Dressage-News

A new service has been launched enabling dressage tests to be judged online by a qualified dressage judge.

HorseShow.com, an online horse show network based in the U.S., is offering the service for US$15 (€10.50) a ride and, unlike a test in the flesh, the judge can rewind the tape to double check movements.

Video entries are being accepted for HorseShow.com’s Spring Dressage Festival for U.S. Training through Fourth Level and FEI tests. Entries close June 19. The site is also offering a “Focus on Dressage Equitation” division, open to all age riders. Go to: www.HorseShow.com for complete details.

The judge is Natalie Lamping, an experienced FEI “I”/USEF “S” judge who is also an FEI Young Horse judge as well as Para Equestrian “C” judge, who makes her home in Ocala, Florida.

“I think this is a tremendous opportunity for dressage riders to get a judge’s feedback about where they stand,” Natalie said. “Do you feel solid at your level but want to get extra practice and feedback before your next big show? Are you thinking about moving up a level but want to be sure you’re ready? Or maybe you live in an area without many dressage shows. For all of these riders, the HorseShow.com network can be an invaluable resource.”

Anyone anywhere can submit tests in a seamless video (in other words, no editing except in breed classes), preferably shot from “C.” Other angles will be accepted but if the judge cannot see all the movements, the entry will be “disqualified” and the entry fee refunded.

Gil Merrick, the former USEF managing director of dressage who is vice president for HorseShow.com’s Program Development, said that the license agreement with the USEF bars video entries from competitions where the combination had already been judged “since this might set up some conflicts for the judges.”

They hope to change this, he said, “because I think it would be valuable for riders to have that second opinion and will also make it easier for people to submit videos since many riders have them made at the live shows and would like a second opinion.”

The reverse already happens to some degree in that a test can be submitted to HorseShow.com for judging and the tape archived on the site. Then the rider, can perform the ride at a “live” competition and comparisons can be made.

In “live” performances, there is no replay, instant or otherwise. So if the rider believes the judge made an error, there is no recourse.

The viewer that the online judges use has a “pause and play” feature so the judge can rewind to see a movement again as well typing scores and comments into the electronic form.

“When they are finished with the entire test they have the ability to review all of their marks and comments, watch parts of the video again, and change scores and comments before hitting the final ‘submit’ button,” Gil said.

“We think this should be very appealing to both the riders and the judges.”

After the class is scored, each entrant receives a complete scorecard via e-mail with marks and comments for each movement along with the final score.

Profiles, videos, and results are based on a horse’s name, and riders have the option to remain anonymous.

The site’s first Para-Equestrian Dressage show is being planned.

U.S. rider plan to use these online classes as a major part of their preparation for 2012. They are also hoping for entries from Para groups in Canada, Great Britian, Germany and The Netherlands so riders get a feel for how they compare to each other.

HorseShow.com also plans to use the site for education of judges.