Using a Stick in the Show Ring
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Karyn Zambrano Clifton and Dash
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This week's Judging WTF Question of the Week generated great conversation. Using a stick in the show ring is a major deduction and an automatic score of 60, or in that range, depending upon the other rounds in the class.
Most of us are taught early on that carrying a stick is part of our traditional tack and attire. So, it becomes a habit, and we don't think twice about it. (And carrying a stick in under saddle and flat equitation classes is perfectly fine.) But using it in the show ring is a major deduction, as our newsletter subscriber Karyn Zambrano Clifton discovered the hard way. She was generous to share her experience with us on Facebook, as well as her photo by Al Cook.
"So, it was my first Harrisburg," said Karyn. "I had heard so many horror stories about horses that never made it to the other end of the ring, and that was my biggest fear. My horse didn't have the benefit of a pro division, so we walked in cold.
"As we trotted in (before I started my hunter circle), Dash almost stopped (OK, he totally stopped for .5 seconds) and said, 'HELL NO THIS IS TERRIFYING.' So, I smacked him behind my leg. I then proceeded to lay down a really good trip.
"The consensus (and later on, confirmed) was it was a lowish to mid 80s score that would have been a primary ribbon color. However, due to the smack, I was given a 50. People watching online didn't know I hit him, and there was a lot of online speculation.
"I didn't even realize it was a rule, but I figured it was because he faltered that was the reason for the score. Tony (trainer) was disappointed with me, and there was some mockery about my lack of knowledge. Anyway, turns out a number of professionals didn't even know the rule. There was a lot of discussion across the board as to WHERE I smacked him causing the score. It was a thing. I was genuinely thrilled with my trip and grateful I made it to the other end of the ring, much less being respectable. Too bad I didn't have a copy of your book back then!  "
Thank you so much, Karyn, and I'm glad that you and Dash had such a lovely time at The Pennsylvania National Horse Show that year and earned ribbons in your other classes!
As always,
Tricia
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Linda Andrisani: On the Pulley Rein
Terry, a newsletter subscriber, asked: "What are your thoughts on using a pulley rein in an equitation work-off? Example: canter into a five-stride line, ask to halt between it and asked to canter out. Rider uses a pulley rein. Deductions or correct?
Judging WTF Panelist Linda Andrisani: Yes, the pulley rein is a deduction but relative to what else happened in the testing.
I judge my share of equitation classes and medals. I’m not a guru in the equitation, but I’m offended by tests that create a situation where a rider could hurt their horse. I would have been offended to see a rider use a pulley rein and placed that person below someone successful in getting the halt without using that method. That’s where making a determination is relative to how successful the other riders were at the halt.
The big lesson here, though, is that I never want to encourage someone to slow down going into the line, nor do I want them to halt in that small of a distance when they would have to be harsh. I’m looking for them to ride forward. I would only ask this question in an eight- or nine-stride line. I try never to ask a test that in some unskilled hand is going to punish that horse in the class.
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The Judging WTF Question of the Week answer: A score of 60 is automatic, but judges may use a score in that range depending upon the other rounds in the class.
This question generated a lot of discussion, great follow-up questions and a perfect example (see above).
Dina Mazzola - Thank you lord for posting this! Now can you also answer, But it's short stirrup, and she needs to tap him on the shoulder to make him go? so everyone in the back can hear it, too?
Judging WTF - Right! Sometimes we wish we could have the announcer announce it. "Do not encourage your students to tap their ponies on the neck going around the ring. It's a major deduction!"
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Julie & Tricia Out and About
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Julie is now based at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California through March. She signed books last Saturday at Mountain Mercantile and will periodically have book signings during the horse show. Books are available at a variety of vendors on the show grounds, and if you see Julie you can ask her to sign one!
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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