The Alphabet of Judging Explained

The May edition of USDF Connection has a great article explaining each of the judging levels and what it takes to get there.  Judges spend a great deal of money and time to earn their USEF license.  I am glad they're willing to do it as the sport of dressage wouldn't be quite as much fun without a judge to do the judging!  I wrote a little bit about judging a few weeks ago here, and I felt the need to follow up a little bit.  So here is a little something about each type of judge as described in the USDF Connection.

Dressage Credentials Explained
"L" - USDF Learner Graduate, unlicensed (used often for un-rated schooling shows).

"r" (recorded) - USEF "r" judges are licensed to judge through Second Level.

"R" (registered) - USEF "R" judges are licensed to judge through Fourth level.

"S" (senior) - USEF "S" judges are licensed to judge all levels at national (USEF) shows.

"3*" (formerly called "C" for candidate) - USEF 3* judges can judge CDIs on a limited basis.

"4*" (formerly called "I" for international) - USEF 4* judges can judge CDIs with few limitations.

"5*" (formerly "O" for official) - USEF 5* judges can judge Olympic Games and world championships.

The part of the article that I found most interesting was the breakdown of how many of each type of judge there is in this country.  I was actually shocked at how few judges there really are.  Without intending to steal from Axel Steiner, the author of the piece, here is the breakdown as presented in the article:

Current number of licensed judges in this country:
"r": 85
"R": 83
"S": 112 [and of those ...]
3*: 0
4*: 11
5*: 4 
There are currently 31 FEI 5* judges in the world.

By the way, I was lucky enough to attend a clinic taught by Axel Steiner at Equine Affaire, Pomona in 2011. He is quite entertaining as well as knowledgable.