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Ride Through the Judge’s Eyes: Dressage Feedback with Peter Gray

  • Writer: Doug Topalovic
    Doug Topalovic
  • 7 days ago
  • 4 min read

Tuesday, July 1. 2025

Ghostwood Farm

348024 15th Sideroad Mono

ON, L9W 2Z2




Ever wondered what an FEI 5* judge really sees when you ride down center line?


This is your chance to gain unparalleled feedback from Peter Gray, Olympic eventer,

Pan Am Games Bronze Medalist, Grand Prix dressage rider, and internationally

respected FEI 5* judge.


In this unique “Master-Your-Test” clinic, you won’t just ride your dressage test—you’ll

experience it from the other side of the judge’s box. Peter will assess and score your

performance, offering detailed commentary on what caught his eye, where you gained

or lost marks, and how to elevate your test with precision and polish.


The session goes beyond scores—Peter will guide you through how to prepare more

effectively, including warm-up strategies tailored to your test and your horse.

Whether you're aiming for your personal best or just want to understand what judges

are looking for, this is your chance to hear it firsthand—and apply it immediately.


The Format


​This educational dressage session will include the judging of the rider’s choice of a

specific dressage test, complete with comments and scores.  A discussion will follow on

how specific exercises could be included in the warmup prior to testing that will improve

your performance/test results. In addition, we will review the appropriateness of the “tour” around the ring. How you utilize the moments you have to trot around the dressage arena before you start your test and the verbal and visual communication with the judge. Time permitting the Dressage test may be re-ridden.


Four places are reserved for U25 riders but must be booked by June 2 after which they

will be released to the general OEA membership. [OEA memberships may be

purchased through OE at the following link:


Ride times will be sent out prior to the clinic by email.


Coaches are invited to shadow Peter in the sand ring and coaches who register can

earn up to 3 Professional Development Points for Equestrian Canada Licensing through

Ontario Equestrian. More information:


Auditors are welcome to register and attend. One auditor may attend with each rider

free of charge (attending parent, trailer driver etc.). Riders, please identify your

corresponding auditor when you register. Don’t forget to bring a chair.


Registration


*** REGISTRATION IS OPEN ***

Closing date: Midnight, Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Entry fee to ride: $150 (OEA members)


Coaches and auditors are required to register and are subject to the

following entry fees:


$40 (OEA members)

$50 (non-OEA members)

$20 (U25 OEA members)


  • Coaches can earn up to 3 Professional Development Points for Equestrian Canada

    Licensing through Ontario Equestrian! https://www.ontarioequestrian.ca/resources/certification-maintenance

  • Space is limited

  • All entry fees (riders, coaches and auditors) include morning coffee/muffins and lunch (sandwiches and snacks).

  • Note - one auditor may attend with a rider at no charge (i.e. attending parent, trailer

    driver etc.) *Riders please identify your NC auditor in YOUR registration

  • Please bring a folding chair




Payment


Payment is due upon registration by e-transfer to finances@ontarioeventing.ca


Any cancellations after payment is received will not be refunded, but riders are welcome to find someone to fill your spot. Where this happens, please advise the OEA as soon possible and no later than 24 hours before the Clinic starts.


Abut the clinician


Born in Bermuda, Peter has been a resident of Ontario, Canada and Ocala, Florida,

since completing studies at the University of Guelph, majoring in Animal Science.

His training is diverse, and Peter has a special interest in producing young horses in a

variety of disciplines depending on where their talents lie. This has made him a popular

clinician throughout North America preparing students for dressage, equitation, jumpers

and eventing.


As a competitor, Peter has competed at most 4* international events in North America

and Europe; he has competed in three Olympic Games, World Championships and is a

Pan Am Eventing Individual Bronze Medalist. In addition to his eventing career, Peter

has produced four FEI dressage horses.


Peter was the National Eventing Coach for Canada from 1996–2000, Young Rider Coach

for Ontario 2009–2013, and National Coach for Venezuela, Guatemala and Columbia.

His experience as a competitor and coach has seated him on many committees

including the F.E.I. Eventing Committee, Equestrian Canada High Performance, the

USEA Board of Governors, and the F.E.I. Safety Officer for Canada.

Peter is active as a coach, dressage competitor and international 5* judge. In 2022

Peter was on the Ground Jury at the World Championships of Eventing in Pratoni, Italy.

In 2024, Peter served as President of the Ground Jury for both the USEA Advanced

Final and the USEA Intermediate Championship at the American Eventing

Championships in Kentucky.


This April, Peter served as a member of the Ground Jury at the (CCI5*-L) 2025

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, he was part of the three-member panel alongside

Christian Steiner (AUT) and Anne-Mette Binder (DEN).


*** Whether you’re riding, auditing or participating as a coach, this is a unique

opportunity to learn from one of the best in our sport ***

 
 
 

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