Meet the WTF Judging Panel
As Julie and I started thinking about writing this book way back in 2016, we spent lots of time brainstorming ideas and considering what should be included. It wasn't long before we realized a pattern was developing: We'd talk about something we'd learned about judging while sitting with someone or sharing excellent advice another judge had given to us about strategy and showmanship, and that would be added to the list. So, eventually, we realized the people who contributed to our educations and with whom we've worked with should have a voice in the book, too. Thus, our WTF Judging Panel was born.
We invited these esteemed horsemen and horsewomen to contribute to the book. Our panel includes Linda Andrisani, Chance Arakelian, Sue Ashe, Tom Brennan, Carleton Brooks, Oliver Brown, Ralph Caristo, Robert Crandall, Fran Dotoli, Bill Ellis, John French, Karen Healey, Scot Hofstetter, Keri Kampsen, Rachel Kennedy, Brian Lenehan, Bobbie Reber, Danny Robertshaw, Mike Rosser, Susie Schoellkopf, Don Stewart, Geoff Teall, Jimmy Torano, Jack Towell and Chris Wynne.
Their words of wisdom and advice are sprinkled throughout the book in "Judge's Cards," providing readers with more and different viewpoints. Scroll down to see one from Sue Ashe!
We're grateful to them for sharing their time and expertise with us and hope you find their lessons equally as valuable. In addition, we plan to continue expanding our panel of experts as we write more books and expand our educational platforms through the newsletter and social media.
Keep an eye (or ear!) out for new voices, and if you have a specific question for one of our panelists, please let us know and we'll answer it in a future edition. Thank you for coming along as we continue to demystify the subjective process of judging!
As always,
Tricia
The Judge’s Card
Sue Ashe: Take the Jog Seriously
Although not all horse shows require the A-rated Hunters to jog, when they do, judge Sue Ashe believes exhibitors need to do it correctly because it's part of the class.
Sue: "My No. 1 pet peeve is when a rider drags the horse in the jog. You need to teach a horse to jog. If a horse isn't taught properly, it will have is head in the air and a shorter stride. It's really not that hard--you have someone encourage them from behind--and it's something every hunter should be taught."
Many people answered Judging WTF Question of the Week correctly: a rail down in the Hunters is a 45 and -4 in the Equitation. But do you know why there's a significant difference?
Maddykbrown noted: In the hunters, it indicates that the horse may not jump around safely over solid obstacles in the hunt field?
Kerihellige said: Priority is…Are they safe? Then we give bonus points for stylish. If a horse hits a rail over a solid obstacle in the field, that could be very dangerous, hence the large ding for doing it in the artificial ring.
In addition to the safety aspect, if a horse knocks a rail down in the hunt field, the rider must dismount, replace the rail, and then is left behind. They may have a hard time catching up to the field. Therefore, a rail down is a big deal!
Julie & Tricia Out And About
Julie welcomed in the New Year teaching a clinic for trainer Elzabeth Lampert in Minnesota. Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the indoor at Arbor Hill was toasty warm and perfect for learning over the two-day clinic.
"What a great way to ring in the New Year!" said Elzabeth. "A giant thank you to Julie for coming to fill our minds with knowledge, share great stories and boost our spirits moving into the new show season!"
In addition, Julie held a book signing, and we thank all of the clinic attendees who purchased the book. We hope it helps you as you prepare for another fun year in the show ring with your horses!
To learn more about Julie's clinics and view her upcoming schedule, please visit the Maplewood Stables website: maplewoodstables.com
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).
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
