• Do you get similar comments on your test sheets?

• Do you wonder how to get an 8, maybe a 9, or that rare thing, a 10?

• D you ever wonder what it is the judge is looking for?

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I have been judging for many years as an unaffiliated judge, and 3 years ago I became a List 5 BD judge, this means I can judge up to Novice BD classes and up to Novice BE.  I am training to gain List 4 which will allow me to judge up to Elementary.

I am also a coach, and I really enjoy helping my clients move up through the levels.

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Recently it has become clear to me that many competitors are losing marks for similar errors when they present a test. Some of these errors require consistent training to correct, but some are misunderstandings on the part of the rider that are easily corrected, but need to be pointed out.

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A common area for misunderstanding is the geometry of the arena and how the required shaped fit into it, whether a 40 x 20 or 60 x 20.  Many riders are wary of riding a test in the long arena, and this is often due to a lack of understanding of where a 20m circle should go for example.  If you are one of these riders, please know you are not alone. Not all riders have access to a long arena to practice in, so it is important to understand the positioning of circles and shapes before you compete in one.

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Geometry is just one area of test riding that often needs polishing, and it is one of the topics addressed in my online course in which I hope to increase your understanding of what it is the judge is looking for, and how to avoid throwing away marks with small, easily corrected errors.