last updated on March 28, 2010 15:57

The freestyle test has grown in popularity over the last few years and music classes are now available from introductory level (walk and trot tests) upwards. British Dressage is launching a new definitive guide for judging this very specialist type of dressage test.

Launched this week the guidelines aim to give clear advice for judges and competitors alike on the parameters of the sport. They also include examples of the non-compulsory movements that are permitted at each level, details of the movements that are prohibited and information on movements that warrant a high mark for degree of difficulty providing they are performed correctly.

Information contained in the guidelines will become effective from the beginning of April and will be presented as part of the 2010 BD Judges Convention taking place at Hartpury College on 31 March.

For the first time the convention will focus entirely on judging dressage to music and will be hosted by FEI International judges Andrew Gardner and Judy Harvey with Ken Barnsley, audio film editor, owner and rider.

The day will start with an explanation of how to fill out the results sheet, and the thinking behind the all important artistic marks. Participants will then see freestyle tests without music so they can discuss the choreography mark on its own, followed by sessions with three horses and different pieces of music being played to identify which pieces of music fit which horses and paces.

After lunch tests will be ridden to music at novice, medium and prix St georges level when only the mark for suitability and interpretation of the music will be assessed and finally further tests will be ridden at these levels when the movement marks and all the artistic marks will be discussed.

The convention is designed for riders and trainers as well as judges, as are the guidelines which will be given to every participant and will be downloadable from the BD website here.

The convention is from 10am to 4pm and tickets are available from the British Dressage Office, or at the door on the day or from the website. Tickets cost £15 for listed judges, £20 for trainee judges and £25 for all others. For all queries contact Judges Officers Lisa Panto and Katrina Smith at 02476 698831.