Online shows provide great opportunities for riders and for judges. Riders are able to get scores and comments from judges that may never be judging in their area.
Judges are able to evaluate riders from all over the World. We see a variety of beautiful landscapes, stunning indoor arenas and the occasional visit by the local wildlife. There are many platforms, and the WDAA (Western Dressage Association of America) State affiliates offer online competitions. Many of them offer both Western and English dressage tests, with divisions for Adult Amateurs, Junior Riders, and Open Riders.
Competitors can choose which shows to enter based on their schedule, the weather, and availability of a camera person. Most shows must be pre-entered, exactly as if signing up for a live show; however, videos submitted are then uploaded to YouTube with the link sent to the show manager. The window for completing each test is usually 10 days to two weeks.
After videos are uploaded to Youtube, and the show manager labels the “fillable test sheets” with rider and horse names, and an entry number. The test sheets are identical to the paper test sheets used in live shows.
Next the show secretary attaches a YouTube link to each individual ride to the test sheet. Those test rides are grouped together according to test and level.
The show manager will email the complete exhibitor list, organized by class and section, to the judge. On the Master List, there will be a link for the test sheet pre-filled out by the show secretary, with the exhibitor and horse name and assigned entry number. The link to the YouTube video for that particular ride is usually on the top of the test sheet, so the judge knows which test the rider is performing.
The time allowed for the judge to complete their judging assignment is usually 10 days to two weeks.
The judging process varies between judges; personally, I prefer to use two devices—I open the test sheet on my laptop (because I prefer to use a real keyboard), and then I open the video link on my large iPad (because it has a clearer picture than my laptop). Other judges use a split screen on a large monitor.
In terms of how we, as individual judges score the tests: Some judges dictate the comments and scores for each movement into their phone as they watch the video, and then type onto the test sheet later. Some judges prefer to judge tests the “traditional” way, and will use a scribe who will type the scores and comments onto the test sheet.
Each test averages 10 to 20 minutes to complete. The length of the judging process depends on level being ridden, as well as how many comments need to be given. The video can be stopped and started as often as needed to write scores and comments.
Judges often rewind to a previous movement in order to improve the flow of the test. We can also replay any part of the test as often as needed if the view isn’t clear.
Since there aren’t any time restrictions like in a live show, we can be more detailed in our comments and are able to leave additional remarks at the end of each test. Judges also must watch a “tack check” at the end of each ride, in order to confirm that each rider is using legal equipment.
When each test is completed, there is usually a link to finalize the test. When that’s complete, the judge can automatically send the filled out test form back to the show manager.
Riders can maximize their scores by providing a very clear video, with just the right amount of zoom, using legal equipment (for each discipline), and following all of the Rules and Guidelines detailed in each show bill.
Remember that as an online judge, we cannot judge what we can’t see—you may have done a movement well enough to receive an 8, however if we can’t see it clearly, the highest we can give is a 6. We love to see clear video with smooth zooming and following, and a tack check that follows all the Guidelines as well as a tack check that isn’t rushed by any means. It’s always nice to see a follow up with a big smile and a pat on your horse’s neck. 😀
The WDAA website has a Calendar Page with all of the WDAA recognized online and live shows listed. You can also find instructions for producing the best videos and the correct procedure for the Tack Checks here.
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