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Continuing Education in Dressage Judging Program

The Continuing Education in Dressage Judging Program was developed by the USDF Judges Committee to provide continuing education opportunities, on a regional level, for USDF L Graduates and those enrolled in the USDF L Education Program.

Licensed Judges are encouraged to attend, however these clinics do not meet the USEF requirement for Licensed Judge education.

Dressage Foundation These programs are hosted on a regional level through a Group Member Organization (GMO), USDF region or other USDF approved organization. While each USDF region has the flexibility to schedule continuing education programs in a manner that fits the needs of the USDF L Program graduates and enrollees within that region, the USDF Judges Committee has outlined a number of examples of appropriate types of continuing education programs


This program uses headsets, a moderator, and takes place at a competition or clinic setting with demonstration riders. The participants would listen and take notes as the moderator comments on the rides being observed. Training, First, Second Level rides, full tests and test movements, should be included. It would also include, at the minimum, 2 hours of observation, 1 hour of lecture, discussion and a Q&A period.
This program combines classroom lecture with practice judging of movements, or full tests using videotapes/DVDs. It would include, at the minimum, 3 hours of practice judging, 1 hour lecture, discussion and a Q & A time period. Participants should be prepared to judge full tests orally if asked.
This program combines classroom lecture with actual practice judging at a competition or a clinic setting with demonstration riders. It would include, at the minimum, 3 hours of practice judging and 1 hour of lecture, discussion and Q&A time. Participants should be prepared to judge full tests orally if asked.
This one-day program follows a structured curriculum and format on Musical Freestyle. The curriculum must be taught by an L Faculty member and will include the following lecture topics: Music, Choreography, and Judging Information. Audio and audiovisual components will complement the lecture. No live demonstration horses are needed for this program.
This three-hour program was developed to be presented remotely as a distance learning opportunity. There are four 45-minute sessions that GMOs can schedule in a variety of ways. It is designed to focus on the lower-level freestyles and is approved for L Graduate Continuing Education (three hours if all four sessions are completed. Passing an online quiz is required). Presenters of this program must be USEF licensed “S” Dressage Judges with the USEF Freestyle designation.
This three-hour program was developed to be presented remotely as a distance learning opportunity. There are three one-hour sessions that GMOs can schedule in a variety of ways. It is designed to give an overview of the L Education Program Part 1. The information presented is valuable for trainers and riders. It is also a great review for L Graduates and Licensed Judges. The Taste of the L Program is approved for L Graduate Continuing Education (three hours if all three sessions are completed. Passing an online quiz is required). Presenters of this program must be current L Program faculty.
This three-hour program was developed to be presented remotely as a distance learning opportunity. There are three one-hour sessions that GMOs can schedule in a variety of ways. The program can be taught by any current USEF licensed “S” Dressage Judge. This program covers all aspects of the test movements from Training through Fourth level including the directives, gymnastic effect, and what can go wrong. This program is approved for L Graduate Continuing Education (Three hours- if all three sessions are completed. Passing an online quiz is required). Recording and replaying these sessions is not allowed.
This two-hour program was developed to be presented remotely as a distance learning opportunity. The program can be taught by any current USEF licensed ‘S’ Dressage Judge. It focuses on what the judges are considering when scoring each of the Collective Marks. This program is approved for L Graduate Continuing Education (Two hours. Passing an online quiz is required). Recording and replaying these sessions is not allowed.
Other formats are welcome but subject to approval by the Judges Committee. The length of the program must be a minimum of three hours and include a combination of lecture, video and/or live horses doing tests or movements and Q&A.

Traditional riding clinics, in which an instructor works with one individual and participants may only observe the instruction, are not eligible; the instruction must actively involve and/or be directed at the participants and audience.

Grants are available for this USDF education program. The Continuing Education in Dressage Judging Program and organizers must meet grant requirements in order to be eligible to receive the grant. The grant requirements and application are available on our forms and documents page.

Grants for this USDF program are funded by The Dressage Foundation's Edgar Hotz Judges’ Fund.

If you are interested in organizing, participating or instructing a Continuing Education in Dressage Judging Program please contact the Judges Committee Liaison, at (859) 971-2277 or Judgescommittee@usdf.org.