tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677504786349906999.post5419984725785397618..comments2024-03-06T06:33:18.841-05:00Comments on Guinness on Tap: Qualifying? What is this "Qualifying" business.Austenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13004088333430762406noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677504786349906999.post-20181836237267692082013-08-01T20:41:03.013-04:002013-08-01T20:41:03.013-04:00I am always interested how riders in other states ...I am always interested how riders in other states navigate the rated vs. non-rated showing thing. Please do a write up; I'd love to hear more!Bakersfield Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05571487914424695283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677504786349906999.post-81558213969129818632013-07-31T08:02:04.335-04:002013-07-31T08:02:04.335-04:00Karen, I'm working on the date issue. It drive...Karen, I'm working on the date issue. It drives me nuts too! <br /><br />What a great comment, and you really summed up what I've figured out since I wrote this post (March of 2012, btw). For me, a lot of my show decisions are balanced carefully between budget (my husband is in medical school, ouch) and training. I don't want to go to a recognized show and look like I have no idea what I'm doing. Luckily, my Indiana Dressage Society hosts a lot of really nice schooling shows. They aren't CDS quality, but close! Often at these shows I'm competing against the same horses that will go out and rock the Harmony in the Park (judged by Lilo Fore and Hilda Gurney this last spring). So, I feel these schooling shows have been a good judge of where I am in my training. <br /><br />Last year we did only schooling shows. I'm actually pretty happy about that. My goal is to get as many scores towards my USDF Bronze medal on my thoroughbred, which means I only need recognized scores at 1st level and above. Whoo!<br /><br />Hm. This is probably a good post idea. I'll try to write something up!Austenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13004088333430762406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677504786349906999.post-50886524010847802842013-07-30T15:26:24.888-04:002013-07-30T15:26:24.888-04:00Austen - I wish I knew when this was written. I w...Austen - I wish I knew when this was written. I was just trolling through the archives when I saw this post, and I wanted to comment; your posts have a time stamp, but no date stamp.<br /><br />Just as a quick re-cap: Here in California, we have a HUGE GMO, the California Dressage Society, and there is also have a smaller GMO (DASC) in southern California. CDS-rated shows are "more" than schooling shows, but less than USDF shows. They offer an excellent way to transition between the relaxed atmosphere of a schooling show and the prestige and formality of USDF shows.<br /><br />Schooling shows in my area are normally judged by L Graduates and other lower level judges (r). They are usually fairly generous with their scores and do their best to encourage riders. The judges at CDS-rated shows are almost always R and S judges. They are less generous and tend to be pretty strict, but fair.<br /><br />The judges at USDF shows are nearly always S judges and maybe even 3* and 4* judges (as in Hilda Gurney's case). These judges are qualified to judge all levels at USEF national shows and in the case of the 3* and 4* judges, the CDIs (international).<br /><br />Now for my point: I love schooling shows for trying out a new test or for starting out my OTTB. Once I was comfortable with the show environment, I moved on to CDS shows so that I could qualify for awards and regional shows. Once we had done that, I found it was important to test myself and my horse against fish in a bigger pond so we moved on to the USDF/USEF shows. I find that I get a very accurate opinion of where we are at those shows. There's no hiding behind generosity at a USDF show. :0)<br /><br />I think that when you feel that your horse can handle the bigger atmosphere of a USDF show, and you feel like you have a handle on the test, you should definitely do a USDF-rated show. You'll get a clearer picture of where you are compared to others at your your level. Then, you can decide to work more at that level or maybe you'll surprise yourself and find that you're ready to move on!<br /><br />As a side note, memberships can be quite expensive. If you only plan to do a limited number of rated shows, you can always pass on the membership and just pay non-member fees. Best of luck as you and Guinness continue along your dressage journey. :0)<br />Bakersfield Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05571487914424695283noreply@blogger.com