte [Dujardin] reached an enormous score in the grand prix special and I was the judge at C,” she explains. “It was the most amazing test and the fact that it then became a world record is just a bit mind-blowing really. My writer was almost falling off her chair with the scores I was giving. The atmosphere was incredible and it was the most amazing feeling.”

Another fond memory from Isobel’s judging career to-date was on the ground jury at Olympia in 2014.

“Charlotte and Valegro broke the world record for both the grand prix and the grand prix special. I can remember thinking I better be careful that the camera doesn’t catch me with my mouth wide open and my eyes staring with tears falling down my cheeks, as they performed their test,” she says.

Isobel also highlights judging Totilas when he was ridden by Edward Gal as another favourite moment.

“Totilas was such a magical horse – he had an aura that drew you in when you watched him,” says Isobel. “And it’s Totilas and Valegro that have changed the face of judging, because suddenly giving 10s was quite normal – I feel so privileged and humble to have been able to judge those horses.”

Listen to more of Isobel Wessels’ priceless advice by listening to episode 90 of The Horse & Hound Podcast here or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

You might also be interested in:

The Horse & Hound Podcast 90: Top dressage rider, judge & trainer Isobel Wessels | Boost your confidence | News round-up

‘Make the most of what you have’: How to improve your dressage scores with any horse

‘Watch riders that you admire’ — plus 6 more top tips from dressage riders

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

If you’re a dressage rider, whether just starting out or aiming for international competition, you’re probably looking at ways in which you can improve your dressage scores. It can often seem as though higher marks are out of reach, especially if your horse is not the biggest mover, or is less established at the level, but in fact it’s possible for any combination to earn extra half-marks here and there throughout their test. And those extra half-marks can have a big impact on your overall dressage score.

We’ve spoken to five-star international dressage judge Isobel Wessels to share some tactics riders can use at any level to ensure they’re getting the highest dressage scores possible.

1. Pay attention to your diagonal lines

“One big thing I see is that riders have no control when they ride a horse on a diagonal line,” Isobel says. “They come off the corner and don’t aim the horse’s shoulders towards the marker, but haphazardly turn onto the diagonal and drift across, ending up a few metres ahead of the marker on a shortened line with the horse not tracking straight. It’s no wonder riders make a mistake at the end of a line of changes because the horse was always drifting one way instead of staying upright.

“If you can learn to ride a really good line right from prelim level, then when you have to do an extended trot or tempi changes, you will find you are automatically on the right line. You’ve maximised your space and the horse is going in exactly the right direction according to the test. The quality of the line you ride makes the movement itself guaranteed to come off better.”

2. Remember corners are your best friend – and don’t underestimate shoulder-in

“Corners set you up for whatever happens next,” says Isobel, explaining that riding a good corner gives you more space and time to prepare for the movement that follows. She uses shoulder-in on the long side as an example of a movement that can be greatly improved simply by riding properly into the corner that precedes it.

“Riding into the corner means you are more likely to come out of it actually riding a shoulder-in. A lot of people cut the corner and then push the quarters out – but quarters out and shoulder-in are not the same thing,” she says, adding that this results in “disengaging the hind legs from the connection of the bridle”.

“Shoulder-in is a difficult movement – I don’t give out many 10s for it – but it is a really good exercise if done properly.”

3. Think like a judge – and then ride accordingly

“Riders need to look at the test and think about when the judge is actually going to be giving the mark – and then make sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing at that moment,” says Isobel, adding that riders should concentrate on maintaining the quality of the movement right to the end, as it is at the end of the movement that the judge will be deciding what mark to give.

For example, she says, it’s no good starting with a perfect leg yield that fizzles out by end, in other words by the time the judge actually gives the mark for that movement.

4. Focus on the easy parts to improve your dressage scores

“Sometimes the answers to getting a few more marks are more simple than people think,” points out Isobel. “If you have a horse that is not the biggest mover, make sure you really nail all those square halts, rein-backs, walk pirouettes – the nitty-gritty things that most people dislike. If you have a well-trained horse you could get lots of 7.5s and eights compared to other horses that make mistakes.”

