After spending the past few months sitting in the judge's box as well as in the saddle, I've noticed some small details we should all think about when we're on our horses. In general, they aren't going to be the difference between a great performance and a disastrous one, but they can detract from the picture you want to present to the judge and affect how you communicate with your partner.
I will often note these on my judge's card when I see them because they do help me remember the horse/rider when I'm comparing them for placings. And I'm careful to check these for myself when I'm riding to make sure I develop and keep good habits for proper horsemanship, safety and respect for my horse.
1. Twisted Rein - Be sure to check that your reins aren't twisted when you settle into the saddle and begin your ride.
2. Spur Position - Your spur should be level with the seam of the boot and not pointing up.
3. Martingale Fit - It shouldn't be too tight (holding the horse's head down) or too loose (flapping side-to-side) when the horse moves.
4. Bridle Fit - Take care to make sure your cavesson is straight across the horse's nose and the browband isn't too large and flapping in the breeze. Both can be annoying to the horse.
5. Pelham Reins - They should be held properly, with the curb rein to the inside and the snaffle rein on the outside.
6. Twisted Stirrup Leather - Stirrup leathers should lay flat against the saddle and not twisted.
7. Short Hunt Coat - The back of the coat should brush the cantle of the saddle and not look like an untucked shirt. (In general, the trend now is for longer hunt coats, which we judges really appreciate!)
8. Bling - It's fine in the jumper ring or when you're schooling, but I've seen more riders with bling on their breeches and hunt coats in the hunter ring lately.
9. Smile - It's great to see riders enjoying their time in the show ring. A smile goes a long way!
10. Thank you - Please thank your horse after your performance whether it was awesome or maybe better described as a good learning experience. The judges do notice and appreciate a rider who appreciates their horse. And thank you for reading these tips. Please feel free to send me your own if you have others to add.
Until next time!
Tricia
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Thank you for all you do!
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Question: In a recent medal work-off, the judge began the test by asking us to "Canter fence 2." Three of us cantered directly to the that fence and the fourth rider, who was leading, did a courtesy circle. She stayed in first place. Could you explain?
Answer: When a judge designs a work-off, they should be very careful in asking for what they wish to see. In this case, if the judge wanted the riders to canter directly to fence 2, he or she would have used that wording: "Step out of line and canter directly to fence 2." Since the judge didn't include the word directly, that implied the riders were free to decide whether to canter directly or begin with a courtesy circle. It's important to listen carefully to the work-off description so you can decide your best strategy for success. Cantering directly to a fence from the line or in-gate requires more skill than beginning with a circle to establish pace, but since you didn't mention the point spread or the details of the rest of the test, the winner may have had a significant lead or performed the test well enough overall to keep her top spot.
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Do you have any judging questions? Hit the button and let us know!
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Are you interested in hosting Tricia or Julie for a Judging Clinic at your farm or for your association or organization? We offer customized judging clinics in the classroom and in conjunction with riding clinics and horse shows. Please contact us for more information. (info@judgingwtf.com)
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Julie & Tricia Out and About
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You can find Julie at the Oregon High Desert Classic, from July 17-30 in Bend, Oregon. There, she will have signed books for sale at the Maplewood tack room.
Tricia will next be attending the USHJA International Hunter Derby and Green Hunter Incentive Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, in August.
To learn more about Tricia's and Julie's upcoming judging and riding clinics and book signings, please view their calendar on judgingwtf.com and Julie's clinic schedule on maplewoodstables.com.
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This newsletter is based on the book Judging Hunters and Equitation WTF? (Want The Facts?) by Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker.
We're thrilled to have you join us as we spend time together talking about judging, the history of the sport, scoring, tips to improve your show ring performances, judges' pet peeves, and show ring strategies, and best of all answering your questions! Something on your mind? Email us: info@judgingwtf.com
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