As the sport wrestles with questions of fairness, welfare and public trust, Oscar Williams explores whether AI could help judges and whether it may force dressage to confront deeper questions in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

Dressage judging is a hell of a job. Judges are asked to do the near-impossible: absorb dozens of movements in real time, weigh technical correctness against harmony and expression as well as several other criteria, and distil it all into marks awarded in seconds before moving on to the next movement.

To add to the pressure, those performances are often dissected online with the benefit of slow-motion replays and freeze-frame screenshots – and even then, the comment sections rarely agree on what the score should have been.

Now, as the sport wrestles with questions of welfare, credibility and public trust, artificial intelligence (AI) judging is increasingly being pushed forward as a possible solution.

Supporters argue it could ease the cognitive load on judges and bring greater consistency and transparency to scoring, while identifying conflict behaviours or technical faults. Sceptics worry that a sport built on feel, nuance and interpretation risks being flattened into data.

AI could track every stride a horse takes. But could a machine really judge dressage?

The science of judging bias

Dr Inga Wolframm, professor of sustainable equestrianism at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, has spent years studying the cognitive demands placed on judges. She is also working with the German AI technology company EQAD to develop tools designed to support more objective decision-making in horse sport.

Under the FEI judging handbook, a single movement can theoretically require judges to consider multiple pages of descriptors before awarding a score – something Inga argues is simply unrealistic within the time available.

In research analysing more than 500 scores from seven CDI5* competitions, she found officials were more likely to award higher marks not only to riders from their own country, but also to those from the countries of their fellow judges – patterns she describes as a “bias cascade”, where small advantages accumulate over time to influence rankings, starting order and ultimately future scores. Rather than a single source of bias, she argues, it operates as a wider ecosystem of interacting effects.

But she stresses this isn’t a failing of individual judges; rather, it’s a natural consequence of the brain searching for shortcuts when confronted with more information than it can realistically process.

“At the end of the day, however hard you try, human beings cannot avoid bias because our brains simply cannot process all the information,” she says. “It feels as though we can see everything – you look at a horse and think: I can see the horse, what’s the problem? But in reality, you only see the areas you happen to focus on.”

Time pressure only intensifies that problem.

“You’re thinking: is this a 6.5 or a 7, a 7.5 or an 8? And it’s a rider you saw two weeks ago who won a competition – what are you going to do? You only have seconds to decide because the next movement is just around the corner. So, you’re going to give an 8,” Inga says.

“If it happens once, it’s not a problem. But with 33 movements – and 11 of them counting double – those small decisions quickly add up to bias.”

Her research has tried to understand how judges cope with this information overload using eye-tracking technology. Inga pulls up a presentation summarising some of her results: using Tobii eye-tracking systems, it maps the gaze patterns of 20 judges of varying experience as they watch grand prix tests on video.

Some focus on the hindquarters, others on the rider or the front of the horse. But they’re all looking at different things – each taking in only part of the picture rather than the whole.

“There’s so much to see, and so little time, that judges have to choose,” Inga explains. “What they focus on may come from experience or habit. But everyone looks at something slightly different – not because they’re incompetent at all, but because they’re human.”

Under the FEI system, judges aim to score movements objectively against directives such as rhythm, elasticity and balance, converting that judgement into marks on a 0-10 scale. But applying those principles to a moving horse in real time inevitably involves interpretation – subjectivity is built in.

“On the one hand, we say we accept that judges see different things,” Inga says. “But in reality, we don’t accept it at all. Social media explodes the moment judges give different scores.

“To me, there are only two choices. Either we accept that judges all see different things and celebrate the expertise they bring – or we decide we want an element of complete objectivity, and then we need technology to help us.”

What AI can already measure

Any mention of AI interventions in sport can understandably get people’s backs up. But most proposals do not involve replacing judges; rather, measuring what happens in the arena in far greater detail than the human eye can manage in real time.

Dr David Stickland, a research physicist and co-founder of Global Equestrian Technology (GET), says the first step is simply tracking how the horse moves. Using modern video analysis, their system can already track more than 50 skeletal points on the horse and rider, capturing their position many times per second.

“That enables you to analyse motion: the rhythm, the time between different feet hitting the ground, behind-the-vertical angles, how engaged the hind end is, whether the horse is uphill or downhill,” he says.

It doesn’t judge in the human sense. It measures – where limbs are positioned, how quickly they move, the angles of joints and body positions. From those measurements, the software can begin to recognise patterns that correspond to the movements judges are already trying to evaluate.

“One big criticism of AI is that the computer says something or produces a score and we don’t know why,” says Eddy Schuurmans, a dressage rider and breeder himself, as well as a theoretical-experimental psychologist and co-founder of GET.

But any AI system has to be taught first – and that process carries its own risk. AI models learn by analysing large datasets and identifying patterns. In dressage, that would likely mean training software on thousands of historical performances and the scores awarded by judges.

The system could simply learn to replicate the same biases researchers are already trying to address – reproducing past judging patterns rather than questioning them.

“That criticism can be reduced by identifying the observables first, and only then translating those observables into points.”

That’s why the earliest applications are likely to focus on areas where the answer is unambiguous – where there is no historical bias baked in.

“The initial goal wouldn’t be for the computer to say ‘this is a 7.5 or a 7.3’, but to give the judge more information while leaving the interpretation to the human,” David says. “It’s easy to miss a glitch in the changes. We can nail those things today — we can say there were exactly 15 changes, that one was a double, or the hindlegs were stuck behind on two of them.”

The problem AI technology can’t solve alone

For more in-depth use, even the most sophisticated technology runs into a deeper problem. AI can measure movement with remarkable precision – but before it can do that meaningfully, the sport must decide exactly what it wants to measure.

“AI is only as good as the stuff that you put in,” Inga says. “If we don’t have a clear understanding of what it is that we’re looking at, AI can’t solve it for us.”

In other words, technology cannot compensate for vague definitions in the rulebook.

“There’s structure to the directives we have, but we need to understand: how do we test for this? What does ‘optimally extended’ actually mean? And what’s the difference between that and ‘extends very well’?

“You need to define those things – if we can’t separate what it is we want to assess, how can we possibly be accurate and objective?”

That is why, for Inga, a code of points matters so much.

What is a code of points?

A code of points is a scoring framework used in sports such as gymnastics, whereby a performance is broken down into clearly defined technical elements – each awarded a specific value – rather than being assessed as a whole.

In artistic gymnastics, the World Gymnastics has introduced an AI-assisted judging support system using multiple cameras to build a 3D model of an athlete’s routine, measuring angles and identifying elements as a judging aid rather than replacing human officials.

Gymnastics codes of points even include diagrams illustrating exactly what a correct element looks like – giving AI systems something concrete and unambiguous to measure against.

“Before you can apply AI, you need to determine what it is you actually want to measure,” she says. “Once you know what you’re analysing, then you can decide which elements technology can measure and which elements should remain with the human judge.”

One attempt to create that kind of framework already exists in dressage. In 2018, the FEI Dressage Judges Working Group developed a proposed code of points, designed to break movements down into clearer technical elements – but it has never been put to use. An FEI spokesperson confirmed it remains under consideration, but with no implementation timeline in place.

Correctness or spectacle – what does dressage actually want to reward?

Judging has always balanced two elements: technical correctness and aesthetic impression. The directives in the FEI rulebook emphasise rhythm, suppleness, contact and impulsion – principles rooted in the training scale. Yet the horses that capture attention at the highest levels of dressage are often those with the most extravagant natural movement. Inga believes more objective measurement could help rebalance that equation.

“If I don’t have a grand prix horse and I can only spend ten thousand on a horse, my horse might not move as spectacularly,” she says. “But if I can demonstrate that what I’m doing with that horse is correct – that the rhythm is there, the contact is there – then surely that should be rewarded.”

In theory, that could level part of the playing field. But it raises a harder question: is objective correctness actually what the sport wants to reward? Dressage has always been both sport and spectacle. The extravagant movement and charisma of horses like Totilas are a large part of what has drawn audiences to the arena.

A judging system that measured correctness more precisely might reinforce the principles of the training scale – but it could also reshape the type of horse and performance that succeeds. Because what judges reward does not only determine placings. It shapes how riders train their horses – and, ultimately, the horses that are bred for the sport.

This is where the debate around AI intersects with the sport’s social licence to operate. Supporters of technological judging argue that objective data could help enforce clearer welfare standards – setting defined thresholds for things like prolonged conflict behaviours or horses being behind the vertical.

But the familiar question resurfaces: what counts as unacceptable? If technology can calculate exactly how long a horse spends behind the vertical, someone still has to decide where the line is drawn.

How soon could AI dressage judging happen?

So, how close is all of this, really? Pose-detection systems capable of tracking skeletal points and extracting detailed movement data already exist, and are widely used in sports analysis and biomechanics – from analysing running technique in athletics to tracking joint movement in physiotherapy.

David and Eddy are confident the technology can be adapted to the complexity of a dressage arena, though challenges remain, including testing it in real competition conditions and the cost of implementation.

“We’ve demonstrated proofs of principle,” David says. “What is missing is an organisation that decides: let’s make this happen.”

Eddy believes that when those obstacles are overcome, the technology will arrive gradually rather than all at once. “If you look at self-driving cars, everybody thought we would have them quickly. Instead, we got assistance systems first. You can see judging in the same way.”

He pauses. “But for me, it’s not a matter of whether it will come or not. The question is when – and by whom it will be controlled.”

That question of control points to something deeper than technology. The debate about AI in dressage judging is not, in the end, really about AI at all. Systems capable of tracking movement, measuring angles and analysing biomechanics already exist. What remains unresolved is what the sport actually wants those measurements to represent.

“I don’t want to replace judges with AI,” Inga says. “I see it as a tool that helps formalise decisions – an objective baseline while judges still assess harmony, expression and the overall impression.”

It’s a reasonable vision.

Before the sport decides whether a machine can judge the horse, it may first have to decide what judging is meant to measure in the first place.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Some 30 years after the marks system hit mainstream showing, many are debating whether it still provides the transparency and consistency competitors seek. Bethan Simons investigates in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

A casual conversation sparked a revolution in the show ring: the introduction of marks in the assessment of classes.

“It was 1994,” says pony breeder Tom Best. “At that time, there was only one section for ponies at the Horse of the Year Show [HOYS], which was judged using a marks system at the final; at local level, a marks system was already in use in working hunter pony classes.

“It was in discussion with the late Jim McTiffin – vice chairman of the BSPS [British Show Pony Society] at the time – about the number of complaints about judging at HOYS qualifiers that I simply asked if there were complaints about working hunter pony results. If not, why not use marks in flat classes, too?”

Tom later set the seed for a move to a marks system by proposing the idea at the BSPS Scotland AGM and the BSPS judges’ conference. In a subjective discipline rooted in tradition, his was a radical proposal: the allocation of two marks per competitor – one for performance or ride, and one for conformation. The animal with the greatest sum of marks at the end, wins.

Sound familiar? Radical or not, the system has stood the test of time. It remains used by HOYS for its finals and most of its ridden qualifiers, and marks form the basis for assessment in most major flat showing fixtures, including at London International (LIHS).

How marks are used in showing

At the simplest level, a 50/50 split between two judges provides a fair and fast way of establishing a winner, providing both judges mark with integrity and without agenda.

“Marks minimise the need for lengthy discussions between judges when making decisions,” says Emma Williams, event director at HOYS. “As HOYS is often a high-pressure environment for judges and competitors, it is essential that the timetable runs to schedule.

“The use of marks also enhances the transparency of the judging process, as judges commit to a score that is shared with competitors. This provides accountability, valuable feedback and offers clarity into the judge’s opinions.”

For those new to showing, marks can also be used as a training metric.

“In an ideal world, there would be a comment too,” says judge and trainer Mathew Lawrence, “so that competitors can really understand the thoughts behind the numbers.”

As it is, while it would be unwise and potentially misleading to track our own marks from show to show – one man’s 38 is another’s 42, and assessments may differ over a season – comparing your marks to, for example, the top three in the class helps to gauge what a judge is looking for.

Flaws in the system

But the system isn’t perfect and it has its skeptics. To begin with, there’s the arithmetic issue, where stewards are expected to negotiate scores of scores. Human error does occur, and that error can be at best disappointing for all parties involved. There’s also the matter of precedence when marks are tied. In the event of a tie in HOYS classes for ponies or coloureds, then the ride takes precedence.

“Many of these classes are predominantly for young riders. As a result, temperament, balance and overall suitability are essential in demonstrating the required qualities and therefore take precedence in these classes,” explains Emma.

“In contrast, the horse classes primarily place precedence on the conformation mark, with greater emphasis on the horse’s suitability for its specific purpose, how it moves, and its ability to carry weight in accordance with its type.”

So stewards need to be up to speed and, if switching between rings, on the ball.

BSPS’s recent introduction of Markmaster, a digital marking system, should eliminate human errors and bring showing in line with other disciplines where digital systems are more embedded in practice.

The Markmaster app was used successfully at LIHS, even in the Heritage supreme where there are four judges. Crucially, retrospective changes to marks are time-stamped and require judges and stewards to provide a signature and explanation, which can only be deemed a positive step towards true transparency.

How judges use their marks is also a bone of contention. One of the criticisms most regularly levelled at judges is a lack of range used.

BSPS chair Paul Cook recalls a cautionary tale: “I remember an instance when I was judging conformation. My co-judge had used a range of just five marks, whereas I had used a range of 20. This meant that a beautiful but green pony won over an outstanding performance from a lesser animal, simply because my co-judge had been reluctant to offend.”

When marks were first introduced, 60 marks were allocated to the ride in many classes, and 40 to conformation. A reversal to this is one popular suggestion among competitors in the hope that the added weighting on performance would eliminate instances where horses or ponies stand top with excellent conformation but lesser shows. But such a reversal would make no difference in instances such as the one above.

Then there’s the matter of bang for your buck. When a judge uses a very narrow range of marks, they inevitably create ties that force their co-judge to decide the final rankings. In such a case, are exhibitors and organisers paying entries and expenses getting their money’s worth? Perhaps the reluctance to denote a clear scale of preference indicates a lack of confidence in one’s own ability, revealing a fundamental gap in training.

To be on a panel, most judges will have to pass real-time assessment and a probationary period. To remain a panel judge, individuals must attend CPD-esque judges’ conferences where marks are regularly discussed. The BSPS also expects its first-year judges to practice using marks in non-qualifier classes. In contrast, judges who sit solely on horse panels do not use marks even in qualifying rounds, so often are not used to their allocation, meaning added pressure at the likes of HOYS when the stakes are extremely high.

However, Tom argues: “No judging criteria have been defined by any of the societies to assist judges and exhibitors, no formal guidance and no unified training on how to allocate marks. This is crucial since a single point often determines who qualifies for HOYS,” argues Tom.

In comparison, British Dressage judges undergo thorough training in the allocation of marks in the hope that, nationwide, a seven is a seven. The scales of training – rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection – form the basis for assessment and, if these qualities are important in a show animal, too, perhaps such a scale could be conceived for show judges.

Such a scale would provide less confident judges a crux to justify decisions and could benefit competitors. It’s not difficult to imagine that a newcomer to showing could be nervous to dip a toe in the ring knowing nothing more than the basic format of the class and the fact they will be marked out of 50 for performing a show they won’t have practised.

Fear of a backlash – particularly on social media – must surely influence some judges into unjustifiably high marks and a narrow range, too, suggesting that competitors also need educating in the nuances of marks.

Emma agrees: “There is an ongoing need for education around judging so that judges can perform their role with confidence and always in the best interests of horse welfare. However, there must also be accountability and understanding from competitors receiving those marks. Not every judge will share the same opinion, and therefore marks will naturally vary.

“If judges are in constant fear of their decisions being criticised beyond reason, it raises the question of how we can expect to retain showing judges in the years to come.

Judging without marks

The Royal International (RIHS) finals are showing’s only major championships that are not judged with marks. Instead, classes are decided the “old-fashioned way” with judges conferring, pulling a line-up after the go-round, assessing each animal individually before reconvening to discuss their findings and decide upon a line-up that suits both parties.

The benefit? The winner is the winner, with no room for mathematics errors, and presumably, both judges are satisfied with the result. On the downside, there’s the danger that one judge will dominate proceedings.

The exceptions are the workers and the supremes. In the latter, three judges have up to 10 marks, held aloft for all to see in real time, so the maths is simple. In the event of a tie, which happens fairly regularly, judges – and spectators – are treated to a ride-off between the tied individuals.

Most would agree that the use of marks provides an aide memoire. Regular judge Stuart Hollings recalls: “I was judging the first riddens at Dublin and, going into the ring, I was looking forward to judging without having to think about marks. But nearly every pony made a mistake so it was a real test for my memory. The time I didn’t have marks was the time I really needed them!”

With so much for a judge to remember as a class unfolds we must consider their short-term memory. Researchers suggest it’s limited to between three and nine items. While the top and bottom of a class remain memorable, average entries in large classes often blend together. These “also-rans” risk being judged on vague recollections, making the difference between receiving a rosette and nothing a matter of memory.

Several showing societies advise the use of personal notes when judging without marks that are then discarded post-placings. This could be a better means of determining places than reliance on the real-time commentary of marks as who’s to say that a 43 at the beginning of a class of 30 animals is the same as a 43 further down the line?

No marks also means judges are forced to pull in – meaning after the initial go-round, exhibits are called into line in order of merit ahead of the formal judging. This can only be a positive for anyone assessing scores of bay show ponies with small girls in navy on board, or 30 grey Connemaras piloted by women in green tweed.

Tom insists on an initial pull-in when judging, and argues all societies should do the same: “As old-fashioned as it may be, it’s also good practice for both judges to go down behind the line for a brief overview of the class and a discussion about the appropriate range of the marks used. The pull-in ensures that this phase is taken into account and misbehaviour in the go-round is reflected in the performance marks.”

The future of marking systems

At The Showing Register (TSR) Amateur of the Year Championships, judges were encouraged to use a new system, formalising a system tried and tested by several individuals while judging without marks.

Each judge scored the ponies between A and C, using plus and minus signs at their discretion. They then also had the option of adding a comment. Then, stewards collated the marks into an A/A, A/B, A/C, B/B, B/C and C/C table. Where there were three or four competitors tied on a score, both judges then conferred in order to agree how to rank those exhibits.

To sufficiently rank larger qualifying rounds there’s perhaps a need to expand to an A–E system, for example, but overall the system worked well.

“I really enjoyed it,” says Michaela Bowling, who has also judged multiple finals at HOYS and RIHS. “It gave us the best of both worlds. The final discussion of ponies who were on A/A or A/B allowed us to reevaluate and be more subjective at that point. We ended up with really pleasing line-ups.”

In this instance, the grades were not made available to competitors meaning feedback was given only verbally when requested – politely – by competitors.

But there is no reason why they could not be in future years.

The looser categorisation may also, contradictingly, allow for both more guidelines and freedom to exercise subjectivity. Where two ponies could score an A for their performance, the final discussion between the judges allows for a judge to indicate personal preference due to type or that essential je ne sais quoi that makes a great show horse special.

So 30 years on, is it time for a review? Having brought the marks system to the table three decades ago, perhaps the last word should lie with Tom: “A marks system has stood the test of time. But to take it into the future, it’s critical that a review takes place involving societies, judges, exhibitors, stewards and organisers alike. It could provide endorsement for the existing system or an alternative with tweaks, something better or new.”

