So I recently
looked into the L education Program. I
have been thinking about getting a judge’s license. I first thought about it for extra money in
college. This could be a job for
weekends that could help me have some extra cash without having to take the
proverbial restaurant or retail sales job.
Also it would be a job that at least kept me in the riding
industry. I also have really fond
memories of Clare Morrow’s mom. She told
great stories of traveling all over the world as an Arabian judge. After my initial idea I went to Jeremy and
asked his opinion. I wanted to know if
it would maybe help my riding. He said
although he had not done it himself he believed it would be a valuable
experience. His thought was that it
would show me a judge’s perspective and also perhaps increase my ability to
explain things as a trainer. So I began
research on the program. At first it
seems very daunting. There are several
academic ‘sessions’ you have to attend.
There are A,B,C, D-1 and D-2 classes.
These are each a weekend course.
You have to purchase the flash drive prior to the first session in order
to begin the readings and course work.
Session A is titled “Introduction to Judging and Biomechanics. Session B is titled “Judging Criteria for
Gaits & Paces, Movements and Figures.”
Session C is title “Basics, Collective Marks-Gaits, Impulsion,
Submission and the Rider.” Session D-1
and D-2 are “Judging Full Tests in each of the Levels.” Session E is actually scribing and sitting
for a total minimum of 22 hours of experience.
Then course concludes with a Final Examination. I really want to take the class and get
started on the course work but here is the kicker. The classes are not offered everywhere and
you have to take them in order. So if
you missed the November A sessions in either Pennsylvania or Virginia you will
have to wait until the fall of 2013 to get into the next round of classes. The expense can be a deterrent as well
because you have to travel to the locations of the classes as well as pay the
cost of the class. This would be a good
thing to apply for an education grant from USDF or USEF for though! So all you junior and young riders out there
dreaming of a career in Dressage I invite you to take the classes with me next
fall! Hope to see you there.
Another option is to audit the L program. I am currently auditing the L grad A, B, and C classes and I am blown away but the amount of information I have learned! I love it and would recommend it to anyone wanting to move up in the dressage business
ReplyDeleteA very good point, auditing is also a great way to learn!
DeleteI highly recommend everyone audit or complete the L Program, I do believe it will dramatically enhance your riding and teaching. However, as an Arabian judge and L candidate, I would caution you against looking at judging as a form of income, at least in the early years. I was told a small 'r' for Arabians costs $10,000 on average (for me it was about half that). In dressage, the L Program is ~$2,500 tuition plus travel expenses for six sessions plus other shows to scribe and sit. After passing, you aren't a judge, you are an L Graduate, and you are limited to judging schooling shows. If you progress to 'r,' you become a judge and can judge USEF shows through 2nd level. Many 'r's judge for free or small fees to get the rides they need for 'R.' It does get more profitable as an 'R' judge and above, but it takes years (and five 65%s at PSG) to get there, and the truth is if you're training and showing, there are only so many weekends you will be able to judge and offset the cost of continuing education, annual licensing, etc (let alone the initial investment in training/exam programs). I don't mean to be discouraging, our sport needs qualified judges, and we have excellent programs today to train them that are well worth the money, even just to improve your riding and teaching. I would just encourage you to look at it as an investment in your dressage education rather than a source of income.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to share your insight into the L Program! Much appreciated!
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