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Sue Bopp, center, invited Oliver Brown and me to present a Judges Clinic for the Virginia Horse Shows Association members.
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I was honored to be a panelist with esteemed horseman and judge Oliver Brown for the 2023 VHSA Judges Clinic, held last Sunday in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. Special thanks to Sue Bopp for organizing the clinic and to Karyn Zambrano Clifton for her assistance during the event taking photos and selling books.
With more than 50 engaged participants and the gregarious Oliver sharing his wisdom and great stories, the presentation quickly transitioned into more of a large roundtable discussion. Our PowerPoint presentations on Scoring and Judging Hunters and Equitation over fences and under saddle prompted lots of great questions and sharing.
We provided judges cards for those who wished to practice judging while we critiqued videos, but most of the attendees were riders, trainers and parents who wanted to learn more about the judging process and how we do what we do in the judge's box. It was wonderful to hear their thoughts and perspectives on the rides we watched, and we all learned from one another. I took lots of notes afterward.
I was impressed with the wide range of questions and especially from the young riders who participated. (Many of their questions prompted the most discussion.) I've listed a variety below to give you a flavor of our conversations. And, please feel free to send us your own questions via email, IM or text. Julie and I always welcome questions and love to keep the conversations flowing. The more we all ask and share together the more our sport improves!
As always,
Tricia
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Don't forget that Judging Hunters and Equitation WTF? (Want The Facts?) is also available to read on your tablet or phone!
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Great Clinic Questions
Question: When the first fence in a hunter course is on the far side of the ring, are you still able to do a courtesy circle?
Yes, the USEF Rulebook states that you may do a courtesy circle before your round begins. If your horse needs more time to establish pace and rhythm, it's always better to take that time to have the best performance possible. Don't feel rushed to go directly to the first fence even if the rest of the competitors do so.
Question: Which is worse, a rider who posts to the canter or sits and pumps?
While we don't want to see either, a rider who pumps may be using a driving seat, which is actually one of the four seats (along with half-seat, light seat and full seat). Posting to the canter is a fad and not traditional riding, so that offends us more.
Question: Do you count off if a horse stops in an under saddle class to scratch its nose?
This is a subjective decision on the judge's part. Most judges would probably not have a problem if the horse stopped at the walk. However, we noted that a horse that stops at the canter (or stops or breaks gait to poop) would likely be placed lower on the judge's card.
Question: Do you count off if a rider circles in an under saddle or flat class?
Most of the time the answer is no. If a rider needs to circle to stay out of traffic or to avoid someone else's misbehaving horse, it's a good decision. However, if a rider continually circles to retain control of the horse or to pick up a lead a judge could certainly count off for that.
Question: What gives you bonus points in an equitation class?
There are many answers to that question! We both agree that turnout gives bonus points: shiny boots, clean tack and a neatly braided horse stand out. Riders should be careful to place their foot correctly in the stirrup iron, be sure their reins aren't twisted and they are holding their Pelham reins correctly. And, maybe most importantly, enter the ring as if you are already the winner of the class! We notice riders with confidence and who have that presence.
Question: What are some of your pet peeves?
Riders who tie the martingale in a knot and do not take it off for under saddle classes. Take the time to dismount and remove the martingale!
Riders who are asked to hand gallop but don't change their pace or who sit in a full seat at the hand gallop (It's always to be ridden in the half-seat).
Trainers (and some parents) who coach from outside the ring. If I hear someone tell a rider to change their diagonal, it only helps me notice who is on the wrong diagonal!
There were many, many more awesome questions, which we will highlight in future newsletters. Special thanks to all those who joined us at the clinic. Speaking for both Oliver and myself, we had a fantastic time!
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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 Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, from January 25-February 12. There, she will be having book signings, and you can purchase books for her to sign from several vendors, including Valencia Saddlery and Quail Hollow Tack.
In February, Tricia will be attending the Cupid Classic Horse Show at Highfields in Aiken, South Carolina, and the Wellington International in Florida for WCHR Week 6.
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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