Time to enter dressage arena after the bell

[Tiddlypom]

After the judge has rung their bell before your test, according to BD and BE rules, you are required to enter the arena within (I think) 45 seconds.

I was scribing at the w/e for a fairly senior dressage judge at my local BE event. The judge told me that they think that the competitor is being 'rude' if they do not start the test asap, and stated that they are already viewing the competitor in a less than favourable light if they do a few extra circles or twiddly bits outside the arena before starting the test, even if they are within the allowed time.

In my competing days, I always used to use the time outside the arena to the max to organise myself and horse. I thought that this was perfectly normal and ok.

I don't know if this particular judge's views are common, but folk, you are warned!

 

[milliepops]

I got told off by a BE judge once on a very windy day I couldn't hear the horn, so asked if she had sounded it and got a right earful! I didn't think I had been dithering and I kept glancing over for an indication. My friend hadn't heard it either... I don't think she appreciated how gusty the breeze was.

But point taken. It shouldn't be like this though, rules are rules and actually 45 sec is loads of time, certainly enough to motor around the arena again if you need to... you should be allowed to use your full time IMO. I hate it if you get the bell as soon as you appear, esp if you've gone early... my welshie needs those precious seconds to get back on my aids as I always lose something between warm up and test arena.

 

[Bubblewrap]

When my daughter was in Pony Club many moons ago, we were at the Areas next to a busy road. She trotted round and round waiting for the car horn and then the judge got out and said I'm going to disqualify you as you didn't go in. Turns out the writer had a hand bell but the steward forgot to tell us so we were waiting for a car horn and didn't hear the bell over the traffic. After a short discussion we she was allowed to continue and the judge didn't hold it against her as we qualified for the Champs,, but I always checked after that what we were listening for.
And I agree you should be allowed to use the time, and get your horse correct before going in. I also hate it when they say we are running early, even though I know you don't have to go in, I always feel the pressure of the judge waiting for you.

 

[PorkChop]

I always ask whether it will be a bell/horn etc.

You are absolutely entitled to your 45 seconds to enter.

 

[Cortez]

I would never think badly of a competitor who uses their time to the max before going in, it's something that you see pro's do and can really help to settle a young or nervous horse. In fact I will time the bell/whistle/horn to allow the rider to use at least one long side before they go in.

 

[lar]

I was also writing for a BE event at the weekend and noticed the judge checking where the competitor was every time before she sounded her horn - generally she waited until they'd just gone past the car so they had a good long side to get prepared before entering.

I've often wondered also if some judges form a bad impression of you if you insist on sticking to your time rather than go in early if the competitor ahead of you has withdrawn for example? I only ever did that once and the judge rang her bell practically as soon as the pony's nose was over the threshold.

 

[Elbie]

I was also writing for a BE event at the weekend and noticed the judge checking where the competitor was every time before she sounded her horn - generally she waited until they'd just gone past the car so they had a good long side to get prepared before entering.

I've often wondered also if some judges form a bad impression of you if you insist on sticking to your time rather than go in early if the competitor ahead of you has withdrawn for example? I only ever did that once and the judge rang her bell practically as soon as the pony's nose was over the threshold.

I hate it when they ring the bell/beep the horn when you've just gone past A!

 

[Cortez]

I hate it when they ring the bell/beep the horn when you've just gone past A!

...but that would give you the opportunity to use the whole circuit of the arena to get settled: that's what I would do, anyway.

 

[smja]

It also depends how long you've had to go round the outside before the bell goes - for judges I've written for, if you've had a few laps they expect you to go in at the next natural opportunity (e.g. continue your current lap then go in when you reach A). If you've not had a chance to go round the outside yet, they almost expect you to take a lap before going in.

 

[Batgirl]

It also depends how long you've had to go round the outside before the bell goes - for judges I've written for, if you've had a few laps they expect you to go in at the next natural opportunity (e.g. continue your current lap then go in when you reach A). If you've not had a chance to go round the outside yet, they almost expect you to take a lap before going in.

This is my experience as a judge and writer - don't take the P

Though I have never come across a judge who's marks have been affected or mentioned it if you take your full time (most presume you are having a few issues and are patient)