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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Dressage Scores

6/18/2012

 
Scores mean a lot to me.  I guess I should clarify that a little bit.  Scores under 60% mean a lot to me.  They mean I stink.  They mean I wasn't prepared.  They mean I am unfocused.  I really don't like those scores.

Curiously, scores above 60% don't necessarily mean the opposite: that I rode well, was prepared, or focused.  Instead, they say to me you got lucky! 

I am often frustrated by my inconsistency.  As you saw over the past week, we can do rides in the 50s and then turn around and do rides in the 60s, and even occasionally in the 70s.  I suspect that the judges might have something to do with this.  

I went back and looked up the results for the GEAHS Open show that I did in May.  You might remember it because it was the one where I was so unceremoniously dumped as I was entering the warm up ring.  I was feeling pretty low about those scores.  Here they are:
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What I noticed about the scores, especially in the T-2 class, is that my scores were right in line with everyone else's scores, except for Betsy Shelton's, but she is a true open rider.

Does everyone else stink, or do these scores just say that we're all on the same learning curve?  Maybe the judge disliked us all evenly.  Maybe our horses had a uniformly bad day. Maybe we all had a bad day.  I know I did. Getting thrown minutes before a test can certainly shake your concentration!

About my scores from last weekend, Sarah, from Eventing in Color, posted this comment, "...maybe [the] judge just liked you better than [the] previous day's judge. Nothing wrong with that - just part of life."  

That concept still just makes me shake my head in puzzlement.  Us?  Really? I think I am going to take Sarah's comment to heart and embrace the idea that a judge might really see a diamond amid all of this rough!

I've also been checking Centerline Scores for my latest scores.  They finally appeared over the weekend.  Accumulating scores is important to me.  It's like working out: I might not like it at the moment, but I know that in the long run my body is fitter and healthier for doing so.  That's what the scores on Centerline Scores mean.  I might not like what I see on every line, but in the long term I will be a better rider for having put in the work.
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I realize that not every one needs scores.  Many, many riders get their feedback through less extrinsic motivators.  For me, the scores are actually necessary.  Wikipedia explains it like this self-determination theory proposes that extrinsic motivation can be internalised by the individual if the task fits with their values and beliefs and therefore helps to fulfill their basic psychological needs.

Yep.  That's it exactly!
martina peterson
6/18/2012 09:22:19 am

karen you haven't changed since childhood. I can remember your excitement over bringing home a good report card. You have always been a high achiever. These scrores you receive in your dressage classes remind me in a way of your report cards. You never did get bad marks and I know you would have been crest fallen had this occurred. I know you do yourbest and this program seems to be more challenging than school ever was. I'm so very proud of you and not just for your achievements. You area very caring and wonderful person.

Karen
6/18/2012 03:27:57 pm

Thanks, Mom!

Kelly link
6/18/2012 11:23:42 am

As I recall, you are a teacher, correct? I imagine that has a lot to do with your emphasis on scores. And there is nothing wrong with that - it tells you what you need to improve (at least that is how I look at my scores).

Karen
6/18/2012 03:34:48 pm

You may be right, Kelly! I am so very careful about the scores I give my students because many of them care a great deal about what I think of their work. Not all of course, but there are those who do. I guess I assume that the judges are administering their scores with the same seriousness that I do.

And you're right again. The low scores tell me where to improve. I have never felt that a judge was picking on me or giving me a score that wasn't fair.

Thanks for sharing!

Sarah link
6/18/2012 12:22:18 pm

Is it possible that you have a small streak of perfectionism? ;) And as such, maybe you focus on the discrepancies in an effort to empower yourself for improvement?
In my opinion your scores are very consistent, both within each test, and from test to test. The (minor) percentage differences from test to test are like the difference between a B+ and an A-, and are explained by 2 sets of factors: (1) your (and Speedy's) performance genuinely being better or worse (either due to day-of circumstances, and/or progress from training over time), and (2) the variances in different judges' "toughness." In short, you and Speedy are doing really great - just look at your Centerline average! You guys put in solid performances and are improving and moving up at an impressive rate, *especially* considering 3 things: (1) you don't have a dressage trainer, (2) you and your horse were originally trained in a completely different discipline, and (3) lots of judges are biased against non-traditional dressage horses. =) You guys are doing great! Rock on!

Karen
6/18/2012 03:40:30 pm

Sarah, I am constantly amazed at the kindness and generous nature of complete strangers! Your comment is really encouraging, and I appreciate the atta girl. :0) Thank you.

My greatest fear is looking like an idiot which is part of my focus on scores. If I get 50s and everyone else gets 50s then Speedy and I are in good company. I just don't want to be the one rider getting 40s while everyone else is getting 70s. That would just be too embarrassing.

My only choices are to quit or keep on trying. I think I'll keep on trying!

Val
6/19/2012 04:43:35 am

Inconsistency in judging is definitely frustrating, but despite this, your scores vary over a small range and include many scores over 60%. I understand the frustration of trying to break 60. When I took Harley out for training level, we hovered at 58-59% for several shows before we broke 60% and, boy, was that a great feeling! You guys are doing great and your dedication is palpable.

If you were one of my middle school students, I know exactly who you would be. You would be the one that hands in a typed notebook and all the extra credit, even though you would already have an A for the marking period. Am I right? ;)

Karen
6/19/2012 03:54:33 pm

You're very right, Val! Unfortunately, while overachievers achieve a lot, it comes at a cost. There is never a good enough. Even earning 100% is a problem because it's hard to repeat! I am very hard on myself and expect perfection when perfection is not possible.

Who ever heard of a 100% in dressage? It's just not going to happen. :0)

I wish, wish, wish I could smile at a 58% and feel good about it. For some reason 60% is my bottom line. I need to take a chill pill and just enjoy the ride. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
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