How to get higher marks at Prelim dressage?

[Supanova]

I have done 2 dressage tests with my 6 year old and she has scored consistent 7s in both tests getting good comments like "obedient, active steps, accurate and consistent test"

with no real negatives other than one comment saying she needs to lower quarters more. I was obviously really chuffed about this but as they haven't given much negative feedback which I can work on and as I am fiercely competitive

I would appreciate your views on what it takes to get higher marks and what the judge really looks for in a prelim level horse? Please speak in simple terms as I don't know much about stressage

!

 

[gummybear]

I think it depends on the judge really and how generous they are feeling. The horse does need to be soft through its back and quarters, which will therefore lower the quarters.
I personally would just say to keep working at it, ride as you are, make sure the test is as clean and as accurate as you can make it and many judges are always happy to have a chat at the end of a test. Otherwise, why dont you get a friend to video your test then look back at it yourself and see if you can pick up where you think improvement may be needed.

 

[Sarah_Jane]

Judges particularly at lower levels sometimes struggle to give out the full range of marks. Maybe it is time to try and move up to Novice? Otherwise just try and get a bit more sparkle and activity into the movements to give it a little more Wow factor.

 

[Imonone]

This is quite disappointing and I can understand your confusion!

The collectives at the bottom should be underlined to point out where the work was deficient (e.g desire to move forward, elasticity of the steps......) and the areas that need to improve before the marks are raised. This should be accompanied by the remarks against the collectives which should really comment on the horses overall way of going.
Is there no clues here?

Was this afflicted or unafflicted

 

[HollyP]

My mare gets better marks in Novice than Prelim, she is more focused when her mind is challenged. I'd say ride a very accurate test, smile loads, and keep your horse calm (but not lazy!)

I want to be out competing!

 

[Supanova]

It was unafflicted!! Haven't got my test with me but i'm almost definite that there was no underlining of the collectives. 1 of the tests hardly had any comments at all which I found a bit annoying as its hard to know what was good/bad.

She got 7s for all of the collective bits so its hard to know what is her weaker aspect!

 

[barbaraNcolin]

The judges don't have to comment, I've got a few tests with not many comments on. As said above, try and have a chat with the judge after the test/class to see if they can give you some pointers in the right direction.

 

[Sarah_Jane]

I wrote for a dressage judge the other day very interesting. It was a list judge but at unaffiliated Prelim. There was a huge variety of standard on the poor tests I could hardly keep up but as soon as she started giving out 7's there was virtually no comments.

 

[Imonone]

No judges are only compelled to comment on the individual movements if they give a mark lower than a 6.

But it is in the collectives that the judges should be giving a summing up of the overall impression of the test and the horses way of going, this is really the important part of the sheet.

If this happens again, I would try to discuss your sheet with the judge and ask him/her to comment on where they think you should try to improve your marks.

Sometimes affliated judges do ride-a-test clinics where you can discuss at more length how the training is going.

Overall it sounds like you have a nice young horse making good progress in its training, lucky you.

 

[Supanova]

Thank you all! I have got a dressage on Friday so I will try concentrate on getting a bit more impulsion and sparkle and being accurate, and smiling

! I will then ask the judge afterwards for her views if don't get many comments on the sheet!

I didn't realise that they don't really have to give you loads of comments and that they only have to comment if they give a mark lower than 6 so thanks for that.

Holly_P - I know how you feel!! Reading these forums just makes me want to go out and compete now!!