Dressage at Devon

46 Dressage at Devon 2016 • Breed Division T h e B r e e d d i v i S i o n e x p l a i n e d Dressage at Devon is proud to be one of the few dressage shows in the country that offers a complete Breed Show. Beginning as only a few in-hand classes in 1975, the Breed Show has grown to three days of competition. Except for the specifically designated Individual Breed Classes, all classes are open to horses of any breed. In the open classes, horses may compete without regard to their color, size, origin or pedigree. They are divided basically into three categories: 1. Young Horse/Sport Horse Classes - include all horses up to and including the age of three years, to be shown in-hand, and judged on their suitability to become dressage horses. 2. Mature Horse/Breeding Horse Classes - for all horses four years and older, also shown in-hand, and judged on their suitability to produce dressage horses. 3. Materiale and Under Saddle Classes - for horses three years and older, divided by age and sex, that are considered for their suitability to become dressage / sport horses. Weighting of scores for Young Horse classes is 60% movement, 30% conformation and 10% general impression. Scores for Mature Horse classes and for group classes, such as the Breeders Group, are weighted 50% movement, 40% conformation and 10% general impression. The Movement of the horse is the most important factor in these classes. Ideally, the horse moves straight (with the hind feet following directly behind the front) showing a clear rhythm that is relaxed and regular, with freedom of shoulders and haunches. The back is swinging and elastic with engagement and impulsion from the hindquarters. The overall impression is one of freedom, harmony and balance. The Conformation of the mature horse is evaluated in terms of function, with the horse harmonious in all of its parts. The stallion should be a model of the conformation that leads to soundness and to the desired movement. The broodmare must exhibit the same correctness of conformation as the stallion and be deep and broad with ample room to carry a foal. Evaluating the conformation of the young horse is one of the most difficult tasks a judge faces - a task complicated by the fact that a young horse changes almost daily in its size, proportions and general appearance. Also, some horses remain harmonious throughout their growth period, while others tend to be quite awkward and out of proportion until they are at least three years old. For a better understanding of the judge's job, consider the Yearling class. According to an United States Equestrian Federation rule, a foal becomes a yearling on the first day of January following its birth. Therefore, a yearling class held in September may include entries ranging in "real" age from 9 to 20 months - all in different stages of this delightful but awkward "year." There are some qualities, however, that can be judged at most stages of development, such as straightness of legs and feet, angles of body parts, relative breadth and depth and the relationship of joints to body. The General Impression of the horse includes harmony and development related to age and condition. Character and temperament are significant factors because a successful dressage/sport horse must be capable of intense concentration and effort, while remaining calm, obedient and willing to work. In the Breed Show, a desirable temperament will manifest itself in the horse's ability to remain attentive and cooperative while in the busy atmosphere of the show ring. The judging area at Dressage at Devon consists of two triangular tracks indicated by markers (the small triangle in the lower half of the large triangle) with the judge positioned at the apex. The horses are led into the area one at a time and presented to the judge for examination at the standstill. They are shown at the walk on the small triangle, followed by the trot around the large triangle. This procedure enables the judge to observe the movement of the horse from the front, the

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