T HE C ENTERLINE

Interview with USEF ’S’ Judge: Beverly Rogers

By Michell Combs

Q (ADA): What started you on the path to becoming a judge?

A (Beverly Rogers): I was a young successful dressage trainer, instructor and competitor in the Chicago area and was prompted by judges that had judged me to pursue becoming a judge. I also thought it would further my education both for teaching and training.

Q: What was the USDF L Program experience like for you?

A: I became a r-recorded dressage judge in 1982. At that time the L program had not yet been developed. I have taken many opportunities since then to audit the L sessions for the purpose of furthering my education and to improve my judging. In the last couple of years Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz has organized two programs and I have attended the sessions both as an auditor and have assisted the instructor in the sessions. The program is excellent and I cannot recommend it enough to not only those that aspire to become a judge but for all that ride regardless of whether or not they show but just want to further their understanding of correct dressage and the progression of training.

Q: Why did you decide to continue the judge training to become a USEF licensed judge?

A: As an r judge I was limited to only judging up to second level dressage and eventing dressage. In the late 80’s I went on to get my R-registered dressage license allowing me to judge up thru fourth level and because of my successful eventing experience at that time I also acquired my r-registered combined training license allowing me to judge CT events thru Prelim level. During this time I had made the move to the Phoenix area and in 2003 got my promotion to S-senior license allowing me

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ADA Board

President: Tania Radda 480.235.7654 t.radda@azdressage.org

1st VP: Kathy Smith ksmith@azdressage.org

2nd VP: Amy Burnett

Secretary: Nicole Zoet-Oostermyer ozranch3@aol.com

Treasurer & Trustee of Records: Cynthia Ganem cganem@azdressage.org

Maeike Zoet mzoet@yahoo.com

Michell Combs

Susan Skripac

Alanna Almgren

Heather Lynch

Kadriya Musina-Sallus

Jarred Sallus

Committees

Awards: Maeike Zoet-Javins m-zoet@yahoo.com

Centerline Editor: Beth Martinec centerline@azdressage.org

Webmaster: Sue Leutwyler webmaster@azdressage.org

Education: Pam Polydoros

Finance: Cynthia Ganem

Fundraising: Kay Lorenzen

Futurity: Susan Skripac

Juniors/Young Riders: Heather Lynch

Membership: Michell Combs

Scholarship: Ann Damiano a.damiano@azdressage.org

Recognized Shows: Kathy Smith

Scores Compilation: Sue Leutwyler

Vendors: Michelle Scarzone

ADA Board Attorney: Wendy Riddell w.riddell@azdressage.org

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USDF Region 5 Update – March 2023

I hope everyone has been enjoying their winter. We have had an abnormal amount of snow in the northern part of the region and some colder temps in the southern part. Show season is well underway or just around the corner for many of you!

If you have an educational activity that your barn, group or organization is doing, please let me know so I can add it to the Region 5 educational activity calendar that is sent out with the monthly Regional updates by USDF. We would love to keep everyone as informed as possible. We can also post events on the Region 5 website. Please feel free to send me an email reminder for anything you’d like to see posted.

If you intend to qualify for Region 5 teams to the North American Youth Championships, then please make sure you take note of the application structure for 2023. The application and fee should be turned in to the USDF office by March 14, 2023 in order to avoid stiffer fees. If you apply by March 14th, the fee is only $50 per application. Applications submitted between March 15th and April 25th are $100 and the final application deadline is May 9th, but it will cost you $300 to apply between April 26th and May 9th. At this point in time, absolutely no applications will be accepted after May 9th. If you plan to compete for NAYC, please also be sure to contact Joan Clay, our Region Coordinator for the FEI Juniors and Young Riders and let her know your intent. Her email address is jnclay@comcast.net and her phone number is 970.420.0887. The 2023 NAYC will be held at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, Flintfields Horse Park, Traverse City, Michigan – August 7-13, 2023.

If you are interested in being a delegate to the Board of Governors meeting, please contact our Nominating Council representative and have your name added to the ballot for Participating Delegate. Please contact Dorothy Kapaun at dorothykapaun@yahoo.com and let her know your interest and she can provide you with more details on the potential responsibilities. PM Delegate nominations are due in to the USDF office no later than April 15th.

Also, there have been some changes this year to the USEF rules regarding bits, so please double check the USEF Annex A and the USEF Rulebook if you have any questions on what you are utilizing for competitions!

Till next month!

Heather Petersen

Region 5 Director

Continued from page 1 to judge thru FEI. Then I retired my eventing license as I didn’t have the time to stay current with both cards and dressage was my first love and passion.

Q: What was the USEF small r/large R or S program like?

A: The instruction and knowledge were excellent. It is a commitment mentally, time wise and monetarily but the knowledge and experience you gain is worth it. I don’t like hearing about how much money it cost to become a judge. There are scholarships and grants available. Any education comes with a price. The program has so much information that helps a rider to know the criteria of a movement and how the judge comes up with the score for that movement. It changed my entire way of riding a test in competition. It actually helped me with my show nerves and jitters and helped me to put a whole ride together in a more flowing way. The acquaintances and friendships you form while working for the same goal is another highlight. I’ve maintained strong friendships with many of them. It wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows. I think I had some of the most challenging education sessions weather wise. One session in the Midwest when I was going for my r, it was so cold even in the indoor arena (unheated) I think 20° was the high. But those volunteer riders showed up and rode movements and tests for us. I hope they realize how much it was appreciated. Then I remember one testing session going for my R where it rained and there was no tent, trying to keep the tests dry was a real challenge. And the faculty, you know possess a deep love for the sport and dedication to correct riding. They are passionate to share their knowledge.

Q: Now that you are a USEF licensed judge, what next?

A: I love judging and feel it makes me a better trainer and instructor. It keeps my standards high for myself as a rider and for my students and the welfare of their horses. I welcome helping other judges on their quest to become a judge. All judges will tell you of a situation in the ring where “Well, that’s a first for me. How do I score that?” We all can learn from each other and continue to learn all the time.

Q: What is the best part of being a judge?

A: Watching talented horses well ridden no matter what level. Sometimes for me, the most rewarding class could be an Open Training level with top professionals showing young talented horses with a correct foundation. “Do I give this an 8 or a 9?” Tough decision. Lol. Or an amateur in any level on a somewhat normal but well-matched partner having just rode a successful test that exhibits harmony and communication. That’s what it’s all about.

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Q: What advice do you have to anyone thinking about becoming a judge?

A: Judging is not something you pick up lightly. You must love horses. All horses. Regardless of breed or color. And in all kinds of weather and conditions. They say there is no bad weather, just bad choice of clothing. I love it, all of it. I love the travel, too. Well, sleeping overnight in the airport because of a cancelled flight isn’t high on my list but honestly in my 41 years of judging that has only happened 4 maybe 5 times. But be prepared just in case. It’s a wonderful way to visit new places, meet likeminded people dedicated to the sport and watch beautiful horses. What’s not to like. Here’s a quote from Ben and Jerry’s “If it’s not fun, why do it?