We’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about the current marks systems in showing? Write in and share your views at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your response published in a future issue of Horse & Hound.

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

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British grand prix dressage rider and trainer Anna Ross on dressage being under public scrutiny and the potential for AI to support judging in the future

Dressage is back in the spotlight and, while the FEI has issued its penalties and attempted to move on, the court of public opinion is rather less forgiving.

The Times in particular seems to have developed a keen interest in dressage, which isn’t something the sport is used to. Recently their chief sports writer, Owen Slot, wrote a piece questioning footage from the warm-up at the World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam. The videos have sparked renewed debate about training practices in the sport. The question the public is asking is simple: is what’s shown in these videos normal training? If it is, should it be?

As Richard Davison said in his recent column, everyone has a different idea of where the welfare line sits. One person may eat meat but refuse factory-farmed meat or battery eggs. A vegetarian might find the idea of eating meat unacceptable, while for a vegan, the consumption of eggs and dairy is equally wrong. All believe they are acting with good intentions, but who is “right”?

The same question applies to training. How much pressure is too much, and how do we measure it? These are uncomfortable conversations that, historically, our sport has not been particularly fond of. Yet we’re not short of expertise to guide us. The UK alone has many respected researchers working in equine welfare and performance. The knowledge is there if we choose to listen.

It’d be disingenuous to pretend to the public that we train horses without pressure. From the moment we handle a foal, pressure and release form the basis of communication. A hand on the chest asks the foal to step away. The foal yields, we release, and so the lifelong conversation begins.

Horses organise their societies in a similar way. Life within a herd isn’t always harmonious; it’s normal for horses to test the leader. But when criticism comes, the immediate response from stakeholders is often to point out how well the horses are cared for.

At the top level, an international horse may travel with more entourage than a Formula One team: vet, farrier, physio, saddle-fitter, nutritionist, trainer… But what has long been considered “good care” is not always the same as what is best for the horse. Would the spotless horse quite like to be muddy for a while? Might the heavily rugged horse be happier with less? And might the much-loved good-doer be healthier a little leaner?

Love and good intentions matter, but they aren’t always enough. If we are serious about our partnership with horses, then education and a willingness to question ourselves have to be part of the deal.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but after a lifetime with horses it often comes back to that all-important quality: feel. Watching how the horse responds and making decisions from there.

Judging under pressure

To the untrained eye, dressage judging can look almost zen-like. Judges murmur to their writers as the test flows past (although riders seem only ever to hear “six” as we strain our ears going by).

In reality, it’s more like a mental triathlon at speed, with the wrath of the internet waiting to pounce. In the grand prix alone, there’s an extraordinary amount of counting: tempi changes, pirouette steps, piaffe transitions. All of this while judges are also expected to assess rhythm, balance, straightness and

harmony. It’s impossible to judge everything perfectly.

The critics often forget that judges are evaluating in real time, without the benefit of slow-motion replays or a second look. While someone online may have watched the same moment 100 times on a large screen, the judge saw it once, in a fraction of a second.

Perhaps this is where technology could help. Artificial intelligence (AI) could handle the mechanical elements: counting strides, verifying the number of changes, flagging any “misses”, and checking whether pirouettes or piaffe stayed within the correct parameters. In other words, AI could deal with the mathematics while human judges focus on what humans are actually good at: evaluating quality.

Used well, technology might make the sport fairer while freeing judges to concentrate on the nuances that really define great riding: harmony, subtlety and feel. There will, of course, be naysayers. But if AI could also take on winter yard duties – say, pushing wheelbarrows over frozen ground or breaking the ice on water buckets – I suspect even the most sceptical horse people might be tempted to sign up.

• What role, if any, should technology play in the future of dressage judging? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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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

Most riders have stood at the side of the arena, test sheet in hand, trying to work out what the dressage judge’s comments actually mean. Sometimes it’s the handwriting that’s the challenge. More often, it’s the comment itself.

Turning a five-word remark into something useful to work on at home isn’t always straightforward, especially if you’re new to the sport. A note such as “needs more engagement” or “lacks balance” can feel frustratingly vague when what you really want is clear direction.

It’s worth remembering that judges aren’t there to coach you. Their job is to assess what they see in that moment and mark it against the directives for each movement. With limited space and time, their comments have to be brief and to the point.

I’ve had the questionable honour of reading hundreds of test sheets over the years. While I can’t help you decipher a hurried scrawl from a fading biro, I can translate some of the most common phrases and explain what they usually mean for your dressage training at home.

Before diving in, keep this in mind: most comments relate to one of three things – the horse’s way of going (rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, collectively known as scales of training), test accuracy (hitting your markers and riding the correct shapes), or cooperation (what would’ve previously been described as submission). If you can identify which category the remark falls into, it becomes much easier to know what to work on.

Way of going

Needs more suppleness

Suppleness comes from being even on both reins and bending through the body without resistance. If the horse feels stiffer one way, falls out through a shoulder or resists a change of bend, that unevenness will show in the mark.

Losing balance

Often, this means the horse is falling onto the inside shoulder, particularly on circles or in lateral work. You may notice the tempo change or the line drift. Often the horse isn’t carrying enough weight behind to stay organised.

Lacking or losing rhythm

Rhythm is the regularity of the footfall. Walk should stay clearly four-beat, trot two-beat, canter three-beat. If the steps become hurried, uneven or tense, the score will drop.

Irregular

A comment no one wants to see. Judges use “irregular” rather than “lame” if a horse appears momentarily unlevel. Even a brief loss of regularity affects the mark.

Needs more energy or impulsion

Impulsion is controlled pushing power from the hindquarters. It does not mean faster. It means more active, engaged steps that create lift and presence within the correct tempo.

Behind the leg

The horse isn’t reacting promptly to the leg aid. They may feel sluggish, or run onto the forehand instead of stepping through correctly.

Inconsistent to the contact

Contact should be soft, elastic and steady. If the connection changes from stride to stride – behind the bit, above it, fussy in the mouth – the judge will see a lack of acceptance.

Against the hand

The horse is resisting the contact. They may lift their head, snatch at the reins or lean heavily. Often this is linked to tension or imbalance.

Behind the vertical

The nose is carried behind the vertical line from the poll. This can stem from tension, loss of balance or too much hand.

Above the bit or hollow

The horse lifts their head and drops their back away from the contact. The outline looks disconnected rather than through and supple.

Straightness

A horse is straight when the hind feet follow the forefeet on all lines, and the body matches the curve on circles. Comments such as “quarters in”, “crooked” or “on three tracks” all point to a loss of alignment.

Could be more uphill

A classic – too much weight is being carried on the shoulders. The horse may rush or struggle to maintain fluency because he isn’t sitting enough behind.

Needs more ground cover

The strides are too short. In medium paces or free walk, the horse isn’t clearly lengthening and stepping through enough to cover more ground.

Needs to show more difference

The judge wants a clearer contrast between working and medium paces. If the horse simply quickens rather than truly lengthens, this comment appears.

Running

Instead of lengthening the stride, the horse has increased the tempo. More speed, not more reach.

Needs to flow more freely forwards

The movement looks restricted. The horse may be tight through the back, behind the leg or lacking confidence to travel forward.

Accuracy

Circle not round/loops not even/not centred

The shape or placement of the movement wasn’t correct. Even with a good way of going, inaccurate geometry will cost marks.

Halt not square or immobility not maintained

In halt, the horse should stand balanced and square, then remain still. A resting hindleg or fidgeting lowers the score.

Cooperation

Submission or acceptance of the aids

Often used interchangeably, the submission comment isn’t about dominance. Spooking, resistance, tension or ignoring the leg can all be reflected in this mark.

Still unsure what the comment means?

If you’re still unsure what a comment means, look back at the directive for that movement in the test. Ask yourself: was the judge marking the way of going, accuracy, or cooperation? Do that, and a cryptic five-word remark becomes a clear schooling goal.

• Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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For many of us, competing at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is the pinnacle of our equestrian careers. But a few of us will be fortunate enough not only to win, but stand champion and compete for one of the ultimate showing accolades: the horse or pony supreme championships at HOYS. Here, HOYS supreme judge Lisha Leeman gives an insight into her background in horses and what she will be looking for when judging these prestigious championships alongside British Showjumping chief executive Iain Graham.

Meet HOYS supreme judge Lisha Leeman

“My love of horses started at a very young age,” says Lisha of her early interest in equestrian sport. “I grew up around them and spent most of my childhood in the saddle. Horses have always been a huge part of my life and the bond you build with them is what makes the sport so special to me.”

Lisha took a break from horses when she met her husband Richard, who is also from a “horsey background”.

“We got married and raised our three children, but then once we moved and built our stables, I got back into the horses. It started with buying some show cobs, which introduced my daughter to the showing world, and that was it – we were hooked. I then began to breed my own show horses, and the rest is history. Breeding horses that have gone on to be champions has been incredibly rewarding.”

Lisha and her family breed under the Kellythorpes prefix, and show a range of their own homebred horses as well as horses they have purchased.

“I’ve been very lucky to enjoy many memorable moments over the years,” she says. “Highlights would include winning at some of the major county shows and competing successfully at HOYS and at Royal International.”

Lisha is modest. Over the years, her family and their breeding have not only competed successfully at HOYS, but have also won, from the show pony ranks through to the coloureds, the riding horses and the cobs. They’ve also stood champion, meaning she’ll know exactly how connections stood outside the ring are feeling when watching their horses and their family members compete from the sidelines.

Due to the family’s showing commitments, Lisha has not pursued assessment for judging panels.

“It’s always been very hard whilst competing horses,” she explains, adding, “although it’s definitely something I am considering in the near future”.

Nevertheless, she has enjoyed some impressive appointments.

“Judging the pony supreme at the 2011 Royal International Horse Show stands out as a judging highlight. Being trusted to assess some of the country’s best horses and riders is a privilege I never take lightly,” she says.

What will Lisha Leeman be looking for?

“I always look for a horse that has that ‘wow’ factor as soon as it enters the ring,” she says. “Conformation, movement, and type are all crucial, but so is presence — that show-ring sparkle. I like to see a horse that moves freely and correctly, is well produced, and clearly enjoying its job.”

And is she a stickler for anything?

‘I do pay close attention to movement and correctness,” she says, “particularly in limbs and feet, as these are fundamental to a horse’s soundness and way of going.

“I also dislike seeing horses behind the bridle or over-bitted, and I’m not a fan of heavy-handed riding. A harmonious partnership should always be the goal; the horse should look soft, willing, and happy in its work.”

Supreme championships are a challenge, as there are so many different types of animals of a high calibre. But she isn’t daunted at this prospect.

“It’s part of the fun,” she says. “I’ll always judge each horse against the standard of its type and look for the one that best represents what that class is about.”

What advice does she have for first-time exhibitors there?

“Firstly, enjoy every moment; qualifying is a huge achievement in itself. Try to stay calm and focused, and remember that the atmosphere is as exciting for your horse as it is for you.

“Preparation is key: make sure your turnout is immaculate and your horse is fit, well, and confident. And most importantly, smile and savour the experience — HOYS is a memory you’ll treasure forever.”

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

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Watch the Horse of the Year Show TV programme live from wherever you are

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Are judges scoring more strictly in dressage? It’s a question that’s gained traction following recent scrutiny of judging scores, and Carl Hester raised it in a recent Horse & Hound column.

At the heart of those discussions has been how to keep horse welfare front and centre, while reinforcing core principles like freedom and regularity of movement, balanced transitions and lightness. So far, no rule changes have landed – but are judges already adjusting their scoring?

Let’s look at the data…

To understand where scores are now, it’s useful to look at how they’ve changed over time.

In the grand prix at the four Olympic Games between 1996 and 2008, marks stayed fairly steady. The average for the top five had a slight downward trend: 75.1% in 1996, 75.02% in 2000, 74.77% in 2004, and 73.08% in 2008. The scores needed for a top-10 finish were also consistent, all within a 2% range, from 69.67% to 71.29%.

It was at London 2012 that things shifted. The top-five average jumped to 80.66%, up 7.58% from Beijing. And it wasn’t just at the top end. The 10th-placed rider scored 75.61%, and further down the field, scores were higher: the average for 11th to 15th was up by nearly 6%, and for 26th to 30th, up by 6.45%.

In Beijing 2008, only nine combinations scored over 70%. By London, that number had risen to 30, with three – Valegro, Parzival and Damon Hill – breaking 80%. The upward trend continued at Rio 2016, with 36 combinations over 70%, four over 80% (Valegro, Desperados FRH, Showtime FRH and Weihegold OLD), a top-five average of 81.4%, and the 26th to 30th average up to 72.08%.

The world record scores across all three tests were broken 14 times between 2008 and 2016, with the current highest scores all achieved in that period by Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. While statistical outliers like Valegro helped drive top-end numbers, the rise in scores was consistent throughout the field.

Even after his retirement, scores kept climbing: at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the top-five average edged higher again to 81.54%. Carina Cassøe Krüth and Heiline’s Danciera scored 76.68% to finish 10th –the highest ever score for that placing, and a grand prix mark which would have been the highest at the 2008 Games.

Dressage scores: where we are now

At the 2024 Paris Games, scores had begun to decline at the top end, despite a stacked field, with the top five averaging 79.57%. But for the rest of the field, the scores remained consistent, 26th to 30th averaged 70.8% – up on the 70.19% at the previous Games – while the 10th placed finishers (Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth) scored 76.12%.

Since Paris, scrutiny has intensified. At the World Cup Final in Basel, some scores were met with whistles from the crowd and drew attention online – a sign that judging is now under both technical and public pressure. Add to that media focus on blue tongues and contact issues, tack debates in the European Parliament, a reflective Level 4 Judges Meeting in Bern (4–5 February), and the conversation around scoring has only grown louder.

Of the 60 combinations that started the grand prix in Paris, 12 have since competed in at least three World Cup qualifiers – events that, outside of championships, are most likely to be judged by the high proportion of Level 4 judges.

Of those 12, four have improved their averages in the World Cup season (ordered by finishing place in Paris):

• Becky Moody and Jagerbomb are up by 1.52%
• Adrienne Lyle and Helix by 0.29%
• Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau by 1.04%
• Corentin Pottier and Gotilas by 1.98%

The remaining eight combinations saw an average drop of 1.04%. Taken together, the overall difference across the 12 riders is minimal: a slight average increase of just 0.09%.

This isn’t the most robust data set – some riders may have underperformed in Paris, and World Cup qualifier scores in America, for instance, do tend to run higher. But even so, there’s no clear sign of a broader shift in scoring.

Beyond the World Cup series, Nations Cup results tell a slightly different story. The average score at Wellington CDIO3* (19–23 February) was 2.03% lower than the average from the past three years. At Compiègne CDIO5*, the drop was even steeper, down 3.19%.

That said, this may reflect the Nations Cup’s diminished status in recent years. With less weight in selection decisions, it may attract different riding strategies or up-and-coming combinations not in peak form.

At the national level, results show even less change. At the recent NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships, in the straight gold classes, average scores were in line with the previous year. Winning marks were up in five of the seven tests, and down in two.

So, what does this all suggest?

There’s no strong evidence of widespread score deflation in dressage, yet. While top-end marks dipped slightly at the Paris Olympics compared to Tokyo, the rest of the field held firm – or improved. World Cup results show no significant movement either way, and national-level scores remain stable.

Nations Cup events have seen the sharpest drops so far this year, but that may have more to do with the competition’s shifting role than judging itself. Overall, what we’re seeing isn’t a systemic tightening – just a subtle recalibration at the top.

• 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:

Why we are seeing blue tongues in dressage arenas – and what needs to be done about it

The history of hyperflexion in dressage training – and how the sport can move away from it

How horse abuse is penalised in sport – and the challenges of bringing a case before the FEI Tribunal

Richard Davison: ‘Dressage needs to implement the code of points’

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

As well as the prestige of winning, the allure of a bonus ticket to the London International Horse Show’s Heritage Championship means that the open mountain and moorland ridden classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show are hot competition.

This year, competitors will be sorted into line by conformation judge Lizzie Briant-Finlayson and performance judge Stephanie Turner.

While it’s difficult to alter a pony’s conformation, there’s still time to make sure that your performance is on point. So who is Royal Windsor M&M judge, Stephanie Turner, and what will she be looking for?

Stephanie’s had a lifetime’s experience with ponies, having started riding at just three years old.

“My mother rode, and my grandfather worked the land with heavy horses, so it was inevitable that I would,” she explains.

She enjoyed early success in the working hunter pony arena and having left school, she worked on a yard for a short time before setting up her own production yard.

There, Stephanie produced children’s ponies and showed an array of horses and ponies herself. These included HOYS-winning Arabian horse Silver Moonlight, and Olympia-bound Connemara Minsmere Rebel and Welsh section C Templedruid Welshman.

She also took a turn riding Highland pony Mackenzie Dean for fellow producer Julie Barton, meaning she has a range of experiences not only in the ring, but specifically with native ponies.

Followers of M&M classes in recent years will be familiar with her New Forest pony, Ravenstone Fudge, who is the reigning New Forest pony of the year as well as winner of the 2024 performance pony class at London International.

Stephanie sits on a host of panels, including the British Show Pony Society, the Arab Horse Society, Coloured Horse and Pony Society and the British Show Horse Association among others.

“I’m very lucky and very honoured to have judged at most of the more prestigious shows in the UK and internationally,” says Stephanie.

International appointments include shows in Abu Dhabi, South Africa, and Australia. She’s also judged HOYS twice, and this is her third appointment at Windsor having previously officiated over the hack and part-bred Arab sections.

Royal Windsor M&M judge: what is Stephanie looking for?

What will M&M competitors need to do to impress Stephanie at Royal Windsor?

She explains that, first and foremost, she’ll be looking for “a pony that goes true to its type and in the way their breed description recommends.”

On the go round, Stephanie feels that a “lot of riders disregard the walk,” and reminds competitors that it is the first and last thing a judge sees during the go round and in the individual show.

She’ll also be looking for a pony that “looks through the bridle” and is mannerly.

When it comes to the extension, she says: “Some aren’t bred to gallop but for those breeds, I’ll still want to see a change in pace.“

“Basically,” she summarises, “I’m looking for something that I would like to ride myself.”

You heard it here first! Time to get practicing…

• To follow all the showing action from Royal Windsor, plus breaking news from other major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘I’m looking for a pony that is going to give a child confidence’: find out what the 2025 Royal Windsor mini M&M judge wants to see

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Royal Windsor Horse Show tickets are now on sale for 2026

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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

International competitor and trainer Pammy Hutton FBHS shares her thoughts on judging, rollkur and the downside of social media

Who else spotted variations in the judging at the National Championships? Even accounting for judges seeing tests from different positions, were the inconsistencies too large and too frequent?

In some cases, of course, these discrepancies will have been reviewed. But at the nationals, one might expect better spreads than second to 23rd, second to 20th (twice), first to 17th, first to 20th, first to 15th and fifth to 29th.

In my book, to achieve the top or second-best mark from one judge and then be placed 20th is a huge differential. One’s nearly a winner, the other out with the washing.

Perhaps one solution is for judges to have additional sessions with experienced trainers who have produced horses through from young horses to grand prix level? Constantly adding to one’s knowledge portfolio is key to identifying the fundamentals of correct dressage.

But, at the end of the day, judges are only human. Does worry abound over the ever-present threat of bullying on social media – especially if a judge’s alleged “darling” partnership wins? Does fashion come into it? Or an inherent desire for popularity?

