Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What do I wear at dressage competitions?
Jackets - Short jacket or tweed coats must be worn. Jackets can be any plain, dark conservative colour. Tweed coats should not be brightly coloured Jackets and coats should be worn with a correctly tied stock, white American collar or shirt and tie.
Hats - Protective hats must be worn at all times during British Dressage competitions including exercising, warming up and competing.
Hats must meet the following standards:
PAS015, EN1384, BSEN1384 (BD strongly recommends that hats are BSI Kitemarked)
ASTM F1163 (2004) with SEI mark
SNELL E2001
Australian and NZ All AS/NZS 3838 1998 or any new standard that meets or exceeds those stated.
If a hat falls off during a test the rider must stop and replace it. The hat can be handed to the rider or they can dismount. The test can then restart without any penalties being incurred.
Breeches/Jodphurs - must be plain white, beige or cream
Gloves - must be worn and white, beige or cream gloves are strongly preferred
Boots - can be long boots or jodphur boots and must be plain brown or black. Gaiters can be worn if they are identical leather to the boots. Boots must not be decorated apart from small manufacturers studs.
Spurs - may be worn at all levels but excessive use if forbidden.
Whips - are permited, only one can be used in the warm up and whilst competing. Whips should not be used in a way that disturbs other horses and cannot be picked up if dropped during a test. When saluting the judge the rider must take the reins and whip in one hand. The free hand is then dropped to the riders side and the rider should nod their head. Excessive use of the whip is strictly forbidden.
Q2. What does my horse wear?
Saddles must be English or Continental style and must be brown, black, grey or navy. Treeless saddles are permitted as are side saddles although those wishing to ride side saddle must notify the organiser before the class starts. Western style, traditional Iberian or Arabian (with raised pommel and/or cantle) or brightly coloured saddles are not allowed. Stirrup leathers and irons are compulsory. Seat Savers and saddle covers are not allowed although a gel pad can be used if it matches the colour of the saddle
Saddle Cloths must be a plain, not bright colour (usually white) logos are permitted but should not exceed 14cm x14cm.
At Intro, Prelim and Novice level an ordinary snaffle bridle should be used. At elementary level an ordinary snaffle or a double bridle can be worn. Bridles must be brown, black, grey or navy. You must have a noseband which must be a cavesson, drop or flash. Grackle nosebands are not permitted. Bitguards are not permitted.
Martingales, bearing, side or running reins are not allowed whilst competing or in the warm up. A neck strap is allowed in intro and prelim classes only and a balancing strap is allowed at all levels.
Your horse should not wear any boots or bandages when competing in the arena. These are allowed in the warm up.
Ear covers and fly fringes are only allowed at outdoor shows in the summer months. Nose nets are permitted but must be black, white or brown and must leave the mouth and bit visible.
A discreet red ribbon can be worn in the tail of a horse that kicks and those riding stallions can wear a yellow cross band or stallion disc whilst working in.
All horses must wear their number either on the bridle or saddle cloth. Numbers should be worn when warming up and the writer should be able to see your number when you enter the arena, otherwise you may be asked for it as you leave. Competitors without a number will be given a verbal warning.
Plaiting is not compulsory but is considered respectful to the judge.
Q3. What bits are allowed?
Q4. What does an arena look like?
Q5. What if I start the wrong test?
If you start the wrong test you may be allowed to restart the test (at the judges discretion) but this must be done immediately. You will be penalised for first error of course
Q6. Am I allowed a commander (caller)?
You are allowed a commander but they must only say the words printed on the test sheet and stand outside the arena. Commanders are not allowed to give any other form of direction to the rider.
Q7. What happens if I go wrong?
An 'error of course' is when you turn the wrong way or omit a movement. When this happens the judge will ring the bell. If necessary the judge will then show you where to start again and you recommence the test. Penalty marks for errors of course are as follows:
1st error - 2 points are deducted
2nd error - 4 points are deducted
3rd error - elimination
Q8. How do I know when to start the test?
