Western Dressage Scoring Guidelines Explained with Ida Norris (Self Guided)

Scoring Guidelines

Course Summary

 🌟 Want to learn more about the Western Dressage Scoring Guidelines?

 🌟  Join us as Ida Norris, an "R" Western Dressage judge, breaks down EVERY movement in the scoring guidelines! She'll provide detailed explanations, valuable tips for gaining points, and expert advice on how to ride each movement effectively. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out, this is a fantastic opportunity to elevate your skills! Don't miss it! 🐴✨

Course Curriculum

Ida Norris

About Ida:

Ida grew up in the rural Maine on her parent's appaloosa breeding farm. There she rode hunt seat/saddle seat/western while breaking and showing young stock, eventually becoming the 1978 Maine appaloosa Queen, representing Maine in the Nationals in Billings Montana. She showed apps extensively garnering local, regional and national awards. She received national awards in 4-H programs for public speaking, Horsemanship, and health; graduated from U.S Pony Club of America with the highest rank given an H-A and attended the University of Maine Farmington, Teachers college starting college early (her Junior year of High School).

Ida's Dressage Studies:

Ida began her education with her first riding instructor Olympian Michael Poulin of Fairfield, Maine. She rode with Mr. Poulin from the age of 11 to 19, benefitting greatly form his experience and variety of schooled dressage horses. She credits Michael with giving her " an elastic seat" and the grit " to get the job done".

At age 19 she went on to study classical dressage over a five-year period with Maestro Nuno Oliveira of Avessada , Portugal. During this time Ida at a time in Portugal riding and studying training techniques.

" To absorb classical technics of classical dressage from maestro Oliveira was an opportunity of a lifetime. I spent every minute of the day that I was not riding sitting in the gallery of his ménage watching and taking notes! it was incredible! I credit him with giving me "feel and lightness" and the best basics of in-hand work!"

In 1985 Ida met and began studying with Frau Maria Zimmer, well known dressage Judge from Lübeck Germany. She studied with Frau Zimmer in Germany and the U.S.A. " Maria gave me lessons daily on her Grand Prix horses in Germany, and schooled me daily on my competition mount when she came to America. She taught me the correct classical German system. " Frau Zimmer started and encouraged Ida in her judging career, and her first judges training was at Frau Zimmer's side at the Hamburg Derby.

Following her 5 years training with Frau Zimmer, Ida spent some time with renowned, Kathy Connelly who Ida credits with polishing her FEI test riding skills. Kathy's clear teaching and training methods additionally, augmented Ida's ability to work with some very talented horses.

Ida has worked and competed abroad, last with Lord Lakota riding at Flyinge AB the National Stud of Sweden in the fall of 2003 working with Bo Jena (currently Swedish Olympic coach) who was the Director of Dressage Education. She was invited to teach at Flyinge AB and was employed training dressage horses during her stay. She and "Cody" competed at a national level competition in an FEI level test placing 3rd out of 31.

Ida currently clinics and consults with Swedish Olympic coach Bo Jena, FEI 5 Star Judge Janet Foy and former director of the Spanish riding School Arthur Kottas.

Ida is a dynamic speaker, an enthusiastic and articulate teacher capable of explaining and demonstrating correct, effective and elastic riding. She teaches at Mill Pond Farm, Benson Vermont, and offers clinics throughout the U. S. She is easily available for coaching, teaching, judging and consulting on virtual platforms.

For recreational horse activities Ida participates/competes in Working Equitation and Western Dressage level 5 , Classical Long Lining and International Agility/Equagility

Ida and husband Mark live at Mill Pond Farm, Benson Vt.


"I recently attended the Western Dressage Training wheel class and I can't recommend it enough! The class was a valuable learning experience that deepened my understanding of each spoke of the training wheel. The concepts were broken down in a approachable way, yet detailed enough to challenge and expand my skills. One of the highlights of this course was receiving personalized feedback from Ida. Ida's attention to detail and ability to provide multiple solutions to problems that I was experiencing was extremely beneficial. It was clear that Ida genuinely wants every participant to succeed and grow. This class is an excellent resource for both newcomers to Western Dressage and seasoned riders looking to improve their riding in accordance with western dressage values. "

Kieli Adkins

I look forward to every Thursday when I have my weekly virtual lesson with Ida. All the knowledge and information Ida has shared with me has been instrumental in helping me become a better rider and trainer for all of my horses not just my main western dressage horse. I so appreciate her commitment to this sport and her desire to educate everyone. I wish I would’ve meet her and started working with her years ago!.

Bobbie Jo Jaakkola

Ida’s videos are a fabulous source of information for riders of any level. Her videos are concise and easy to understand and implement. I highly recommend following her page. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is helpful information for everyone

Joann Williams
"R" Western Dressage Judge

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Ida is a fabulous trainer in many different disciplines I've been working with for years. She was instrumental in helping me achieve my Silver and Gold Medals and becoming a USDF L Grad with Distinction. She is an amazing instructor, judge, information resource and supporter of all who want to learn!

Jessica Roberson Wright

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