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With all of the sad news about the EHV outbreaks in California last week, it was a ray of sunshine to hear from Felice Singleton Hybert about her success at WEC Ocala (Florida). She earned championship honors in the 2’6” Adult Equitation out of 50+ entries that was California split.
Not only is this a great accomplishment, but also Felice rode her off-the-track-Thoroughbred, At Ease, whom she has brought along herself. (She's pictured above right with Kaylee Dawidiuk and Les Cheneaux). We were so happy to receive her message and photos: "I would say your book helped me know how to strategize in the Eq ring—even at 2'6"!"
It's been gratifying to help Felice over the years with her Thoroughbreds, past and present, when giving clinics in the Chicago area. Felice described At Ease as a "war horse" who had more than 50 starts on the track in six seasons of racing. "He's transitioned beautifully into the hunters and is starting his second year of showing," she said.
I loved hearing from her and how much the book helped her with her success. Let us know how the book has influenced you in your riding and showing. We'd love to hear from you, too!
As always,
Julie
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Rachel Kennedy: On Suitability
Jenny Randolph, a newsletter subscriber, asked: "How important is suitability in the hunters and how does a judge determine if a rider is too big for a pony? Is there a set deduction or penalty?
Judging WTF Panelist Rachel Kennedy: Suitability in the ponies is a fine line. The rules are now in place so that the pony heights are restricted by a rider's age, other than the Greens. But judges will still see riders who can wrap their legs around the pony's belly. If it's borderline, I might deduct a point or two. But, if a rider is way too tall, it could be 5 points, so it's a range.
At the end of the year, I'm more lenient. I don't want to hurt someone who fit their pony at the beginning of the year and was doing well and then had a growth spurt before the end of the show season.
A junior of any age can ride a Green Pony, though, so sometimes you'll see a bigger kid on a Green Pony, and that's necessary. But, if you're judging and you have a kid who has a nice trip and is a suitable size and another similar trip with a kid who's big for the pony, you might use that as a tiebreaker. Often, though, a lack of suitability shows itself through the performance—the pony may struggle to jump or move flat—then it's reflected in the score.
You may also see "reverse suitability," as I call it. A small child on a larger horse. In California, 20 to 30 years ago, they didn't have ponies. All the tiny kids rode horses. I think reverse suitability is fine as long as the rider is safe and in total control.
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The Judging WTF Question of the Week had awesome feedback—thank you so much!
Most people were correct in saying "The horse who jumped better would win. It's a jumping contest."
Movement is important, but overall jumping style prevails. Now, if you have two horses who jump similarly and have comparable trips, the one who moves best would be placed higher. Of course, we all want that horse who jumps and moves a "10" in our barns!
Have a question or discussion point for a future newsletter? Please send it to us! (info@judgingwtf.com)
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Julie & Tricia Out and About
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Due to the EHV outbreak in California, Julie has returned home to Maplewood in Reno. Her next outing will be a clinic March 19-20 at Blue Heron Equestrian Center in Poulsbo, Washington. You can find Tricia in South Carolina and next attending the March Madness show, March 17-19, at Highfields Event Center in Aiken.
To learn more about Tricia's and Julie's upcoming clinics and book signings, please view their calendar on judgingwtf.com and Julie's clinic schedule on maplewoodstables.com.
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Judging Hunters and Equitation WTF? - The Course
CLINICIANS JULIE WINKEL AND TRICIA BOOKER
RENO, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 3-4, 2022
After reading the book, are you ready to put your knowledge to the test and learn even more?
Judging Hunters & Equitation WTF? - The Course is an exciting new clinic based on the recently released book of the same name by Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker. This clinic takes the mystery out of judging Hunters and Equitation and allows you to understand step-by-step the processes involved through an educational yet entertaining platform. You’ll never look at judging the same again while becoming a savvier competitor in the show ring.
This clinic, which benefits the Goodtoknow Horses 501(c)3, is open to auditors, riders, trainers, parents, judges and anyone interested in learning more about judging and the processes involved, from ethics and integrity to bookkeeping, rules and licensing.
For more information and to register, please visit: Goodtoknowhorses.org.
To book your own Judging WTF Clinic with Julie and/or Tricia, please contact us for available dates for 2022 and customized options for your specific needs (info@judgingwtf.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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