Analyzing Competition Protocols: How to Extract Training Goals

Why analyzing competition protocols pays off

Many riders put the protocol in a folder after the competition and never look at it again. What a waste, because it's precisely the combination of multiple protocols that reveals patterns. Perhaps you consistently score lower on transitions, or your horse always performs better on straight lines than on curved lines in dressage. By analyzing systematically, you build insight into what really needs attention. That saves weeks of searching in your training. In EquiSight, you can upload protocols with your competition reports, so you always have them at hand and can compare them over time.

The basics: what's actually in a protocol

• Total score and subscores per section or figure
• Written remarks from the jury about execution and posture
• Marks for collectives (dressage) or penalty points (jumping)
• Ranking within your class
• Sometimes notes about behavior, tension, or disobedience

Step 1: lay multiple protocols side by side

One protocol is a snapshot. Three or four protocols from the same discipline show a trend. Print them out or place them side by side on your screen. Pay attention to which remarks recur: 'insufficient bend', 'irregular canter', 'too flat over the jump'. That repetition points to structural areas of attention. Also note positive patterns—perhaps your horse always moves well in the medium walk, or consistently jumps carefully. You can maintain those strengths by continuing to pay attention to them. Check out our comprehensive comparison of horse management apps to see how digital tools can help you track competition data and training progress.

Step 2: translate remarks into measurable goals

'More suppleness' is not a training goal—that's too vague. Translate jury reports into concrete, measurable points. For example: if it says 'insufficient expression in the extension', you make it: 'Train transitions between working trot and medium trot twice a week, with focus on active hindquarters'. Or in jumping: 'Taking off too late' becomes 'Practice gridwork with shortened distances to regulate speed'. This way you know exactly what you're going to train and you can check later whether it works.

Numerical analysis: where's the gain

• Scores below 6.0 (dressage) or above 4 penalty points (jumping): priority
• Sections with large fluctuations between competitions: address inconsistency
• Collectives or general impression: often quick gains through presentation and rider posture
• Compare your scores with previous competitions to measure progress

From analysis to weekly planning

Now that you know what you want to improve, build it into your training schedule. Distribute focus points throughout the week: for example, technique twice (transitions, bend), conditioning once, relaxation once. Work on a maximum of two to three concrete points at a time—more doesn't work and confuses your horse. Plan a 'test' every four to six weeks: ride a test or course to see if you're making progress. EquiCoach can help you recognize patterns in your training schedule and provides suggestions for balance between different training forms, useful when structuring your improvement plan.

Discuss your analysis with your trainer

Your interpretation may differ from what an experienced eye sees. Take your protocols to your lesson and discuss together which goals are realistic. Perhaps you see 'poor transitions', where your trainer actually sees that the foundation of the hindquarters is still lacking—then that's the real priority. A good trainer helps you focus on the right sequence: first foundation, then details. Also use modern tools that support trainers; find more about trainer apps and their capabilities here.