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 submitted by Sue Hughes:
The judge wishes to call your attention to those items to help explain the number she chose to give you. So,
it means you need to do better in those particular areas.
This circling is a form of short hand the judge uses so she does not have to actually write as much. In my opinion there should be some support language both in the collective remarks area, but also in the specific movements. If you saw, "above tne bit, tight neck, tight back, tense" any place in the body of the test, then the "circling" would appear in suppleness of the back, or engagement of the hindquarters, or attention and confidence.
Sue Hughes
Answer submitted by Kerry Petty:
Speaking for myself and those I have trained with, the underlined score is what you need more of or are lacking. If you look at the score and it is '6 'or below you can be sure it means what you need more of to improve your score. If I am going to compliment the horse on a part in the collectives it would be written in the box such as “expressive trot” when the gait score is an '8'
As many times we are pressed for time- underlining is a way to give the rider as much information as possible with the short time we have to write it.
Hope that helps.