Isobel advises riders at all levels to study the test and identity areas where they could improve their dressage scores – often with less effort.

“In a lot of tests there is a whole mark just for a transition from canter to trot for example,” says Isobel. “If you can get that right and do it well, you might be able to get an eight or a nine for it. There are lots of places where if you really take care you can elevate your score.”

You may also be interested in…

List One dressage judge Richard Baldwin reveals how riders throw away marks

8 training gems from Carl Hester that could transform your dressage scores

‘Make the most of what you have’: How to improve your dressage scores with any horse

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Everyone makes mistakes in dressage tests. Yes, even Olympic medallists like Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin. Part of the art of good test-riding is being able to cope when things go wrong in the arena.

Maybe your horse can’t wait to get on with the job and refuses to stand still in halt, or perhaps he loses balance in canter so changes legs or breaks. Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to dealing with these situations and, hopefully, salvaging some marks along the way. Every horse is different, and every movement is different, too.

The most important thing to remember is that each movement is marked individually. A mistake in one movement doesn’t have to affect the next. Through practice, you can train yourself to stay in the moment, putting errors behind you and focusing on what’s coming up.

And remember, judges don’t hold grudges. They won’t mark the next movement down because the previous one went wrong – unless the problem persists.

“Judges don’t hold mistakes in their minds,” says top international judge Isobel Wessels. “A judge will give you a low mark for a reason, but then they move on. They won’t hold it against you.”

But Isobel also points out that the way in which a rider handles problems in a test can influence the marks given for the movements in question.

In the event of a horse who won’t halt at the start of a test, “you can’t just sit there and sort it out, and no judge would expect you to”, says Isobel, adding that once the horse has moved twice, pushing on with the rest of the test is often the best course of action, even if it means sacrificing the halt mark.

But in other situations, correcting the mistake will win you favour with the judges.

“If, for example, a prix st georges horse comes out of a half pirouette and makes a flying change [instead of continuing in counter canter], and the rider makes no attempt to correct that, that’s not good,” says Isobel.

“As a judge you wonder if they know what’s going on if they’re not trying to show the movement required. If you can bring the horse back and then execute the change properly, you’re showing you can be effective as a rider.”

“Always do the best for your horse”

So, when it comes to mistakes in dressage tests, when should you try to correct the movement, and when should you accept it’s happened and simply move on with the test?

Isobel says it comes down to the impact your actions will have on your horse. If correcting the error, for example continuing to try to make a tense or overexcited horse halt, will cause or exacerbate tension that will filter into the rest of the test, it’s usually best not to. In these situations, staying calm and riding positively forward into the next movement will impress the judges and benefit your horse, too.

On the other hand, if something’s gone wrong but your horse’s relaxation is unaffected, try to produce at least some of the movement required, to demonstrate your skill and influence as a rider.

“You have to stay completely calm and relaxed – and always do the best for your horse,” Isobel says. “If you try to correct too strongly you can end up with a horse that is more tense at the end. This is when it’s important to know your horse, but also to trust your feeling,”

You may also be interested in..

Top judge reveals how to boost your dressage scores – in ways you may never have considered

8 training gems from Carl Hester that could transform your dressage scores

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Want to get that winning edge between the boards? We find out the secrets behind top dressage riders’ successes

1. Gareth Hughes (above)

“Watch riders that you admire and have an image in your mind of how you want you and your horse to look. An impression in your mind helps when you are riding on your own, as it gives you something to work on. Learning ‘feel’ is also important as it means you can make corrections without someone having to tell you.”

2. Alice Oppenheimer

“Always take your time in the initial warm up phase to ensure that your horse is physically and mentally ready to work before you start the ‘work’ phase of your session. I like to feel that they are working in front of my leg and forwards to the contact before asking for anything more demanding.”

3. Dan Greenwood

“Make time to look at your horse and assess him properly every other week. Either get someone else to sit on so you can take a look and get some feedback, or lunge him. Is he moving freely and equally? Especially in the winter, it’s too easy to take rugs off, tack up and get on and go. You’ll then have a clear picture in your head of what your horse needs to work on.”

