| By Martha Duchnowski 2003 |
| Saluting the Judge |
| “If it looks official, salute it” – Andy Marcoux |
| When do you salute the Judge? On the dressage tests, there are usually 2 places indicated on the test when you should salute the judge. The first time is when you enter the ring and do your first halt. The next time is when you have completed your dressage test and do your final halt. |
| When doing cones, the competitor should let the gate steward know that he or she is in the cones area. When the judge is ready, the gate steward will let the competitor know that the judge is ready for him. At that point the competitor should present himself to the judge and salute. Then the whistle is blown and the competitor begins the cone’s course. (Thank you Dorothy Billington). |
| How to do the salute effectively. |
| There are a couple of ways to salute the judge if you are a woman. One way is to keep your head level and bring your whip up vertical to your nose and nod slowly but keep your eyes on the judge. Another way is to bring your whip up horizontally with a soft bent elbow and nod your head. (Thank you Muffy Seaton). |
| Try and look at the judge. It’s best when the eyes are on the judge, because if the judge isn’t looking at you when you salute, then you may be penalized for not saluting. Salutes look best when they are slow and deliberate and very respectful. When the judge has acknowledged your salute – usually by a nod of the head or a salute back, you may proceed. |
| If you are a man, you must remove your hat with the crown of the hat facing up at all times. “After all – don’t be a beggar “ – Andy Marcoux. |
| During the marathon and hazards, drivers are excused from saluting. |
Martha Duchnowski and Painted Angel have won many CDE's since writing this aricle. They have competed Sinlge and tandem. In 2006 they won the intermediate level of Gladstone International CDE. In 2007 they are hoping to do as well as a pair with new horse Cara. |
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| Heidi Sheahan and Jacob |
| Gene Evans driving N.D. and Sugar |
| Deb and River 2003 |
| Click on any underlined sentence for other links. Use your BACK button to return |
| Judge may be looking down and not see you. |
| Cris Sullivan and Golden Patches |
| 12/20/2009 |