Tell us a little about yourself (your location, awards/other certifications you hold, etc):
I currently live in North Carolina. My background is originally in eventing, but I have become passionate about dressage.
How long have you been involved in the sport?
I have been riding since I was five but only got into dressage seriously in the past two years.
How long have you been a USDF member?
I have been a USDF member for about two years.
What made you decide to participate in the USDF L Education Program?
A good friend suggested I look into becoming a judge, as she thought I may be good at it. I originally was looking into becoming an Eventing Judge/Official. In my research, I came across the L Education Program and thought it would be a good place to start and learn more about the requirements of judging. Plus, graduating would allow me to pursue other opportunities in both dressage and eventing.
How long did it take to complete the program, start to finish?
I started the program in February 2023 and graduated in August of 2023. I was lucky with the sessions I was able to get into. Though previously, it took me over a year and a half to achieve the required scores for Part 2, the “Candidate’s Evaluation.”
The requirement consists of two scores of 65% or higher at the highest test of Second Level and one score of 62% or higher at Third Level or above. Three scores of 62% or higher at Third Level or above from three different judges or any combination of these requirements would also meet the requirements.
Do you plan to further your dressage education and to continue to apply what you learned in the program to become a licensed official?
Yes! The program completely transformed my riding and further developed my understanding of dressage. I’m currently working hard to achieve the scores required to participate in the USEF ‘r’ Judge Training Program..
Do you serve as a judge for schooling shows in your capacity as an L Graduate? If so, on average, how many per year?
I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but I look forward to judging schooling shows! I try to scribe as much as my schedule allows and get all the information I can from the judges I scribe for.
What impact did the program have on your dressage knowledge?
It deepened my understanding of dressage and gave me a much better understanding of what I feel while riding. It has also helped me better understand how the horse can or cannot physically respond. I recommend taking at least Part 1 of the program to everyone!
Name three things you took away from the program that you think every rider should know.
- Read the purpose of the test and the directives. It tells you exactly what the judge is looking for.
- Understanding the basics is crucial to you and your horse’s success. I think riders can sometimes get ahead of themselves and start worrying about things at the top of the training pyramid (like collection). Yet it’s physically impossible for the horse without the basics. It’s a progression for a reason, and the tests and levels reflect this. The rhythm and purity of the gaits are really important. I think this is often overlooked, and riders don’t necessarily understand the importance of this. A consistent, steady, and correct rhythm is key.
- Self-awareness as a rider is very important. We often accidentally prevent our horse from performing their best by giving unintentional or poorly timed aids, throwing the horse off balance because of an unstable seat or position, or using rein contact to balance. We certainly don’t mean to do these things, but understanding what is happening will allow you to fix yourself first!
Have you served in any other official capacity with USDF (council/committee member, council/committee chair, PM/GM delegate, board member/Regional Director, etc.)? Please describe.
No, but I hope to get more involved in the future!
Tell us about your horse(s).
I ride a wonderful Irish Sport Horse mare, Monbeg Nola. She had competed through CCI3* in eventing but needed to take a step back from the rigors of upper-level eventing. We did some lower-level eventing together but have recently been focusing on our dressage goals. She is the best teacher and has absolutely taken my riding to the next level.
I also have an older Connemara Thoroughbred mare who has helped me regain confidence in my riding and reminded me riding is fun! She is currently leased out and spends her days doing low-level dressage and trail riding.
Contact:
Email: Phipps.christine@gmail.com
Phone: 801-550-9100
