Judging Fun

By, Jacquelyn “Jake” Stapel

The Edgar Hotz Judges Roundtable was held at the USET Foundation on February 12, 2023. This year’s Round Table, as always, is offered in loving memory of Edgar Hotz who was so instrumental and supportive of the education of dressage and eventing judges, especially in our area. We often have attendees share stories about Edgar and what they learned from him, even all these years after his passing.

Marilyn Payne generously donates her time every year as key speaker, which enables us to offer this opportunity free of charge. We ask only that everyone contribute something to the pot-luck lunch. This year Barbara Ebner was the other “S” judge that helped Marilyn lead the discussion. As this is a new test year for dressage, that was the topic of conversation. We had video of all of the tests from Introductory level through Fourth level as well as a summary of the changes to the directives of each level provided by USDF. A new test year is always a more costly year, as we have lots of copies to make! I had the program approved by USDF as a Continuing Education program so that all of the “L” graduates in attendance could receive credit toward their CE requirement. This year we had 31 judges, “L” graduates and “L” candidates in attendance. ESDCTA has been sponsoring this event for the last 21 years! USDF requires that each attendee complete an event evaluation at the end of the session. As always, every one of those evaluations was extremely positive and expressed gratitude to Marilyn, Barbara, myself and ESDCTA for sponsoring.

Attention: looking for 1 scribe and 2 assistants (scoring, etc) for a USDF L program (D1 session) at the Horse Park of NJ on M May 27 and May 28. A wonderful learning opportunity for all, and L graduate continuing education credit hours are available for the scribe if applicable. This will be for L faculty member, J Jayne Ayers (S). Please reach out with your interest and the availability you can commit to (1 day or both). Refreshments during the day, and profound gratitude provided; without volunteerism these programs can’t be offered. Please contact organizer T Tara Manion directly at: 860-377-8083

Saddlebrook Ridge Equestrian Schooling Dressage, Combined Tests and Clear Round Show Judge: Nancy Schmidt ( L ) April 1, 2023