I even heard from a good source that if one marked between a 6.5 and 7.5, one got into little trouble. Only bloopers get marked down and brilliance up; otherwise, play it safe.

I was shocked at this gem but it could explain what’s going on. To be a judge currently is a devil of a job. It’s also one of the most important responsibilities in our sport – the one in which dressage’s future lies.

Overbent and over-deep

What can be done about the thorny subject of rollkur – riding horses overbent and over-deep?

I tried to find a definition of rollkur from the governing bodies. It’s impossible! So how do we assess all these terms that amount to hyperflexion? Why is there no mention of the specifics in the FEI rule book?

Well, blow me down, decades ago I attended a convention where a well-known international dressage rider taught us all how and why to do it.

I wrote down their words at the time: “You pull and don’t give until they give.” The picture of their horse kissing its chest is etched

on my memory as we had it explained that this was the whole answer to dressage training.

I never tried it out. I decided instead to stick with what I’d always been taught; that the art is in the give, not in the take.

Today, there is new hope. Tight necks are being marked down. And at least nosebands will have uniformity with the newly introduced taper measure. It’s a start…

The “how young is too young to start horses” debate also continues to rumble on, and rightly so.

It’s all too easy to swoon over stunning three-, four- and five-year-olds who look like potential grand prix gold medallists. But logic tells us that for longevity we cannot expect horses whose joints and ligaments have not yet matured to be ridden jacked up and ready to win.

Effort needs to go into normalising an appropriate way of going – like the judging of young horse classes being less on flash movement and more on conformation and rideability.

Harassment online

If I could clone myself, I’d go into full-time study of how to teach the social media platforms a lesson via the law courts.

It cannot be right that someone can lie, harass, slander and destroy people online without sanction.

I would like to see the people who do this banned from social media. It’s time the platforms who control the medium became accountable.

There are hundreds of untruths freely posted. Some cause deep upset and are just lies. I’ve coped but, sadly, so many do not.

Of course, I’m far from the only person attacked. I use my example as I’m incredulous that social media seemingly has no rules, and that people are allowed to be so cruel.

● What changes would you like to see in how classes are judged? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events including London International, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

From ‘needs more suppleness’ to ‘could be more uphill’: what dressage judges’ comments really mean (and how to use them when training at home)

Recent events a ‘catalyst for change’ as dressage welfare plan announced

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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

Robert Walker weighs up the new judging system set to premiere at HOYS

As a team, we’re gearing up for the biggest occasion of the year, the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Our season has shifted a bit towards the end given my wife Sarah’s recent fall at the Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain championships, meaning she’s been out of action. However, we’re grateful to have good people around us who have been mucking in when and where they can to keep the show on the road.

We had a good run at our last show, the British Show Horse Association championships, and our main focus now is keeping our HOYS contenders sound, happy and healthy.

There is to be a new judging format this year, whereby the judges of each final won’t be announced until the morning of the class. When this change was announced at the beginning of the year I was enthusiastic about it. There was less pressure in a way, as it took away all the usual speculation that goes on in modern showing on social media.

As we move towards HOYS, though, I do have a couple of concerns. As a show horse producer, the main part of my job is to produce a horse for a particular ride judge. Each judge has a different riding style and preference, and preparing a show animal for a certain rider is an art for my fellow producers and I.

Ideally, every horse will carry anyone well, but knowing who is to be riding could be the difference between giving something a bit more work as you know a judge prefers something on the steadier side, or leaving it fresh so it goes on more. The atmosphere at HOYS is also so unique that it can be tricky to prepare a horse even without the unknown of who will be sitting on it.

Looking at the initial list of judges, all of the potential ride judges look to be very good riders, which is a positive. At this year’s HOYS, at least, we’ll all be going in the ring with a blank canvas, and we’ll have to see what happens on the day.

A showing spectacle

It’s evident that HOYS is still the main aim for all showing riders. The last few qualifiers of the year have been exceptionally strong with good combinations still clambering for those elusive tickets. There’s a passion around going to HOYS that you just don’t get at any other show.

The appeal to ride there is still as strong as when I first started out and it’s the one show that all my customers want to aim for. The buzz is like no other and while it’s been a very lucky show for us results-wise, the spectacle of it creates an incredible occasion outside of the show ring too.

This type of event is only positive for our sport – it’s the ultimate showcase of our best animals.

While Sarah’s accident has certainly put things into perspective for us this year, we’ll still be trying very hard to have a successful week at HOYS. I wish everyone competing there the very best of luck.

● What do you think of the new judging format at HOYS 2024? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout HOYS. Maryland, Pau and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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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

Richard Davison, a four-time dressage Olympian and former British World Class performance manager, who has been at the forefront of international dressage for more than 30 years, shares his views on horse abuse, social media and protecting judges

Reports of horses being worked to death at the Appleby Horse Fair were shocking. When it comes to punishing those responsible it will be a long haul. A successful prosecution depends on securing enough credible evidence to satisfy the criminal standard of proof and even then there’s a backlog in the courts.

It shows why calls for regulated horse sport to be banned in the interest of equine welfare are misguided. In regulated sport not only is there 24/7 oversight but riders and owners are also traceable and the imposition of sanctions is quicker and has a lower standard of proof compared to criminal proceedings.

Online abuse of judges

You might have noticed a new face popping up on your Instagram feeds – that’s right, I’ve finally joined the party!

Having been goaded into this by fellow riders, it was “cameraman to the stars” Harry Sykes who provided endless patient mentoring so I can now bash out a reel in record time. But here’s the scoop: the secret to gaining followers, according to seasoned ’grammers is to expose my “handle”. So, here it is: @davisonequestrian.

On social media, it’s not just riders who have been subjected to abuse. Judges have also received the same treatment and several have told me they are reflecting on whether or not to continue. With scores and competition videos now easily accessible online, judges are under relentless scrutiny.

In technical tests, the primary role of the judge is to select the appropriate mark for each movement. Since judges are rightly afforded only the narrowest of margins of discretion when it comes to personal opinion, the question is what is the “right” score?

Although that is all set out in the FEI’s Judging Manual and Dressage Rules, recalling the contents of the hundreds of pages is the weak link.

I was part of a two-year study commissioned by the FEI that involved convening a group of psychologists from Nottingham Trent University to analyse judges’ cognitive processes, including their observation power and ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

It’s no surprise that the experts advised that memorising and recalling pages of thousands of words was highly likely to result in inconsistencies.

On the other hand, images are much easier to retain and that’s why other judged sports – like gymnastics – already have their scoring systems codified in various, easily recallable formats.

The FEI then commissioned a group of expert stakeholder representatives to draft a code of points to act as a standard reference for the grand prix movements, which could then be used as a blueprint for other tests.

As you can imagine this was an exercise in compromise given the passion of the dressage experts involved. But a consensus was reached and the code of points has been sitting on a shelf ready to go for some time now.

Level the playing field

Criticism of the current scoring system is now coming from all directions. At the World Cup Final, competitor Morgan Barbançon Mestre was vocal in her call for greater transparency and for consistency.

It was also a nod from the International Olympic Committee president that led to the creation of the code of points.

FEI dressage director Ronan Murphy makes it clear that he intends to bring his combined experience of business and modern sports governance into dressage and 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to implement the code of points since it is the first year of the next Olympic cycle.

It’s not only critical we provide a level playing field and fairness for riders, but we must also protect our judges and the integrity of the sport. Fortunately for Ronan it’s not a case of having to reinvent the wheel – it’s just a matter of fitting it.

● What rule changes would you like to see introduced in dressage? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 20 June

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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.

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

With more combinations riding down the centre line than ever before, there has never been a better time to become a British Dressage (BD) judge.

Even if you don’t intend on embarking fully on a judging career, becoming a dressage judge is a good way to improve your understanding of the horse’s way of going.

You might find this a rewarding process in itself, but it can also significantly benefit your own test riding and coaching.

However, if you want to progress up the levels, or lists, it can take years and involves extensive training and assessment.

Still interested? We’ve broken it down below into a step-by-step guide starting with the most basic requirements.

Where do I start?

To become a trainee judge, you first need to be a minimum of a full (non-competing) member with BD – learn more about BD memberships.

Once you’re signed up, you can complete the registration to become a trainee judge through your online profile. It will cost £15 to register and your registration will be valid for 12 months.

Once you’ve registered, BD will contact you with further information about booking an induction session. The induction session must be completed within the first year of your registration.

Once you’ve attended an induction session, you’ll have the option to make your details visible on BD’s find a judge database. You can browse that database even as a non-member to get a feel for the system.

As a trainee judge who has completed the induction, you can start judging at unaffiliated competitions. You’ll have to renew your £15 registration annually and attend an annual seminar. Every two years, you’ll also have to take an induction session to keep up to date.

You can also now register for the judge education system for £30. This is the pathway to judging at affiliated competitions and becoming a listed judge.

How do I become a listed dressage judge?

You have two years to become listed once you’re registered to the judge education system.

As a trainee judge, you will be following the “new judge” pathway. This will include attendance at interactive workshops and completion of self-directed learning activities, including:

• sitting in for a minimum of 30 horses with two different judges
• writing for a minimum of 20 horses with two different judges
• completing 20 practice tests, with 10 tests being reviewed by a tutoring judge
• observing two training sessions of a minimum of two hours each

That might seem like a lot to organise, but BD has a self-directed learning guidance document which will help you reach out to local judges.

To be eligible to take the final online assessment, candidates must have completed all of the above pathway tasks and have achieved three scores at 62% or above at novice level or three scores at 65% or above at BD freestyle affiliated competitions.

Candidates must begin at novice level unless they’re eligible for the fast-track scheme. The fast-track scheme is available for riders who have at a minimum ridden at advanced medium at National Championships level achieving four scores of over 68%.

 What are the different lists? 

The lists which dressage judges progress up range from six to one, and each enables you to judge different classes.

List 1 qualifies you to judge tests of all levels of dressage, including young horse qualifiers and eventing tests.

List 2A all dressage tests up to and including inter I.

List 2 all tests up to and including PSG and young horse qualifiers.

List 3A all tests up to and including advanced medium.

List 3 all tests up to and including medium, you’ll also be eligible to become a para judge.

List 4 all tests up to and including elementary, plus intermediate level or below eventing tests.

List 5 all tests up to and including novice, plus novice level or below eventing tests.

List 6 intro and prelim tests, BE100, BE90 and BE80 tests as well as riding club tests up to and including novice, except when used as a qualifier.

Once you’re a listed judge, the process to go up a list is similar to becoming listed in the first instance. But to come forward for reassessment you must have been registered at your current level for one year.

How much do dressage judges earn?

Being a dressage judge is, in most cases, not an alternative to full-time employment.

Lists one to four earn £1.50 per starter at most BD competitions. Lists five and six earn £1.25 per starter.

This rate increases to £2.00 per starter at High Profile Shows, Premier Leagues and National Championships.

Judges also invoice for their travel expenses on top of this.

How else can I get involved?

It takes more than judges to run dressage competitions. The sport wouldn’t be able to continue without its strong network of volunteers. Being a writer for a judge is an essential volunteering role. Writers sit alongside judges, recording their scores and observations. Becoming a writer is an excellent way to learn more about dressage and to experience the sport from the best seat in the house.

If you’re interested, you can reach out to BD’s training and education team or get in touch with your local competition venue.

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Magnus Nicholson is a leading show horse producer, judge and BSHA board member, who is based in North Yorkshire. He has won titles at all major shows, including at HOYS and the RIHS.

Having been injured in a car accident last November, I have had a strange year this year. I handed my horses’ reins over to my wife, Kate, and was able to ride only towards the end of the season.

One of my highlights of 2023 was judging the ride of the heavyweight hunters at the Royal International (RIHS) final. It was great to see strong entry numbers as well as quality down the line.

The unique format of the hunter championship is always a crowd-pleaser. Each of the ride judges takes the first- and second-placed horses from the other weight classes for a spin, and this can really influence the outcome. It’s a fantastic main ring and you can really open horses up along the grandstand.

It’s been great to see societies encouraging fresh faces on to the judging panels, too; Nick Gauntlett, who judged the middleweights at the RIHS, is actively involved in eventing.

The subject of judging has been a strong topic of conversation this year, but this is nothing new. Having judged for nearly 40 years, I think the biggest change in recent times is the advances in technology, such as camera phones and social media use. Technology can be helpful and useful, but remember that people can take a bad photo, situations can be misinterpreted and there are two sides to every story.

I genuinely believe that the majority of judging is fair and above board. But there will always be a few who can spoil things, though I know that societies are working hard to deal with this.

Now is the time for change; competitors want to see judges being held accountable and transparency is paramount. The horse world is small. Many people know each other; it’s almost impossible to go to a show as a judge or as a competitor and not bump into a friend. When this happens common sense and professional etiquette must prevail.

However, judges need support, too, as well as encouragement and training from societies, so they feel confident and capable.

“A true gentleman”

A sad point of the year was when I attended the funeral of Peter Richmond, one of Yorkshire’s greatest showmen, who was also a true gentleman and a friend.

I worked for Peter in my teens and I was honoured to be asked by his family to deliver a tribute. Peter’s wife Sylvia kindly gifted me Peter’s red tailcoat, which he had inscribed in the pocket. Most people know I am rarely brought to tears, but I was certainly moved by this gesture. I wore the tailcoat with pride at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this year.

The older I get, the more I realise how lucky I was to have that generation of older showmen who were so keen to hand down knowledge and advice. It’s something we must continue, to encourage the next generation.

A bright future

Generally, I believe that showing is in a good place and there is still enthusiasm across the different classes. This year, many young people have taken the top spots at shows and this has to be good for the future.

At HOYS I met a young lady who had won the native junior working hunter final on her first time competing there. Her supporters were delighted and I thought it was great to see such positivity.

There will always be showing in one form or another. It may be different from the past, but people still love to show off their horses. We can all be guilty of looking back to the past with rose-tinted glasses and thinking it was so much better, but there were problems then, too. They just seemed easier to deal with when we were 20 years younger!

● How does showing need to change? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 2 November, 2023

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‘He’s always been a performer’: Robert Walker lifts seventh HOYS hunter title with new star

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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

Top pony producer Julie Templeton asks whether judges should submit a CV to show secretaries, enabling competitors to make a more informed decision over whether to show under that person

In the past few months, showing has been surrounded by a cloud of negativity on social media, with a fair amount focusing on judging. In showjumping, it is easy to see when a fence is knocked down and a penalty given, but as showing is subjective, it makes it more difficult for the participants and spectators to understand the judge’s decision.

Ultimately, our industry needs to be as transparent as possible for the modern-day competitor. Across all societies we require knowledgeable judges who act with integrity and honesty, and who can justify their actions if required. The marks system has led to some individuals being able to hide behind a number, as you don’t need any experience to be able to issue two digits.

It may be useful if judges submitted a CV-type document to the show secretaries, outlining their background and experience. If competitors are aware of the judge’s expertise, they can make a more informed decision over whether to show under that person or not.

The late Davina Whiteman did start an initiative to promote transparency, whereby judges gave a commentary on their thinking throughout the class (a frequently used format in stock judging), which I found incredibly useful and very interesting to listen to. However, this never took off, as many judges were not comfortable with the process and some competitors did not enjoy hearing the judges’ honest thoughts.

No subjective sport is without its problems and I’m not saying I haven’t had my fair share of bad days, but on the days where I feel I’ve been unfairly judged, I go back to the wagon and vent in private. I then decide whether I wish to show under that person again.

However, now we are in the social media age, people seem to find it acceptable to use this platform to air their personal views on judges and the judging process. Nobody forces anyone to show under certain judges and if you choose to do so, then you must be willing to accept the outcomes.

I feel that competitors also have their own responsibility to act with integrity, and I personally cannot see any situation in which judge bashing would be acceptable behaviour.

Being positive

I have just returned from a good friend’s wedding in Edinburgh, which was an intimate ceremony surrounded only by their closest friends, many of whom were part of the showing community. We had a fabulous time and while we don’t need a wedding every day to remind ourselves of our priorities in life, a wedding does focus solely on positivity, which showing could do with a huge dose of just now.

Showing has been the catalyst for so many positive things in my own life – providing me with a very good living and a lovely lifestyle, and also allowing me to make lifelong friends.

I urge all showing enthusiasts to seek out the positives in our sport and promote them, as in its current fragile state, showing may not be able to survive unless we strive to protect our industry.

● Do you think judge’s giving commentary would be useful? Let us know by writing to hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 9 March

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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

Morals, scoring and social media were among the topics discussed at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) 2023 judges’ conference.

Some 180 judges attended the conference on 11 February, which was followed by the society’s AGM and awards ceremony.

Edward Young, BSPS council member and a show producer, delivered a presentation on the “morals of judging”, discussing how judges should behave and who should show under them.

“If you spend time socialising with competitors, you could be perceived as a crook even if you aren’t. Judges have to be very careful about the perception they give,” he told H&H.

“Showing under friends is always going to be a bit of a thing, but the trouble is that the showing world is so small, it’s very difficult not to know everyone if you’ve been in it for any length of time. But if you go on holiday with someone a couple of times a year or speak to someone every day on the phone, you probably shouldn’t be showing under them.”

Edward also spoke about issues relating to social media.

“If someone posts a picture of a horse in a category you judge, it’s probably unwise to comment on that picture – you have to be very careful about interaction,” he said. “Similarly, when a judge posts online that they had a lovely day at a show, it gives the opportunity to open a conversation over which they’ve got no control, and it can run away. My advice is if someone wants to thank a show, this should be over the phone or email.”

Another key point of the conference was an interactive session on way of going and scoring. Video clips of ponies performing shows were played and every table of judges gave a score, followed by a group discussion.

New chair of the BSPS judges’ assessment board Joanne Pybus told H&H it became apparent that different judges look for different things.

“There were mid-range scores that quite a few tables gave, then some gave 10 marks lower or higher, so then we discussed how these judges came to their decisions,” she said.

“On every table there was a mix of judges – some who had been on the panel for 30 to 40 years and some attending their first conference. The aim was to encourage everybody to engage in discussion – and encourage judges to use a wide range of marks when they’re out in the real world.”

BSPS chairman Paul Cook said there had been a lot of innovation with new awards and classes in the past year, including the Grange Bank Stud awards for younger members, the Robert Oliver showman’s award and the four-, five- and six-year-old championship. Also launched was the breeders’ challenge in partnership with the National Pony Society, encouraging the breeding of British riding ponies, and the “very successful” winter worker stakes and new summer worker stakes.

“It was a very positive year, and we will continue these opportunities this year along with the new London International Horse Show (LIHS) performance classes and the cradle and nursery stake finals,” he said.

“We’re trying to make sure all our membership have something they can aspire to and achieve, whether that’s our championship shows, the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] or LIHS. We also have our Burghley Sports Pony final which links with the Pony Club.”

Among the topics at the AGM was rider safety, with new rules on hat-tagging and on concussion, requiring riders who fall to seek medical advice before riding again – bringing the society in line with organisations such as the Pony Club.

Paul said one “hot topic” is the HOYS intermediate championships, where the 153cm small intermediate and 158cm large intermediate will be a combined championship for 2023. HOYS said this had been “extensively discussed with the relevant showing societies” and was owing to “concern about numbers” in plaited pony classes.

