USDF
REGION 2 GMO

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If you have a question you would like to ask the Judges or the Trainers you can E-mail it to Janice at smithj6@core.com The question, along with the answer, will be added to this page, or to the Ask The Trainer page

QUESTION: When jackets are option due to heat, what exactly should the rider wear? Answer

QUESTION: On one of my tests, I had a comment that my horse swished his tail at the halt. How does that affect my score? Answer

QUESTION: In first level there is the change from lengthen canter to working canter. Despite getting a good mark on the lengthen and a good mark on the working canter, I still get "no difference" for the transition between them. What can I do?  Answer

QUESTION: When a judge writes on your first level test "needs more definition for the lengthening at the canter back to working canter" what does he or she mean and how do I accomplish it? Answer

QUESTION: “I have an Appendix Quarter Horse and he loves to canter. When and after I am done warming up (our typical warm up is 20 minutes), I work him at a trot and he always tries to jump into the canter. My trainer told me to keep the outside rein on him and that does not help him. He still does it. What should I try now? Answer

QUESTION: "I have been riding Training Level for a couple years and I want to try moving up to First Level. I know the expectations are higher, but what is the judge looking for in a First Level Horse and Rider?"  Answer

QUESTION: In the collective marks in the training level tests, under "submission", is the phrase "acceptance of the bridle". Could you explain what this means and what the judge is looking for?  Answer

QUESTION: I just finished reading the October 2005 issue of USDF Connection and was interested in the article called "Tack-Room Essentials". On page 53 there is a very nice article about the bucking strap, which has been an essential part of my equipment for several years. But I always remove the strap at dressage shows, I thought it was an inappropriate piece of equipment and would not be acceptable in the judge's eyes. The picture of Bent Jensen implies that he rode the class at Devon with it in place. Is this strap acceptable in the show ring? Answer

QUESTION: I have a question concerning diagonals. When doing the loops in test four, should I change diagonals back and forth depending on how the horse is bent? Also, when changing direction across the ring, should I change the diagonal at X or wait until I am ready to make the turn at the end? Answer

QUESTION: I have a question about the Collective Marks section of the dressage test sheets. The judge has underlined specific sections of the impulsion and submission areas. Does that mean that I did those parts well or poorly?  Answer

QUESTION: The Training level test is the same test for the Novice Rider, the Novice Horse and the Open classes. Do you draw any distinctions when you are judging these classes? What would you say are the pros/cons of selecting the class you should be in? I've always heard that the purpose of the split in classes is so that newer riders wouldn't have to compete with the more experienced. Is this the only difference or are there other things to consider?  Answer

QUESTION: I have practiced and practiced my center line. At the show I overshoot the center as I make my final turn. Do I continue in a straight line, obviously missing the center, but maintaining a good straight line? Or, do I correct it by cutting a diagonal back to the mid line, or by leg yielding over, to eventually end up in the middle? Answer

QUESTION: Could you explain in depth about the collective scores located at the bottoms of all tests and give some helpful definitions of these terminologies from a judge's perspective? Answer

QUESTION: When you carry a whip, what is the proper way to salute and what do you do with the whip? Also, is it permissible to switch the whip from one side to the other as you change directions? Answer

QUESTION: In the Training Level test 4, while executing the loop at the trot, letters MXF; what bends do you use, and where do they begin and end? Are they the same bends that would be used for the canter loop in First Level test 4? Answer

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