4. Isobel Wessels

“Improve the contact. As a judge, I see people lose marks because of the contact all the time. It’s something that affects every single movement and if you have the contact better, your horse will be nicer to ride and the picture will look more correct, earning you more marks. Spend some time during the winter months really improving the contact through lots of transitions, so that you have the horse really in front of you, taking the bridle from behind.”

5. Spencer Wilton

“At home, I spend a lot of time achieving the ‘perfect’ feeling underneath me, but at a show, a limited warm up time means it’s not always possible to create that feeling before you go in the ring. The art of good training is knowing how much time to spend on waiting for that perfect moment and teaching yourself and the horse what to do when the moment isn’t perfect. That way, you have all bases covered.”

6. Lara Butler

“Training a horse is like teaching a young child — they don’t know the difference between right and wrong, so it is our job to guide them in the right direction. Always make it fun for the horse and let them know you are pleased with what they are doing, as they will try a lot harder for you.”

7. Judy Harvey

“During the winter months, make allowances for the weather and any time off your horse might have. Don’t have too high expectations and expect your horse to get straight back to the stage you left off in your last session. He needs more time to supple up in the winter and expend any excess energy from being stabled more, so allow for this when you start a session.”

You may also be interested in..

9 dressage questions you’ve been meaning to ask your trainer

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

If you are working on improving your dressage scores, you might spend time watching the world’s top horses and riders in action, hoping for tips or inspiration. And while this can be useful, it can sometimes be a little disheartening watching impeccably-bred warmbloods with enormous, flashy paces power across an arena – especially if your own horse is a little on the, shall we say, average side.

While almost any horse can reach a reasonable level in dressage if he has decent confirmation and is well trained and ridden, it’s easy to feel as you’ll never hit your goals if your horse is not blessed with oodles of natural talent, or bred specifically for the job. Luckily five-star international dressage judge Isobel Wessels is on hand with some invaluable advice on how to eke out the bigger scores, from even the most ordinary of horses.

“Nowadays a lot of people might be almost on the verge of giving up if they think their horse will never be a superstar, or he hasn’t got huge paces. And it can be tough, walking through the lorry park at a show, and thinking you can’t do it. But there are scores to be had in all movements, not just the flashy ones,” she says.

“Focus on the small details, and work on improving the horse’s basic way of going so he is more fluent and elastic and can show more willingness and harmony,” Isobel advises. “Those things can bring in extra half marks all over the place.

“If a horse is spectacular one minute but shows resistance the next, they will lose out. A horse who can show harmony and move lightly from one movement to the next – this is the mark earner. Sometimes a horse who doesn’t have huge scope in one area might have more general scope across more things, so you can put the movements together a little more easily.”

Isobel uses the reigning Olympic and European champions, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, as examples.

“I was judging at this year’s European Championships in Hagen, Germany, and Jessie’s horse wasn’t the biggest mover, but the winning ticket was her harmony, ease and lightness.”

Isobel also draws attention to the importance of finding a really good trainer, who can not only coach you and your horse effectively towards improving your dressage scores, but will also help keep motivation levels high.

“If you have a trainable horse, but you’re feeling demotivated because your trainer or coach is saying he isn’t good enough, change trainer,” advises Isobel. “And trainers, don’t put the limiters on. So long as you don’t push the horse so far it can’t cope, with good riding and training, every horse can improve. Make the most of what you have.”

You might also be interested in…

#SundaySchool: How do I improve my horse’s expression in the half-pass?

Australian dressage rider Lyndal Oatley provides tips for nailing this advanced move

What is ‘connection’ in dressage? Christoph Hess explains…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

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

Isobel Wessels’ international grand prix horse Chagall has died, aged 18, prompting an outpouring of sadness across the dressage community. 

The Hanoverian gelding, by Contendro I, enjoyed an illustrious career, competing at nine national championships, and winning 10 national titles including at inter I in 2012. He and FEI five-star judge Isobel have competed at grands prix in Europe around Isobel’s judging commitments, as well as on the British circuit with much success. On Chagall’s final competitive outing, in December 2020, the pair scored 72% at grand prix.

