Tips to Improve Your "Virtual Showmanship" for Digital Dressage Competitions
Check out this advice from USEF 'S' judge Margaret Freeman.
Margaret Freeman
Margaret Freeman, of Tryon NC, is a USEF senior dressage judge and an FEI-level competitor with her Friesian-cross mare. She’s a freelance writer/editor for horse magazines and covered the equestrian events at seven Olympics for the Associate Press. She is the Executive Board secretary of the USDF and is active with youth dressage activities, including Dressage4Kids Inc. and Lendon Gray’s Youth Dressage Festival (NY). She’s an experienced show organizer and was on the founding committees of CDCTA (VA) and Dressage at Devon (PA).
The Value and Cost of Electronic Scribing for Dressage Tests
Blogger and USEF dressage judge Margaret Freeman speaks from personal experience to discuss the perks and drawbacks of electronic scribing and scoring.
First Level Frustrations
If you want to set yourself apart at First Level and earn points that others don’t, check out these two movements where mistakes are commonly made.
My Starstruck Moment at the World Equestrian Games
Blogger and USEF dressage judge Margaret Freeman shares her unique perspective of WEG as a Tryon-area local. In this blog, she meets the mare Mount St John Freestyle!
The Girls Dominate Dressage at the World Equestrian Games
Blogger and USEF dressage judge Margaret Freeman shares her unique perspective of WEG as a Tryon-area local.
A Shining Day for Dressage at the World Equestrian Games
Blogger and USEF dressage judge Margaret Freeman shares her unique perspective of WEG as a Tryon-area local.
Southern Hospitality Continues in Tryon at the FEI World Equestrian Games
Blogger and USEF dressage judge Margaret Freeman shares her unique perspective of WEG as a Tryon-area local.
The World Equestrian Games Are On!
Blogger and USEF dressage judge Margaret Freeman shares her unique perspective of WEG as a Tryon-area local.
From France to Tryon
Blogger and USEF judge Margaret Freeman shares tales from her trip to France before her time at the World Equestrian Games.
Don't Settle for the "Safe" Dressage Scores
Blogger and judge Margaret Freeman explains why higher scores are often worth the risk.
Arabians From All Sides
Blogger and judge Margaret Freeman shares her observations from judging at a recent Arabian show.
When Aretha Franklin Rocked the Dressage World
Blogger and judge Margaret Freeman fondly remembers Debbie McDonald's freestyle performance aboard Brentina at the 2005 World Cup Dressage Final.
One Good Turn Deserves Another
Blogger and judge Margaret Freeman shares a tip to help you nail the broken-line free walk.
Social Dressage
Blogger and dressage judge Margaret Freeman discusses the perks of riding with friends.
The Role of Showmanship in Dressage Tests
Margaret Freeman explains the art of presenting your horse in the best light to the judge.
Remembering Dressage Arena Letters
It’s easy to remember the position of the dressage letters when they’re right in front of you, but not so easy when they aren’t.
A Common Mistake in First Level Lengthenings
Margaret Freeman shares a tip on lengthenings in First Level tests and discusses the importance of staying straight.
Leading Into Dressage
My blood runs cold when I hear the phrase “leadline dressage.”
From Judge to Scribe: Right Words, Right Time
The judge is always searching for an effective way to convey information through her scribe to the rider.
Enter at A: The 45-Second Rule
After the judge rings her bell, you have 45 seconds to enter the arena. Margaret Freeman weighs in on this overlooked competition rule.
Getting to the Ring on Time
In the end, it's the rider's responsibility to know the schedule
Getting Bigger Results from the Arena’s Shorter End
The far end of the arena may be the most neglected part of a dressage test.
Making Up A New Dressage Test
At the end of every test, you halt facing the judge at C and salute. Sometimes it’s at G, as seen here, but more usually it’s at X.
Dealing with Dressage Test Anxiety
I was gratified recently to hear a former U.S. team rider tell of an experience early in her career. She was just riding in a field, practicing some movements, with all going well. Ok, she decided, I’ll run through the test. Suddenly her horse seemed to change, from loose and relaxed to stiff and tense.
Dressage Boots and Broadway
Judge Margaret Freeman applauds the use of true dress boots on Broadway
