Open Numerical Scoring
Open numerical scoring in the hunter sections has pros and cons for exhibitors, trainers, parents, show management and judges.
As judges, we know when we work certain horse shows (Devon, the East Coast Fall Indoor shows and World Championship Hunter Rider-sanctioned shows) that we'll be using that system for the A-rated hunters. In addition, some hunter and equitation classes have open numerical scoring in their specs.
This year, we've seen more discussion on social media and at the in-gate regarding scoring. In fact, exhibitor and judge Susie Baker wrote an eloquent Facebook post last week in reference to issues on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Florida.
"OK, to be transparent, I had a wonderful conversation with [show manager] David Burton. He could not have been more gracious. He was very interested in my opinion, and the opinions of others.
He really loves the hunters and wants to see them thrive. I totally understand the reasoning behind not announcing the scores. So, to that end, we all have to be better exhibitors, and sports! The complaining loudly, and endless bitching about the scores has to stop. It has gotten completely out of control.
We all know that judging is subjective--one judge's 85 is another judge's 88. What bothers one judge may not be as important to another. Just because we might disagree doesn’t mean the judging is bad or wrong. I think every judge who sits in the box tries very hard to do the right thing. Unless you are sitting in the exact same spot, watching every single trip, even then, you might still disagree. It’s the nature of the beast! If you want black and white, do the jumpers!"
As Julie and I explain in our book, the scores we give are based on the entries in ONE class, and the horses/riders are compared against one another in that ONE class. You cannot compare your score from one week to the next, or even from one class to the next on the same day. You have different horses, courses, weather, footing, and, most importantly, different judges who bring different backgrounds and experiences to the judge's booth.
To read more about open numerical scoring and how a judge places a class, please jump to Chapter 9 of our book, The Mystery of the Card, and our Judging WTF Panelist Tom Brennan's piece "The Strategy of Scoring." If you don't have the book yet, you're in luck. Chapter 9 is the one we share with everyone on our website, judgingwtf.com. You can read it here.
Thank you Susie and Tom for helping us better understand scoring and what goes into judging a class. Of course, we welcome more questions, discussion and comments. Don't hesitate to keep the conversation going!
As always,
Tricia
Bobbie Reber: On Minding The Bows
Jan Massaro, a judge and newsletter subscriber, sent this question, which is a conundrum for many judges:
"What do you do when the little girls' bows are covering the number, specifically in the under saddle classes? This has been a huge pet peeve of mine, and I'm not sure how this can be translated to the moms and trainers. There have been times when I have had to ask the in-gate person to get me the number."
Our Judging WTF Panelist Bobbie Reber answers: Usually, I will notice the large oversized bows in the over fences classes before the under saddle. I contact the in-gate and have my starter tell both the trainer and parent to make the bows smaller before they come back for the second round.
I make it very clear that if I can’t see the number, there will be no score. I would hope then I don’t have to worry about it when the under saddle starts. If I do have a rider in the under saddle with bows that block the number, they will not be getting a ribbon. It’s not easy to stand your ground as a judge, especially when the rider with the large bows could be on one of the best movers, but we have to get through to them—if I can’t see the number, no ribbon. I only give one warning.
The Judging WTF Question of the Week answer: A simple change would be considered a break of gait and scored a 55, while keeping the wrong lead is a score of 60.
This scoring returns us to the history of the sport--breaking gait is considered more of a problem because while out fox hunting you would be left behind the field. A counter canter (wrong lead) would at least keep you moving forward!
Amy Drake said: I do understand that ... just wondering about the "greenies" (both horses and riders) who would benefit from a simple change from an educational standpoint. It's one thing to see a pro or seasoned amateur hold the counter lead, it's an entirely different experience to see a "try" go on forever. Similar rationale to happy horse head toss with a pro vs. a pony doing same: one would be acceptable, the other maybe not. Thoughts?
Yes, a very good observation. Many times a simple change sets up a horse/rider for a more balanced approach to the next fence and is an educational tool when working toward a flying change. There are differing reasons to remain on the wrong lead and keep the canter and/or to perform a simple change through the trot. It all depends on the goals at the time for horse and rider, for sure.
Julie & Tricia - Out And About
Tricia enjoyed a book signing with mimosas on Saturday morning at White Horses LLC in Huger, South Carolina. Special thanks to trainer Natasha McCarthy and Assistant Trainer Baeleigh Denham for organizing and hosting.
"It was great to catch up with everyone at White Horses and meet new people and their horses," said Tricia. "I had a fun time riding The College of Charleston's team horse Caleno in the PGET (Post-Graduate Equestrian Team) jumping lesson! Special thanks to all who purchased the book and the great questions asked about judging and showing."
To learn more about Tricia's and Julie's upcoming clinics and book signings, please view their calendar on judgingwtf.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
