Did my first USDF 4 YH class and 4yr old material class today. Horse was very good in both classes, and judge took the time to explain her scoring and what they were looking for ( first time doing these classes), which was great. What is considered a good score? Great score? Not so great score?
My understanding is that the scores tend to be 5-10+ points higher than a standard class because the focus is on quality of gaits with a lot of leeway around things like consistency in the contact. The people I know who have shared scores on facebook tend to share mid 70s and I’ve seen people with really nice FEI prospects share high 70s or even breaking 80. I believe you need a score into the 70s to qualify for year end opportunities.
These classes are aimed at finding team prospects - so the average horse in these classes tends to be above average. They also tend to be ridden by pros. The judging standards are different, as you know.
Rough estimate since it changes every year, but to get to finals, the cut-off in the 4 y/o is around 7.9/8.0 and the cut-off for the 5 and 6 y/o is around 7.6/7.8. Generally speaking, people want to be at or above these numbers. Assuming the horse behaved reasonably, trainers are upset to get a 6.x, and unhappy but not furious with a low 7.x. 8.3+ on average will put you in the top 5ish going into finals. 9.x’s do happen.
