Rider Rating System

10/24/2014

Jay Stevens, creator of Centerline Scores, has just come up with a new and brilliant idea. Well technically, it's an idea already used around the world, but it will be new for US dressage riders. He has devised a formula to rate riders, specifically those who are in the middle to upper levels.

I don't want to hijack his blog as he has explained the system and rationale better than I ever could. Normally, I have a lot to say about a lot of things, but this time, all I can say is WHAT HE SAID. Jay has explained his point quite well. If you're at all interested in how riders can be ranked, check out his blog here. It's worth the read; I promise.

On a different note, we're heading to the cabin again this weekend; we're in the middle of a construction project. See you on Monday.

6 Comments

Austen link

10/24/2014 01:07:19 am

I saw this yesterday! I love the idea!

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/24/2014 11:09:37 am

Me too, but I wish I the rating system went down to at least First Level. At the rate I'm going, I'll be 80 before I ever get that 2* star my name. :0)

Jan link

10/27/2014 12:07:46 am

I was waiting for you to post something about this!

I'd like a 2* or 3* myself, but that means I would have to go back to 2nd level and show more at that level with my horse... I was planning on spending a bit of time at 3rd while I prepped for 4th, so that's not an issue, but as an amateur that goes to a max of 3 recognized shows a year, I really hate wasting money on something that won't do anything for me.

I also want to point out that this rating system is supposed to encourage riders to work up through the levels, which is fine and should be done. I am guilty of moving out of 2nd level too soon, but with limited funds to devote to horse showing, I have no desire to go back. If I had an unlimited horse show budget, absolutely, I would go back and hit the more expensive shows in Maryland and get the points (right now I go to cheaper shows in Ohio). But I think riders could still simply go buy an upper level trained horse, or send a horse to full time training, and as long as they ride halfway decently, it should only take a couple shows riding 4-6 tests each time to get the scores for a 1* and 2*. I bet an amateur friendly FEI level horse can pack someone around a 3rd level test.

Something I found discouraging is that an amateur will most likely never get anything above a 3*. I don't know many that can afford a PSG horse and above, let alone two. Good for them if they have enough time to train two through the levels! It's how I would have to do it. It's a lot of money and a lot of work. I know these ratings really aren't meant for amateurs though.

I'll probably go back to 2nd when I'm prepping for 4th so I can practice holding the counter canter without the change in public while I prep the rest of the 4th level movements. I'd like the 2* and 3* ratings, as I do teach sometimes (sporadically and to friends only) and it'd be a nice thing to have.

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/27/2014 10:49:48 am

Since I am in no particular hurry to zoom through the levels, Jay's levels don't mean a lot to me as a rider. Yeah, it would be great to have that 2* by my name, but realistically it might never happen. What I do like about the rider rating system is that it gives us lowly little ammie peons another tool for selecting our trainers.

I personally know a trainer who advertises that she trains all levels, including the Grand Prix. It's been more than 10 years, but she does have a medal or two on a horse or two, but for the most part, she shows at Training Level. When I bump into her at shows, she always talks the talk of more accomplished riders and trainers, but after I saw her scores on Centerline Scores, I realized that she is probably not as competent as she wants me to believe.

That's what the Rider Rating System is good for. I have a pretty good bullshit meter, and I can tell pretty quickly if a "trainer" is going to work for me. Being able to look up how qualified a trainer is works for me, even I never get a rating myself. :0)

Jan link

10/28/2014 02:09:37 am

Yes, true, absolutely. It does take some of the BS out!

I tend to base trainers on what other people say about them (auditors and riders), what progress they make in an hour (I don't expect miracles), what their students accomplish in public, and if I am having a problem where I don't understand or my horse doesn't understand and I can't seem to make him understand, if they will get on the horse or not.

I used to lease my horse out when I was in college, and I watched a lesson my leasee was taking with our "trainer" at the time. Slowly my horse became agitated- the work was hard for him and so he tried some of the outs of a young thoroughbred that wasn't through- pulling, bucking. He ended up giving her a black eye by tossing her forward and then his head came back up and he hit her in the face. Instead of getting on my horse herself, the "trainer" yelled at ME for not being dressed to ride, and then taking too long to change my clothes. Then she made me get on and fix it. I'm sorry, not my lesson and at that point in time those shenanigans made me nervous. That was the beginning of the end of our relationship.
I work with a 3* event rider now who doesn't do the training for us, but is willing to get on and help us out if we want. She is also not afraid to drag you off your horse if his behaviour will endanger his rider (dirty stops at jumps, body slamming into walls, etc), but she'll also make me ride out more than I thought I was capable of.

Jan link

10/27/2014 12:32:51 am

Sorry to post again, but I was thinking, haha. Probably after I get my bronze I will go back to showing 2nd 3 and 3rd 3 or something. I'd like to better my 3rd level average, and try to get a Dover Medal. That's a good reason to go back to second. And it's good practice holding the lead for 4th in a much lower pressure environment. 3rd has flying changes on the diagonals and no counter canter, 4th you have to hold the lead across diagonals and around short sides. 3 birds with one stone! 1*, Dover Medal, holding the lead practice!

Not-So-Speedy Dressage