How to Analyze the Judges Comments and Ride the Prix St. George

The Prix St. George is an exciting milestone in dressage, requiring precision, connection, and a solid understanding of each movement. Analyzing judge comments can provide invaluable insights into areas for improvement and strengthen your training program. Here’s how to approach this process and refine your ride:

 

1. Use Judge Comments as a Training Tool

Judges are highly trained professionals who assess your performance against specific criteria. Instead of just glancing at your scores, take time to read and understand the comments. Focus on:

  1. Low scores: Identify patterns to help your training. For instance, are there consistent issues with a certain movement?
  2. Symmetry: Analyze whether movements are scored differently on each rein, such as half-passes or pirouettes.
  3. Transitions: Note comments on transitions, as they reflect engagement, straightness, and preparation.

 

2. Record and Review Your Ride

Video your test, then compare the footage with judge comments. Break down each movement, asking:

  1. Did my horse display the desired balance, bend, or collection?
  2. Was my positioning (seat, legs, hands) correct?
  3. Did I accurately prepare and execute each movement?

For example, in my ride with Gatsby, I noticed stronger marks in left bending movements like left half-passes and pirouettes. This highlighted the need to improve his right-side suppleness and my own preparation for right-bending movements.

 

3. Key Strategies for Test Riding

  1. Preparation: Start strong with a straight entry and balanced halt. Plan your corners to set up the next movement.
  2. Accuracy: Ride letter to letter, focusing on seamless transitions and maintaining rhythm through each movement.
  3. Engagement: Ensure your horse is active behind, particularly in collected movements like pirouettes or canter zigzags.

 

4. Common Pitfalls

  1. Halts: Ensure square, balanced stops. Practice transitions to build consistency.
  2. Symmetry: Strengthen weaker sides with targeted exercises like lateral work and circles.
  3. Corners: Use them to prepare for upcoming movements, keeping the horse balanced and forward.

 

By analyzing judge comments, reviewing your rides, and focusing on precision, you’ll see continuous improvement in the Prix St. George. Celebrate your progress and keep refining your skills—every test is a learning opportunity!

Happy Riding!

Amelia

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
A smiling woman wearing a helmet and riding gear stands beside a chestnut horse with a black bridle and white saddle pad, holding its reins outdoors in a sunlit, green setting.
Hey there.
I'm Amelia Newcomb
At Amelia Newcomb Dressage, I work to develop a trusting and confident relationship between horse and rider. I draw on theories from both natural horsemanship and classical dressage, creating a holistic training approach that adapts to the unique needs of each horse and rider.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
WhatsApp
RELATED POSTS
Like this article & video?

There are hundreds more! View the entire library here.

A person in riding gear and helmet is riding a gray horse in an outdoor dressage arena, participating in the Sitting Trot Challenge. The horse is trotting with protective boots, trees, and a white dressage marker labeled E in the background.
FEATURED COURSE
Analyze Your Ride
Think like a trainer and ride with a plan. Watching video of your riding is one of the best things you can do to help you improve...but it can also be a little depressing. With this step-by-step guide, you learn how to focus in on the prioritizes and know exactly what to look for as you analyze your riding video so you can accelerate your riding.
A person wearing a helmet and blue patterned shirt stands outdoors holding the reins of two brown horses, one on each side, with trees and bushes in the background—like a perfect image for a Sales Page Template.
Amelia Newcomb
LATEST POSTS
LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO
Rated 5 out of 5
NEWSLETTER

Sign Up Now To Get Free Training & Tips In Your Inbox!

🔥 HOT RIGHT NOW 🔥
Explore More with Our Featured Courses and Workshops

We’ve curated a selection of courses, workshops, and masterclasses designed to help you refine your skills and achieve your riding goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, these offerings are here to support your growth. Explore and take your riding education to the next level!

Think like a trainer and ride with a plan. Watching video of your riding is one of the best things you can do to help you improve...but it can also be a little depressing. With this step-by-step guide, you learn how to focus in on the prioritizes and know exactly what to look for as you analyze your riding video so you can accelerate your riding.
Turn your smartphone into a horse-tracking camera that follows your ride. With advanced 360 AI horse-tracking — the pocket-sized device allows you to film your ride without a videographer. Find out more about PIVO and get a special discount here!
My Blue Ribbon Course: Second Level, is a proven competition preparation system for mastering USDF Second Level. You’ll learn what the judge is looking for, how to present your strengths and how to handle hiccups. Your confidence will increase and your dreams will be coming true in the show ring.

Enjoyed this article? 

Saddle Up and Search for Your Next Read!
A person wearing a helmet and patterned shirt smiles while riding a brown horse outdoors on a sunny day, with green trees in the blurred background.
Free Resources
Unlock Your Potential as a Dressage Rider with Our Free Resources!

Are you passionate about dressage and eager to enhance your skills? Our Free Resources section is here to support your journey, offering a wide range of courses, guides, and tools designed to help you become the rider you’ve always wanted to be.

Access Now!
A simple white envelope icon on a light background, outlined with bold lines to represent a closed envelope.
Free Training & Tips In Your Inbox!

Say goodbye to the fluff and hello to real value. Our newsletter delivers actionable insights, expert tips, and the kind of motivation that pushes you to the next level in your dressage journey. Ready to make strides in your riding? Let’s do this—straight to your inbox. You in?

Join the community

Get weekly training to your Inbox

Enter your name and email below and you’ll be added to my list to get weekly training videos each week. You’ll also be the first to hear about all my news, courses and offers! You can unsubscribe at any time!

PS-Good things are coming. Please be patient with this form, it sometimes takes a moment to submit your details!

Free Training scale webinar

Tuesday, May 19th, 4pm PT

Please be patient with this form, it sometimes takes a moment to submit your details!