Another Centerline Scores Post

10/14/2014

If you don't show at USDF-rated shows, you probably have zero interest in Centerline Scores. Even though I only do a handful of USDF-rated shows each year, I am totally addicted to Jay's site. When I was still an endurance rider, the American Endurance Ride Conference's (AERC) rider/horse records page was my addiction. You now have to be a current member of AERC to access those records now - bummer.

By nature, I am super goal oriented. A bit surprising isn't it? These types of websites feed my hunger for data and proof (or lack thereof) of progress. I was reading one of my old blog posts about trying to raise my barely eked out 60% median score to something higher. I am happy to report that my median score at Training Level at USDF-rated shows has finally risen. We are now sitting at a decent 62.116%.

For more on the difference between a median score and an average score, check out Jay's blog.

Recent screen shot from Centerline Scores

Not only has my median score risen, but that ego boosting little deal at the top, your highest score from your highest level ridden, has also taken a gigantic leap upwards. So until I post a 60% or better at First Level, I get to look at that snazzy little 72.6%.

I've been so focused on raising my median score, that it didn't occur to me that I could also lower it by putting in a poor test. Apparently, some riders, especially those with horses for sale or reputations to promote are trying to excuse themselves mid-way during a test if they realize their score is not going to come out where they'd like it.

I only heard bits and pieces of conversation at the championship show about some riders utilizing this strategy. I am not sure how prevalent of an issue it is, or if it even happens at all, but I can see why they'd do it. That doesn't mean I agree with it. It's just like a golfer not turning in his card when he has a great day - the score would lower his handicap indicating that he's a better golfer than he's been letting on. It's the same thing for a horse or rider; it makes a horse (or rider) seem much better than he really is.

I scoured the USEF rulebook to see if there is a rule about the circumstances under which a rider can ask to be excused, but I didn't see anything other than the standard reasons. And really, any time you ask to be excused it's because your horse is not performing well: he's tense to the point of rearing, bucking, balking, etc. So I guess that being excused does protect your median score, but I imagine that when you ask to be excused during the 8th moment of naughtiness, your median score is the last thing on your mind!

I am looking forward to having some First Level scores posted on Centerline Scores, but I am not looking forward to what they (probably) will be. If I move through First Level like I did through Training Level, I am sure I'll start out with scores in the 50s. See you later respectable median scores.

So yay for moving up?!?!

11 Comments

Austen link

10/13/2014 11:15:46 pm

It's not just riders trying to sell a horse, but riders trying to qualify for finals or a big show. They will scan the prize lists for judges they know they can get fair judging from (no R judges or below, only S judges, that sort of thing...). It makes sense to me. A bunch of riders had their end of year score % ruined by one judge at a late show who was very stingy with the scores. Almost no one got a 60%, which is a little outrageous when you think that most of those riders have qualified easily for Regionals.

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/14/2014 10:49:23 am

I'm not sure about USDF's regional program, but CDS doesn't have an award for a yearly average. Many of the CDS chapters do have something like that though. It would be frustrating to get a low score when the judge is particularly picky, but as long as it was applied evenly, I guess everyone suffered the same.

I've been to just under 50 shows (USDF, CDS, or schooling), and while some judges have definitely been stiffer in their scoring, I've yet to come across one who was just blatantly harsh, but that would definitely be frustrating if you were trying to earn a qualifying score.

I was really talking about people who don't want their USDF score average to fall because of how a particular test was going.

Karen

10/14/2014 12:54:18 am

I have a couple of friends who will scratch right before their class if the warm up isn't going well. They do not want to risk getting a low score on their record. I sort of understand, but everyone has some low scores. It just happens. But if I had that attitude, I would never show at recognized shows! But perhaps professionals feel is reflects their reputation. I dunno.

10/14/2014 10:52:21 am

I am with you. I show no matter what. Getting there is so darned expensive that I am getting my money's worth even if we score low. Just riding in a real court is worth it to me as it's the only time I get to!

I've never scratched, even when I got bucked off right before my warm-up. I need the experience, so even riding through a wild and wooly test is worth it to me. And yeah, if I only rode when the getting was good, I'd never show. :0)

Shirley

10/14/2014 01:06:13 am

Huhhhh...hadn't been aware of this...thank you! Just proves the old adage "you can prove ANYTHING with statistics"!

10/14/2014 10:54:09 am

Again, I don't know how prevalent it is. And really, it's probably none of my business why someone would scratch in the first place. I just found it interesting as I was totally unaware that someone would voluntarily scratch unless the horse was lame or rider was sick.

Jan link

10/14/2014 01:36:55 am

Don't worry about your move up, just go for it! I spent 4 years trying to perfect my riding so I could move up to first level at a schooling show, and it's a big regret that I didn't just go for it. Some of the things: "Oh I don't sit the trot well enough" (this was when sitting the trot was mandatory) or "I can't get a proper lengthen" Don't sweat it. Go for riding accurate figures- study your ring geometry on paper (draw the arena and accurately mark the letters and the distances between, and then draw your figures and where they are relative to the letters). I'm sure you're much more capable than you give yourself credit for- 72% is nothing to sneeze at. I made some mistakes in my early tests, you take it and move on. But at no point was I below 60%, and I was high point champion at first level at my first two shows at that level.

I have an OTTB who is now 15, and I'd like to ride him at PSG, ideally at 60%. I'd like to be there by the time he's 20. I've got a lot to do in 5 years, I don't have time to linger. He's not a sale horse, and yes I'm sad that my median ride on my own horse is 59.8%. But, he's a solid 2nd level horse now, even on a bad day we'll be around 60%. Riders who haven’t ridden above training level can get on him and ride 2nd level movements. We're struggling at 3rd because flying changes are hard for him- but we're still averaging 55.5% (getting 8/40 points in the flying changes does that to you), and I even got a 59.2% without them. He doesn't have much of an extended trot, but we still get 6's. I'm not sweating it. I'm still working on his canter pirouettes for 4th. We’re starting half steps to better his collection and to start piaffe and passage. We're going to focus on flying changes this winter and have it nailed for next year. Keep training above what you're showing, it'll make the move ups easier. Remember shoulder in and counter canter are very useful for below 2nd level, and don’t leave the flying changes til you get to 3rd. I wish I had taught mine those before teaching him counter canter. One of the things I learned eventing was to school a level above what you’re showing at.

I don't go to many recognized shows because I simply don't have the money to do so, but I've been around the block with my horse in the last 10 years- eventing and schooling dressage shows. We go to about 5 shows per year, and I’m making an effort to make more of them recognized. So my centerline scores entry isn't that impressive and only shows 6 recognized shows in 2 years. It doesn’t reflect what I’m capable of riding and teaching. I also don't linger at a level. I get the scores I need for my bronze and move on because I have limited funds and limited time. Sorry this is so long, but I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I’d hate to see you take more time to move up!

10/14/2014 10:59:43 am

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences, Jan. I read your comment three times. :0)

I hope I don't take two years to get through First Level, but I am not in a rush as I know the proof is in the pudding once we get to Second.

I feel like if we really cover our bases in Training and First, Second might be more manageable. And yes, we definitely school as much above our current show level as possible. Sydney can do a lovely walk to canter transition (on the left lead).

Thanks for your support. Feel free to offer advice anytime. :0)

Sarah link

10/14/2014 04:08:49 am

LOVE these kinds of websites with data tracking. Obsessive analytical perfectionists unite!

10/14/2014 10:56:00 am

I have my club membership. We need a secret handshake or something. :0)

Bryson M link

4/8/2021 12:25:02 pm

Thiis was a lovely blog post

Not-So-Speedy Dressage