Margaret Freeman

Margaret Freeman explains the art of presenting your horse in the best light to the judge.

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.

Learn to ride a 10-meter loop, not a 13-meter over-ripe banana

Deciphering judge comments

Margaret Freeman shares a tip on lengthenings in First Level tests and discusses the importance of staying straight.

Discovering the wild ponies of Corolla, North Carolina

My blood runs cold when I hear the phrase “leadline dressage.”

The judge is always searching for an effective way to convey information through her scribe to the rider.

After the judge rings her bell, you have 45 seconds to enter the arena. Margaret Freeman weighs in on this overlooked competition rule.

In the end, it's the rider's responsibility to know the schedule

If show management says "coats are waived," go for it.

The far end of the arena may be the most neglected part of a dressage test.

Cleaning up is everyone's responsibility

FEI changes to dressage scores eliminate deliberate errors

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.

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.

Judge Margaret Freeman applauds the use of true dress boots on Broadway

A look at how the U.S. judging system is structured and how it differs from Europe