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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

More on Centerline Scores

5/22/2012

 
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What the heck is this?
Well, it seems as this topic was the can of worms I suspected it might be.  And a jumbo can at that!  Thank you to those who commented, and thank you as well to those who read it and commented to yourself or a friend.  Opening a dialog in a sport that isn't known to be filled with the friendliest of people is a good thing (oh, come on, you know it's true - most people think dressage riders are all stuck up snobs!  We're not of course, but the rest of the world doesn't know that.).

I do think my point got lost yesterday - in all likelihood the lost point was due to poor writing.  It could also be that the reader's own biases colored their understanding of what I was trying to say. Either way, a dialog has certainly begun.

My point to yesterday's post was this: Centerline Scores is a wonderful tool.  So is a hammer.  It works great to pound things in and for nail removal, but it's a terrible screwdriver or level.  To remove screws, you should use a phillips or flathead screw driver. A wrench is great for bolts, but it doesn't work very well for pounding in nails - I know as I have tried when a hammer couldn't be located.

In no way did I suggest that Centerline Scores should be the ONLY tool that a rider uses when picking a trainer or ascertaining whether another rider is being truthful.  That would be like trying to build a house with JUST a hammer.  

I think I've been pretty honest about my own trainer.  She is NOT a dressage rider or trainer and she reminds me of that frequently. (funny story - she popped up on Speedy G one time in my dressage saddle and hated where it put her seat and legs!)  I ride with her because she is an excellent trainer of the basics.  She has warned me numerous times that I will need to find a real dressage trainer once she has helped me establish the basics.

I do know that she showed extensively when she was younger and that she coaches her other students at small, local h/j shows.  In no way do I discount her previous years of experience.  When I ask her questions about showing, I trust what she suggests because I know that she has experience in that area, and no, that experience doesn't show up on Centerline Scores.

When I finally do move on to a Dressage trainer, you can bet that I'll be looking her up just to see what kind of show experience he or she has had.  Of course Centerline Scores doesn't date back to the dawn of time - they make that clear on their Frequently Asked Questions page : How far back do you have scores?  Due to limitations on the available USDF show results, our data only goes back to the 1993 Competition Year and results prior to the 2003 Competition Year are very likely to be incomplete. However, from 2003 to present the data should be complete.  This doesn't mean that the most current stuff is of no value.

I also think some people thought I was placing a lot of emphasis on the scores themselves.  That wasn't my intention.  I was more concerned with the quantity of scores.  A person with A LOT of scores has shown a lot. More shows means more experience.  It might be a lot of BAD experience, but it's till experience.  When I ask for help, I would rather ask someone who I know has done it more than twice.  I've done five USDF-rated shows.  I am not a great one to ask about the particulars of a venue.  I can share what my experience was, but you're better off asking someone who has done 20 or 30 USDF shows.

So, that's my point.  Centerline Scores is a great tool for gathering data.  Use it with common sense and combine it with your own prior experience.  It shouldn't be the only tool you use, like the hammer, but it IS a useful tool.  If you don't get much value from it, don't use it.  Frankly, I never use a vise-grip wrench and don't feel as though I'm missing a thing!

martina Peterson
5/22/2012 01:23:24 am

well I certainly don't understand about the scoring procedures at shows but I do know about REPEDITIVE hard work and that's what it takes to be successful in any endeaver. You are right in that more shows completed equaters to experience which hopefully turns into a more knowlegable rider. I think you are very unbiased about your own journey in obtaining this excellence you write about. You know where you are at and where you are going to achieve. Go for it!! I was excited to read that in the future you plan on having a dressage coach. That will really help you to focus on your goals. Love Mom

Karen
5/22/2012 11:45:31 am

Thanks, mom. I keep plugging away. We're making progress, but dressage is a slow moving sport!

Sarah link
5/22/2012 03:21:54 am

Thanks for this post and the previous one. I was not familiar with the website but it certainly is a useful tool. USEA has a similar thing for eventing/horse trails (also only for rated events - not including schooling or local shows). Great way to see (A) how quickly certain horse/riders move up the levels, (B) whether horse/riders are consistent performers or are all over the board, and (C) confirm people's experiences when considering their advice. =) GREAT topic for discussion!

Karen
5/22/2012 11:47:22 am

Thanks for the feedback, Sarah. There is is definitely some disagreement about the usefulness of Centerline Scores. I still like the site and find that it is a good resource for checking up on people. Myself included!


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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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

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
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home