“Chagall was the kindest, most sensitive horse – he was so big but so gentle with it and he always picked up on the mood; he sensed everything. He has touched so many people throughout his life – he just seems to throw a spell over anyone he came into contact with,” Isobel told H&H. 

Chagall was put down on Friday (12 March) after suffering acute laminitis. 

“We have no idea what triggered it – there had been no change in his diet, his routine, his management,” said Isobel. “We battled it for about four weeks; I was going to see him three times every day to groom and cuddle him, and there was a period where we thought he would make it. But on Thursday night he took a bad turn, and the suffering had to end.”

Isobel explains she has been moved by the huge number of messages and tributes she has received from across the equestrian world.

“Everyone knows that he has been successful and won national titles and competed abroad, but it’s through all these messages I have had since Friday that I have become aware of how much more of an impact he had than just his track record. People have told me how he inspired them, and made them love the sport with his elegance. Wherever I go, people seem to know about him.”

Continues below…

Isobel Wessels: 9 tips for dressage success

Isobel Wessels will continue to judge international dressage classes

Isobel Wessels will confine British intermediate I champion Chagall to national competitions this year so she can continue to judge

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Fellow FEI five-star judge Stephen Clarke added: “Isobel trained this wonderfully elegant horse all the way through to grand prix so beautifully. Their partnership was truly harmonious and epitomised the meaning of ‘happy athlete’. Their signature half-passes will always be remembered as a special highlight.”

Isobel said: “Chagall was always a fighter – after he won at the nationals in 2012 at small tour, he got a tiny cut above the coronet band in the field which became infected, and he nearly died. He was in the vet clinic for two months and so many vets told me he wouldn’t survive, but my own vet was determined he would get through it, as was I, and he did.

“He could be tricky to train at the beginning as he was so sensitive, and you couldn’t even pat him on the top of the croup as he would bolt. But he got into my soul; he was my very special friend.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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

It goes without saying that I am passionate about judging, albeit a love-hate relationship. The love comes from having a front-row seat and being part of an inspirational sport; the hate from all the backbiting that seems to go with the job.

The role of the judge is well documented and most riders understand how hard it is to have the perfect result. In fact, many seem to appreciate the fact that judges are prepared to stick their necks out and assess exactly what they see, even if they are a little different. Computer-style judging will not improve our sport.

It’s been a big eye-opener for me over the past year being back on the other side of the fence with Chagall and San Marco in the arena.

I have been mystified with the judging of the novice level. Some judges are overhard, while others miss the serious mistakes and are overgenerous.

Neither way is helpful. Riders think they are on the right track, then come down to earth with an almighty bump at the regionals, or just want to go unaffiliated and enjoy themselves.

Personally I think there is too much expectation at the lower levels. If a horse goes forward with rhythm to the bit and shows a smooth way of going, this must surely be worth over 70%, and where there is more suppleness, expression and carriage then plus-80% must be possible more often. An eight only means good, after all.

At the regionals, I watched a horse do a nigh-perfect novice test with all the expression and willingness imaginable, but it was only deemed worthy of 77%.

I watched one or two others going with a few mistakes, and they were relegated to the mid- 60%s. It seemed harsh; they were just young horses.

When I train judges I always encourage them to look for the positives before the negatives. The latter are easy to spot, but sometimes it takes more knowledge and confidence to identify the former.

I remember years ago hearing respected judge Mariette Withages saying, “Judges are quality controllers, not policemen”. I like that — it has real relevance.

At the higher levels, the exactness of everything is more important and, of course, making mistakes is expensive.

On the other hand, when the difficult movements have been executed well it would be nice to have a comment as to why it’s only a seven or 7.5.

To ride a good grand prix is a far cry from the demands of the small tour, but I think judges need to learn to mark up in spite of imperfections, rather than down because of them — to cite the much-missed late international judge Nick Williams.

The envy of Europe

Thanks to Stephen Clarke, our judge training system is the envy of many European countries. The learning opportunities are many and plenty of candidates put in a lot of effort to better themselves, which is vital.

New British Dressage judges’ director Jo Graham is trying to improve the examination system by using very senior judges for testing the lower level. This is a good move because we want the right people coming through, with direct experience of riding and training.

