Who is that person sitting next to the judge, writing down all those comments? That is the scribe -- the person the judge must trust to accurately and quickly write down the score and the comment in the correct box on the dressage test. If you want to learn to scribe, or have already done so in the past, here are some things to remember:
1. It is the judge’s responsibility to judge the test. It is not appropriate for the scribe to comment on a judge’s decision or what the judge does (or does not) see in a test. The scribe must not volunteer information about a horse or a rider, even if asked by the judge (which most judges will not do). Also, all the comments placed on the test are confidential, and should not be carried outside the judge’s box.
2. Scribing a test takes concentration, and the scribe will not be able to see much of the horse and rider in the test. Most of the time the scribe has their head to the paper, writing down the comments and many times may struggle to keep up with the judge.
3. Each judge provides scores and comments in a slightly different manner, but most judges will first give a comment, then a score. Before the show, most judges will give the scribe a short “heads up” to the way they will be dictating scores and comments, and a new scribe can ask the judge to state the movement number for each score.
4. As most people know, the judge will give a score between 0 and 10 for each movement, and then will score the collectives at the bottom of the test (Gaits, Impulsion, Submission, Rider). Some judges will take the test and write down their own collectives and comments, while other judges have the scribe write all the scores/comments on the test.
5. If during a test the judge fails to give the scribe a score, the scribe must quickly recognize that a score is missing, and move on to the next movement with the appropriate score. At the first opportunity, the scribe should call the omission to the attention of the judge. Errors will be clearly identified by the judge, and should be recorded by writing the word “Error” in large letters (preferably in red ink) in the ‘remarks’ or ‘directives’ box on the test. Even though there is an error on a particular movement, the movement still gets a score. The judge may total the errors and assure they are recorded properly, or may see that the scribe marks them appropriately for the scorer to review and place in the appropriate deduction box.
6. Before scribing, the scribe should ask the show management what levels they will be scribing and the scribe should familiarize themselves with the tests by reading them over and understanding the geometry of each test.
7. The scribe should arrive at least ½ hour early, check in with show management, and make sure that they have a packet of tests that corresponds to the appropriate ring, and the assigned judge’s rides as shown in the program. The scribe should dress in neat and appropriate sportswear depending on the weather for the day.
8. At the table, the scribe will check to make sure they have ink pens, an order of go, a bell or whistle, official show time and the correct packet of tests. The scribe should anchor down all loose items that may blow away or scare a horse.
9. As the horse warms up around the arena, it is the scribe’s job to check the number on the horse and assure that they are about to scribe the test on the correct test sheet for that horse. The scribe should write the number they see in the small box in the upper corner of the test. If there is a question about which horse is being judged, the scribe should describe the horse’s color or markings to help identify the rider.
Although scribing is educational and the scribe will hear comments that may help them with their own riding, or help them with their understanding of a particular movement, the scribe must remember that the first responsibility is to the judge and the competitor, not to watching a ride or learning what an “fairly good” shoulder in looks like. It is tempting to look up to see what just received the score of “8” but the moment is past, and the scribe is writing down the next comment and score. Depending on the judge, many will be willing to talk with the scribe during the break or after the show about any comments or questions that arose during the day regarding comments and scores. Scribing is a very enjoyable experience – educational, too – but the job of scribing should be seen as an opportunity and a privilege to assist the judge, the competitor, and the show management in providing an avenue for the rider to assess their current level of schooling in a show environment. Happy scribing!