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About Us

Better Dressage Scores is an online schooling show designed to improve your dressage scores without breaking the bank.

Choose your test.

Submit a video of your ride.

Get feedback and earn points.

It’s that easy!

How does it work?

See the steps above in yellow? I’m not kidding. That’s basically all there is to it.

Before the deadline of each month’s show, click this link to find the dressage test you want to submit, add it to your cart, and submit the link to your video in the “notes” section of checkout. If you don’t see the test you are looking for, feel free to contact us.

Then, on the last day of each month, scores and tests will be posted and ribbons will be sent out!

Want to see a full “how to” video? Check out this YouTube tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw6UkbM5_7g

How do I submit my video?

On the checkout page, simply paste the link to your video in the “notes” section.

Videos for each entry must be sent in via YouTube, Vimeo, or the Better Dressage Scores Google Drive.

Each video title must contain:

  • Rider’s name
  • Test name
  • Show name

Example: Jane Smith – USDF Intro A – May 2021 Show

How to upload a video to YouTube

How to upload a video to Vimeo

To upload a video to the BDS Google Drive, simply right click > upload files > upload the video of your choice. Once uploaded, be sure to name the video accordingly (right click the video once uploaded and click “rename”)

Once your video is uploaded to one of these platforms, copy and paste the link into the “notes” field at checkout or (if you have not taken a video of your ride yet) email the link to info@betterdressagescores.com with the order number and rider name in the subject line.

Can I submit multiple videos?

Yes, you can submit as many videos as you would like each month, even if it’s the same test!

My arena isn’t perfect, can I still compete?

Of course! Maybe your arena is a little too short or maybe you can’t film from C. That’s ok! For any issues you may be having, I’m sure we can work something out. Just send us an email and we’ll find a solution.

I don’t see the test I want to ride. What now?

Send us an email with the name of the test you’d like to ride and I’m sure we can make it happen!

How does scoring work?

Our scoring system can be seen below. Because we have a variety of riders and tests from the US and Canada, we can’t guarantee that your division would have more than one person in it. Therefore, you are not placed based on other riders’ scores, you are “competing against yourself.”

For each show you enter, you earn ribbons and year end points. The points you earn accumulate for year end prizes (given to our top 10 riders in December of each year).

LOWER LEVEL SCORING

This applies to:USDF: Intro - First Level
USEA: Beginner Novice - Training
WDAA: Intro - Level 1
Cadora: Walk/Trot - First Level
Canadian Eventing: Entry - Training

PLACING/POINTSDRESSAGEEVENTINGPOINTS EARNED
1st Place>70%<29.997
2nd Place65-69.99%30-34.995
3rd Place60-64.99%35-39.994
4th Place55-59.99%40-44.993
5th Place50-54.99%45-49.992
6th Place45-49.99%50-54.991
Not placed<44.99%>550

UPPER LEVEL SCORING

Upper level tests are placed the same, but since difficulty of tests is increased, points awarded are increased. This applies to:USDF: Second Level and up
USEA: Prelim and up
WDAA: Level 2 and up
Cadora: Second Level and up
Canadian Eventing: Prelim and up

PLACING/POINTSDRESSAGEEVENTINGPOINTS EARNED
1st Place>70%<29.9910
2nd Place65-69.99%30-34.997
3rd Place60-64.99%35-39.995
4th Place55-59.99%40-44.994
5th Place50-54.99%45-49.993
6th Place45-49.99%50-54.992
Not placed<44.99%>550

Are there rules for filming, tack, and apparel?

Yes, this isn’t a place for mass chaos. But we definitely allow some flexibility.

  • We ask that you film from “C” and use zoom when the rider is on the other side of the ring. If you are using a smartphone, please film in landscape mode. We understand that zoom and great quality is not always possible, so really we just ask that you try your best.
  • Tack must follow the same rules and guidelines that would apply at a live horse show for your dressage affiliation (USDF, USEA, WDAA, or Cadora). However, if you have a special request (such as riding in a hackamore, bareback, etc.) please contact us so we can approve it with the judge. At the end of the day, we’re here to have fun.
  • Helmets and proper footwear must be worn. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
  • We do request that you wear light colored pants and shirts to enable to judge to see you better, but if you don’t have that apparel, we get it.

For a more in depth list of rules, click here. But to recap, just try your best and be safe!

Are your judges rated? Who the heck are they?

Yes, all of our judges are rated! They have judged many live horse shows in their careers and have years of experience. You can read their full bios here.

As a bonus option at checkout, you can also request in-depth feedback from them. With this feedback, they will go over your test movement by movement and give you tips on how to improve your scores via exercises, equipment changes, and more.

Can I ask about my score or dispute what a judge has said?

The judge’s decisions are final. Any question, objection, or appeal regarding a score must be made in writing within 24 hours of the test being judged to BDS.

I know that sounds harsh, but I promise we’re nice people.

Can a horse have more than one rider?

Yes, horses and ponies can be ridden by more than one rider in one or multiple divisions. We do ask that you do not overwork your horses.

Can my barn have a standalone competition?

Absolutely! Any barn/individual/organization can host an online show with us. For more information on this service, click here.

I missed the entry date, what now?

I get it, on the 1st of the month, you tell yourself you’re going to compete, and you have tons of time to film and submit. Then, out of NOWHERE it’s the 25th and you missed your chance! But don’t fret, we have shows every month 🙂

If you desperately need your ride judged (i.e. you have a show coming up and can’t wait another month to get feedback) but you missed the deadline,  please email us and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

What is your refund policy?

Entry fees will not be refunded once an entry has been accepted. Entries submitted but not complete by the show’s closing date are non refundable (i.e. not submitting the video on time). Riders who submit the wrong video for an entry will be disqualified and refunds will not be given.

Refunds under extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Better Dressage Scores reserves the right to refuse an entry without stating a reason.