I do a lot of mentoring for the FEI judges, which I love. I start to understand their way of thinking, and it gives me the chance to help develop the quality of judging and preparation with the all-important exams.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 9 June 2016

Isobel Wessels will confine British intermediate I champion Chagall to national competitions this year so she can continue to judge international dressage classes.

Isobel had to declare her competition intentions for 2013 to the governing body for horse sport, the FEI, by January.

Some had speculated that the 62-year-old might give up judging to compete abroad — with a view to vying for British team selection.

But Isobel, who is one of just three five-star judges in the UK, told H&H she did not think Chagall was ready for grand prix just yet. She was not prepared to give up judging to ride him internationally at a lower level.

“In the end, it was not a difficult decision,” she told H&H. “He has only done five inter I tests and is not established enough to go internationally at grand prix.

“I have seen enough horses come down the centre line that are not strong enough and I would not do that to my wonderful horse.”

Fellow top-level judge Stephen Clarke said: “It can’t have been an easy decision for Isobel as Chagall is a very good horse. But she and Andrew [Gardner] only became five-star judges last year, so it would have been a shame for her not to have judged this year.”

British Dressage chief executive Amanda Bond added: “We’re thrilled that Isobel is continuing her main focus on judging.

“It’s testament to her horsemanship that she’s giving Chagall the time to develop and not rushing him to the top.”

Isobel’s decision was perhaps prescient as the gelding has a slight cut and is currently confined to his box.

She also moved from Carl Hester’s yard in the autumn to avoid a conflict of interest with her judging.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (17 January 2013)

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

We asked international dressage judge, rider and trainer Isobel Wessels to highlight the moments in a test where she believes many classes are won or lost.

Here she shares her valuable tips to help you get the most out of your entry and halt.

The entry and halt

The entry and halt sets the scene, so nailing this movement will make a good initial impression.

When you don’t have the luxury of warming up outside the arena, you can often trace a bad halt back to the horse not being turned correctly at A.

The rider either overshoots the centre line with too much neck bend and lets the horse’s quarters fall in or out, or doesn’t complete the turn, meaning the quarters are not following the shoulders.

Both these faults mean the entry cannot be straight, which leads to a low mark early on and the almost certainty of a ragged halt.

The key to making a good turn at A is to think about riding the horse straight into both reins with only a small amount of flexion at the poll to control the bend.

Don’t push the horse sideways, as you will cause his legs to cross. Instead, think about turning just a little bit with every stride, lifting your ribcage and looking ahead to C.

It is easy for the horse to drop behind the leg and start anticipating the halt, so at home practise plenty of turns, but do not halt every time.

Instead, use half-halts so he learns to accept the preparation, but keeps moving forwards.

If you have to chase your horse down the centre line to prevent him jamming on the brakes, you are advertising the fact that he is behind your leg.

Try this at home: with a fidgety horse that is reluctant to stand, avoid riding abruptly to halt — instead ask for trot to walk to trot on the centreline. This will give the horse confidence and help develop softness in his back and neck.

The halt at the end of the test comes just before the judge fills in the collective marks, which are usually worth double. Two bad halts in a test will affect the submission marks.

Once halted, the horse has to stay still and balanced. If no immobility is shown, you’re likely to get a very low mark.

To earn an eight or above at the higher levels, the horse’s hindlegs have to be underneath him and “closed” — together and closer to his front legs.

From this closed position, the horse will find it easier to move into a clear

trot rather than making a progressive transition through walk.

Exercise

There are many ingredients needed to achieve consistently square halts, but one of the most important is to have control over the horse’s steps.

From trot, ride a downward transition to halt, but then ask the horse to creep forward with tiny walk steps, controlling each one with your seat and leg.

The horse mustn’t feel trapped, so keep your hands soft and forward.

Once you can influence the horse’s steps with your seat and leg aids, you can keep asking for subtle adjustments until his hindlegs come under him and he is square in the “closed” position.

Repetition is the key, so be fussy about the way your horse stands at all times. If you always insist that he stops square with his hindlegs underneath him, this will become the norm.

