Graduating Class of 2026 - 6 new Scribes!
- lisaellen2
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Meet the Graduating Class of 2026! Six new scribes pictured here with our venerated Professor of Dressage Scribe Best Practices, Diane Welcenbach.
PRO-TIP A complete Scribe Guide is available at the USDF website
The class was half lecture and half hands-on scribing of several dressage tests as Diane called out Judges scores and remarks. Diane first took us through the preparation. She suggested a “Scribe Go Bag” containing the following:
1. Several PENS (no pencils, dressage tests are scribed in pen.)
2. A RED pen
3. Chair cushion
4. Throw blanket(s) (it can be cold in the morning in judges box)
5. Paperweights so tests don’t blow about
6. Towel to wipe off condensation on chairs in morning
7. Clipboard
Dress according to the venue. Business casual is recommended. The more upscale the show, the more crisp your attire. When you arrive at the show 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled scribe time, get your “box” from the office, go to your arena and make sure you have the show schedule. The Judge should be sitting right at center line. You can check to make sure the Judges chair is properly oriented.
Often there is a blank test at the bottom of a section of tests. This is just in case you make a mistake on one of the pre-printed tests that have the rider’s information already printed on it, or if there is a missing pre-printed test.
The Judge will usually tell you if they plan to supply their score for the movement first followed by their comments, or their comments on movement first and then the score. Be sure to include the decimal, .0 or .5, with the score. It’s 7.0, not 7.
Many scribes use abbreviations and a list of USDF approved Scribe Abbreviations is available here, on the last page:
Remind the Judge before each entry which test is being ridden. After the competitor gives you their name and number, check and make sure it
- matches the name and number on the front of the test,
- enter it on ENTRY# box.
If a scratch, put “scratch” on the entry info box on the front. If there is an error on a movement, write down “error” in the directive box, and circle the word error in RED pen.
As you shift from one level test to another, remind the Judge that a different level dressage test is being ridden now.
Make sure the Judge signs the tests.
If you are new to scribing you might start at schooling shows, and start with lower-level tests, where the information flow from the Judge is slower than in advanced tests.
PRO-TIP – Read through the dressage section of the USEF rulebook. You’ll acquire a solid base of information to guide your journey as a scribe.
Many thanks - Board Chair of Education Stephanie Gustafson set up the site at SBCC for our 2 hour class. Nicole Walther provided the SBCC introduction and attended the clinic. Stephanie treated us to exotic cheeses with date crackers, Rosé, Sangria and a most unusual probiotic fizzy drink that was delicious! And many thanks to Diane Welcenbach.
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