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Dressage Judging with Margaret Freeman

Office Manager, Kristen Bosgraf, had the pleasure of attending the IEA National Finals at Tryon International Equestrian Center this past week as a scribe for S judge Margaret Freeman. Margaret, of Tryon NC, is a USEF senior dressage judge and former FEI-level competitor with her Friesian-cross mare. She’s a freelance writer/editor for horse magazines and covered the equestrian events at seven Olympics for the Associate Press. She is the former Executive Board secretary of the USDF and is active with youth dressage activities, including Dressage4Kids Inc. and Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival (NY). She’s an experienced show organizer and was on the founding committees of CDCTA (VA) and Dressage at Devon (PA). 

A scribe is a judge’s assistant, responsible for recording the marks and comments and noting any errors so that the judge can watch the entire test unimpededYou will often see a scribe with the judge at dressage competitions but it’s not limited to just dressage. Scribes are often necessary for all scored or individually judged classes such as reining, english/western riding, trail, showmanship, equitation and horsemanship, and some over fences classes. This allows the judge to focus on the competitor in the ring while sharing their scores and comments for the scribe to record. 

At the IEA National Finals the dressage ring hosted two judges for each class. In addition, both the small square and large square were utilized based on the test ridden.  There are two positions for the judge to sit during a dressage test – either at the letter E or C. When judging from E you are able to see the outline of the horse and rider and assess engagement as well as accuracy at the letter X. When judging from C you have a much better perspective of straightness on both centerline as well as on the long sides of the ring. Often the two judges have similar scores, but since they have different perspectives due to where they are sitting, the scores may differ at times. The two scores are then averaged together to give the final score for that rider.

The format for an IEA competition is a draw system. Riders do not bring their own horses but instead ride horses provided for that particular show. They are allotted a two-minute warm up time with their coach to prepare for their class. This means that the quality of the horse may vary for each competitor, challenging the judge to focus primarily on the rider and the effectiveness of their aids throughout the test. Accuracy becomes essential in determining the winning ride. 

One of the most frequent comments across the board related to circlesCircle size and location to be ridden are determined by the test being performedMost commonly we saw circles at the ends of the ring at C and A as well as in the center of the ring at E and B. The most common mistake noted was circles were not round and had drifted too large for the specification of the test. These little details often determine who scores well and who does not. Riding an accurate circle requires the rider to utilize their full corridor of aids to keep the horse in front of the rider’s leg, balanced and organized in the movement. 

Overall, the classes were quite competitive and the riders who nailed the small details came away with winning scores.  Upon their class’s completion, each rider receives a copy of the test with the scores and comments from each movement and additional comments shared from the judge to evaluate what can be done better. In this way, competing in a scored class such as a dressage test can also be a learning experience for the competitor. Outside perspective is a valuable tool in the learning process, especially when the feedback is coming from such a seasoned judge like Margaret.

2024 Clinics – Let’s Ride!

Our team was unbelievably blessed in 2023 with wonderful hosts and facilities for our 3 and 5 Day clinics!  That trend is carrying over to 2024 and our calendar is already full. If you are looking for an amazing learning opportunity for both you and your horse, consider joining our team for a clinic in 2024! 

Our clinics take a maximum of 15 riders; we want to ensure every rider gets the attention and time they need to understand each concept that is covered over the course of the clinic. In addition, auditors are always welcome to join in on the fun!

Cost for our clinics are: 
3-Day Rider – $900
5-Day Rider – $1250
Auditors – $25/day
These fees do not include stalls or hookups, though most facilities do offer those options for the events. Check event details for pricing – some may include facility fees.

2024 Host Facilites

Unique Opportunity to Learn with John Lyons

If working with John Lyons is on your bucket list – 2024 is your year!  John is offering several opportunities to experience his conditioned response training system first hand.  

Two Week Intensive in North Carolina

It’s not a clinic with 10 riders over 4 days and greatly varied rider levels. It’s an in-depth, detailed course in effectively changing your concepts in traditional training.  Spend one on one time with possibly one of the best creative thinkers in training.  This course will only accept three qualified riders to participate. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion in recognition of your accomplishment!

The course starts on January 5, 2024. The cost is $10,000. Stalls are included. Bedding, feed and cleaning are not included. The course will be conducted out of Michael Lyons Horsemanship facility in Randleman, NC. Cabins are available at an additional charge of $750 for the two weeks.

CALL John Lyons directly at 970-366-2856 to inquire. Two spots currently open! 

Did you know the following?

-40 different performance related benefits come from the hind quarters

-7 come from the shoulders

-3 come from the head, neck and mouth

-The head and neck are like a Christmas tree ornament; no wrong place to hang it but never use it for directional control, speed control, or to increase speed.
 
-Suppling or giving to the bit always takes out performance
 
-Softening of the mouth using the mouth is counterproductive and looses performance
 
-The mouth is never the part of the horse that is pulling on the bit.
 
-100% of every maneuver we do with the horse should involve the hindquarters first. Legs to control the hindquarters are ineffective 80% of the time. Therefore we just give up on using or involving the hind quarters
 
-99% plus riders use only the nose and mouth to guide and control their horse.
 
-The rider should be riding an 11” horse not a ten foot horse.
-The tail of the horse will teach the horse directional control 100% better and 50 times faster than the mouth
 
-The difference between aids. What controls direction what controls speed and what happens when we miss use or mix them up. What does what?
 
-99.9% of all riders can not effectively control the elevation of the horse’s head at any or all speeds. Nor the hind quarters or shoulders.
 
-What is the formula for increasing and improving performance?
 
-Overuse of our aids leads to more lack of control.
 
-We can greatly simplify our cue system while making it far more effective and teaching the horse much faster.
 
-Never ride an unbroke horse always ride a performance horse. Never warm up a horse.
 
-Goals are never distance
 
-Effectively eliminating working on negative behaviors while strengthening the bond and relationship with the horse.
 
-How can I get my horse to love being with me?

All of the above will be covered in-depth during the two week training program. Your investment in your learning will be repaid 1000 times over. This is not a clinic, it is an individual special course opening up a complete change in your training.

John Lyons Clinic Opportunities

Intensive Horse Training Workshops in Scottsdale, AZ!

Attending a workshop with Josh Lyons is an incredible way to improve your horsemanship and your relationship with your horse.  Workshops are designed to meet the needs of each individual rider – no student is overlooked or gets lost in a “production line”. Our small class size allows everyone to find SUCCESS!!!

During the course of  3-Day Workshops you can expect that both horse and rider will learn foundation exercises, lessons, and principals covered in the conditioned response program offered at Lyons Legacy. Riders will first and foremost learn to effectively control their horse.  No matter if you have been horseback for years or rode a horse years ago, all riders have the same common goal: to improve the level of control they have in regards to the horse they are riding.  Lyons Legacy is here to help you reach that goal and take your horsemanship to the next level.

The cost of our 3- Day Workshop is $900 per horse and rider.  Auditors (Fence sitters) are always welcome for $25 per day.

5-Day workshops are 1 Week of totally immersive hands-on instruction. The instructor will utilize the see
one, do one, and teach one training methodology. Instruction and demonstrations will be given
during the morning and afternoon sessions. The riders will then train on their horse to perform
the exercises. Small class sizes allow coaching and evaluation to build your skills in a fun,
supportive setting.

The cost of our 5- Day Workshop is $1250 per horse and rider.  Auditors (Fence sitters) are always welcome for $25 per day.

Check out our EVENTS page to find a clinic or get signed up!