Tip

It helps to think of the centre line as a railway track — if the horse isn’t in front of the leg and level in both reins, you risk derailing the train.

To read the full feature about nailing your dressage marks, including advice on getting transitions within the pace right and getting into and out of half-pass, see the current issue of H&H (22 November 2012)

Read all the latest dressage news

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

‘Man of the match’ Matt Hicks claimed a second national title aboard El Zorro on the final day of the NAF Five Star Dressage Winter Championships.

Matt and the 17hh Amsterdam son took the Albion medium open with 73.15%, finishing ahead of the hotly-tipped combination of Michael Eilberg and Half Moon Dynasty.

“To win one national dressage title &mdas; let alone two — is a dressage rider’s dream,” said an elated Matt.

The pair also finished second behind Isobel Wessels and Chagall in the Nupafeed advanced medium music. Chagall, claiming the eighth national title of his career, scored an impressive 78.33% in front of an appreciative audience.

A third double winner, Hayley Colwell, headed the Equitop elementary restricted with Zidaane, the talented but tricky Jazz-sired gelding she co-owns with Astrid Bolton.

“I could really go for it this time,” said Blackpool-based Hayley, who achieved 72.71%.

In the Petplan advanced medium open, a stylishly-ridden test by Joanna Thurman-Baker and Highcliffe Apollo caught the judges’ attention and earned their first national title with an impressive 70.59% score.

Kelly Simpson topped the Petplan prelim with Watch Me, the Gribaldi-sired gelding she bought five years ago. Despite being caught in a pre-test downpour, the pair scored 75.91%.

“Our trainer Jackie Bevan has been fantastic,” said Kelly, who juggles her dressage career with teaching, fixing horses’ backs, looking after her young child and helping with the family business.

In the Petplan prix st george, Clare Poole praised a mature performance from her winner Day Dreamer II.

“It all came together,” she said after scoring 67.37% and heading a competitive class with her 17.2hh chestnut gelding. “He has finally realised that performance is the name of the game.”

Are you looking to buy a new dressage horse? View our online database of dressage horses for sale

Full report on the NAF Five Star British Dressage Winter Championships will be published in Horse & Hound (26 April, 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

Two British dressage judges have joined the judging elite.

Isobel Wessels and Andrew Gardner have been awarded five-star judging status by the FEI. The duo join Stephen Clarke as Britain’s only judges at this level and just another 30 or so judges around the world.

Five-star status renders a judge eligible to judge at championships around the world.

This news story was first pubished in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 June, 2011)

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

Dressage riders will be battling it out in the West Country on 16 November in a new “X-Factor” style competition at The Hand Equestrian Centre, Clevedon.

The Sprout Rocking Horses X Factor Dressage to Music Championship is being held in aid of BBC Children In Need and Penny Brohn Cancer Care.

Competitors will ride a freestyle test at medium level and above before facing the criticism of the judges — Olympic trainer Conrad Schumacher, Olympic rider Emile Faurie and FEI list one judge Isobel Wessels.

But the audience will have the final say, voting on who will take home the £500 prize-money.

Some of the riders will be in top hat and tails, others in fancy dress — all trying hard to get the audience’s vote.

Last year, organisers Helen Griffiths and Celia Gadd raised £7,500 for BBC Children In Need and are hoping to exceed that figure this time. There will also be an auction of promises and the chance to win a Sprout Rocking Horse worth more than £2,000 in a raffle.

The following day, (17 November), Conrad Schumacher, Emile Faurie and Isobel Wessels will be revealing the secrets behind their phenomenal successes as trainers, riders and judges in their Preparing To Win seminar. They will focus on getting the rider mentally fit to perform and giving riders that competition edge.

Conrad will discuss exercises to improve long-term training and working patterns that can be used in the two weeks prior to an important test ensure riders get every mark from the judge.

The Sprout Rocking Horses X Factor Dressage to Music Championship starts at 7pm and tickets are £25 on the door, £20 in advance. The seminar costs £45 in advance, £50 on the door.

For information or tickets contact Celia Gadd tel: 01934 751171 or email celia@equinecanineandcountry.co.uk

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