Galop 6Knowledge
Contents
- 01WelcomeOverview
- 02Foot and shoeingKnowledge
- 03DiseasesKnowledge
- 04Requirements and conditionKnowledge
- 05BreedingKnowledge
- 06Identifying a horseKnowledge
- 07The rein-backKnowledge
- 08Qualities of the gaitsKnowledge
- 09Judging a testKnowledge
- 10On the bit and impulsionKnowledge
- 11Counter-canterKnowledge
- 12Training aidsKnowledge
- 13Work on the flatIn the saddle
- 14DressageIn the saddle
- 15Show jumpingIn the saddle
- 16Cross-countryIn the saddle
- 17Lunge and long reinsOn foot
- 18Turnout and careCaring for the horse
- 19RevisionRevision
Judging a Club test: the criteria and the collective marks
A dressage test is marked movement by movement, then as a whole. Knowing what the judge looks at means knowing where to earn marks — and where not to throw them away.
In the exam programme
- Explain how the movements of a Club dressage test are judged.Specific part
- Explain the collective marks and how they are judged.Specific part
On the judge’s sheet, the test sheet, each numbered movement is described with its directive ideas, the points the judge must look for. The judge marks it from 0 to 10, sometimes with a coefficient of 2 for the hardest movements, and comments on any low mark. Once the test is over, the judge awards the collective marks. The total is converted into a percentage.
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10 · 9 | Excellent · Very good |
| 8 · 7 | Good · Fairly good |
| 6 · 5 | Satisfactory · Sufficient |
| 4 · 3 | Insufficient · Fairly bad |
| 2 · 1 | Bad · Very bad |
| 0 | Not executed |
Two filters for every movement
The judge puts every movement through two filters. First, the general criteria, which apply throughout the test: correct, regular gaits, enough impulsion, an attentive horse, on the bit, in a steady contact, without resistance. Then the movement’s own specific criteria, preceded by a simple question: was the movement performed at all? If not, the mark will be low, even if everything else was right.
| Movement | Main criteria |
|---|---|
| Entry, halt, salute | Horse straight on the centre line, a fluent transition, a square halt, immobile during the salute with all four feet on the ground. |
| Circles, corners, serpentines | The right size in the right place; the horse follows the curve, hind feet in the track of the forefeet, neck in line with the body. |
| Transitions | At the marker, clean and fluent, without loss of balance; the horse stays straight and on the contact. |
| Lengthened strides | Longer strides without quickening the cadence, a slightly longer outline, then a clean return to the working gait. |
| Extended walk | Four beats kept, the horse lengthens its frame and its strides without losing the contact, hind feet landing clearly beyond the prints of the forefeet. |
| Leg-yield | Horse almost parallel to the long side, shoulders slightly ahead of the hips, slight flexion away from the direction of travel, activity maintained. |
| Canter strike-offs | On the correct lead, at the marker, promptly, without running into it at the trot or throwing itself forward. |
| Rein-back | Clear steps in diagonal pairs, horse straight, without rushing or resisting; an immobile halt beforehand. |
The collective marks
The collective marks record the overall impression and carry a lot of weight, since several have a coefficient of 2. Their list and coefficients are printed at the foot of each test sheet and change from one edition to the next; here are those of the Club 2 Grand Prix test in force since September 2024.
| Mark | What is judged | Coeff. |
|---|---|---|
| Paces | Each of the three gaits is correct: an active horse, the right rhythm, steady and regular strides, no unevenness. | 1 |
| Impulsion | The horse goes forward without running away with its rider; transitions come easily; the balance is under control. | 1 |
| Submission | Horse on the bit, the contact constant, steady and visibly comfortable; movements accepted and well performed; any training aid correctly adjusted. | 2 |
| Rider’s position and use of the aids | Upper body upright, elbows softly bent, hands together and in front, a following seat, long legs; steady, discreet aids, the hands acting towards the mouth, never backwards. | 2 |
| Accuracy of the track and corners | Test pattern respected, the track followed between movements, inside flexion through the corners, transitions exactly at the markers. | 2 |
In this test, the movements are worth 220 marks and the collective marks 80, making 300. The first and second errors of course cost 1% each; the third means elimination. Riding in a plain snaffle, without a training aid, earns a 2% bonus if the score reaches 67%.
Tip
Position, use of the aids and accuracy depend entirely on you, whatever horse you ride. Well-ridden corners and movements on the marker are marks nobody can take away from you.
A word from the instructor
The judge does not mark the face you pull after a botched movement. They mark the next one — the one your face is busy ruining.