A Scribe’s Perspective

By Sally Burton, Northern Ohio Dressage Association (NODA) Schooling Show Manager/Co-Director of Education

Our dressage judges deserve our utmost respect. The education requirements, score requirements, and financial cost of becoming a dressage judge are staggering. These professionals spend years moving up the levels and honing their craft, and the pay at shows does not make up for the lost income from their “at home” careers. Judges come to shows with a pure desire to help all of us improve and for the welfare of our horses. 

After many hours spent scribing with many judges at all levels, I have learned so much. This article is written to share my perspective on what I have learned over the years, including what to do (and not to do) to help competitors, and judges, have the best experience. 

1. Judges really WANT you to succeed. They love giving big scores. It might not always seem like that, but most judges don’t hide their disappointment when an 8 becomes a 6 due to a mistake. Judges want you to show them the best that you can do!
2. Judges live by the clock. They want to be timely, have the show run on schedule, and still have the chance to give comments and feedback that will help the rider and the horse. Anything you, as the competitor, can do to help keep a show on schedule works to your benefit. If the judge and scribe are seated, the horse in front of your ride time scratches, and you are ready to ride, you can enter early. The judge will appreciate it. 
3. Judges appreciate efficiency. Make sure you are ready to enter the ring for your ride just as the competitor before you finishes their test. This gives you a chance to trot around the ring, give the scribe your number, and be ready to trot down centerline when the whistle/bell blows. Remember, your assigned time is the time you should be on centerline, not just entering the competition area. 
4. Judges are not supposed to talk to you as you pass by – they are busy finishing up the last rider’s comments and getting ready for your ride. Telling them this is your baby’s first show, or that you haven’t shown in years, is not appropriate. Judges will judge what they see in the ring.
5. If a judge calls you over to tell you something, listen respectfully and thank them. Even if you disagree. Never argue with the judge. It is not the time to defend your riding or your horse. Be courteous and follow the direction of the judge. 
6. Judges want you and your horse to be safe. If you are excused, please know the judge has a good reason. If your horse is lame, leave the ring and have him checked out. If your horse is rearing or putting you at risk, the judge will excuse you because of concern for your safety! Judges want all competitors to have safe rides, and all horses to be happy and calm. Live to ride another day.
7. For safety reasons, no one is allowed into the ring unless they are reading a test. You cannot have an assistant walk you and your horse around, video a ride, or stand there for moral support. This is also for the safety of the person on the ground. 
8. Judges need to use the restroom and walk through the showgrounds. Be careful what you are saying in public. You never know if the judge is passing by or overhears things you say. It is disrespectful to the judge and makes you seem petty. 
9. Judges are riders too. They understand that your horse might be having a bad day, or you are riding through a wind storm. They do not hold it against you for trying your best. There is always something to learn, even on your worst day! And the judges have a lot of great comments to help you get there.

And as with all things in dressage, the answer is go forward! Ride forward, do the best you can at that moment, take comments in the spirit in which they were given, and ride on!