Judge (and former Grand Prix dressage competitor) Dietrich Plewa talks getting the points in Young Horse classes at a Seminar at the Bundeschampionat in Warendorf:

“It is very important to find the right speed for each horse.”

Hanoverian, Horatio by Hochadel out of a Matcho mare, ridden by Dorothee Schneider, one of those consummate German professionals who rides at every level, from babies to Grand Prix.

Movement through the WHOLE body, Horatio and Dorothee in walk

“The walk should be clearly four beat and it is very important that the movement should be through the horse’s WHOLE body – the horse should be marching from one point to the other. In the conformation class, long reins are not loose reins – if the reins are too long, the judge can say, please shorten the reins.”

“In young horse classes, we have serpentines to see if the horse can keep the balance – the same speed, same rhythm.”

“Now show some longer strides. We don’t ask for medium, only longer strides…”

“In the canter, our first criteria is the three beat rhythm and clear uphill tendency.”

“When we lengthen the rein, is the horse able to keep that uphill tendency and the rhythm – and not change speed even after the reins are shortened.”

Young Dressage Horse Seminar: A Unique Learning Opportunity in Warendorf