What to Know Before You Show
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Beginning on December 1, judges will now have 23 Equitation tests from which to choose when testing riders. (Anne Gittins Photography)
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As the 2022 show season comes to a close, the Las Vegas National CSI-4*W and Marshall & Sterling/USHJA National Championships are the grand finale for us this week, November 15-20. I'm on site to cover the event for the USHJA and In Stride magazine, and Julie is judging the prestigious West Coast Equestrians Medal Finals with Ginny Edwards.
As it turns out, this will be one of the last medal finals to use the current equitation tests as printed in our book. Beginning on December 1, a revised version of EQ 113 Tests From Which Judges Must Choose will be utilized and available in the USEF Rulebook. The United States Equestrian Federation approved the changes during their Board of Directors meeting on June 20, 2022, and there are many new tests and revisions to previously used tests.
There are also new rules being implemented in the Hunter and Equitation sections starting on December 1 for the upcoming show season. For a synopsis, check out the USHJA "Know Before You Show" link on their website here. From there, you'll also find a link directly to the new Equitation tests, which may be useful as you prepare for the winter circuits or spend the colder months training for the spring show season. It's a great time for all of us to study the new rules, so we're all prepared to ace the tests whether we're riding them or judging them!
As always,
Tricia
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Braiding on the "Wrong Side"
Question from subscriber Cameron Smith: My horse's mane naturally lies on the left side, and we're starting to show at the rated shows this year. Would a judge penalize a hunter or equitation horse for being braided on the left instead of the right, the traditional side?
R-Rated Hunter & Equitation Judge Ginny Edwards: I have absolutely no problem with the horses being braided on the "wrong" side. As a judge, I’m happy that it’s braided at all! I've never had a horse come into the ring braided on the wrong side, but I’m sure it will happen at some point, and I will not penalize it.
I think if a horse is braided on the wrong side it could happen for a variety of reasons. It's possible the person is someone who doesn't compete at a lot of Hunter/Jumper shows and doesn't know the unwritten rule that it's braided on the right side. Knowing that, I want to be all inclusive, and anyone coming into our sport should feel welcome.
If your horse's mane naturally grows on the left, you can train the mane to grow on the right. But either way, I’m happy just to see a horse braided, because there are plenty of times when they’re not. I’m far more likely to notice your clean, well-groomed horse, well-fitted tack and saddle pad, and your polished boots. Have fun out there!
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It's time to start crossing names off your holiday shopping list! Judging Hunters and Equitation WTF? (Want The Facts?) makes a great gift for your trainers, students, clients, horse show parents and anyone who wants to learn more about judging and winning strategies for the show ring. Order now for on-time holiday delivery!
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Do you have any judging questions? Hit the button and let us know!
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Julie & Tricia Out and About
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You can find Julie and Tricia at the Las Vegas National CSI-4*W and Marshall & Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships at the South Point in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 14-20.
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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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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