Alison Smith, British Dressage, FEI 3* Judge Top Tips

Andrea Smith is an elite British dressage official who was promoted to FEI 3* Level 2 judge status. A veteran of the sport with over 26 years of experience within the British Dressage system, and has played a key role in developing young British talent, notably serving as a Selector for the British Junior and Young Rider international teams.

Top Tip # 1

Ride your first CL like a winner (first impressions count! ) get C between your horses ears and ride forward and straight towards your judge.

Top Tip # 2

Make corners your “friend” to get your horse more supple and round your inside leg and use short sides as an opportunity to rebalance your horse if needed ready for your next movement.

Top Tip # 3

Remember accuracy = more marks. Good shaped circles with no straight bits - or they then become squarecles!

Top Tip # 4

Keep a suitable tempo that your horse can stay in good balance in. If you go too speedy the strides flatten not spring especially in medium strides . Remember, energy and activity doesn’t mean faster.