Olympic judge Marilyn Payne will be presenting a program called “You Be the Judge” at the Horse Park of New Jersey March 31—just in time to get ready for the start of the putdoor competition season.
She will introduce the 2018 eventing dressage tests and the U.S. Dressage Federation movements through Third Level.
The talk is a cooperative effort, sponsored by the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, the Horse Park and Footlight Farm of Roosevelt. Heidi Lemack, president of ESDCTA, got a grant for the program from the state Equine Advisory Board. Willette Brown, the new dressage trainer at Footlight, came up with the idea, according to Allyson Jeffery, president of the park’s board.
“My equine community is coming together at last,” said Allyson.
Marilyn, who lives in Tewksbury, has judged every 4-star eventing competition in the world. A member of the FEI eventing committee, she also serves on the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s eventing committee—and led the effort to design the USEF’s 2018 tests.
Olympic judge Marilyn Payne, who is also an active eventer, will be presenting a program about dressage tests at the Horse Park of New Jersey. (Photo© 2017 by Nancy Jaffer)
Two riders will be accepted as participants at each level: beginner novice, novice, training, modified, preliminary, intermediate and advanced. The fee is $40 for Horse Park or ESDCTA members, and $65 for non-members.
Auditors also are welcome to join in an interactive experience. They will get packets that include the tests and numbered cards so they can participate in scoring. The fee is $25 for members and $45 for non-members.
Before starting to work with the riders, Marilyn will introduce the basics and purpose of each level, explaining what the judges are looking for.
The deadline for rider registration is March 21. Early registration for auditors is March 24. Walk-ins are welcome, but they may not get all the materials if they don’t register in advance. Footlight Farm will provide lunch for advance registrants.
To register, go to http://www.horseparkofnewjersey.com/event-2813516