Thursday February 17, 2005

Judges in Place for Challenge of the Americas - 3

While the rules will not adhere strictly to FEI regulations, the standard of riding and judging will be high and the competition will be taken seriously by the competitors and judges alike.

According to the USDF website, “In a quadrille competition the main criteria is the team's performance as a cohesive group…In each performance, judges look for the teams to keep even spacing (from horse to horse), move and turn in synchrony and maintain alignment throughout the ride. In the freestyle competition, the team's artistic skill is showcased in the interpretation of the music and the creativity of their choreography.”

Celebrity Judges will also participate, with Athens Olympic rider Debbie McDonald representing the United States. Other US Dressage Team members Stephan Peters, Lisa Wilcox and Robert Dover will also attend the event as celebrity participants. The most recent riding addition to the US team is Leslie Morse, who will perform an individual musical freestyle.

Related Links
Horsesdaily Coverage of the 2005 Challenge of the Americas
Dressage Judges Biographies