USEF judges all have initials after their names, indicated their licensing level. Here’s what they mean:
“r” (“recorded” or “small r”)—licensed to judge through Second Level
“R” (“registered” or “large R”)—licensed to judge through Fourth Level
“S” (“senior”)—license to judge through Grand Prix at national competitions
DSH (“dressage sport horse”)—licensed to judge in-hand classes. This certification is
broken into two levels: “r” and “R,” which are comparable to the recorded and
registered titles described above.
FEI judges
2* (“new”)—licensed to judge a limited range of international competitions through
Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I (including 3* small-tour competitions and CDI 1* and 2* competitions); this rating is for judges whose home countries have no Grand Prix classes.
3* (formerly known as “international candidate” or “C”)—licensed to judge international competitions through Grand Prix, except for Olympic Games, FEI Grand Prix Championships and CDIs above the 3* level
4* (formerly known as “international” or “I”)—licensed to judge most international competitions, excluding the Olympic Games and World Championships
5* (formerly known as “official international” or “O”)—qualified to judge all international competitions
