APRIL
VOLUME 22, ISSUE 4
Arizona Dressage Association
THE CENTERLINE
Review of The 2022 USEF/USDF Dressage Judges’ Mini Clinic By Michell Combs Missy Gilliland, Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz, Ellie Stine-Masek and I represented Arizona dressage judges at the mini clinic with instructor Jane Weatherwax, an FEI 4star dressage judge, at the Murieta Equestrian Center, near Sacramento, CA. There was a great group of judges at the clinic, including Hilda Gurney, J Ashton Moore, who co-created the dressage glossary, and many of our judge friends. Although a bit chilly and very windy, we enjoyed learning from each other. We observed second level through Grand Prix rides, took turns judging movements out loud (no matter our USEF judging letter), as well as listening to how Jane would judge. We discussed in-depth the quality of the horses, their movements and the amount of collection needed for Prix St. George since we need more than the lower levels but less than Grand Prix. Ellie Stine-Masek said that she enjoyed the discussion about biomechanics in the execution of the movements and how conformation effects the biomechanics. She noted that we had several good examples to watch. Missy Gilliland said that it is inspiring to be around a group of educated, dedicated professionals in our sport. She said, “my takeaway from watching the weekend is how important it is to communicate clearly with our equine partners. From the most basic test to THE CENTERLINE | 1