Paul added that the BSPS is considering how it can offer alternative opportunities for intermediates

“We’re looking at how we might do something for the intermediates at our championship, particularly for people who perhaps unknowingly bought a pony for each section and now won’t be able to ride both if they do qualify for HOYS. We strongly encouraged HOYS to consult members and have a longer lead time if changes like these are planned,” he said.

“We’ll keep this under review and look at how we might ensure ponies are catered for, even though HOYS is having an amalgamated final.”

A HOYS spokesman told H&H that since the peak of the intermediate show riding type from 2008–2016, there was “no avoiding the reality” that plaited pony numbers have continued to decline.

“In the past five years, we have seen a 42% decrease in entry numbers for these classes. In a bid to uphold the quality of animals at the final, HOYS took steps in recent years to reduce the qualifying spaces,” he said.

“However in 2022, one in three intermediates campaigning for this class qualified for HOYS and across the two height sections, 96 animals contested the classes. With these numbers in mind, it is unsustainable to continue running the class in its previous format. In addition, information from the BSPS highlighted that numbers competing at novice level were not encouraging in anticipation of the 2023 season, something we are keen to work with BSPS to improve.”

The spokesman added that HOYS maintains it is “reflecting the current showing scene” with regard to breeds and types, and will continue to closely monitor numbers at qualifying shows across all sections.

“Plaited ponies are an important part of the heritage of the show, and we remain committed to working to ensure that they continue to have a place at HOYS.”

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

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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

With the 2022 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) just around the corner, we catch up with UK Ponies and Horses (UKPH) mountain and moorland (M&M) young rider and amateur ride judge Erik Mackechnie-Guire to find out what he’ll be looking for on the day.

Who is Erik Mackechnie-Guire?

Erik Mackechnie-Guire is an experienced coach who has worked with the Team GBR Para-equestrian Dressage team and as Para-equestrian high performance manager with Team Australia. In May 2019 he was appointed as the BEF’s new pathway manager for Para-equestrian dressage. As well as being an esteemed showing judge, he has also competed to advanced level in dressage.

Which judging panels are you on?

“I sit on UKPH, the National Pony Society (NPS) and Highland pony society panels.”

What will you be looking for when the combinations enter the ring?

“Breed type is everything to me and it’s my main priority when assessing each combination as they enter the ring. An animal should tell me what it is from the get go; I shouldn’t have to look at the schedule to guess what class I’m judging. I have a strong bias towards the quality of the walk, too. I believe native ponies should be judged fairly across the paces, but I feel the walk sometimes gets overlooked and some judges focus too much on the trot, canter and extension. Some breeds will have naturally better walks than others. The performance breeds should walk well under-saddle, but the draught-type breeds should also be able to walk out; if they can’t walk they wouldn’t be able to pull and carry for long periods of time and would therefore be no use in their traditional roles.”

What sort of ride will you be looking for in your natives?

“Correct way of going is key. I have no specific elements of a show I ask for; a pony either goes correctly, or it does not. I like simple shows which display that the pony is set-up and goes well. A pony should go with its poll as the highest point and I don’t like to see a pony going behind the vertical. I will always look at the way of going first, and bitting second, but if a pony has been trained and goes correctly, then it should perform in a simple bit.”

What are some of your show ring pet hates?

“A pony not going correctly and over-bitting. Things I look out for during the show is for a pony to be bending correctly, and not running on the forehand. While the way of going within breed type is important, each pony should perform using its core and with its hind legs engaged.”

What makes the RIHS so special?

“It’s one of the biggest events in the calendar for both competitors and judges. It was exciting when my judging pack arrived through the post; each judging appointment is an honour and I keep judging badges as keepsakes, but the RIHS one certainly gets pride of place. Hickstead is so iconic. It’s a major player in the equestrian world and is a showcase of good horsemanship. It’s the pinnacle of many rider’s careers, regardless of which sphere they ride in.”

Any sign off advice for those riding there for the first time?

“Make a conscious effort to enjoy it. You can’t presume you’ll ever be back again. Ensure you leave with good memories which you can look back on fondly. Get yourself into a positive mindset ahead of your class. Do the work and hope your pony will go well; hopefully the judges will agree. If you head in with a positive attitude you’re more likely to leave with a positive outcome.”

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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

VIDEO recording is to be introduced in some Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers after concerns were raised about judging.

HOYS organiser Grandstand Media announced the measure, which will apply to a select number of qualifying classes, this month, in response to issues raised about some of the judging at a number of recent fixtures.

Grandstand released a statement after both competitors and non-competitors who attended the North of England summer show at Arena UK on the 25 to 26 June voiced concerns.

“As a result of these concerns, HOYS will be undertaking a thorough investigation and discussing with [the British Show Pony Society] BSPS, [National Pony Society] NPS and other societies as appropriate,” the statement read.

“Going forward, Horse of the Year Show believes that the most effective prevention of these occurrences is the improved education of both judges and competitors, which will be discussed with the relevant societies. In addition, HOYS will look to implement video recording of selected classes at a variety of shows to ensure appropriate monitoring.

“Thank you for your understanding, and please rest assured that the integrity of the sport is our primary concern.”

Sarah Chapman of The Showing Register (TSR) told H&H: “The Showing Register welcomed the videoing of HOYS qualifiers held at our summer show as we had the utmost confidence in our judges, but as far as we’re aware nothing was recorded.”

H&H showing editor Alex Robinson, who competed at HOYS last year, said that although it is very important showing maintains its integrity, and is as fair as possible, “part of showing is that it’s the opinion of a specific judge, on a specific day”.

“What the judge sees from the middle of the ring is different to what the spectators, or other competitors, see, and I think this could bring judges’ integrity into question,” she said. “I also think there may be problems with videoing in terms of safeguarding, as many competitors are children.

“We all expect to be judged fairly and I think something needs a shake-up but I don’t know if this will work; it will be interesting to see how HOYS decides to implement it.”

Alex added: “If competitors are annoyed about results, or feel unfairly judged, there are complaints procedures in place. If the industry feels these procedures aren’t robust enough, maybe they need to be looked at instead.”

HOYS event director Jane Warmington told H&H: “The fairness and integrity of the sport is paramount to Horse of the Year Show, and with this in mind we will be looking to implement new strategies to help ensure this.

“These include the use of video recording of classes and monitoring of judging to ensure compliance with society rules and practices. We will also be working with all the relevant societies to ensure better education of both judges and competitors.

“No more details of the investigation will be shared until this is concluded to avoid any further complication or disruption.”

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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

One of Britain’s greatest dressage riders and trainers, Carl Hester MBE, on the importance of good judges and post-Brexit travel worries

WITH the cost of living at a frightening level, the news that British Dressage has implemented some measures aimed at providing financial support for organisers and judges is to be welcomed. As from the beginning of this month, venues will only pay minimum starter levies on actual entries and the judges’ rate per horse has increased.

I have always regarded judging as a profession; judges have a huge responsibility to uphold the principles of dressage, and how we’re judged is how we ride.

Knowledgeable former riders, especially those who have ridden up to grand prix and have the feeling and knowledge of training, are to be encouraged and welcomed into the judging fold. Although there’s a long way to go in promoting judging as a professional job, we’ve made a start.

With Peter Storr and Judy Harvey standing unopposed for judges director and international director in the British Dressage board elections, we have two candidates doing their jobs with great success.

They’ve not only had international judging but also riding experience, so we’re lucky to have that amount of knowledge at our fingertips. Judy has worn a variety of hats over the years, including being a selector. The important thing is that they have both been in the same situations us riders have been through.

My experience over the years – and although I’ve had a long and successful career, I’ve also come last at Aachen and had numerous other not-so-memorable results – is that judges who have been there and done that are better able to empathise. Of course, the world’s not about to end with a bad dressage test, but rides like that can make you feel as if it is, so it’s where a bit of sympathy can come in handy.

Both candidates for the position of chair, our current British Dressage (BD) youth director Claire Moir and former training director Jill Day, bring a great deal of equestrian knowledge. Whoever is elected needs to be able to represent us on the big stage with integrity, common sense and personality, and have the ability to deal with people at all levels both nationally and internationally. I wish both candidates well.

Hartpury is a quality venue

THE Hartpury Festival of Dressage was very hot, with people sizzling on Hartpury Hill, but congratulations to the Hartpury team on another successful event. We’ve seen such growth over the years and it’s great to see Hartpury really established in the calendar.

How exciting to have such a quality venue to host the upcoming European Championships for juniors and young riders at the end of the month. My inbox has been filled with messages from people coming to attend the championships.

Travel difficulties and cost have an impact however, and I don’t envy those aiming to cross the Channel and realising how much more expensive and difficult it is now, thanks to Brexit.

We’ve already had members of the Spanish and Czech contingents decide against making the trip over fears of extensive paperwork and potential long queues for the return journey due to limited return slots to pass through French customs.

The Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, including the Nations Cup, is the same weekend and our departing teams for the World Championships in Herning have to travel then too, as there is no availability on the Monday or Tuesday.

Why staying hydrated is key

IT was a shame we had to withdraw Charlotte Dujardin’s top horse Imhotep from Hartpury CDI. He had shown signs of mild discomfort an hour before the trot-up, and the word “colic” always puts the fear of God into any horse owner.

Thankfully, by the end of the same day “Pete” was fine. But this might serve as a reminder to all of us to be watchful and ensure our horses stay hydrated. It turned out Pete’s symptoms were down to dehydration.

So make sure you adjust your training, ride early or late or do less, and monitor fluid intake in this hot weather. The same goes for humans as well.

● What makes a good dressage judge great? Share your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com

• This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 21 July

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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

A NEW British Dressage (BD) system promises not only to “revolutionise” the way judges are trained, but also to help riders develop and progress.

BD has worked with equestrian specialist tech company Black Horse One to create an online platform, which is at the centre of a new judge education system.

BD training and education manager Charlotte Osborne told H&H the system is designed to provide standardised training and assessment.

“It’s not that judges were doing a bad job before, but the previous system was very focused on assessment and examining, and the assessment process wasn’t very user-friendly,” she said.

Ms Osborne added that the new system is more inclusive. There is less travelling for potential judges so more people can access the training, and “we’ve now got a wider range of people, which is so important for our sport”.

She said the new system, of online training and in-person and self-directed activity, will help judges develop and progress.

“It means judges come forward with all the knowledge and information they need to do a good job,” she said. “It’s not about training to pass exams, it’s about training to be a better judge, which provides the best competitor experience.”

Ms Osborne said it is very important the right combination wins the class, and the training should help judges gain “360 understanding” of everything involved in training a horse to a certain level.

“The riders have to also have a good experience,” she said. “They have to go away feeling they’ve got the right feedback, which they understand, can relate to and can use it to develop. That’s what dressage is supposed to be about; a test of training, not a test for its own sake.”

The first online assessments are due to run this autumn.

BD judges’ director and FEI five-star judge Peter Storr said: “After three years of development, it is incredibly exciting to launch this system.

“I think the pandemic has encouraged us all to embrace technology and I am looking forward to working with Black Horse One for our online judge training and qualifications. I have previously used Black Horse when judging at international competitions, as well as to deliver seminars and test candidate judges, and it continues to impress me.”

BD judge Sarah Kingwells, who has used the system to pass her latest upgrade, told H&H the system is easy to use.

“It is very accessible and all the things you require are easy to get to,” she said. “The training is more structured than before and that gives you confidence in yourself and all aspects of judging, knowing the training is so thorough.”

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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

International grand prix dressage rider and trainer Anna Ross on the highs and lows of the Winter Dressage Championships...

HOW fabulous to be back with a full crowd for the Winter Dressage Championships, with the range of classes demonstrating the variety of our membership. The new lighting arrangements make the main arena even more special with its intimate atmosphere, and it was a great social occasion.

My new puppy Brian was delighted to meet so many new friends, and I was touched by so many people’s kind wishes after the recent loss of my very naughty Westie, Benjy.

I’m sure we saw some future British team horses in Becky Moody’s Jagerbomb, who achieved a hat-trick at small tour, and Charlotte Dujardin’s double winner Times Kismet. British-bred horses took the first three places in the inter I, so there’s no doubt we’re creating the horsepower needed on home soil.

Judges, be brave!

THE diversity makes these championships unique, with all breeds, shapes and sizes competing, but it cannot make judging an easy task and there were some discrepancies in points. Some difference is to be expected of course, with judges in different positions – it is why we have more than one.

But one substantial difference came when two judges had a tall young horse first and the third judge had him 15th, resulting in a second place for the combination overall, in between two ponies.

It seems two judges appreciated the scope of the horse and one very much preferred the consistency of the ponies. You could make a case for either and it’s ironic that nobody complains when the judge who appears out of line gives the highest points. Further up the levels, scores seemed more in tune with each other.

But I found myself wondering whether, considering the diversity of the classes and differing levels of experience across the field, we would have expected a bigger spread in the top marks across the classes. Is the standard similar or are the judges being cautious – and if so, should we explore why?

All the winners across the gold and silver winter championships scored within 8% of each other, from the least experienced silver combination up to our double Olympic champion.

It left me wondering: had all the combinations competing at the same level been in one class, would the marks have been as close?

Personally, I’d rather have a brave judge with the courage of their convictions than one who sits on the fence going more beige by the second, and only marking between a five and seven. Before we compete, we must decide if we are ready to hear someone’s truth; after all, it’s what we sign up for.

If we want judges to use the range of marks, then “kicking off” if we don’t like the result only encourages future caution, and there are systems in place for genuine concerns.

End of a dream

THERE was one heartbreaking incident where a competitor’s mother had flown from Australia to watch her daughter compete in the freestyle. But her two CDs seemed incompatible with the system and her daughter was eliminated.

Perhaps it’s time to look into a different means of playing freestyle soundtracks, rather than CDs? Although with the number of competitors it would present a considerable challenge to our already busy organisers. Just to compete at the championships represents such a proud moment in any dressage enthusiast’s life, so it’s sad to see the dream end in this way.

Stars of the future

ANY sport gets boring if the same people win all the time, however brilliant the performances. However, we saw some true future stars in the under-21 classes, which were great exposure for our younger members.

The classes were quite girl heavy, but I watched 11-year-old Rocky Leahy come fifth at his first championship, and role models Dannie Morgan and Jezz Palmer both took the time to discuss his prelim test afterwards.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Violet Hawkins who won the prelim silver title was definitely a mini Charlotte Dujardin in the making, although her mum is going to need to tumble-dry that winners’ rug a few times to shrink it to fit her diminutive DZL Royal Sunrise.

• This column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 21 April

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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

The road to becoming a championship level showing judge can be a long one, especially if you’re just starting out and are yet to experience showing from the middle of the ring.

“There are two main lessons I’ve learnt along the way,” said esteemed judge and former showing producer Stuart Hollings, when he chatted to H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson on episode 92 of The Horse & Hound Podcast.

Stuart’s first tip is to always judge what you see on the day – it’s vital to “always judge from the middle of the ring”.

Stuart said this revelation came in 1984 when he was competing at the City of Leicester show before judging the lead rein final at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) summer championships 10 days later.

“There were between 60 and 70 ponies forward in the class at the BSPS championships,” he explained. “In those days there was just one class for each type of pony, not like today where you have several opportunities and classes to do with one pony at each show.

“We had three line-ups of ponies. When the first trot up was done I would signal one, two or three to the steward behind my back, and they would put them in the first, second or third line-up.

“A grey pony who I had seen at the City of Leicester and had dismissed 10 days earlier won the class. It taught me to always judge from the middle of the ring.”

Stuart also said that when judging a big mixed class of coloured horses or ponies that he would never ask the combinations to change the rein on the go-round.

“You should be able to assess a class early on. When they change the rein they can look completely different. Showing is a very visual sport and a horse may have a lovely front one way, but may have a dark splodge on the neck and somehow it might not look to be the same animal from the other side. So if they don’t change the rein, then you can easily keep track.

“The pull in is one of the most important aspects when you’re judging. For instance, when I judged the show ponies at the Royal International in 2019, there were two combinations on equal marks; I said to my co-judge that this decision should be easy as we’d pulled one in fourth and one in 13th, so the one which has been pulled in fourth should have a plus next to it and therefore place higher.”

Hear more from Stuart, including some of his highlights from his extensive career as both a producer and judge, on episode 92 of the Horse & Hound Podcast. 

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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

British Dressage is planning to “revolutionise how judges develop and learn” through a new collaboration with a scoring software provider.

BD has teamed up with German-based dressage scoring software company Black Horse One (BHO), the business behind paperless dressage solution eDressage, and the Spectator Judging and Degree of Difficulty platforms.

A BD spokesman said the collaboration is the “first of its kind” and will focus on judge development. BHO and BD worked together throughout 2021 to deliver digital seminars to British judges and enable judge examinations to take place online when Covid prevented face to face interaction.

The two organisations have developed an “innovative digital platform” that enables all BD listed and trainee judges to virtually score a test using digital test sheets, while watching a test video. The comments and scores can instantly be gauged against a range of senior master judges, from their own device “anytime, anywhere”.

“Each judge will have their own personalised dashboard on the platform that acts as their ‘portfolio’ where their tests can be reviewed, which will be an integral part of the new judge education system and continuing professional development activity,” said the BD spokesman.

“Initially, judges will access the platform by attending an online judge seminar where they can set up their own account, and over the course of the spring this year it will be rolled out to all BD judges.”

BD training and education manager Charlotte Osborne, who “spearheaded” the project, said having launched the framework for the new judge education system in 2019, this is the “next exciting step in its evolution”.

“We have further developed these concepts during the pandemic to deliver online assessments, which will revolutionise how we train and measure judges. It will help us effectively engage with judges at all levels and put them in control of their own training and development. It means judges can gain practical experience but delivered in a virtual way,” she said.

“Covid has taught us all to embrace the use of technology and the BHO platform will put hundreds of online judge training opportunities at their fingertips. The platform is free to access, user friendly and provides online support. The team at BHO have enthusiastically engaged with our vision for the sport – and this is only just the beginning, with much more to come.”

BHO systems have been used at European and World Championships, plus national shows in 26 countries around the world. Most recently the company launched Equestrian on Demand, with the option to judge online with the help of eDressage.

“We’re delighted and very excited to join forces with BD,” said Daniel Göhlen, BHO founder and chief executive.

“Our first common judges’ education project started very successfully with online seminars – and we held the first exams together in December 2021. For those seminars, the Equestrian on Demand platform was used, as well as our paperless judging solution eDressage, and by facilitating the SAP Business Technology platform it’s directly connected to a personal dashboard for each of the judges.”

You might also be interested in:

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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

Trekking up and down the country, standing in muddy showgrounds in all weathers and often bearing the brunt of disgruntled competitors, our showing judges have a lot to put up with. And they usually take on judging appointments in the name of passion and a love for the sport. Plus, many are unpaid!

When at your next showing show, try to avoid saying any of these clangers to our long suffering judges…

1. ‘Why didn’t I win?’

Now don’t get us wrong, it is perfectly fine to ask a judge for some feedback if you’re down the line and you’re unsure what you did wrong. We all want to improve and often the best way to ensure your placing is better next time out is to ask for a different perspective (your mum could be looking at you with slight rose tinted specs). However, there is definitely a way to go about it. Something along the lines of ‘please could I ask what I could do better next time’ is ideal. Just avoid going in with the aggressive questions, as you might get told something you didn’t want to hear…

2. ‘My horse has won at (insert name of big show)’

While some judges just want to know your horse or pony’s age, others might have a few more questions for you. They might ask you what you do with your horse, of if this is his or her first season or outing under saddle or of the season. Keep your answers general and avoid name dropping any big wins or connections to certain breeders, producers or riders. Judges are supposed to be impartial so skipping this information in comes across as unnecessary and will probably hinder your placing, not improve it.

