06/12/2026
Riding well and competing well are not the same thing.
Most riders spend hours practicing movements, but very few spend time thinking about the skills needed to actually compete.
Test riding, ring strategy, preparation, focus, managing nerves, making smart decisions under pressure—these are all skills, and they can be learned.
One of the biggest misconceptions in dressage is that judges are looking for perfection.
They're not.
Judges understand that horses are living, thinking, feeling partners. They know mistakes happen. What they are looking for is correct training, effective riding, harmony, and a rider who understands the purpose of each movement. Learning to see your ride through a judge's eyes can completely change how you approach competition.
At our upcoming Ride-A-Test at the Boulder Valley Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 27, FEI 4★ Judge Sandra Hotz will be discussing these often-overlooked competition skills while providing valuable insight into what judges are really looking for.
Five Reasons You Should Audit:
✅ Learn what judges are really looking for—and what they are not looking for.
✅ Improve your own test riding by watching a variety of horses and riders.
✅ Discover common mistakes—and how to recover from them when they happen.
✅ Gain practical strategies for preparation, warm-up, focus, and show-day success.
✅ Ask questions and learn directly from one of the most respected judges in our region.
Whether you're preparing for your first show or aiming for higher scores this season, you'll leave with ideas you can immediately put to use.
Audit ringside and learn live from the best.
📍 Boulder Valley Fairgrounds
📅 Saturday, June 27
🎟️ Audit Fee: $30
Come watch, listen, learn, and discover what judges are really thinking when they decide on a score
Prepare for competition with a weekend of valuable feedback, learning, and show experience in a relaxed, supportive environment. FEI 4★ Judge Sandra Hotz Ride any USDF, USEF, FEI, or WDAA […]
