How to Be a Dressage Scribe

Volunteer at horse shows to gain valuable experience as a dressage scribe.

The dressage scribe is a volunteer that assists during horse shows. Scribing provides a unique opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about how shows are judged. The dressage scribe's role is to listen to the show judge and to accurately record the scores and the judge's comments as spoken. It is imperative that the scribe understand and know the correct spelling of the terminology and abbreviations used in dressage. The scribe must never add to or comment on a ruling. Everything spoken inside the judge's box is strictly confidential. The scribe must not accept an assignment to a judge s he will compete in front of on the same day.

Instructions

Before the Show

1. Contact dressage organizations in your area to offer to volunteer for their events.

2. Complete the orientation classes or audit in the judge's booth, if required. The organizers will notify you when an assignment is available.

3. Arrive at least 1/2 hour prior to the show. Contact the show management or the volunteer coordinator to get your assignments, materials as needed and to find out the arena location.

4. Locate your work area and organize your materials, including test packets, watch and scoring sheets.

5. Introduce yourself to the judge you are assigned to before the show and ask any questions at that time. Determine the schedule for breaks and determine if you will move to different arenas during the day.

6. Weight all loose items and papers down so they do not accidentally blow away.

During the Show

1. Confirm the list of riders on your schedule and make sure the horses' numbers match on the score sheet.

2. Write "no show" or "scratch" on the sheet if the rider cancels.

3. Listen closely to the judge and complete the form accurately by marking a score in every box. Do not speak to the judge unless spoken to.

4. Request the judge's signature on the form when the ride has been completed. Request the judge's initials on any corrections made on the form.

5. Take the forms to the scorer if a runner has not been assigned to pick up and deliver them.

References

• United States Dressage Federation: Judging and Scribing
• United States Dressage Federation: Guides for Scribes
• Dressage Canada: Dressage Canada Scribing Guide

Resources

• EQUISEARCH; Scribing for a Dressage Judge By Kip Goldreyer