3. ‘Can I miss the lap of honour?’

With the abundance of rings and classes at most showing shows, it’s inevitable that clashes are going to happen. Most of the time, if asked politely, judges do let jockeys ring hop as long as they’re back for the final presentation at the end of the class. But most judges won’t tolerate riders missing the lap of honour after the presentation. It can come across as rude and a tad disrespectful, especially if you’ve been placed to win. If you have been presented with a red or a blue rosette and will need to be back for the championship, avoid missing your victory lap as it might not serve you well when you come back for the final reckoning.

4. ‘What was the show again?’

This is only a viable question if you’ve been pulled in top and have to perform the set show first. This is not a viable question if you’ve been pulled 10th and still proceed to ask the judge what the show is after watching nine others before you. Listen to the steward’s insturctions and if they’re not clear ask again. Watch the competitors before you do their shows and make sure you know what you’re doing when you present yourself to the judge.

Article continues below…

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5. ‘I don’t agree with you’

Sometimes a judge will give you advice even if you’ve not asked for it, it just depends on their style of judging. Perhaps they want to explain why they placed the line in this order or choose to point our an error you made so you know why you finished in a certain position. Even if you completely disagree with what they’re saying, smile, nod and say thank you. Hold back any frustration and anger until you get back to the lorry. It’s not worth getting a name as a bad loser which could be detrimental to your future results. Breathe, walk away and have a rant to your groom on the drive home.

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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

Successful show horse producer Simon Reynolds shares his thoughts on not losing perspective over the pinnacle that is showing’s very own Olympics – HOYS

FOLLOWING on from fellow H&H columnist Stuart Hollings’ suggestion that showing has been under a bit of a cloud recently (5 August), I am inclined to agree. During Covid, we saw the showing community coming together, with competitors supporting each other and owners backing their producers, displaying loyalty and camaraderie. Everyone seemed grateful to be competing and it was lovely.

Sadly, we have seen changes as the season has gone on, coincidental with the lure of the golden Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets.

Social media in particular seems to be the modern sounding board for these grievances. Competitors must remember that showing is a subjective sport. I am afraid, if you cannot take your result with good grace, which is based on somebody’s opinion, then perhaps it is time to take up another sport.

We need to have faith in our appointed judges, and if there is a genuine complaint, then please follow the correct procedure with the society.

It should not matter if The Queen of England walks into the arena, the judges should have the integrity and impartiality to assess the animals that are before them.

If we do have some rogue judges, then it is the job of the governing society to weed them out, following a complaint. There is a rigorous complaints procedure in place that is tried and tested, whereby there are independently appointed stipendiary stewards to take an unresolved matter further than the board if necessary.

I for one would have no problem with a stipendiary steward overlooking one of my judging appointments and giving my reasonings. Communication is everything.

I believe two judges discussing the exhibits is the best way of finding the true winner and this method is more transparent than hiding behind a mark.

I do not agree with Mr Holling’s suggestion that marks should be introduced in the horse classes. I have always been adamant that this would be detrimental.

Let’s not stifle the way of going of show horses by constricting performance to a number. It is a poor substitute for knowledgeable discussion.

Our judges should be communicating and agreeing on a definitive winner. Publishing marks without an explanation is about as much use as a chocolate thermometer.

Thank goodness for the Olympics, which has hopefully not only inspired people but has been a welcome distraction from who is on the “HOYS bus”. Admittedly, it’s a phrase I’m unfamiliar with as I will be driving my lorry myself.

We saw some incredible results from our Tokyo equestrian teams, and their level of dedication and training is so admirable. Many of the athletes said that the Covid break helped them to refocus, and they were able to train even harder.

As always with the Olympics, there were incredible highs, mixed with utter disappointment. We saw some wonderful moments of sportsmanship, with athletes sharing medals, and helping each other over the finish line.

A true champion comes back fighting. I hope this serves as inspiration for our competitors.

Of course, HOYS is the pinnacle; it’s our Olympics. It’s one we all want to win, but you must be honest with yourself and your animal. If you are consistently not getting the results you crave, perhaps going back to the drawing board is more productive than judge-bashing on social media.

A breath of fresh air was competing at Scott Dixon’s creation, the UK National Championships (6–8 August). The atmosphere was incredible

and very much reminiscent of the old days of Ponies (UK), with spectacular evening performances. With no qualifications on offer, the pressure was off, and competitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Hats off to you, Scott.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 19 August

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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

With the easing of lockdown upon us, and competitions planned to start up in the UK very soon, it’s always fascinating to hear a judge’s opinion on what they’d like to see from riders in the arena. For List 1 British Dressage judge Richard Baldwin, one factor that always pleases him when judging a test at any level is harmony between horse and rider.

“We are doing this because we love our horses and we love training them, and when I see a harmonious picture, it doesn’t matter if it is the biggest moving horse in the class, or the smallest, it’s appealing to me because of the harmony. Seeing a horse working happily with his rider and working in one partnership together is what brings me to the higher marks, and what makes me enjoy judging,” he explained, on episode 42 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, currently supported by NAF. 

Since becoming a dressage judge 15 years ago, Richard says he has witnessed some notable changes in the sport.

“There’s been a real change of trend over the years; we went from having lots of nice, well-trained, quite average horses getting to grand prix several years ago, then we came to a stage where we started to slightly obsess over the getting more and more movement, more elasticity and uphill tendency, and we lost our way a little when it came to harmony and submission. 

“I think this is the essence of our sport, and it’s what we should be encouraging – a sense of harmony between horse and rider and a love for what we do.”

Richard also reveals one of the things that can be most frustrating for a dressage judge to see in the arena. 

“Riders concentrate a lot on developing the way of going of the horse, and when we go to our trainers we spend a lot of time working on the horse and the paces, but many people actually don’t take the time to understand the tests they are riding, and where the movements actually begin and end,” he says. “It means people are throwing away silly marks through poor test riding. 

“Charlotte Dujardin has many amazing attributes but one thing she always does very well is that she knows where the start, middle and end of every movement needs to be, and she is accurate with her riding. 

Article continues below…

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“It can be frustrating for a judge to see a horse and rider in beautiful harmony, with the horse elastic, relaxed, athletic, and you want to give the higher points, but you are having to deduct marks or half marks here and there because maybe the circle is not quite in the right place or something else isn’t accurate,” Richard adds.

“Take an entry for example – you could have a beautiful canter and halt, with the rider working wonderfully to create points from the movements, but they don’t actually halt at X. I have to take marks off for that and as a judge I feel sad, because I want to appreciate the training and the harmony in front of me.”

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

In our 42nd weekly episode of the first series of The Horse & Hound Podcast, currently supported by NAF, British list one dressage judge Richard Baldwin talks to H&H dressage editor Polly Bryan, where he talks about what judges are really looking for, among other topics. Moving on to the week’s top news stories, our news editor Eleanor Jones, senior news writer Lucy Elder and news writer Becky Murray join Pippa to discuss the latest updates on the latest cancellations due to EHV-1 and new research into strangles. We also welcome back supergroom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, Alan Davies, who shares his tips for pulling and plaiting a horse’s mane. We hope you will find it useful.

Episode 42 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, currently supported by NAF, our popular audio service available exclusively every Thursday morning for our H&H Plus subscribers, is now live.

Each episode is available for all H&H fans to listen to 24hrs after its early release to our H&H Plus members. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.

• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

In episode 42, British list one dressage judge Richard Baldwin (pictured) talks to H&H dressage editor Polly Bryan, where he talks about what judges are really looking for, among other topics.

H&H podcast host Pippa Roome is joined by news editor Eleanor Jones and news writer Becky Murray to discuss the latest updates on the latest cancellations due to EHV-1 and new research into strangles.

In this week’s advice section we welcome back supergroom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, Alan Davies, who shares his tips for pulling and plaiting a horse’s mane.

We hope you will enjoy our latest episode and would love to hear your feedback, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

H&H Plus podcast: episode 42

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Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain chairman David Dixon looks forward

At last, along with the sunshine, we have light at the end of this horrendous Covid-19-driven tunnel. We finally have a plan in place for us to return to some form of normality, as long as we can continue to follow the guidelines and meet those all-important set targets.

The much-used phrase “We are all in this together” is as valid now as ever. However, I’m very aware that as we slowly emerge from under this cloud, we might all be in the same boat, but some of us are turning on the motors while others are left paddling with a stick.

The pandemic has affected each and every one of us. Many people have worked tirelessly over the past year, often covering shifts for colleagues who have been furloughed or who have been ill. Others have worked from home, which presents its own challenges.

Sadly, there have been many redundancies and we have seen small businesses go under, putting whole families under immense pressure, both financially and mentally. But most importantly, my thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones in this pandemic. So as we move forward, let’s do so with compassion and buckets full of hope for better times to come our way.

Return of ride judging

As a society, Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)) continues to work closely with The Showing Council and their showing blueprint. We are also in constant communication with Lizzie Bunn and her team at Hickstead to pave a way forward for the coming season. As with all societies, these plans are dictated by the relevant government guidelines.

Our society is steeped in tradition and has an enviable heritage. Part of that tradition is our wonderful ride judges who are revered and respected worldwide, and I so look forward to seeing their return to our rings. I’m not alone in my enjoyment of watching two judges working harmoniously together in assessing a class of ridden horses, going through the process in an efficient and workmanlike manner; the system encourages transparency and understanding between competitors and spectators.

I’m aware of concerns over the Royal International (RIHS) qualifiers and if all these classes will have ride judges.

We can’t confirm either way yet, but my view on this is simply that all horses qualify under different circumstances anyway. Some may qualify at a small, quiet indoor venue, while others qualify at a busy, large outdoor one. Some in the blustery wind and rain and others in glorious sunshine. Some from a class of two and some of a class of 22.

However, we can be sure that they will all be judged equally at the final, and I would urge competitors to produce their horses as if they were going to be ridden by a judge – and let’s hope they will be.

A time gone by

When I was a teenager, I would visit the Great Yorkshire show and stand eagle-eyed, glued to the side of the ring, watching the likes of Tatlow, Toulson and Oliver performing their art. I remember thinking they were from a time gone by, yet they were right there in front of me.

There were also the lovely broodmares and foals that the Rawdings family would present to perfection. The mares were stunning and the foals always seemed absolutely enormous to a 14-year-old me. It was here that my enthusiasm and passion was triggered.

At 18, I bred my first foal and became a member of SHB(GB). At 24, I made it on to the judge’s panel. I was assessed by a wonderful man called Dick Saunders who gave me some great words of advice and I am grateful to him for so much.

Now in my middle age, my last six years on the council has given me the opportunity to put something back into the society I hold so dear and which has given so much to so many over the decades. This society was founded in 1886 and has seen many changes and encountered challenges along the way, Covid-19 being the most recent.

However, we are not alone and other societies are facing the same difficulties. And so, now is the time I ask myself, not “What can my society do for me?” but more “What can I do for my society?”

Also published in H&H 11 March 2021

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Simon Reynolds on why being flexible with rules is pivotal to the 2021 season

Who could have thought that coronavirus would still be with us a year later? Currently, everyone is still learning to adapt to the new normal. Other elite sports have paved the way in proving that anything is possible and organisers have devised ingenious ways of allowing fixtures to run.

Although showing is not classed as elite, it’s clear that the passion for our sport is still strong. While it has been encouraging for the societies to be planning a way forward, I would now like to see virtual meetings with members to discuss how we might progress.

Often, the members are seen to be discussing issues on social media, which certainly has its downfalls.

We need structured and regulated meetings, whereby the people who have paid their memberships can discuss what’s really important to them. Decisions are often made behind closed doors and can sometimes come as a bit of a shock when they’re made public.

I’m a big believer in openly talking things through; it not only keeps everybody up to speed, but also allows for more considered judgements to be made. It also prevents the start of inevitable Chinese whispers. Ultimately, it’s the membership – the riders, professionals and owners – who these rules will impact the most.

While I fully appreciate all of the hard work in the offices from those behind the scenes, we must not forget that it’s the bread-and-butter people who will have first-hand experience of the changes.

Clarity and uniformity

From a professional’s point of view, I’m aware of what my owners expect and what keeps them happy. I have never been behind the door in expressing my gratitude for all of the work that goes into making these shows a possibility and I’m willing to accept short-term changes if it means my business can continue safely and we can get out showing soon.

The danger we have at the moment is that we have a lot of societies and independent show organisers, all with differing ideas. It would be great if

they could all agree on some temporary measures for certain aspects of showing, such as ride judging, to keep everyone safe for affiliated shows. The ride judging debate continues to rumble on, especially on social media.

Some societies are suggesting that they will not have ride judges in the near future, but are not ruling them out at the finals. It would be useful to have some clarity and uniformity. When it comes to qualifiers for the big championships such as Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International, there needs to be a level playing field for all competitors, so the horses can be well prepared to contend the finals safely and successfully.

We need to put minds at rest, for example with a simple statement saying that any temporary measures introduced this year, such as no ride judges, will not be a rule change that will continue in the future in a post-Covid world.

Nobody wants to see ride judging lost forever, but we have to be practical about what is deemed the lowest risk for now in order for shows to run.

What I am encouraged by is seeing how the horse community is sticking together in difficult times. My owners have certainly stuck by me and it is clear that their love for showing extends beyond outings. One owner told me that having a horse produced was a great investment for the horse’s future.

Ref: 18 February 2021

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Rebecca Penny on controversial rule changes and an uncertain M&M final

Whiel it’s good news that Covid-19 vaccinations are being rolled out, the chances of getting showing back to its full glory for 2021 look slim – at least for the early part of the season.

I sympathise with show organisers, who are no doubt in a quandary. It’s important that we all understand these are real human beings trying their best and, like most of us, they are totally in the dark as to what impact restrictions will have on event plans.

Perhaps this year we will see a move in qualifiers being allocated to events that do not rely on ticket sales or public admission to go ahead. This could give us a fighting chance to run behind closed doors without too much disruption when it’s safe to do so.

End of an era

I was sad to see the announcement over the loss of the national veterans final due to development work at Olympia. The competition has been a huge success for Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) and the organisers have done a wonderful job raising the profile of older horses who still thrive on an outing. While it’s certainly the end of an era, I look forward to seeing the final continue at the Royal International (RIHS).

However, the news leaves native enthusiasts questioning if the Heritage final will meet the same fate. We’ve yet to be informed of any changes so I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed that we will be fortunate enough still to be able to enjoy the Christmas final.

Change can sometimes be refreshing and I welcome the amendment to the format of all pony RIHS qualifiers for 2021, which will now be judged without marks. Personally, I’m all for ditching the mark sheets.

I can see several positives in this move, as well as it making my trips home trying to analyse the numbers far less frustrating. First, it could encourage people to add a little flair to their individual performance instead of playing safe in order not to drop marks. Second, it will potentially reintroduce the final walk-round, which I believe puts much more emphasis on the walk – a pace sometimes overlooked – and on manners.

Another bonus is that event organisers may find more people would be willing to officiate without the added pressure of a maths test!

Controversy

Another rule change, affecting the working hunter sector, has been more controversial. This is the mandatory wearing of body protectors, introduced for British Show Pony Society affiliated classes.

It’s a far cry from what members wanted when asked for their opinion at the end of last year, and judging from several posts on social media, it has left many with a sour taste.

While I appreciate the society aims to help prevent accidents and thus any further strain on the NHS, any rule should surely stipulate the standard a body protector should meet. This seems to have been omitted from the wording, leaving loopholes.

Currently, you are unlikely to visit a shop to have a body protector fitted by someone qualified to do so. General guidance is that it should be worn over a thin base layer, so although some tters will advise on fitting over a thin showing jacket, should we be looking at overall attire for working hunter classes?

Even lightweight tweed is usually bulkier than other fabrics – and as one fitter I consulted said, showing people won’t wear body protectors under jackets because they don’t like the way they “spoil the line”.

I fear that with the increase in number of independently run shows, some of which may have different rules, the society risks alienating people and losing entries, as members’ opinions are perceived to be overlooked.

Perhaps more informative communications with some rationale or explanation as to how the decision came about would have been better received in this case.

Ref: 4 February 2021

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Stephen Clarke on how judges have had to adapt to challenges in 2020.

Stephen Clarke is a five-star international judge and has held the position of FEI dressage judge general since 2013.

No one could have imagined a year ago that the world would be plunged into the dreadful crisis we now find ourselves in. But in it we are, and we have had no choice but to sink or swim. Fortunately the human race is very adaptable, and we can take heart from all the examples of positivity and resilience of so many amazing people out there.

Even though it seems we are currently in the middle of the darkest period of this pandemic, our incredible scientists have given us a light at the end of the tunnel with a vaccine that has been developed with miraculous speed and efficiency, which will hopefully take the pressure off the wonderful NHS in the foreseeable future, as well as saving many lives.

Ordinarily, as an FEI judge, I would travel long-haul once or even twice a month, but my last international show was March 2020, in Florida. I suspect – and hope – that same show might be my next. But throughout the summer, we had several grand prix test riding days, organised by Caroline Griffith and Carl Hester. As well as these being amazing opportunities for riders, it was wonderful for us judges to have a chance to do some judging.

Top riders have plenty of knowledge and ability they can put into their training, but it’s not the same as actually performing a test. In the same way, judges are experienced and knowledgeable, but that knowledge at home is different to actually sitting around an arena and judging a test. We had good discussions after the tests, too, with the other judges and the riders, and it benefited everyone to hear each other’s point of view.

It was also great to see several horses I hadn’t seen for some time pop up later in the year, having developed amazingly in their strength and confidence. Riders have had time to consolidate their training without the pressure of a big show or championship, and this will pay dividends.

It is fairly obvious to judges when riders are schooling their horses through a grand prix test, and of course we have to mark what we see, but it is great to be able to talk to riders afterwards about it. It is such a good opportunity for riders to be able to go into a test situation but without having to ride for every mark. It means they can have their horses on their terms and that is beneficial for horses long-term.

Forced innovation

I must praise Dane Rawlins for instigating the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge last summer, which gave many riders a chance to shake off their mothballs.

That was a particularly strange experience for me because I did the commentary from home, alongside Mariette Sanders-van Gansewinkel from her home in the Netherlands. It’s a real testament to the opportunities afforded by technology, and well done, too, to British Dressage (BD) for running so many online judge training situations, as well as the first live-streamed national convention, which seemed very popular.

I’m a dinosaur when it comes to technology, but I’ve been learning to operate Zoom and I have now done several online seminars for many countries around the world. It’s amazing how, since we have been forced to, we have found innovative ways of doing things that only a year ago we couldn’t have dreamt of.

That said, I do miss the atmosphere that comes with judging at big shows. This really struck me while judging at the National Grand Prix Championships at Hartpury in December; with the standard of riding and talent that we witnessed there, we judges were almost waiting for deafening applause – that never came. If the place had been full of spectators as normal, the roof would have come off at the end of some of those tests!

Different angles

Riders seem to be gaining a better understanding of the fact that judges see different things depending on where they are seated around the arena.

Clive Halsall and Peter Storr did an amazing job of explaining this during the BD National Convention, and it helps riders to understand that there are moments in a test where not only are there different marks from different angles, but there should be.