Dependant on the layout of the arena you should not enter until the judge has indicated you can start, either by sounding a horn or bell. Some arena layouts are such that you have no choice but to enter the arena. If you are unsure check with a steward. Once the judge has indicated you should start you have 45 seconds to start the test. Entering before the start or failure to start within 45 seconds will result in 2 penalty points. If during the test your horse refuses to continue for a period of more than 20 seconds you will be eliminated.
Q9. What do different movements look like?
Q10. What do the marks mean?
Judges will allocate a mark from 0-10 for each movement you are required to complete within a test. The marks are given as follows:
0 - Not executed
1 - Very bad
2 - Bad
3 - Fairly bad
4 - Insufficient
5 - Sufficient
6 - Satisfactory
7 - Fairly good
8 - Good
9 - Very good
10 - Excellent
As well as the marks for each movement you will be given collective marks at the bottom of your sheet. This is a mark for the following:
In the event of a tie for a placing the horse with the higher total collective marks will be given the place. If collective marks are also the same then a tie will be given.
Q11. What is the judge looking for?
The aim of dressage training is to fulfill the athletic ability of that horse, to make him more gymnastic, improve self carriage so ultimately improving the long term soundness of the horse and his willingness and obedience to work.
As well as completing the set movements in a test accurately, the judge will be allocating marks for the horses way of going. The way of going will change as the horses training progresses. The scales of training are used to assess the horses level of training and are as follows:
1. Rhythm - a regular, clear rhythm is the first building block for the following scales. Rhythm must also be correct for the pace - walk must be a clear 4 beat in marching time, trot must be 2 time as the opposite diagonal pairs move with a moment of suspension, canter should be a clear 3 beat with a moment of suspension.
2. Suppleness - to promote long term soundness and freedom the horse must work over his back without resistance in his muscles or against the riders aids. Suppleness is most seen when the rein is released. If the horse has been working correctly over his back he should stretch down and forward when released.
3. Contact - If the horse is working correctly over his back, in a regular rhythm, the contact with the mouth should be light and elastic. Impulsion created by the riders leg is captured in the contact. This proper connection in the hand cannot be created by the hand. If the horse's head is forced down by the contact it gives a very different and resistant picture that results in hollow and flat paces. A connected horse working over his back will have a lightness and energy to his paces created by a willingness to go forward, not a holding back into a forced outline.
4. Impulsion - is a willingness to go forward with energy created in the hindquarters travelling forward over the back and captured in the contact. Impulsion is also linked to rhythm because impulsion does not equal speed but power. When the horse is working with impulsion his rhythm will keep the same tempo whether you are on a straight line, going through a corner or lengthening or shortening strides.
5. Straightness - horses, like people are naturally one sided and will often prefer working more on one rein than the other. In order to improve the quality of all the previous scales the rider must aim to keep the horse as straight as possible during all work. Straightness is achieved when the hindfeet step into the tracks of the front feet both on a straight line and a circle, the rider will have an even feel in both reins. It is only by developing straightness that the impulsion and balance of the horse will be improved.
6. Collection - Collection is where the horse has developed through the previous scales of training so that he is able to carry most of his weight on his hindquarters. Once the horse has reached this stage in his training he is more manoeverable, stronger and more athletic.
The judge will only be expecting to see the early stages of collection at novice level. However in all training of your horse you should be looking to improve the first 5 scales and so your horses way of going.
Q12. What if I fall off during a test?
After you have entered the arena you must not dismount, if you fall off you will be retired immediatley but allowed to enter a further class that day if you feel fit
Q13. Can I use my voice?
The use of the voice is prohibited and will be penalised by the loss of 2 marks for each movement where this occurs.
Q14. How are welfare issues dealt with?
Any abuse of horses at a dressage competition will result in immediate elimination. Examples of welfare issues would include:
Bit - the bit must never be used deliberately as form of punishment
Spurs - If spurs are used persistently and excessively with risk of injuring the horse a judge or steward can ask for them to be removed
Over-working - an obviously tired, lame or injured horse should not be competed
Whip - excessive and inappropriate use of the whip is prohibited
Lameness - an unsound horse should not be competed
Tack - should be fitted correctly to avoid pain
Distress - any clearly distressed horse should be withdrawn
Blood - if blood is seen anywhere on a horse whilst warming up or in a test the rider will be informed and must withdraw.
Under any circumstances the decision of the judge is final.
