That’s because there is so much whiny push back whenever it’s suggested, at least in our GMO. “I’ll never get a blue ribbon!” Honey, you’ve been in a class of three at first level and your 56% was the best score (not making this up). You must be so proud of that blue ribbon.
I’m a champion of the Danish system, and I might never get a blue ribbon, either. But if I should, it would have some real meaning.
What score is it appropriate to be proud of?
Rider’s attitudes toward ribbons is interesting.
IMO it helps if early coaching emphasizes that ribbons are more about who else is in the class than anything else. If we just enter what the classlist offers, then we don’t control that.
a) In a ranked judging system, if a rider just wants the ‘best’ ribbon colors, then select the softest classes and show below your level so that you will more consistently win or be in the top 3. Some people do that, especially if they really want year-end awards, etc.
b) Athletes that are really about proving themselves want to compete against the best. Even the best of the best.
The Danish system seems designed to reward the second category (b). Without ranking the riders.
It recognizes the classic situation that is like a class in college – some classes everyone is an ‘A’ student, and in other classes no one is an ‘A’ student. Under the Danish system it could happen that way as well. Every entry in the class is 70+, or maybe no one in the class is 70+.
People adapt to the situation they are in so long as it is consistent. Riders can learn to love their ribbon category and strive to stay in it, recognizing that they don’t have the horse for a higher category.
56% is, overall, somewhat better than marginal and does not rise to the level of sufficient. If that kind of score makes one proud, I will not argue the point.
An excellent example of why I think scores should be hidden. Rail birds are always trying to knock people down into the mud.
If a 56% got someone first place then they were clearly the best test of the group, the judge could have been a particularly low scoring judge or numerous other things.
Maybe the rider had issues with the horse previously or maybe it wasn’t sound, or maybe this was their first show, or their 100th show and their highest score.
Like I said, I’m not going to argue about it. You are welcome to be proud of whatever you want.
A couple of points higher than your previous attempt
Or any score at all means you’re getting out there and doing it?
Maybe “It’s his first show, first thing this morning he didn’t load as well as he has been doing, he’s on edge, anxious and spooky, wouldn’t stay quiet tied at the trailer so had to have a babysitter the whole time, rattled the warm-up ring neighing and being weird, but we did the test and he didn’t blow up or spook at the judge. I’m thrilled. Didn’t even look at the score.” 
We have a “highest score” award for different divisions as well, so the scores aren’t exactly hidden. I get what you are saying, however. I’m also in the Hunter/Jumper world – same logic still applies. Most of the shows around here use one of two horseshow management systems. It is easy enough to look up “how many horses” were in your “championship division” if you really want to brag about it. What I love about dressage is the instant feedback on the tests, and the fact that you can really (ideally) compete against yourself.
My issue is the rail birds having issues because someone was “proud” of their Blue ribbon when it was “only” a 56%. Someone had to look up that score and how many people were in that class.
I once got a really really good score in a competitive big class. Best score I’d ever gotten on that horse. Test felt amazing. The rail birds looked up the show, the test, and still weren’t happy and let me know that it was a “gimmie” score at a schooling show by a “generous” judge and let me know to not expect those scores at a “real” show in front of a “real” judge. You’re not really competing against yourself, you’re competing against people who want to steal your joy.
Not necessarily. Maybe someone actually put the placings and ribbons on the tests before they went on the table for pickup. Maybe someone doesn’t care one whit about what score received what place. Maybe that someone thinks that, unlike the whiner referred to earlier, getting a blue ribbon isn’t what it’s all about.
Good. Glad you won’t argue it. Last weekend my horse, a well bred high performance horse, lost their ever loving mind at a show and got a 56 or 57. 7s and 7.5s except a few that were 3s and 4s- as they should have been. Are we jumping up and down screaming it- no. Are we happy to see the 7s and comments like “very tactfully ridden” etc- SAF are (Sure as F).
You, and others, have willfully misunderstood my point. It’s this person complaining about not getting a blue ribbon. I certainly understand the circumstances that can lead to a score in the 50s. Heaven knows I have tests with scores like that. I can’t understand thinking the color of the ribbon is the most important thing.
Yeah- maybe no one is “willfully misunderstanding” but your point wasn’t clear. You last post- 100000% agree. The color of the ribbon- let’s face it we all enjoy a good win 
- shouldn’t be the only driver IMO.
I do eyeroll (and try realllly hard not to) when I see people post their blue ribbons from a jumper show that is given if they are clear. The classes aren’t pinned- you get a blue if you are clear and nothing if you aren’t. People post their “we got a blue ribbon” and yes- I eye roll. And then remind myself that it may be the only blue they’ll ever get and give some grace 
I knew a jumper trainer who went to FL years ago (when results were routinely posted in the Chronicle) who sent pictures back of all the blue ribbons they won. Yep-all clears from schooling jumpers😀.
A bit off topic here but I don’t like to display my ribbons at shows. Whatever I’ve won, blue - green I toss into my pickup and I read the judges notes. When I’ve traveled with the trainer and other riders we’re expected to hang them on the wire across the tack stall. It makes me feel weird.
There’s also the “my horse suffered a career-ending injury but somehow recovered after much time and effort, and maybe we’re not totally ready to show yet but life is short and who knows what will go wrong before the next show” 57%. I would cheer for that person every day.
Everyone is on a different journey so I don’t think it’s up to me to say what someone else should be proud of.
I certainly wan’t bragging about my kid’s score last weekend (which was 57). But like I told her- their were artillary bombs going off in the army reserve camp, helicopters flying around. a saddle seat show with horses zipping around across the road AND the kid - who has never shown dressage- used her voice. Twice. And STILL had a 57 (that is with a 3 and a 4 in 2 movements). It was a great teaching moment for the kid (and me). So yeah- under the circumstances we were pretty pleased ( and she was second with that score so you can imagine the chaos)
I bolded that portion of the quote because people only steal your joy if you let them, and I just want everyone to remember that. Compete against yourself and give a “bless your heart” to the railbirds.
I’m not sure why people spend so much time worrying about other people’s scores. The other thing is that it’s one day, one test, one score. It isn’t always properly demonstrative of your abilities because variables. Even then, judging can be subjective sometimes, and if people came to me with some “gimmie” score BS I’d say they should’ve taken it up with the judge, I don’t do the scoring.
It’s easier said than done to not let it get to you, and I fully understand that.
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