For example, when judging a horse from behind – in the extended trot, for instance – you can really only see the regularity and the impulsion. So you might reward that with a high mark, even though you can’t see whether the horse is short in the neck – you leave that responsibility to the judge with the side view.

Many movements look different from different positions and should have correctly differing marks for the right reasons; judges can only judge what they see.

But of course it is very important that we all judge from the same criteria. I will never forget David Hunt once saying to me, when discussing a halt, “You could see that halt was out behind if you’d been flying over in a 747!”

Ref: 21 January 2021

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Judging is often seen as the preserve of the middle-aged and pensioners, so where will our future officials come from? Pippa Cuckson finds plenty of hope in the next generation

When a 20-something Ali Dane told her father she was training to judge dressage he exclaimed: “Will you have to put on seven stone and wear tweed?”

There is still a wide perception that equestrians only take up officiating in their dotage. You can understand why: aside from tradition, officiating is one of the few equestrian activities people still do for “love”. Moreover, age discrimination legislation means judges are no longer forced to retire at pensionable age in many countries, reducing opportunities for the next generation.

But youngsters are making the cut – all possessing the rare qualities of patience, a commitment to lifelong learning and determination to raise the barriers to entry.

Ali (now 35, an event rider and coach based in Wantage, Oxon) still spends at least one afternoon a week shadowing other British Dressage (BD) judges, even when not “ramping up” for an exam.

“It’s the training and exams that take the time,” cautions Richard Baldwin, already a “veteran” at 38. “Once you are qualified you can take as little or as much judging as you like.”

Most fledgling judges are initially coaxed in by mentors who spot their potential. At 19, Leanne Wall, from Aylesford, Kent, was encouraged to try by BD List One judge Mary-Anne Horn, when preparing for her British Horse Society exams.

“When I turned up for testing, Sally Merrison and Helen Webber thought I was the writer, not the judge!” she recalls.

She happily sat midway on BD List Three for five years, before tackling the ascent to List One. Consolidation in everything by “small stepping stones” is her philosophy.

Younger judges are then inevitably hooked by the urge to self-improve. There is, too, a helpful crossover between eventing and dressage. Leanne hopes to progress to FEI via eventing because, as a Team GBR selector, there are limitations over whom she may judge in dressage. Richard also began in BD, starting to judge just two years after finishing in young riders and becoming the youngest person to reach List One. He qualified simultaneously as an FEI eventing judge and, just before the spring Covid-19 lockdown, obtained dispensation to judge at Keysoe CDI.

Most aspiring officials have a day job, so their first challenge is to commit most weekends to driving the length and breadth of Britain for judging and shadowing opportunities year after year.

An early hurdle can be indifference from much older, hugely experienced judges, though in the main the opposite is true. Stephen Clarke, Isobel Wessels and David Trott are often flagged as some of the distinguished dressage judges who help the young.

Adam Cromarty qualified as a FEI jumping judge five years ago when he had just turned 30. As a qualified assessor, he has also examined judges notably older than himself.

“Looking back, some judges have maybe resented a younger person being in the box, though,” he says.

Another challenge is growing a thick skin. Leanne says: “Judges put themselves out there to give something back, so sometimes it can feel weird when people don’t appreciate you. Social media can be cruel when someone doesn’t like their sheet, or enjoys pointing out that you missed it when someone went wrong.

“The emphasis in judging should always be about encouraging comments, framing it

in terms of areas for improvement and the rider’s own highlights. That is one of our greatest duties – to distinguish whether the horse has been properly trained from one or two minor mistakes.”

Richard feels that young judges are readily accepted by riders nowadays; veteran judges can be assumed, albeit unfairly, to think “old” as well as being old. “Dressage has moved on so much in the past 20 years – will someone younger be more current in their knowledge of training?” he asks.

And is it intimidating for a young judge to have a really big name before them?

“I never look at the start list,” says Leanne. “I just look at the horse. The top riders all know if they’ve done a good test or not, so you won’t gain their respect by giving needlessly high marks.”

Showjumping, uniquely, offers the young two routes towards significant responsibility – judging plus course-building. Shaun Sands got into designing in his late teens, having stewarded frequently across the Scottish scene. He became British Showjumping (BS) accredited in 2009 and now, aged 32, he is one of just three working Level Four designers north of the border. He has assisted at the Royal Highland, Horse of the Year Show and FEI pony Europeans.

“It took me four years to get on to the BS panel, and that frustrated me when I was very young because all I wanted was to reach that point,” he reveals. “But those four years were a benefit. You need to mature, learning not just the technicalities but how to deal with situations if, say, a rider is having a bad day and questioning your distances.”

An international debate is ongoing over widespread future payment of officials (see below). The FEI once devoted a morning to this thorny topic at its annual sports forum, reaching no consensus, even though it would be a game-changer.

In 2016, the FEI was sufficiently worried about recruitment of officials to set up a working group under FEI vice-president Mark Samuel. After extensive consultations, it published recommendations last year. The FEI is now streamlining its training systems across the board. But for now, both judge education and funding vary considerably from country to country and discipline to discipline.

Richard was dismayed by the experience of a BD day for potential “young judges” – defined as anyone under 40.

“A lot of people came, but when they realised how much time it takes, it put a lot of people off,” he says. “Some wanted to do it to put on their CV – they’d get the qualification but then not go on to judge – that is tricky.

“Britain is so lucky. We can judge the best eventing riders at the best events all of the time, or receive training from the best five-star dressage judge in the world [Stephen Clarke].If I hear people moan, I suggest they talk to [aspiring judges in] Belarus; they can’t just turn up at Burghley and walk the course with Ian Stark. We take so much for granted.”

Should officials be properly paid?

Course-designer Shaun Sands works full-time in Glasgow, having a demanding role in public sector construction management. Even though he has gained a solid reputation, BS course-building – which he undertakes for free – is not yet a viable career. He is concerned there is a widespread misunderstanding about the volunteering aspect of sport, and a disbelief that people still do it for the love of it, joking that he has even had to pay his sister to help at shows.

“Unfortunately, some trainees seem to think it’s about making money, and being able to charge a day-rate before they are even on the BS panel,” he says.

For FEI jumping judge Adam Cromarty, judging opened the many global commentating and broadcasting opportunities which now dominate his time.

“I was probably getting £50 a day in the UK for judging,” he says. “In the US, judges are paid $300 to $400 [about £225 to £300] a day, although, over there, they are also more accountable and can be fined if something goes wrong.

“When I first started, judging was a sort of honour. You needed letters of recommendation; now it’s more about your ability. There’s an obligation for continual judge training and improvement. The world has changed and while it shouldn’t be about the money, professional people do want recognition for their work. People are less willing just to have their expenses covered for sitting there for 14 hours a day.”

Sports organisers’ costs vary so much that in eventing, a judge’s “minimum wage” could be difficult to stipulate.

List One British Dressage judge Richard Baldwin says: “I’ve judged in the US three times and always been paid. France recently decided to pay officials, although at Pau two years ago they didn’t. The FEI would lose a lot of smaller eventing countries if they brought in payments.”

The current need to self-fund training can also be a burden. The FEI’s mandatory judging and refresher courses are infrequent and scattered, even in non-Covid times. Adam was €300 (about £266) out of pocket after attending an FEI Level One course in Slovakia and knows another judge who part-paid his own way to Australia for the only available FEI course – one ironically given by a fellow Brit, the late Jon Doney.

BD List Four judge Ali Dane says: “Judges need to be financially independent, which a lot of horse people are not.

“My family background is in motor racing, which used to rely heavily on volunteer stewards until they made it commercial. In Australia’s V8 touring car series, all the money from spectators is distributed among the officials.

“So dressage probably does need a new business model. It can sometimes be depressing when you have judged 40-odd riders for a pound per horse, and maybe a cup of tea!

“A massive amount of time, money and effort is involved in being accepted into the exclusive judges’ ‘club’. I don’t mean that to sound derisive – judges are incredible people with so much knowledge, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 3 December 2020

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In her exclusive H&H column, Pammy Hutton reflect on the importance of attention to detail, asks whether standardisation of judges’ comments would improve the sport and thanks those going to extra efforts to hold shows in these challenging times

FIFTY years ago, and long before Bridget Jones, I opened a new diary and pencilled in my weight daily. It started when I rode an event horse for whom I had to be exactly the right weight; seven pounds over and he ran less well. Then I had to have the right equipment; soft yet strong boots, gloves that didn’t slip if it rained, immaculate tack, hairnet in place and, of course, no bling.

Recently I’ve been reminded of the importance of attention to detail to achieve some success. Having dieted away eight pounds, ridden more without stirrups and straightened myself up as much as humanly possible, a win locally in a tiny grand prix might be little to crow about. But it was how I rode, how my horse tried, and the promise of more marks to be had, that was so satisfying.

It was also the culmination of a battle between trying to ride better or giving up. And this small victory told me it’s definitely not time to quit just yet. Anyway, I have two lovely young mares for next year…

Focus on causes, not symptoms

AT 68, I’m not vying for Olympic selection. But I enjoy competing and it gives me an idea of how my horses are progressing, or not. And, in turn, that depends on the judge hitting the nail on the head in a positive way.

The “to go or not to go” dilemma before a show makes me feel like a lamb to the slaughter, and reminds me of how terrifying it is to be judged. Will I forget my test? Will I get him on the bit? Don’t laugh, but a well-known judge commented my horse was “not on the bit.”

Remarks such as “at your age” and “tried hard” may be the truth, but I find them hurtful. It was the latter that nearly made me quit, but I and no one else will decide if and when. Anyway, darn it, I still enjoy going out with my horses.

Once upon a time, when I was 18, I attracted “will gain more marks when has a deeper seat.” In many ways, little has changed, with some judges, despite trying to be helpful, actually destroying confidence.

Although criticism is useful, it should always be constructive. Currently, there’s talk of standardisation of remarks available for judges’ use. Let’s hope that doesn’t lead to a series of generic comments covering a multitude of sins.

Take “needs to be more connected”. To what exactly? The saddle, the horse’s mouth, the horse’s sides via one’s legs – or the mobile in your pocket?

The dreaded “tried hard” should definitely be excluded from ready-made phrases at judges’ disposal. We all try hard; the rider, the horses probably try even harder, and the trainer, parents, groom have all tried extremely hard, too.

Friends who judge at high level tell me that comments should identify the cause and not the symptom. Too often, a remark at the lower levels sends a rider away to work at masking the symptoms rather than addressing the cause.

Equally frustrating is inconsistency. When a pupil of mine got 68%, then 58% half an hour later, I watched the videos. Now I may not be the best judge in the world, however horse and rider did almost identical tests. So maybe, in some respects, we do need more standardisation?

A big thank you

AUGUST and September felt like a last hurrah as everyone rushed to shows to make up for lost time and opportunity. Indeed, British Dressage (BD) reported more starters – 22,000 horses going down the centre line – during those two months than in the same timeframe last year.

Now, as we brace ourselves for more Covid restrictions, we must remember to thank those making this summer and autumn’s BD shows possible.

Organisers and their teams have much more work to do to make shows safe and compliant.

Maybe the various disciplines need a liaison officer to ensure unified advice is given to help us all abide by the rules as we enter the next difficult phase of the Covid crisis, tiers and all?

H&H 29 October 2020

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More exclusive columns from Pammy Hutton…

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Pammy Hutton: Judges, get on the same page *H&H Plus*

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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

Ahead of next month’s BSPS Heritage ridden Mountain & Moorland final (Sunday 22 December) at the London International Horse Show at Olympia, Horse & Hound speaks to ride judge Nigel Hollings, who reveals what sort of pony will impress him on the day…

Who is Nigel Hollings?

Nigel’s long list of accolades in the showing world as both a rider and producer are extensive. As a rider he took the supreme title at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 1989 with the riding horse Fair Breeze. His achievements as producer include taking supreme honours at the Royal International (RIHS) with Royal Bronze in 1993 and he has been involved with 25 HOYS winners through either riding, training or breeding. His native production tally includes four Olympia best of breed titles, the supreme M&M ridden accolade at the RIHS, the mini M&M of the year title at HOYS and the Picton novice championship. Nigel has been a British Show Pony Society (BSPS) executive council member for 33 years and is also chief showing steward at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. He is also the current chairman of the British Show Horse Association.

Nigel Hollings judging experience

Panels: BSPS, NPS, AHS, BSHA, SHB GB, PUK, CHAPS, BSPA, TGCA, SSAD and RoR.

Favourite judging appointment? Nigel has judged HOYS three times, the RIHS nine times, Royal Windsor eight times and Olympia once. He has judged at all major county shows and has also been overseas to judge in South Africa, Australia and Dublin. Nigel says: “I have loved all my appointments, from Royal Windsor to HOYS right down to my favourite riding club, Ribble Valley, where I started showing in 1967.”

Issues in the discipline: “The positives include our younger riders, who have come from different levels to rise through the ranks. I think it is important to provide opportunities for our young, aspiring judges to join our panels. On the downside, doping continues to be a big issue. We must continue to monitor the welfare of our beautiful ponies and horses at the shows, especially in the novice classes. I would also like to see a changing of attitudes towards our show animals; in my day, it was the animal that was the superstar whereas today, it’s the riders that want to be the “celebrity”. Social media has a big part to play in that attitude, but we must remember that nobody would be where they are without their beautiful horse or pony.”

Olympia 2019: “I have judged the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) championships at Olympia before and the show has a unique Christmas atmosphere, which is such fun. Traditionally, it has always been the number one stage for native ponies. It is one of the hardest shows to produce for given its lateness in the year. With four judges and performance marks being displayed on the screen right after each show, it is one of the most interesting to watch.”

What will Nigel be looking for on show day?

• Good presentation and turnout. I will look for riders who make the most of their pony’s good points
• I will be on the hunt for a pony who is a real showman with quality and presence
• I’m looking for a simple, well executed, flowing show. I am definitely not looking for a hack-type show
• Above all, I would like to see a rider and pony in complete harmony

What are your pet hates?

• Napping
• Ponies going in an over bent outline
• A boring, wooden performance
• Overweight ponies
• There is a fine line between a pony with presence that boils over into misbehavior. I will allow for a little over exuberance in the electric atmosphere, but not much

Which three characteristics will your champion have?

• A good ambassador of its breed
• A quality showman
• I want to feel as though I would enjoy a ride on the pony myself

And finally…

My final piece of advice for those competing at Olympia is to just enjoy the day. Seize the moment, keep focused and go for it.

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In our 2019 showing special (28 March issue) we get an insight into the current marking system used in pony qualifiers. While generally accepted among pony competitors, in recent years the concept has been integrated into some horse classes, giving rise to differing views.

In our two-part big showing debate, H&H asks: ‘do you think the marks system is a positive aspect of showing, or do you think it’s time for change?’

Leading pony judges Robert Parker-Jones and show organiser and steward Paul Davis explain why they believe using traditional methods of judging without a marking system is preferably to relying on the marking system…

Marks make the go-round irrelevant

“The second horses and ponies enter the ring, a showing class has officially begun,” says Robert. “Judges are comparing animals in preparation for calling them into line. The order that animals are called in should reflect the go-round and that all-important first impression. With marks, animals are often placed in no particular order thus making the go-round unnecessary and irrelevant.”

Paul says: “Many judges do not pull in an order and rely on the marks to sort the class. This really does make the go-round pointless. This also creates another problem in which nobody knows where they are in the scheme of the class at the start. This then leads to safe shows in order not to lose marks.”

Individual shows lose flair

“Individual shows are an opportunity for riders to show off their animals and this is where flair, individuality and presence should come to the forefront,” says Robert. “Without marks a judge can be impressed or disappointed, without having to consider how many points a combination deserves. Placings can be altered after an individual performance to reflect a judge’s pleasure or disappointment. Marks have arguably stifled flair and individuality with riders afraid of losing marks for minor misdemeanours.”

Lack of judge collaboration

As an active show steward, Paul says that he has noticed that marks can mean that there is little or no communication between judges: “The marks can sometimes throw up surprises when a pony that both judges only ‘sort of’ liked comes up above one that might be a more worthy winner.”

The set show challenges

“Prior to marks, riders came out of line ready to impress the judge with an inspiring performance,” says Robert. “If called in first, you were never going to win without 100% effort. The set show has been popularised by marks, with judges awarding good marks for those that can perform the set tricks without any errors.”

The loss of the all-important final walk-round

Robert says: “After performance and conformation had been assessed, a class would traditionally be asked to walk around the ring while final decisions were made. Before marks, this practice could completely change a result, with the animal with that star quality getting the nod; this key component is completely emitted in a marked class.”

Paul agrees: “So many classes can be won — or lost — on the final walk-round. Pre-marks, your horse had to be on show for the whole class. Not so much now, which is a great shame.”

An unnecessary stress

Robert says: “Without marks, the judge’s decision is final. With marks, the decision is final pending checking by exhibitors — mistakes discovered after the class mean placings can change as a result. Without marks, judges will not have to suffer the insults and criticism levelled at them when competitors are not happy with a mark received. It produces a result that stands and cannot be altered. No more ‘they need to visit Specsavers’ or ‘did they think my pony only had three legs?’ comments. If there are crooked judges officiating at shows, will marks stop them from manipulating results? In many ways marks make it easier to obtain a required result whereas reflection and discussion makes it more difficult.”

Paul says: “It is sometimes seen that competitors cannot work out that the mark they received on the day of the show is literally just a ranking. If they got a 43 in one class, they are in doom and gloom if they should get a 32 at another show. How often have we seen comments like ‘He must have lost a leg between classes’. Competitors also don’t seem to grasp that 25 is the average mark for each phase and get so despondent if they are marked in the 20s.

“A far better way of actually getting feedback would be for the steward to record a simple sentence from the judge after the show or their conformation phase. This is actual feedback that someone could take away with them and work on, or at least know not to go under that judge any more.”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday. The 2019 showing special is out now!

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In our 2019 showing special (28 March issue) we get an insight on the current marking system used in pony qualifiers. While generally accepted as commonplace among pony competitors, in recent years the concept has been integrated into some horse classes, leading to differing views.

In our two-part big showing debate, H&H asks: ‘do you think the marks system is a positive aspect of showing, or do you think it’s time for change?’

Top show producer and judge Penny Hollings and expert judge Beverley Moore explain what they think marking adds to showing and why they think the system should remain…

Marks provide feedback

“Marks provide useful feedback to competitors, especially in a large class where a judge may not have the opportunity to discuss [their thoughts with each other],” says Penny. “Every amateur rider I have ever asked has been in favour of marks. They show how a judge thinks and what pattern they generally follow while judging. If I can’t follow the marks from a particular judge then I wouldn’t waste time and money showing under them again.”

They are a time saver

Penny adds: “The system saves lots of time by avoiding lengthy discussions and potential persuading between judges.”

Improving transparency

“Judges are often criticised for having an agenda,” continues Penny. “But marks make them commit their opinion to paper for all to see after the class. It makes things more transparent.”

Beverley adds: “Its positive that marks are there for competitors to see — there is nothing or nowhere to hide. I have a bench mark I stick too and I am not afraid to use my marks to the extreme; that is what we have them for. I am quite happy to mark right down to single digits for a bad show. It might be a beautiful animal and warrant a fabulous conformation mark but if it cannot perform a really good show and go round then it does not deserve to win.”

The best method of judging big classes

“From a judging perspective they assist greatly in sorting the middle order of a class,” says Penny. “For example, in a large class — such as the hairy coloured ponies at the Royal International, marks aren’t used. This means competitors down the line don’t know how they have done; they could be 10th or 40th and wouldn’t know.

