Knowledge for free - become a show scribe

If you're interested in taking up the pen too, here are the nuts and bolts of becoming a scribe: etiquette while scribing, what to expect while scribing and most of all, how to make the most of your experience to further you own education.

Basically, scribing is taking dictation. Think back to school and how you jotted down your lecture notes. What tools did you use to keep up with the flow? Abbreviations are the key. For example, instead of writing disobedient, you would write disob or c-line instead of centerline. Easy for your rider to figure out and simple for you. You'll also want to draw symbols such as a box or arrow or squiggle to denote square, forward or weaving. Remember to write in cursive or you'll get writer's cramp! Your judge will usually give you his comments first and then the score. As you are writing a comment, run your finger down to the next movement to keep your place.

Write your score clearly in the box and multiply the number by two if it is has a co-efficient. For example, free walk on a long rein is scored as a co-efficient movement. Therefore, if it earned a score of 7 then the total score will be 14. Familiarize yourself with the spaces on the test blank and where it is appropriate to record comments and scores.

Sometimes the dreaded mistakes happen - for you and the rider. If your rider goes off course, clicks to his horse or talks then he gets marks off. The judge will tell you how many for each mistake. At the end of the ride, count up the mistakes and write them in at the bottom of the test sheet where it says mistakes. This will help the show office staff a great deal because sometimes mistakes are not always noticed. If you have made a mistake simply draw a line through it and write the correct remark above it. If you have missed a score skip it and ask the judge during a lull in the test or at the end. Sometimes the fault is his and he simply forgot to score the movement. Mistakes will happen but don't let them throw you. Correct it the best you can and move on.

Scoring freestyle and FEI tests are a bit different from the lower level tests. The FEI test is made of carbon paper so make sure it is not folded in half when you record your comments. Also, movements are listed in French and English so don't be alarmed if you find yourself lost in the French section. Keep your finger tracking in the right place as the test progresses. Musical rides are scores only and no comments. You score each movement each time it is performed. For instance, three canter pirouettes are given three scores and the judge will take an average. Some boxes have a line through them to denote left and right such as half-pass right and left. Score each one accordingly.

Expect to arrive at the show grounds thirty minutes prior to your scheduled time to get organized, familiarize yourself to the tests, and to have any questions answered. At the show office you will receive a box containing your tests, pencils and a whistle or bell and a class schedule. Ask the show secretary if there have been any changes or scratches, collect the box and some water and head out to the judges stand. At the stand have a look through your tests and make sure you have enough tests for the amount of riders scheduled.

The judge will be wearing a suit or a skirt so plan to dress accordingly. Jeans and a T-shirt are not appropriate. Bring a hat, sunscreen, lipbalm or jacket with you. You will have little opportunity to dash back to your car to get anything so be prepared for any kind of weather. When the judge arrives, introduce yourself and ask if she has any preferences. Normally you are responsible for checking that the rider's number matches the number on the test and recording comments and scores only. But sometimes the judge will have you ring the bell or record final remarks. Keep in mind that it is not appropriate to argue with the judge's remarks, make comments or tell juicy pieces of gossip about the riders. Quiet, formal, polite and professional are the aspects of a good scribe.

The best part about scribing is no doubt the education. Scribing is required for all judge's candidates and there is a reason why. Scribing can help you understand how a movement should be ridden by just listening to the comments. Some judges are more than happy to answer questions during breaks or lulls while others will actually offer to answer questions. On one occasion I had a judge draw a picture of a proper shoulder-in and then proceed to quiz me during the breaks. But remember that the judge is there to do a job so don't bombard him with questions, try to get a feel for the situation to deem what is appropriate.

With scribing, you'll make plenty of new contacts and have a bird's eye view of your riding heros. Scribing is great fun and a terrific experience for every dressage rider who is serious about her education.