I asked Senior Judge Helle Westh what she looks for when judging a dressage test.
She started by explaining that she rides and trains using the classical principles of the dressage training scale, which asks for rhythm as the foundation of training and moves all the way up to collection as the final phase of a well schooled horse. The Scales of Training are:
1. Rhythm
2. Suppleness
3. Contact
4. Impulsion
5. Straightness
6. Collection
As a dressage rider, you never stop training these elements. Any time you feel tension in your horse, just go back to these basics and make sure your horses is responding to your aids.
It is a pleasure to watch a rider ride a test where the horse moves freely in a rhythmic fashion with the rider following each movement like horse and rider were one being. A supple horse accepts the bit and listens to the subtle aids of the rider. A good rider supports the horse and ensures it is ready both physically and mentally for is being asked of it.
If riders skip the foundations of training, Helle often sees mistakes that bring marks down. This can be a horse that is behind the bit, resists the bit, shows uneven movement patterns (lack of Rhythm), or moves on two tracks.
To be a competent rider who can help the horse move through the various elements of the classical training scale, the rider must also be able to influence the horse correctly and not hinder the horse’s movement.
Riders can lose marks when they don’t follow the rhythm and movement of the horse as this will inhibit the horse’s ability to perform correctly. Helle also notes how important it is to have a good hand position, which means an upright hand with the thumbs on top, and closed flat on the top of the index finger. An incorrect hand position will lead the horse to go against the bit. A correct hand position invites the horse to take the bit and move forward; pulling the horse into the bit is counter productive. Ideally, a rider should be able to ride with an independent seat that follows the natural rhythm of the horse.
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