A Good Pro Horse Trainer = A Good Judge
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Judging is a Labor of Love
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Professional horseman, trainer and judge Patti Harnois started a vibrant conversation on Facebook last week when she posted "A good professional horse trainer = a good judge. Please get your cards!!!"
The responses included many excellent points regarding the time, effort and cost it takes to acquire a judge's card, the pay, whether professionals should judge to give back to the sport (while leaving their businesses and losing money), and also the finer points of judging and the challenges of bookkeeping and even just sitting still for eight+ hours in the judge's box.
The reason many professionals do not pursue judging is the cost to get a license and because they lose income when they take weeks off from their businesses to judge. The USEF mentor judge program was a step forward in helping pros streamline the process of getting their cards, but it still takes time apprenticing with your mentor and is a substantial financial commitment for many people.
Patti continues: "A trainer with great credentials should only have to prove bookkeeping skills. Yes, the bookkeeping is one of the most important parts, especially in a large class or [open numerical] scoring rounds."
Cheryle Francis added: "That is very true. The bookkeeping is equally important to their ability to judge. We have seen some top professionals fail at judging because of the bookkeeping. And some of our top judges are not excellent riders or trainers. I think you can be very good at one and not be able to or want to do the other. It's a tough balance and does require some time to be licensed. But that is true in all professions, so you have to make a bit of a sacrifice IMO!"
Cathy Cram, a judge and professional in the industry, wrote an excellent post of encouragement:
"For those of you that do not have your card and are on the fence, please consider these thoughts to convince you to get your license. My license is an asset because:
I get out of my area (usually).
I see different horses, riders, course designs, facilities and show management/staff.
I always come away from judging with a fresh perspective. Whether it's what to do or what not to do.
There is never a time when I don't bring something back with me and use it almost immediately--whether it's a new course design, a new teaching skill or a way to ride better.
It has definitely made me a better all around horseman."
I heartily agree with Cathy. I've been judging for more than 30 years and always return home inspired and more knowledgeable. Yes, getting a license takes time and money, but if you want to continue learning and growing as a horseman, it's a worthwhile endeavor. And, you just might find the ROI (return on investment) becomes much more valuable to your profession than the actual paycheck.
Until next time!
Tricia
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Question from Marlis Lange: Are there any guidelines how long the participants should walk/trot/canter/do sitting trot? Example: In an equitation flat class we did sitting trot for not even a whole long side and cantered for less than one lap. In the hunter under saddle we also cantered less than a lap per direction. It was a rated show.
Answer from Tricia Booker: USEF Rule EQ108.2d - Competitors shall proceed at least once around the ring at each gait and, on command, reverse and repeat. The order to reverse can be executed by turning either toward or away from the rail. Entries then line up on command.
For equitation, the above rule specifies the class procedure, however, there's no equivalent rule found in the hunter section. Due to time constraints, once a class is called to order most judges do not have the class walk a full revolution before asking for the next gait. They will take care to check that each horse walks and evaluate the gait. In addition, many times judges observe the walk before the class is called to order, especially if they are waiting for stragglers to enter the ring.
Most of the time, however, judges do work the class one full revolution at the trot and canter in a normal situation. If the class is small (fewer than six and easy to place the competitors) or if the weather is very hot, cold or rainy, sometimes judges will not work them a full revolution for horse/rider welfare. But, as a judge, I would make sure I saw everyone do whatever I asked, for example, the sitting trot. When requesting the sitting trot in an equitation class, I do not necessarily have them make a full revolution since they have already likely done at least a full revolution at the rising trot.
Experienced judges are usually able to place a class of fewer than 12 competitors fairly quickly, but because anyone or any horse can make a mistake, I do try and work them at least a full revolution at the trot and canter to give everyone a fair chance to show off at their best.
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Do you have any judging questions? Hit the button and let us know!
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Are you interested in hosting Tricia or Julie for a Judging Clinic at your farm or for your association or organization? We offer customized judging clinics in the classroom and in conjunction with riding clinics and horse shows. Please contact us for more information. (info@judgingwtf.com)
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Join Julie and Tricia for the Second Annual Judging Hunters & Equitation WTF Workshop September 16-17 at Julie's Maplewood Stables in Reno, Nevada. The workshop is an exciting clinic based on our book and taught by us. Our goal is to take out MORE of the mystery of judging Hunters and Equitation while helping you to become a MORE knowledgeable competitor, owner, trainer or judge.
This is a unique clinic that's offered no where else. In addition to teaching you how to set up a judge's card, the symbols we use, scoring, common faults and the bookkeeping process, we'll put your new-found skills into practical use with a mock horse show. There, you'll experience first-hand the judging process in real time and see how judges do what they do in the booth. If you're a competitor, you'll better understand how to make the most of your time in the show ring to impress the judges, and if you dream of becoming a judge, you'll have established valuable skills to help you on that path or fine-tune your current processes.
Click on the button below for more information and to register! Spaces are filling up quickly!
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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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