“Also, in a two judge system without marks, a competitor has no idea whether a judge likes or dislikes their animal, and by what margin. If you weren’t placed when under one judge without marks you wouldn’t know if they had disliked your way of going or your conformation, so would struggle to improve next time around. In my experience of judging many different types and classes at all levels, marks are the only way to achieve an accurate result.”

Article continues below…

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Ensuring showing stays impartial

Penny adds: “It concerns me when a judge — who is supposed to be impartial — states that marks don’t always give the right result, or the one that the judge would like. They aren’t there to have a favourite, but to assess which is the best on the day.”

It’s what competitors want

“The marks were introduced by the BSPS after the membership voiced their concerns. In my opinion they should be used in all competitions,” states Penny.

But maybe there could be a change?

Beverley says that she believes a 40/60 marking system could be introduced: “My one change would be to revert to the 60/40 in ridden classes. In sum, they are performance classes and I personally feel that the initial go-round and the individual show should carry more marks than the conformation section.

“Judges also need to use the range of marks available. If judges do not use the full range then classes end up with a handful of marks covering the class.”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday. The 2019 showing special is out now!

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The FEI’s dressage judging working group (DJWG) has put forward 19 recommendations for improvements to the current system, including a focus on the cognitive efficiency of judges and the development of a “code of points”.

The DJWG report also identified five key principles which should underpin a dressage judging system: transparency; ease of understanding; fairness to all competitors; ease of use and flexibility to review and adjust.

The working group was led by Frank Kemperman; FEI bureau member and organiser of Aachen, as well as FEI director of dressage Bettina de Rham; Mexican five-star judge Maribel Alonso; riders Richard Davison and Kyra Kyrklund, and Global Dressage Analytics founder and developer of the judge’s dashboard David Stickland.

As well as evaluating the crrent system and making recommendations for improvement, the panel also looked to other subjectively-judged sports —including reining and vaulting — for comparison.

They recognised that in other disciplines a “division of judging tasks” was sometimes used enabling judges to focus on certain aspects of a performance. They also noted that when visibility is limited, other sports often employed technology to bridge the gap.

As a result, the DJWG recommended that each judge is “only tasked with evaluating aspects for the horse/rider which they can actually see clearly” and that all future standard judging directives and references be formatted to ensure that they are relevant to specific viewing positions.

The use of new technology was addressed, with the DJWG recommending the FEI further investigate the possible use of sensors to measure certain movements. The paperless scribe system, E-scribe, already in use at some events, should also be taken further, they suggested.

The panel drew on several external sources to inform their investigation, including requesting a review of judging from Katrina Wüst, which focussed on the potential influence of bias.

She reported that influences judges need to be made aware of were order (draw) bias; conformity bias; memory-induced bias (judges should “switch off” previous recollections of horses and riders); reputation bias; patriotism and the “anchoring affect” — a cognitive bias for an individual to rely too heavily on an initial piece of information offered when making decisions.

Continued below…

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A group from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was also approached to supply the expert advice on the cognitive demands placed on judges. This included evidence-based information on human attention capability, concentration, memory, bias, perception, vision and other parameters.

The NTU Group reviewed video footage showing a number of consecutive dressage movements from the FEI grand prix test. They concluded that a repeated and sustained attention level was required by dressage judges and the role involved a complex and demanding cognitive processing load.

In response, the NTU backed the panel’s proposals for a code of points reference, formatted to optimise perceptual cognition processes and providing clear definitions of observable characteristics and how they should be quantified and measured.

The code of points formed one of the key proposals of the report, with a sub-committee (code of points advisory group) tasked with putting forward a draft code of points, which was presented by FEI judge Stephen Clarke. The DJWG recommended to the FEI that following review, the draft code be rolled out for use in all relevant classes.

When asked about the next steps, an FEI spokesman said: “The DJWG is still working with the code of points for the grand prix. The next step is for the FEI Dressage Committee to review the recommendations at the upcoming in-person meeting, which is scheduled for March. Further discussion on the recommendations will take place at this time.”

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You want to show your horse off to the judge — but could you be ruining their chances of success without realising it? Leading producers and judges explain the common mistakes they see in the ring — and why it means the difference between winning or losing

1. Too short a walk

“Too many riders fail to include sufficient walk in their individual performances. The walk is such an important pace and it appears to be executed badly in the go-round and in individual shows.”

Robert Parker-Jones, judge at HOYS in 2017

2. Bad manners

“People doing ever decreasing circles around the judge and overtaking in front of the judge, or cutting you up on a corner. We should be polite and look after our fellow competitors.”

Producer and judge Katie Jerram-Hunnable

3. Wasting time

“I dislike over-long shows with required elements poorly performed.”

Chris Yates, BSPS, TSR and BSHA conformation panellist

4. Losing the rhythm

“I hate seeing a horse being made to trot completely out of its rhythm, going too fast and rushing.”

Producer and trainer Jo Bates

5. Riding too short

“Young riders, particularly those in children’s classes from lead-rein upwards, hoisting up their stirrups and sitting on the back of the saddle. Perhaps they are aiming to appear smaller or cute, but the look is most unattractive and must be uncomfortable for the pony.”

Robert Parker-Jones

6. Failing to plan ahead

“My top three pet hates are ponies struggling under the weight of an over-heavy rider; riders charging into line when being called in in any order; and riders waiting for a corner to ask for canter in an open class.”

Natives judge Tweetie Nimmo, who will be officiating at Olympia this year

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7. Painting an ugly picture

“Short jackets, amusingly called ‘bum freezers’, often worn by larger body types. Too much canary jodhpur is exposed and spoils the overall picture and is a distraction.”

Robert Parker-Jones

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One of the most eagerly-anticipated finals at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is the SEIB Insurance Brokers’ enduringly popular Search For A Star competition for strictly amateur combinations.

Many previous winners have gone on to star in the open spotlight, but in order to get to HOYS, they first have to impress the judges at one of the five qualifiers staged around the country from April onwards.

Ride, type, conformation and turnout are all assessed by a panel of judges, who are happy to offer advice and tips along the way. In addition, there is a special “workshop” for qualified finalists, where the finishing touches are added to each combination prior to their big day at HOYS.

Standards are expected to be higher than ever next season, so who are the judges and what are they looking for?

David Bartram-Lawton

Ride judge David Bartram-Lawton, who has officiated in the SFAS series for 16 years and will do so again in 2018, brings a wide range of experience with him. David was a three-day eventer, competing at Badminton and Burghley as well as representing Great Britain at Breda and Boekelo. He was a highly successful producer, trainer and showman, winning the HOYS working hunter final twice with different horses, in addition to hunting for more than 30 seasons. He has been a judge on a number of panels for many years and has officiated at HOYS and Royal International on several occasions.

What he looks for

“As a ride judge, I’m looking for a light, uphill, mannerly and balanced ride that is accepting of the bit and leg — sadly, we see a lot of SFAS horses that are over-bitted.

“It’s also very important for competitors to get different people to sit on their horses beforehand as it prepares them to carry a ride judge.

“All too often, people tend to over-ride and do not keep their horse between hand and leg and in rhythm — hence the pace is too fast and their gait runs out of the front door.

“A green horse in the show ring can be forgiven, but an unmannerly horse should not be — their time in the class is very short and if they cannot behave, they need more education and schooling. Riders do not realise the amount of work that professionals put in on a daily basis.”

Next, the conformation judges reveal their hates and must-haves, and offer advice on how to succeed at the qualifiers. We speak to two who officiate on the ground, assessing conformation and type as well as offering help and advice.

Richard Ramsay

Richard is a qualified British Horse Society Instructor (BHSI) and with his wife Marjorie, has been breeding, producing and training show horses and ponies for over 30 years. Team Ramsay has won at the very highest level with a wide variety of animals they have owned, trained or bred. They are also acclaimed judges, as much in demand overseas as they are in the UK, and Marjorie judged conformation at the SFAS final until recently.

What he’s looking for

“First and foremost, the horse or pony must be correct in its conformation and fit the criteria for type,” he says. “Many that come forward simply aren’t potential show horses.

“We would probably forgive greenness and lack of ringcraft, because those riders who qualify really go to town to improve themselves, as can be seen at HOYS.

“We don’t forgive downright bad manners, but many of the horses are not used to going in company and get rather competitive. However, the keen owners will take them away and really do their homework to correct this.

“If we see a horse on the day that has potential but goes badly, we tell the rider to get help and come again to another venue, as that horse could be a future star — given the right direction. The 2017 champion [Lynsey Lawrence’s Mister Fezziwig] was a case in point as this was their second year of trying to qualify.

“In all cases we want a straight-moving, well put-together horse or pony that fits the category of the class.

“We have often told competitors they are in the wrong class — for example they may think they have a riding horse but it’s actually a lightweight hunter, or vice versa — and it’s great when they then reappear and qualify.”

Chris Bartram-Lawton

Chris judges from time to time but also stewards, commentates and gives advice on turnout at the venues and at the pre-HOYS workshop. He hunted, produced and rode show and competition horses for many years and is a popular judge both in the UK and abroad.

What he looks for

“The horses must be shod regularly and turnout makes a huge difference too,” he says. “Tails should be pulled and not shaved.

“The horse should have a good topline and not be too fat.

“On the go-round, competitors must ensure that they take notice of their fellow riders and, more importantly, the ring stewards who are there to inform and keep everyone safe in the ring.

“When presenting your horse for conformation, you need to walk out with purpose, stand the horse up well without pushing and pulling, and pretend you are trying to sell it to the judge.”

Continued below…

SEIB SFAS qualifier dates/venues for 2018:

15 April, Osbaldeston, Lancs

20 May, Stretcholt, Somerset

10 June, Bury Farm, Bucks

8 July, Alnwick Ford Equestrian Centre, Northumberland

5 August, Vale View, Leics

For all the latest news and reports, don’t miss H&H magazine, out every Thursday

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A controversial new dressage judging system is currently being trialled in Italy’s national competitions.

The federation is believed to be the first country to have introduced the new system.

The Italian federation agreed to “experimentally implement” a variation of HiLoDrop scoring system for competitions that have five or more judges, at a meeting on 6 November.

Judges’ overall scores that deviate by 4% or more from the judging panel’s average will be dropped under the new system.

“The system is adopted on a temporary basis, pending the approval of the new general regulations, until February 2018,” said a spokesman for the federation.

“This period will be useful for the federation to test the practical operation of the software [needed for the scoring system].

“This approach is based on the fact that the judges are in fact a team.”

He added that it will prevent the score of a single judge from unduly influencing any combination’s overall score.

The system it will not be used for young horse classes.

The trial takes place ahead of discussions over the use of HiLoDrop scoring per movement in international competition at the 2017 FEI general assembly (18-21 November).

The FEI dressage judging working group is proposing that it should be introduced to for international competitions (news, 7 September). The proposal has been met with mixed reactions by national federations and will be discussed further at the general assembly.

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“Such a system is widely used in other Olympic judged disciplines and also in other equestrian judged sports,” said a statement from the working group.

“Following a detailed analysis of almost 1,000 competitions from 2017 it is shown that the average effect on final scores is a shift of +0.1% with a spread (standard deviation) of 0.2%.

“In fact only 3% of all grand prix/grand prix special results would change by more than 0.5% — in almost every case a small upwards change.

“The correlation of the HiLoDrop score and the score from the current system is perfectly linear.

“While the changes are almost invisible for the vast majority of cases in a few cases an important correction would be made; HiLoDrop ensures that the consensus view of the jury predominates in the final result and is not unduly influenced by one judge being exceptionally high or low for whatever reason.”

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I recently went to Vale View High Profile show with a green but talented horse for some arena experience. We wobbled around the arena with alternate moments of brilliance and near disaster and certainly gave the judges the opportunity to use the full range of marks.

Although the good and less good moments were easy to identify, the judges’ marks differed greatly, despite their comments being very similar. There is obviously still difference of opinion on how judges’ observations should be marked, and we need more standardisation.

According to Wayne Channon, who has been instrumental in developing a judging system known as the code of points (COP), which uses a computer app to quantify results, the key is evolution not revolution.

The FEI guidelines and the judges are already good. What isn’t working is the system in which points are awarded. The hard part is evaluating performance and we have excellent judges doing just that.

A working party of renowned judges, trainers, riders and the statistician David Stickland are discussing implementing the COP alongside other concepts, some of which are already in use, such as half marks and seven judges at major championships.

People discuss whether the “art” of dressage will be lost with this scientific approach. But references to art are not appropriate to the “sport” of dressage. Judging is a skill, but it shouldn’t be an “art”, which suggests a mysterious expression of an unquantifiable feeling.

A system based on artistic concepts is incompatible with modern sport and leaves judging open to interpretation at best and accusations of corruption at worst, as points are based on vague criteria, using generic words like “satisfactory”.

Before Rio there were accusations of nationalistic judging that were upheld by the FEI and resulted in a whole class being disqualified from Lier CDI. The COP would help protect our judges from such accusations, as it would be easily referenced in cases of dispute. This would help avoid these rare but tricky situations.

By adhering to the FEI principles, with judges using the code to find points, the correct result would be reached with a more logical framework. There will always be differing opinions, some of which could and should be based on a judge’s position around the arena. It’s why there is a panel. But some things, such as deductions for teeth-grinding or failure in a movement, can certainly be standardised and this would be progress.

Quantifying choreography

The freestyle is also under discussion. Should there be a mark for choreography? Or is that one “artistic” perception too far? How do you quantify it? If it can’t be quantified, should it be marked at all?

Is it a better performance if the music fits according to the computer or how it looks to the naked eye? And how do judges know without specialist musical knowledge? We do need the freestyle, but it is even more subjective to judge than “straight” tests. Because of this unavoidable artistic element, freestyle tests should not be championship individual finals unless they are a separate competition with different criteria. Or we risk medals decided on how good someone’s freestyle producer is.

Championship format is another hot topic. There is a suggestion that the World Equestrian Games (WEG) should follow the same format as the Olympics, which horrifies me. The Olympics is governed by the rules of the International Olympic Committee, which encompasses all sports and is therefore not always focused on equestrianism’s best interests. The WEG is an opportunity to showcase the sport without the confines of specific Olympic criteria. This would be a giant step back for all equestrian sports.

Ref Horse & Hound; 10 November 2016

A dressage judge has launched a survey to enable riders to give feedback on comments made at competitions.

Emma Andrews, 39, is training to be a judge in County Down, Northern Ireland, and also competes at elementary level with her 16.2hh Irish sports horse Waggledance.

She put the survey on Facebook after judging at a non-registered show at Lusk Equestrian Centre, Ulster, last weekend (23 October).

Respondents were asked seven questions beginning with “how satisfied were you with your judge today?”

“I want to give riders a way of rating judges constructively,” said Ms Andrews. “Nobody knows how much effort we put into our animals, so when you go out you want to enjoy the day, not feel put down.”

The second question asked whether the rider felt the judge’s marks and comments were “an accurate representation of the test you rode”.

Others ranged from “would you be happy to ride under this judge again” to “has today’s show been a positive experience for you and your horse?”

The final question asked riders whether, based on their experience of the day, they would enter the next competition.

The survey asked for the date of the competition and the judge’s name, and there was a box for any other comments on that day’s judge.

Respondents were encouraged to be honest as all replies were anonymous.

Ms Andrews said she has been “really pleasantly surprised at the response, both positive and negative”.

A couple of replies were received from riders not at the show who thought the survey might put other judges off.

Related articles:

• Radical new dressage scoring system proposed
• Settling for an average trot — and other pet hates of dressage judges
• ‘Rather odd!’ — and other dressage judges’ comments you won’t forget in a hurry

But Ms Andrews is hoping others will consider following her example at competitions.

Registered judge Claire Sedgeman has agreed to do the survey at her next show.

Once all the the information is gathered the intention is to pass it on to Dressage Ireland.

A spokesman for Dressage Ireland said: “The individual concerned is not a Dressage Ireland listed judge. Dressage Ireland does not support her actions”.

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For those that are “napping” on the subject of change, there is no doubt that we have to do something to increase transparency in judging if we wish to remain an Olympic sport after Tokyo.

This year alone I’ve had differences of 6% and 7% in scores in international grands prix, and, in the Nations Cup in Compiègne, a 23-place difference between judges.

These are exactly the kind of anomalous results used by the Olympic committees to criticise our sport.

Depending on their physical viewpoint, some judges can’t see the whole horse at points. This is why we have a panel sitting in different places and should expect marks to vary, within reason; there is no point having a panel of judges if we want them all to give the same marks.

If that were the case, we could just have one.

I’m not deluding myself that the highest-scoring judges are always the most correct, but a 7% and 23-place difference within a single panel is too much.

In my case, the common link was that the lower-scoring judges had never judged us as a combination before (which could be coincidental), and both used many sixes.

I don’t think Princess (Die Callas) and I do much for a six. If a movement comes off, it’s generally of quality and worthy of seven or more.

And when it doesn’t? Well, let’s just say it really doesn’t, and a six wouldn’t be appropriate then either!

A difference of 7% out of 100% isn’t actually a great deal. The problem is that most dressage tests are judged between 60% and 70% — within 10% of each other — meaning the 7% becomes disproportionately influential and defines a good result from a poor one.

‘Collectives shouldn’t exist’

The proposed code of points, with greater increments of scores, would help divide the minutiae.

Another suggestion from the “half man-half computer” statistical genius and advisor to our sport, David Stickland from Global Dressage Analytics, is the “hi-lo drop”, which involves removing the highest and lowest scores per movement. This was effective when applied using actual results and led to fewer differentials and more logical results. This could be implemented quickly — with or without the new code of points.

Collective marks should not exist and have no place in our already subjective sport. They are unnecessary and artificially raise or lower scores, which have already been calculated on the merits of the test.

Equestrian sport is unique in that we have young, old, men, women, able-bodied and disabled competing against each other. We have great acceptance of differing sexual preferences within our community; most of us are more interested in our horses’ performances than what happens after evening stables.

As a group, we are a terrific example of the Olympic spirit of inclusivity and tolerance, and this should be celebrated and used in the argument to remain so.

Go forth and change

British dressage has never been so robust, with several combinations able to score over 70% at grand prix.

Whoever secures the elusive fourth Olympic place, with this depth, those that Team GBR will leave behind could form a competitive team that many other nations would love to field.

But, after Tokyo, those riders may not have another chance if we don’t embrace change now. Some people like change, while others will always resist it. But if we wish to stay in the Olympics, our judging system has to change. There is no choice. To achieve this, we must keep in mind the first fundamental of dressage training: go forward.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 23 June 2016

The same old rumblings about the marks system seems to be erupting, with competitors berating judges. I’ve said before that I’m not a fan of the marking system. Putting marks on paper leaves judges open to scrutiny, as well as the poor stewards recording and adding them up. I prefer to collaborate with my co-judge, put our arguments over for and against each horse, and then both pick the best animal. I find it so bizarre that some judges don’t communicate.

There’s nothing more disheartening as a judge than not knowing who your winner is — quite often we are as surprised as the competitor. It’s not uncommon that the winner will be the horse both judges didn’t mind, but who could have been one judge’s third place.

With the standard of animals so high these days in the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers, if a judge is going to score a horse, it’s often not representative of its quality. The majority of the horses may be of a good standard, but to choose your winner you almost have to over-score the preferred animal and under-score the ones you don’t want.

