Thankful For Thank-You Notes
|
|
In this era of emails, text messages and IMs, walking out to the mailbox isn't as fun as it used to be. More often than not, what I pull out are bills and junk mail.
So, it was especially gratifying to receive an envelope last week filled with thank-you notes from the IHSA riders and coaches who attended the IHSA National Championships. Julie and I donated books to each qualifying team, which were included in their welcome baskets.
As a part of my job as the editor of USHJA In Stride magazine, we produce a special edition IHSA issue each year that covers the Nationals and the IHSA experience (Click here if you'd like to check out this year's edition). For years, I've watched the students swept off by volunteers as soon as they receive their ribbons, escorted to the office where they immediately sit down to write thank-you notes to the sponsors. This year, I really enjoyed reading their notes and truly understand how special it is to be on the receiving end.
We hope that our book becomes a useful and dog-earned addition to the teams' libraries, and we look forward to expanding that chapter in the next edition of Judging WTF. So, thank you all for the inspiration and for filling my mailbox with fun!
As always,
Tricia
|
|
Julie Winkel: Of Lameness in the Closing Circle
Kristi Koester-Zimbelman asked: At a show recently, a pony on his closing circle was noticeably lame at the trot. The pony was allowed to go in for the next round. Is it possible the judge didn't notice? Is it ever OK to notify the steward when we see this? Thank you!
Julie Winkel: The pony should have received no score or ribbon in the first round, but is allowed to return for the second round. What if he stepped on a rock or twisted a shoe (that was fixed)? If you are ever concerned about the welfare of a pony or horse at a competition, you are certainly welcome to speak with a steward.
|
|
Depending on the severity of the buck and whether it's from freshness or anger, the judge could score in the low 60s or below.
Our subscribers were all in the ballpark when answering this one (with scores in the 50-60 range) and great discussion points.
Jaimie Thurman: Depending on what class it was.
Lucie Mckinney: And depending on why!
Tracy Dopko: It would be a very different score in the Children’s Hunter Pony division compared to the pro divisions. The type of class and situation will influence the score. I always love a horse that tries hard over a fence and shows a bit of enthusiasm…but it can’t turn into a disobedience.
We couldn't have said it better!
|
|
Do you have any judging questions? Hit the button and let us know!
|
|
Julie & Tricia Out and About
|
|
You can find Julie and Tricia next at the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby in Reno, Nevada. There, Julie will be judging and Tricia will be an official photographer, June 24-26.
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
