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Saturday, November 17, 2012

L Judge Classes


     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.

4 comments:

  1. 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

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    1. A very good point, auditing is also a great way to learn!

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  2. I 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.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your insight into the L Program! Much appreciated!

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