It can be discouraging for competitors going to look at the marks, but often it is not a true reflection on the animal and the competitor is none the wiser as to their place. You can’t give all good, similar scores or you end up with a lot of joint marks and no clear winner. If you are judging without marks, you still have to pick your winner and so on down the line.

Pull-ins are imperative

The arguments in favour of marks amuse me. You often hear: “At least it stops the corrupt judges.” Why does it? They can easily ditch a horse with a low mark. It’s just a number on a piece of paper and no explanation is given. The no pull-in system puzzles me too. If a judge can’t pull animals in from a first impression, they shouldn’t be judging. It makes the go-round pointless and often alerts me that they are either lost or waiting to see who comes in to groom.

I often hear competitors complain that a judge has given their horse a different conformation mark each time they have judged it, but you have to judge a horse in relation to what else is in the class. I give a benchmark score and then compare other horses against it.

The standard of showmanship in the conformation phase is lacking. Some competitors don’t know how to stand up a horse properly. Common mistakes include feet too close together, a turned-out foot, horses too stretched out, standing downhill or in a dip, for example. It’s no wonder the marks differ. The conformation is important and you are there to show off your horse.

What was wrong with the original format? To be confined to putting a show horse’s performance down as a number is frustrating. In the original system, if I had two horses that both caught my eye, I would make a decision on a final walk round, which is an art in itself to do correctly. Or I’d simply choose the one that looked like a winner, still sparkling with its ears pricked at the end of the class. Why can’t we let our judges have the freedom to choose the animals they really want to win, without the restriction and rigidity of marks?

Ref: Horse & Hound; 9 June 2016

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

A new system of dressage scoring due to be tested this summer could make judging fairer, more accurate and more educational, according to its creators.

Wayne Channon, secretary general of the International Dressage Riders Club, has been working with dressage at Hickstead founder Dane Rawlins on the method, which they believe would bring the discipline in line with other judged sports such as gymnastics.

It involves riders starting theoretically with a 10 for each movement, from which fractions of marks are deducted depending on the seriousness of the error or weakness.

Wayne explained that a codified system would be agreed to determine how much would be deducted in any instance.

“If a horse has one irregular step, for example, that might be a 0.1 deduction,” he said.

“If it’s more than two or three steps, that might be a 0.5, five to 10 steps might be one mark deducted, all the time could be two marks lost.

“There are eight components [such as impulsion, contact and precision] that judges are supposed to look at and work out which problems there are with each, then make the appropriate deduction.

“With our system, judges can look at the components and make very specific deductions, which are documented.”

As currently, judges would watch tests but would call out each deduction as appropriate, which would then be entered by an assistant using a smartphone or tablet app, pictured.

Wayne believes the method will provide more detailed feedback for riders and trainers, on exactly where marks have been lost, but also result in more accurate scores and remove any bias.

“If someone’s very famous, and you know they’re going to get 75%, you start with that viewpoint, so you’re a bit on the upside already,” he said.

“You can’t train people not to have these biases; conformational bias is probably one of the worst.

“Properly used, these components should allow a more normal moving horse to beat an extravagant mover if the latter didn’t have good rhythm, contact etc. Currently, that really does not happen much.”

The system is due to be tested, alongside the current method, at Hickstead next month (28-31 July), in the invitational grand prix class being held during the British Dressage (BD) regional championships.

Related articles:

• ‘Too good an opportunity to miss’: Hickstead regional championships date change
• David Stickland: ‘is judging fit for purpose?’ *H&H VIP*
• Calls for dressage juding overhaul: FEI responds

A BD spokesman said: “There has been much talk of this system for some time now but it is very difficult for us to comment as we’ve not seen a clear plan of the system, how it works and the associated pros and cons.

“From what little we do know, there are reservations but we will always strive to keep an open mind.

“We look forward to working with Dane and Wayne on their findings and subsequent recommendations, but must never lose sight of the fact that we must continuously strive to improve the training and education of judges to ensure fair competition.”

For more on the proposals, see this week’s H&H magazine, out 9 June.

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Here we are again on the brink of another busy showing season, and it’s occurred to me that all our aspirations, careers and reputations as owners, riders, breeders and trainers are at the mercy of the judges’ opinion.

For this reason alone, it is essential that judges attend the relevant conferences from time to time, to maintain their understanding of the current trends and regulations, and be reminded of their responsibilities.

I’m only on a handful of judging panels and keeping up with the merry-go-round of judges’ conferences during the winter semester can be costly and time-consuming. And you can bet that when you have to attend one or run the risk of being struck off the panel, the venue is not on your doorstep.

However, in other sports and hobbies the practice is far more diligent as their judges or referees are reassessed periodically. Should showing’s governing bodies follow suit?

The theme of this year’s British Show Pony Society (BSPS) seminar in January was “judging performance” and I’m informed that DVDs showed a cross section of ponies on the go-round and performing individual shows, as well as working hunter ponies jumping.

It was not always obvious what subject would create debate, although the issues related to complaints received during last season. With some displays, riders did not demonstrate enough walk or produce all the paces for the classification — for instance, a gallop with show hunter ponies.

Each table of judges was given skating marks to assess every performance — out of 50 for a show or 20 for style/manners while jumping. After each DVD, each table correlated their views before displaying their mark. Where they differed significantly, the judges had to give their reasons.

In one DVD, the young jockey riding a delightful pony “got lost” during their individual show and yet some judges marked them generously, deeming the pony to be “sweet and safe”. It was emphasised that, coupled with a top conformation mark, they could win the class. This demonstrated how judges differ in their interpretation of a good performance. On some occasions there was up to a 22-mark difference.

It was a similar story at the National Pony Society seminar earlier this month. Is it good for showing when judges’ opinions differ so significantly, or should they be singing more from the same hymn sheet?

A second chance

One concern close to my heart — when a full complement of horses does not come forward for a championship — came up at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) AGM.

It’s unsporting for second-placed competitors to bow out because they were beaten earlier. A championship is judged as a separate class and provides another chance. Show stock can be unpredictable, particularly when the championship takes place in a new environment like a main ring or evening performance, so no one can predict the result.

Once at the BSPS championships, I fielded three different second-placed ponies in three separate championships and amazingly all impressed to secure overall honours.

I’ve even witnessed placings changed when a champion or reserve has misbehaved during rosette presentation, which is why I grimace when stewards dismiss the back line during the award process.

One BSHA professional pointed out that it can be impossible to recruit capable spare riders at the last minute for championships on successful days, also highlighting the dilemma whereby a substitute jockey would not be able to go under said professional and vice versa, if both were judging in the future.

More worryingly in the pony sector, if a home-produced child rides for a trainer in just one championship, they automatically forfeit their Pretty Polly status that season.

Should we add “excepting championships” to these rules to address this shortfall?

Ref: Horse & Hound; 31 March 2016

The FEI has stood by its former chief dressage judge, Ghislain Fouarge, over the controversial high scores awarded in a key Olympic qualifier in Moscow.

The Dutchman was at the centre of a storm over the surprise 82.24% grand prix score awarded to Russia’s Inessa Merkulova and Mister X, and the 76.78% awarded to her sister and runner-up, Marina Aframeeva with Vost (news, 3 March).

The row escalated when a photograph (top) emerged of Mr Fouarge assisting Miss Merkulova during a clinic at her own yard, New Century Club, from 22-24 October 2015.

The sisters had previous personal bests of 76.46% and 71.9% respectively.

While Miss Merkulova — who jumped from world number 14 to eighth as a result of Moscow — was expected to qualify for Rio, Aframeeva’s scores from the last weekend of February have weakened the chances of individual Rio places for Belgium, Ireland, Poland and Portugal.

An FEI spokesman told H&H it reviewed the controversy after receiving concerns from “a number of national federations” and concluded “the judging was consistent across the five judges”.

The FEI also examined the codex that limits judge/rider involvement nine months before an Olympic Games or other major championship. The clinic’s dates were “fully in accordance with the rules regarding both duration of training and timing prior to the Moscow event and dressage events at the Olympic Games,” said the spokesman.

Mister X’s leap into the 80% strata is the largest in dressage history: Valegro, who holds the grand prix record of 87.46%, and Totilas both improved by smaller increments.

Mr Fouarge, sitting at C, gave Mister X 82.6%. Two other judges, from Russia and Belarus, awarded higher marks.

Mr Fouarge said the aftermath amounted to “character assassination”.

“If I had been the only one who had the couple so high, then I would have understood the excitement, yes. But I was right in the middle,” he said.

“Miss Merkulova rode great in Moscow. [The] horse was in contrast to previous rides, in which they already received high 70% points. He was no longer so tight in the neck, and everything that is evaluated in the grand prix twice, worked out great — piaffe, pirouettes.”

Continued below…

Related articles:

Dressage rider Judy Reynolds smashes record score for Ireland

Anna Ross: Are there really so few people who are ‘good’ at dressage? *H&H VIP*

From ‘needs more suppleness’ to ‘could be more uphill’: what dressage judges’ comments really mean (and how to use them when training at home)

The deadline for individuals to claim the remaining Rio places was 6 March. The run-up to London 2012 in dressage was similarly controversial, ending with a Court of Arbitration of Sport ruling that the FEI had not properly administered the appointment of non-partisan judges at a qualifier in Brazil.

H&H 10 March 16

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As the dust settles on another season I am sorry to say goodbye to our show hunter pony Annadale Maria (pictured) but excited to look forward to our new horses and ponies for next season.

This season ended not quite as well as it started for us, but we must focus on the year’s achievements as a whole.

Our highlight was the championship at Royal Windsor. Maria will be greatly missed she has a huge character that shines through in the show ring.

Everyone will have their own highlights and disappointments from HOYS whether it is competing or spectating.

I was sorry to see judges coming up for criticism but surely the powers that be at Grandstand Media could have seen it coming. It begs the question once again, who makes the decisions on who stands in the middle? A good judge makes a good show. The show is mentally and physically draining as well as hard on the pocket and the only thing competitors ask is for good judges.

Judges came into question too at the earlier BSPS Championship show. There are a lot of classes here to find judges for so I sympathise but championship shows are not the place to experiment.

The BSHA championships also had its fair share of judges chat with them being accused of not changing the judges enough from year to year and section judges being the same from previous blue riband shows. So how can the societies get it right? It doesn’t sound an easy job. We see lots of great judging all year so it’s a shame when the focus is on the negative.

One of my personal highlights in recent months was our trip to Ireland horse shopping at Gorsebridge sales. I love the challenge of finding a champion among many different types. I think we brought home some exceptional horses this time who are already destined to go to lovely owners with very successful producers so I look forward to watching them next year. Last year’s bunch have been a super lot of horses to follow this year. It is such an education to go to the sales and is something that anyone who wishes to be a top judge should visit several times.

I enjoyed all my judging commitments immensely this year. Several were with my father (David Tatlow) who never ceases to amaze me with his enthusiasm and the sensible comments he makes. If any of you get the opportunity to judge with him, jump at the chance. I rode some wonderful horses and some less so. In fact it’s quite scary what some poor souls ride day in, day out. It makes me feel privileged to have experienced riding the top level horses I have while both judging and competing. My other co-judges this year have been wonderful and I do believe have cemented a very good friendship.

Autumn hunting has played a big part in horse production this season with such super dry ground we have had many of the show horses and ponies out this time.

One or two get a bit bored with the manege and it certainly pricks their ears up to another side of life.

We like to jump all the animals we have especially as my children, and Georgia who helps me with the horses, are all jumping mad! Our local hunt meet at our place very soon so the port order is on its way.

The diary is now full of eventer challenges and BSPS novice shows. I keep promising my long suffering husband I will be home more weekends but my daughter Alice keeps filling them up! As I write this we are returning from a short city break to Venice which was fabulous.

I see many of my fellow showing friends are heading off for holidays this half term. I wish you all a fab horse-free holiday and you may just get a moment on your sun lounger to read this.

Loraine

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An innovative system to evaluate and train dressage judges will be unveiled at the Global Dressage Forum (GDF) next month (26-27 October).

Maarten van der Heijden, sport director for the Dutch federation (KNHS), will explain the “judges’ dashboard”, developed over the past year in collaboration with the esteemed British scientist Dr David Stickland.

The dashboard has been trialled at around four Dutch national shows a week, in classes just below small tour.

Using programs provided by Dr Stickland’s company Global Dressage Analytics (GDA), every point is recorded. Within three days of each show, judges can study their analysis at home. Non-explainable differences are then evaluated with a personal coach.

GDA already offers a riders’ score analysis service, taken up en bloc by the Dutch federation in 2013.

Mr Van der Heijden said: “We decided to use this same IT from a different perspective.

“To be a good judge, you need to ‘look in the mirror’. We have already made a strong assessment of where some judges need help.”

Dr Stickland is a senior research physicist with Princeton University, currently seconded to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), the

institute that discovered the Higgs boson.

Dr Stickland started analysing dressage scores “for my own amusement”, later undertaking consultancy work for the FEI. He was an early advocate of half-points and seven-judge juries.

He co-founded GDA with Akiko Yamazaki, the long-term supporter of US rider Steffen Peters, in 2009.

“There is much more information in dressage scores than people make use of,” said Dr Stickland.

He believes, for instance, that the two-point deduction for an error of course has more effect on the overall percentage than most riders appreciate.

The dashboard took an enormous amount of prior organisation because of forming the habit to send in sheets. The number of judges per show then provided a challenge.

“With seven judges, when one is very different you can hypothesise that the other six were right. But what about when you only have two?” he said.

He resorted to a basic colour-coding technique to identify judging trends of individuals against those of co-judges over the course of a year before being able to assert who was “miles off” with their marks.

The dashboard can analyse such subtleties as marking too high or low, even when overall rankings are compatible. It can detect judges failing to use the full range of marks for, say, collected walk.

“There is a lesson that someone is having trouble judging that particular movement,” he said.

Wayne Channon, secretary general of the International Dressage Riders Club, warmly welcomed the initiative.

He told H&H: “So often one judge can be just 0.5 points lower than their colleagues for a whole test and the result is 5% difference in the total test.

“Similarly, judges often end up with close matching scores, but the way they get there is not the same; one judge may mark the trot lower but compensate by having a higher canter mark.

“For the rider, this is confusing, but for the judge it looks like a good result. The GDA approach will enable judges to see where they are right and where they are seeing things differently.”

Dr Stickland stressed: “It’s important this is seen as education rather than reaction. We all depend on a vast number of volunteers to be judges and must give them the best feedback possible, not make them feel they are being painted into a corner.

“Judges don’t have hours to spare to compare sheets. The dashboard does this for them, in a format they can use when and how they wish.”

Ref: H&H 24/09/2015

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As secretary general of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), I am often asked why riders have a problem with dressage judging. The answer is we don’t. We have a problem with the current system of judging that we (judges, riders and trainers) use.

The system takes a lot of training for everyone involved but still relies too much on interpretation by individual judges.

This obscures the public appreciation of performance and too often produces the wrong results — it is just not accurate enough.

All other judged Olympic sports — apart from boxing — have moved on from our type of system and adopted a code of points that defines a reasonably objective standard that can be consistently measured. Dressage should be moving in this direction too.

Stephen Clarke is the FEI dressage judge general, a trainer and rider — the complete package. Although he defends the current system, his recent H&H comment makes the case for a code of points very well.

Stephen says that judges are hardworking individuals with integrity, doing their utmost to give correct and logical marks. This is true.

He points out that sometimes judges are given unreasonable workloads, for example judging 50 horses per day. This is also true.

He also says that there will be “inevitable differences of opinion”. This is true, and this is the problem. If marks are subject to a difference of opinion, then there is no objective standard. There is no equality of measurement. There is no level playing field. There is no sport.

Consistency and precision

Stephen pointed out that the Dressage Handbook — Guidelines for Judges, published in 2007, has detailed descriptions for each movement. It is an excellent publication but it is not precise. It needs to be updated to quantify the actual deductions that must to be made for each error or grade of performance.

For example, in the grand prix each piaffe movement requires 12–15 steps. If a horse does 11 steps of faultless piaffe, what mark should it get? Should it still get a 10 because it is so good; should it suffer a small deduction of 0.5 or one mark; or was it simply “insufficient”, which could be a four. On this point, the handbook is silent.

Additionally, not all the handbook’s definitions are followed. To score more than an eight for extended walk, the horse must over-track by more than three hoof prints. Having discussed this with several Olympic judges, this rule is not observed. If one rule is not followed, how many others aren’t?

A code of points should state exactly how these, and all other errors, will be evaluated. Riders, trainers and spectators need consistency of marking against a well-defined standard.

I can assure Stephen the IDRC is not “reinventing the wheel”. Actually, all we have done is to codify and make more precise the handbook for judges. Elimination of all objectivity is perhaps an unobtainable goal, but there is plenty of room to advance before we hit the barrier. This is evolution, not revolution.

The IDRC development team would be even better if Stephen would join our effort and appoint one or two Olympic level judges to be part of the team. Clearly the judges themselves have the knowledge and experience needed to make this effort successful. We need collaboration rather than their current apparent “hands off” approach. As politicians say, we are all in this together.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 3 September 2015

Dressage judge Stephen Clarke, shares his opinion on the current hot topic of judging

I can imagine how hard it is for people who have never sat in a dressage judge’s box to understand how difficult the job is. I can also understand how easy it is for the “armchair critics” to point the finger and jump up and down the moment judges have the slightest differences within their scoring.

Our judges are a hardworking group of individuals with unquestionable integrity, who are doing their utmost to give correct and logical marks for every movement, but they are human beings, not robots.

When one is judging up to 50 horses a day, as was the case at the World Equestrian Games, each judge has to decide upon 1,850 marks per day. This amounts to 12,950 separate scores from seven judges — 25,900 separate scores for the two days of grand prix. It is inevitable that there will be the occasional variation of marks.

Our present system of judging has been expertly developed over many decades. Even when there are the inevitable differences over individual points, with seven judges strategically placed around the arena, and the judging supervisory panel (JSP) acting as a “safety net”, should any one judge miss a counting mistake in the changes for example, the team result from the average of the seven judges is correct for the vast majority of the scores throughout the competition.

Practical means for development

However, I do agree that we must remain open-minded and continue to search for practical ways to develop and improve our judging of the sport.

Even though huge strides have been made, particularly over the past 20 years or so, to develop the judging through training, examination and transparency, improvements can always be made.

I had the honour of being part of the International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC) group that produced the FEI handbook for judges several years ago. This provides some detailed descriptions of each score for every movement from 10 to zero (yes, we do train our officials to judge out of 10).

At the time this document was published we invited comments and suggestions for future revisions from all the clubs, but so far no suggestions have been put forward, even though this document has been in existence since 2007.

I now read with interest that the International Dressage Riders’ Club (IDRC) is coming up with a new code of points system for judging, and will look forward to studying this new format when it is finally published.

However, I would like to point out that however many times we reinvent the wheel, it will still be operated by the same willing group of volunteers that are officiating today, and will still be subject to the same inevitable differences of opinion. Try asking seven top artists to paint an apple — none of the apples will be identical.

It is also worth thinking about the practical implications of retraining all our FEI judges around the globe.

My biggest plea would be that any new systems put forward be thoroughly tried and tested through “pilot programme” situations, before being put into action.

One suggestion would be to invite three members of the IDRC who have developed this new system to “shadow judge” at some major shows, alongside FEI judges using the existing system, and have a transparent publication of their scores available to the public as we do now.

The results would be of great interest.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 30 July 2015