How to Become a Dressage Judge

In order to judge at competitions recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and United States Dressage Federation (USDF), a person needs to at least be an "R" judge. The three levels of judges are "r," "R," and "S." The type of judge you are limits the types of competitions you can judge. At the "r" level, you can judge up to Second Level. "R" judges can judge up to Fourth Level tests, while "S" judges can officiate over all levels. You must complete the prior licensing before moving up to the next. For example, you must be an "r" judge before applying to become an "R" judge.

Instructions

"r" Judge

1. Earn scores of 60 percent or higher by competing at Second Level in recognized competitions, or train horses or students to Fourth Level, in order to be eligible for the "L" program for training dressage judges.

2. Apply for entry into the United States Dressage Federation's "L" program at the USDF's website (see Resources).

3. Complete the sessions required for graduation from the "L" program and take the exams. Scores of 80 percent on the written exam and 70 percent on the practical exam are required to be eligible for a judge training program.

4. Apply to USEF for entry into judges' training. This requires you have five scores from Fourth Level dressage tests that are at 65 percent or above from four different "R" or "S" judges.

5. Attend a USEF National Level Dressage Judges Forum while enrolled in the training program.

6. Arrange with judges approved by the USEF Dressage Committee for completing your apprentice-judging requirement. You will need to apprentice with at least two judges at a total of four competitions.

"R" Judge

1. Judge 10 competitions and wait 24 months after receiving your "r" judging license before you begin to apply to become an "R" judge.

2. Compete in five recognized shows in Prix St. Georges level and earn scores of at least 65 percent, or train horses or riders who have completed these requirements.

3. Apply for an "R" judge training program and complete the program within two years once accepted.

4. Attend a USEF National Level Dressage Judges Forum.

5. Apprentice-judge at three or more recognized competitions offering Third and Fourth Level, Prix St. Georges and FEI Young Rider tests with two or more judges.

6. Observe three or more "S" or FEI judges score Third and Fourth Level tests at three or more competitions. These competitions can be found by searching the USDF Competitions & Results web page (see Resources).

"S" Judge

1. Compete at, or train a horse or rider to Intermediare II, Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special levels. You need five scores of 60 percent or higher from these rides.

2. Judge at least 40 Fourth Level tests two and three in 24 months or longer since you received your "R" judges' license.

3. Apply to an "S" judges' training program.

4. Attend a USEF dressage judges clinic within one year of being accepted into the "S" training program.

5. Apprentice-judge at least three recognized dressage competitions with two or more judges. Eight classes must be of Intermediare II, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special or Brentina Cup tests; 10 must be Prix St. Georges, FEI Young Rider or Developing Horse tests; and 10 must be Intermediare I tests.

6. Observe judges at four or more recognized competitions. You should observe 10 Intermediare II, Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special or Brentina Cup tests; 10 Prix St. Georges, FEI Young Rider and Developing Horse tests; 10 Intermediare I tests; six Four-Year-Old Young Horse tests; six Five-Year-Old Young Horse tests; and six Six-Year-Old Young Horse tests.

Tips & Warnings

• To find out about training programs, judges' forums and approved judges to apprentice with, contact the USEF Dressage Committee at 859-258-2472, 908-234-0848 or email [e-mail].

References

• Equisearch: How to Become a Dressage Judge
• USEF: Summary of Licensed Official Requirements - Enrollment and Promotion
• USEF: Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining Record ("r") Status
• USEF: Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining Registered “R” Status
• USEF: Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining Senior “S” Status

Resources

• U.S. Dressage Federation
• USEF: "L" Education Program
• USDF: Competitions & Results