If you’ve ever glanced at a dressage score sheet and wondered why a movement earned a 6.5 rather than a 7, you’re not alone. Understanding how judges mark a dressage test can help riders train more effectively, compete with confidence and make sense of their final percentage.
Here’s a clear guide to how dressage judging works in the UK, what each mark means and how your overall score is calculated.
Are dressage marks out of 10?
Yes. In British Dressage, Pony Club, Riding Club and most unaffiliated competitions, every movement is marked out of 10. Judges can also use half marks, such as 6.5 or 7.5, to give a more accurate reflection of what they see.
Each dressage movement on the test sheet is judged individually, with the mark reflecting the quality of the horse’s way of going, accuracy of the movement and the rider’s effectiveness.
The official dressage marking scale
Dressage uses a standard numerical scale, with each number carrying a specific meaning:
- 10 – Excellent
- 9 – Very good
- 8 – Good
- 7 – Fairly good
- 6 – Satisfactory
- 5 – Sufficient
- 4 – Insufficient
- 3 – Fairly bad
- 2 – Bad
- 1 – Very bad
- 0 – Not executed
A mark of 6 is often misunderstood. It does not mean the movement was poor — it means it was adequate, with clear areas for improvement. Marks of 7 and above indicate work that is correct, fluent and showing quality.
Judge’s insight: “A six is not a bad mark. It shows the movement was sufficient, but there is room for greater fluency, balance and harmony.”
What judges are looking for
While each movement has its own criteria, judges are generally assessing:
- Rhythm and regularity of the paces
- Suppleness and balance
- Accuracy of the movement
- Contact and acceptance of the bit
- Impulsion and energy without tension
- Harmony between horse and rider
Errors such as loss of rhythm, incorrect bend, resistance, crookedness or inaccurate figures will usually reduce the mark.
Collective marks explained
At the end of the test, riders are awarded collective marks, which assess the overall picture rather than individual movements. These are also marked out of 10 and often include:
- Paces
- Impulsion
- Submission
- Rider position and effectiveness
Some collective marks carry a coefficient, usually ×2, meaning they count double towards the final score. This is why consistent, correct basics throughout the test matter so much.
How the final percentage is calculated
All the marks are added together and then divided by the maximum possible score, before being converted into a percentage.
For example, a score of 65% means the test averaged just above a 6.5 across all movements and collectives. In most competitions:
- 60%+ is considered a solid, respectable test
- 65%+ is competitive
- 70%+ is a high-quality performance
Learning from your score sheet
Judges’ comments are one of the most valuable tools for improvement. Rather than focusing solely on the final percentage, look for patterns:
- Are similar comments repeated?
- Are marks being lost in transitions or accuracy?
- Do collectives reflect the same weaknesses?
Using this feedback to guide training can often lead to quick improvements and higher scores.
Final thoughts
Dressage judging is designed to be consistent, transparent and educational. While every judge will have their own eye, the marking system provides a common language that helps riders understand where they are now — and what to work on next.
Learning how to read your test sheet properly can be just as important as riding the test itself!
