Revisiting an old topic... are dressage scores too low?

[millerra]

I have been very hesitant to weigh in on this thread. I am one of those who has, on the rare and happy occasion scored “too low” at BN and N and starter.

My point isn’t to brag (at all) - I will be the first to say that I am no DQ. Nor would I say my current horse is in any way a spectacular mover or dressage horse. To be blunt - he is SO not a dressage horse and I will never ask him to more than 1st or 2nd level work. He is simply not built for it; he is just a little po-dunk OTTB . What does he bring to the table that allows him to be competitive - he is rock steady in his gaits and in his frame. He is super sensitive so I can ride him off my seat and legs so he stays soft in the contact. He is smaller w/ smaller gaits so I can actually ride him w/ some grace and quietness. We can be accurate and straight because of his obedience and willingness to tune completely into me. Occasionally, we will have a great day on these points and we will be rewarded by a judge looking for a partnership and accuracy. I appreciate judges who see these little workman type horses and reward them. He is not the only one out there like this, either.

[Texarkana]

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! Those are all good things.

Do you score the same when you ride a USDF test? That’s the question at hand.

I don’t think anyone wants competitors to feel bad because their horse kills it in dressage! That’s what you are supposed to do.

[millerra]

I have not shown him USDF. I have shown another horse USDF and been competitive at the lower levels-but he was also a better mover. I highly doubt he would get the high scores that he on the rare occasion gets eventing

I could argue that they shouldn’t score the same because the goals are different. The score sheets are even different now. The event horse (IMHO) should be obedient and correctly/athletically developed for his/her job of jumping. Dressage should be judging that - not his/her potential to move into the upper levels of dressage. Dressage shows at the lower level should be all about the correct basics and gait development to move into the upper levels of dressage. Those seem to me very different end points for the training and should be evaluated differently.

[Jealoushe]

@Texarkana

Do you score the same when you ride a USDF test? That’s the question at hand.

Chiming in here to answer this too. Yes, in fact my scores are better at the dressage shows than the events actually. This is Ontario though.

I scored 68/69% consistently on my Novice horse at 1st Level and scored 32-35 range Eventing. First level tests much harder, atmosphere at events more electric.

My 2nd level dressage horse schooling third average scores 68%+, just did her first event at Starter level and scored a 33. That being said, she was 9 points ahead of everyone else so I think that judge was very tough (ppl complained lol) and she would otherwise have scored in the 20s. All the other scores were in the 40s in her division (17ppl)
She’s doing her second event this weekend so will see how we score there!

[Cowboy_Girl]

I have scored well and Novice and Training level events dressage because my horses had light rock steady contact, tracked up and rode accurate tests. And were able to show true lengthening through the back at the free walk and other places required in the tests. Not lofty WB or TB elegant horses, but branded ranch Quarter Horses with happy in their work attitudes. I think this starting to become more accepted around the country and not just out west.