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Judging at Thunderbird Show Park on Canada Day
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I've enjoyed attending and judging a variety of horse shows so far this summer, including a special week at Thunderbird Show Park during their 50th Anniversary season. Thunderbird, located in beautiful Langley, British Columbia, draws top competitors from Canada, the Pacific Northwest, down to California and beyond. I was fortunate to judge with Bobbie Reber and Lynn Caristo Forgione, two amazing professional horsewomen who have spent their lives working with horses, training students and judging.
There were so many highlights to the week, from the excellent performances by the Hunters and Equitation riders, to the amazing staff, managers and gracious facility owners. While there were many noteworthy performances, one in particular stood out. A green horse and rider competed in the Long Stirrup division and were obviously working through some challenges. They were eliminated over fences the first day (our judges' booth allowed two of us to judge back-to-back, so I could observe the other ring behind me when I had breaks). The following day I judged that ring, and when she came in to jump, the horse once again spooked at the far end of the ring.
In Canada, two refusals result in elimination, so I had to eliminate her in the first class after she'd managed to jump just three fences. But, when she returned for her next class, she made more progress, and I rooted her on when her horse balked going away from the gate. With patience, she managed to make it to the far end of the ring with just one refusal. When they turned to jump down the final outside line, I was holding my breath. After she successfully cleared the last fence, the spectators all cheered as she patted her horse with a huge grin on her face and then pumped her fist in the air.
I was thrilled for her. As judges, we judge what we see on that day. I don't know who she is or the background of her or her horse, but I can guess that on this day I witnessed a breakthrough for them as they finally completed a full course. And observing her achievement and happiness meant just as much to me as giving out a red-ribbon score of 90.
Until next time!
Tricia
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I was thrilled to judge with Lynn Caristo Forgione, left, and Bobbie Reber at Thunderbird in July.
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Picking Up the Wrong Lead
Question: If a green hunter picks up the wrong lead when beginning his courtesy circle, how does a judge penalize that mistake?
In any hunter class as well as a green hunter class, this mistake wouldn't be a major penalty. In this case, it's subject to the judge's discretion. Many judges do note it on their card and take off a point or two if it's easily fixed with a simple or flying change (it's not considered a break of gait). If the horse picks up the wrong lead twice, however, then that would become a more serious penalty.
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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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