November 23, 2001, Newsletter Issue #64: Dressage & Modern Shetland Ponies

Tip of the Week

The judge(s) evaluate the horse and rider by scoring each movement or figure as it is performed against a standard of perfection. The scores range from zero (meaning "not executed") to 10 ("excellent"). Some particularly difficult movements are given more importance and then multiplied by two, or doubled.

Judges are not just looking for correct execution of each movement and figure pattern, but also for quality of the horse`s gaits; impulsion (energy and power of execution), submission (relaxation and obedience). A score is given for the rider`s position throughout, rider’s balance, rider/horse harmony, and rider effectiveness with the horse.

In order to tally a competitor`s score, all individual scores are added together, divided by the total number of points possible per test, and posted in a percentage form. Individual scores of 10 are very rare; therefore, the top scores at a competition are usually in the 63 to 70 percent range.

For the remainder of this article, go to the front page of Horse Tips, click on the link titled, "My BIO" and scroll down for my home site. Once there, scroll down to the column called **Discipline of the Week Article 11/26/01**.

The Modern Shetland Pony

The Modern American Shetland Pony is elegance in motion. This pony combines the historic hardiness of the Classic Shetland Pony with an outcross of an animated and superiorly refined breed. This cross produced a long shapely-necked and fine-boned sophisticated pony with extreme action and a spirited personality that lends itself well to the show ring. Like all Shetlands, Moderns are not to exceed 46" and they come in any color.

The Modern Shetland Pony is shown in two height divisions under 43" and 43"to 46". They are shown in breeding/halter classes and performance classes which include roadster, harness and pleasure driving.

For the remainder of this article, go to the front page of Horse Tips, click on the link titled, "My BIO" and scroll down for my home site. Once there, scroll down to the column called **Breed of the Week 11/26/01**

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