Dressage Writing...

Katie__Connie

Katie__Connie

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 September 2009
Messages
2,942
Location
Leicestershire
Visit site
I'm dressage writing tomorrow but I've never done it before so worried I'll get in a muddle!! :o Anyone done it before and can give me any tips or reassure me it's not that hard? :o :D

Thanks guys x
 
Judges should have a "write this down" tone, and a conversation tone (if they have a conversation with you - some judges are very anti chat) so should be clear what you need to write.

All the judges I've written for will dictate the comment then finish that movement with the score. If you're unsure, just make sure the comment matches with the movement i.e. If she mentions "good shape circle" make sure that you're writing it in the box that mentions the circle!

I recommend sensible shorthand as well. Use of fractions (e.g. 1/4s in, rather than quarters in), or shapes (e.g. Good shape o (circle) or [] halt (square halt))!

Good luck - it's a good learning curve!
 
Yep I used to do it a lot a while ago, it depends on whether you are doing it for a local show or something more advanced. Some judges will say a lot, some only a few words. Don't expect the judge to tell you which movement they are referring to - some will, some wont - try and 'learn' the test you will be writing for, after the first couple of tests you will get the hang of the way the judge marks.

Use abbreviations wherever possible- a O for circle, semi-O etc, trans with an up arrow or down arrow is a good one for upwards and downwards transition, square halt is easier with a drawn square and the word halt - one of the words that some judges use a lot is RHYTHM - you would be surprised at how many different spellings of that word I have seen.

Each test will seem to go really fast at first - and if possible make sure your writing is a legible as possible - some competitors can often ask you what you wrote.

Some judges will be chatty, some not - it really depends on the level of competition.

Most of all enjoy it - it seems really scary but if you compete yourself it gives you a really good idea of what the judges look for in a test. When I have written for judges the venue/club secretary usually made sure both the judge and I were kept supplied with drinks.

If you do well you will be very popular on the circuit - good writers are very welcome and there do not seem to be many about depending on where you are.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.
 
:D:Ddont panic, its not that hard.... tell the judge you havent written before and they will let you know what they expect. i have written loads of times and really enjoy it, you can learn alot.
the judge will give comments and then a mark for each section, at the lower levels the judge usually says quite a bit so you will be scribbling madly, i would suggest that as soon as the judge says the mark you write it down as that is the most important part. if the comments arent quite finished its not so important. sometimes the judge rings the bell/buzzer themselves and sometimes you are expected to, but the judge will say when so that is nothing to worry about. the judges are usually really nice to the writers and i have never had a problem. im sure you will enjoy it once you have got going,good luck:D:D
 
:confused: sorry forgot to say its a good idea to take a couple of pens with you. although they are usually supplied, sometimes they arent that good and could run out in the middle of a test....and also make sure you get there nice and early so you can get settled and have a look at the test sheets..have fun!!!
 
It's Pony Club Area eventing :) I'm competing on the sunday so hoping I'll learn loads tomorrow which will help with that :)

Thanks so much for replying guys... really helpful :D
 
BSJAlove said:
most are from keysoe. but i have a few from other places that were awful. but keysoe was particularly bad on most occasions ive competed there.
Click to expand...

OK so it wasn't me - phew -

When my daughter competed at the C & T finals the writing was lovely on one test but awful on the other - ended up going and asking for a translation :)
 
All the judges I have written for have been lovely. It is not difficult. Tell the judge that it's your first time, and she'll quickly run through things.

The important thing is to not lose your place, but you'll find it's fine because the judge will always make the comment first and then gives the mark, before moving onto the next movement.

Use abreviations where possible. Draw an O for the word circle, C/L centre line, etc.
 
You will enjoy it. Just one tip to add to what has already been said.
If you have a judge that gives long comments: when you are given the score write it in immediately, you can finish the comment while he/she is thinking about the next movement.
Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top