Jackets - Short jacket or tweed coats must be worn. Jackets can be any plain, dark conservative colour. Tweed coats should not be brightly coloured Jackets and coats should be worn with a correctly tied stock, white American collar or shirt and tie.
Hats - Protective hats must be worn at all times during British Dressage competitions including exercising, warming up and competing.
Hats must meet the following standards:
PAS015, EN1384, BSEN1384 (BD strongly recommends that hats are BSI Kitemarked)
ASTM F1163 (2004) with SEI mark
SNELL E2001
Australian and NZ All AS/NZS 3838 1998 or any new standard that meets or exceeds those stated.
If a hat falls off during a test the rider must stop and replace it. The hat can be handed to the rider or they can dismount. The test can then restart without any penalties being incurred.
Breeches/Jodphurs - must be plain white, beige or cream
Gloves - must be worn and white, beige or cream gloves are strongly preferred
Boots - can be long boots or jodphur boots and must be plain brown or black. Gaiters can be worn if they are identical leather to the boots. Boots must not be decorated apart from small manufacturers studs.
Spurs - may be worn at all levels but excessive use if forbidden.
Whips - are permited, only one can be used in the warm up and whilst competing. Whips should not be used in a way that disturbs other horses and cannot be picked up if dropped during a test. When saluting the judge the rider must take the reins and whip in one hand. The free hand is then dropped to the riders side and the rider should nod their head. Excessive use of the whip is strictly forbidden.
Q2. What does my horse wear?
Saddles must be English or Continental style and must be brown, black, grey or navy. Treeless saddles are permitted as are side saddles although those wishing to ride side saddle must notify the organiser before the class starts. Western style, traditional Iberian or Arabian (with raised pommel and/or cantle) or brightly coloured saddles are not allowed. Stirrup leathers and irons are compulsory. Seat Savers and saddle covers are not allowed although a gel pad can be used if it matches the colour of the saddle
Saddle Cloths must be a plain, not bright colour (usually white) logos are permitted but should not exceed 14cm x14cm.
At Intro, Prelim and Novice level an ordinary snaffle bridle should be used. At elementary level an ordinary snaffle or a double bridle can be worn. Bridles must be brown, black, grey or navy. You must have a noseband which must be a cavesson, drop or flash. Grackle nosebands are not permitted. Bitguards are not permitted.
Martingales, bearing, side or running reins are not allowed whilst competing or in the warm up. A neck strap is allowed in intro and prelim classes only and a balancing strap is allowed at all levels.
Your horse should not wear any boots or bandages when competing in the arena. These are allowed in the warm up.
Ear covers and fly fringes are only allowed at outdoor shows in the summer months. Nose nets are permitted but must be black, white or brown and must leave the mouth and bit visible.
A discreet red ribbon can be worn in the tail of a horse that kicks and those riding stallions can wear a yellow cross band or stallion disc whilst working in.
All horses must wear their number either on the bridle or saddle cloth. Numbers should be worn when warming up and the writer should be able to see your number when you enter the arena, otherwise you may be asked for it as you leave. Competitors without a number will be given a verbal warning.
Plaiting is not compulsory but is considered respectful to the judge.
Q3. What bits are allowed?
Q4. What does an arena look like?
Q5. What if I start the wrong test?
If you start the wrong test you may be allowed to restart the test (at the judges discretion) but this must be done immediately. You will be penalised for first error of course
Q6. Am I allowed a commander (caller)?
You are allowed a commander but they must only say the words printed on the test sheet and stand outside the arena. Commanders are not allowed to give any other form of direction to the rider.
Q7. What happens if I go wrong?
An 'error of course' is when you turn the wrong way or omit a movement. When this happens the judge will ring the bell. If necessary the judge will then show you where to start again and you recommence the test. Penalty marks for errors of course are as follows:
1st error - 2 points are deducted
2nd error - 4 points are deducted
3rd error - elimination
Q8. How do I know when to start the test?
Dependant on the layout of the arena you should not enter until the judge has indicated you can start, either by sounding a horn or bell. Some arena layouts are such that you have no choice but to enter the arena. If you are unsure check with a steward. Once the judge has indicated you should start you have 45 seconds to start the test. Entering before the start or failure to start within 45 seconds will result in 2 penalty points. If during the test your horse refuses to continue for a period of more than 20 seconds you will be eliminated.
