Ride the Test
Ride your test as practiced at home.
For most tests, you enter at A, halt and salute at X, then proceed with the test.
You may not talk to your horse (“use of voice”). As per USEF Rule DR 122.3:
The use of the voice or other intentional audio aids in any way whatsoever or clicking the tongue once or repeatedly is a serious fault involving the deduction of two marks from those that would otherwise have been awarded for the movement where this occurred. In movements with a coefficient, judges must deduct
only one mark so that the final mark, after the coefficient is applied, is deducted by two versus four points.
Concentrate on you, your horse, and the test. Do not think of anyone or any activity that is happening outside the arena.
Your horse might be more “up” than at home. Prepare for this and try to not let it bother you. However, if your horse is dangerous and/or you are frightened, you should stop the ride and ask the judge to excuse you. Depart the arena in the safest method possible (dismount, have a person come assist you, etc.).
For a schooling show, when you have finished the test, you may approach the judge for a few verbal comments from the judge. Be polite and let the judge talk. Exit the ring at the walk with a loose rein.
For a USEF/USDF show, when you have finished the test, you may NOT approach the judge. Exit the ring at the walk with a loose rein.
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