Recent News

March 12, 2008

The Dressage Foundation provides funding for continuing education program for judges

The Wisconsin dressage and combined training association granted the opportunity to fine-tune their judging eye

The Wisconsin Dressage and Combined Training Association will provide local dressage judges and auditors the opportunity to continue their education March 15 – 16 in Wausau, Wis. thanks to an $800 grant provided by The Dressage Foundation.

Attendees will spend two days studying how to judge the movements of a horse during dressage competitions. Maryal Barnett, an FEI "C" Judge and member of the USDF "L" program faculty member will teach attendees what makes good impulsion and submission and what the judging criteria are for these movements.

"The Dressage Foundation is proud to provide financial support for this program. It is a great opportunity for judges and auditors to expand their knowledge and individual skills in order to continue advancing the sport of dressage, "said John Boomer, President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation.

In addition, attendees will receive at least three hours of practice judging for the judge and "L" program graduate participants. The Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF "L" Graduates is administered by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and offers a comprehensive curriculum created to teach participants and auditors to evaluate dressage performance.

Judges will also learn about the relationship between concepts and marks, the biomechanics of impulsion and submission, and the correct terminology that should be used for judging and how impulsion and submission are recognized in the various movements of the tests. Auditors will receive USDF University credit for attending the program.

Dressage is the training of horses, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to Olympic. Dressage is a major component of equestrian sport in the United States, as well as internationally.