dressage writing

[eventerbabe]

I've been asked by my friend and instructor to write for her at the North East Dressage Champs this coming sunday, run by the Gordon Dressage Group. i'm sooo excited but a little nervous. any tips from those of you who have done it before? heres the web page with the schedule on it www.gordondressagegroup.org.uk was looking at the qualifiers and Jo Pitt is among them. she will be awesome to watch :D

EDIT: just found out its the Novice Champs we will be doing, and they are using the Novice 38 test. anyone ever ridden this one?? will have to dig out my copy of it to have a nosey at it. its not one i've done before.

[LesleyR]

Have you written for a judge before? It's hugely informative - really gives you an insight into what the judge is looking for. It really helps you to develop an 'eye' for what is good and what isn't.

As for tips - abbreviate as much as you can e.g. FW for free walk, trans for transition, draw a circle for a circle and a square for a square etc. Try to be half way familiar with the test so you know where the marks are going to happen. You don't have to know it backwards - hopefully your judge will - but sometimes they might miss out a mark if things are happening quickly and you can give them a gentle prompt.

And my last best tip - write "rhythm" somewhere prominent to use as a crib. It sounds ridiculous but it is a favourite judge word and it is astounding how your mind will go blank if you're trying to write it quickly!

Best of luck - hope to see a full report in due course!

[eventerbabe]

no, this is the first time i've actually written for a judge. my mum's done it a few times before so i'm hoping she might have a few hints! thanks for all the hints, am going to make a list, then try to dig out my BD test folder, see if i have the test.

next problem is finding the damn place, never been there before!!

[MeMe]

I found it great fun and informative, mainly got to watch competitors at the lower levels, but with a faster moving test, keep your eye on what you are writing and listen for the judge.

They will give comments first then the score.

[eventerbabe]

thanks :) i'm really looking forward to it. hope to pick up some tips on how to improve toby's way of going, then when i finally get a saddle fitted we will be raring to have a bash ourselves. got a copy of the test now, i never knew novices were sooo hard!!

[casey]

I have written once or twice I think :rolleyes: (God my memory is getting worse) Really informative, and the judges are really helpful. Also, you get the insider info on what a judge likes and dislikes. :D
You'll have a good time :)

[eventerbabe]

thanks guys :D turns out, the scores my judge will be giving are to do with her judge training and won't count for the actual competition, but i get to meet the "real" judge later on and have a chat with them. i'm sooo looking forward to it!! shame i won't have time to take piccies!! i've just had the most stupid thought though, what should i wear? i don't wanna turn up in my joddys and flowery wellies if i'm supposed to turn up looking smart!!

[LesleyR]

Would be very surprised if they wanted you dressed smart - you'll be in the car/box all the time anyway so no-one is really going to see you. Most venues are so pleased you've actually turned up that they don't really care what you're wearing (within reason of course - don't want to scare the horses! :D )