Q9. What do different movements look like?
Q10. What do the marks mean?
Judges will allocate a mark from 0-10 for each movement you are required to complete within a test. The marks are given as follows:
0 - Not executed
1 - Very bad
2 - Bad
3 - Fairly bad
4 - Insufficient
5 - Sufficient
6 - Satisfactory
7 - Fairly good
8 - Good
9 - Very good
10 - Excellent
As well as the marks for each movement you will be given collective marks at the bottom of your sheet. This is a mark for the following:
In the event of a tie for a placing the horse with the higher total collective marks will be given the place. If collective marks are also the same then a tie will be given.
Q11. What is the judge looking for?
The aim of dressage training is to fulfill the athletic ability of that horse, to make him more gymnastic, improve self carriage so ultimately improving the long term soundness of the horse and his willingness and obedience to work.
As well as completing the set movements in a test accurately, the judge will be allocating marks for the horses way of going. The way of going will change as the horses training progresses. The scales of training are used to assess the horses level of training and are as follows:
1. Rhythm - a regular, clear rhythm is the first building block for the following scales. Rhythm must also be correct for the pace - walk must be a clear 4 beat in marching time, trot must be 2 time as the opposite diagonal pairs move with a moment of suspension, canter should be a clear 3 beat with a moment of suspension.
2. Suppleness - to promote long term soundness and freedom the horse must work over his back without resistance in his muscles or against the riders aids. Suppleness is most seen when the rein is released. If the horse has been working correctly over his back he should stretch down and forward when released.
3. Contact - If the horse is working correctly over his back, in a regular rhythm, the contact with the mouth should be light and elastic. Impulsion created by the riders leg is captured in the contact. This proper connection in the hand cannot be created by the hand. If the horse's head is forced down by the contact it gives a very different and resistant picture that results in hollow and flat paces. A connected horse working over his back will have a lightness and energy to his paces created by a willingness to go forward, not a holding back into a forced outline.
4. Impulsion - is a willingness to go forward with energy created in the hindquarters travelling forward over the back and captured in the contact. Impulsion is also linked to rhythm because impulsion does not equal speed but power. When the horse is working with impulsion his rhythm will keep the same tempo whether you are on a straight line, going through a corner or lengthening or shortening strides.
5. Straightness - horses, like people are naturally one sided and will often prefer working more on one rein than the other. In order to improve the quality of all the previous scales the rider must aim to keep the horse as straight as possible during all work. Straightness is achieved when the hindfeet step into the tracks of the front feet both on a straight line and a circle, the rider will have an even feel in both reins. It is only by developing straightness that the impulsion and balance of the horse will be improved.
6. Collection - Collection is where the horse has developed through the previous scales of training so that he is able to carry most of his weight on his hindquarters. Once the horse has reached this stage in his training he is more manoeverable, stronger and more athletic.
The judge will only be expecting to see the early stages of collection at novice level. However in all training of your horse you should be looking to improve the first 5 scales and so your horses way of going.
Q12. What if I fall off during a test?
After you have entered the arena you must not dismount, if you fall off you will be retired immediatley but allowed to enter a further class that day if you feel fit
Q13. Can I use my voice?
The use of the voice is prohibited and will be penalised by the loss of 2 marks for each movement where this occurs.
Q14. How are welfare issues dealt with?
Any abuse of horses at a dressage competition will result in immediate elimination. Examples of welfare issues would include:
Bit - the bit must never be used deliberately as form of punishment
Spurs - If spurs are used persistently and excessively with risk of injuring the horse a judge or steward can ask for them to be removed
Over-working - an obviously tired, lame or injured horse should not be competed
Whip - excessive and inappropriate use of the whip is prohibited
Lameness - an unsound horse should not be competed
Tack - should be fitted correctly to avoid pain
Distress - any clearly distressed horse should be withdrawn
Blood - if blood is seen anywhere on a horse whilst warming up or in a test the rider will be informed and must withdraw.
Under any circumstances the decision of the judge is final.
