You are judging an under-saddle class, and you have a clear winner that makes a slight error, such as picking up the wrong lead for one stride, or breaking from the canter to the trot for one step. Are they out of the ribbons?
If the error occurs in a pre-green or beginner division, then they can still be my winner. In more advanced divisions, I might still be inclined to forgive the slight error if they are otherwise the stand-out winner relative to the rest of the class.
When has a rider’s attire resulted in you pinning them lower, or not at all?
An undone choker or collar in an equitation class is not allowed, and gloves are required. The only time I have moved a rider down to the bottom of the ribbons is for not wearing gloves in an equitation class. As a rule, riders should turn themselves out conservatively and appropriately.
A rider comes into the ring and their horse or pony stumbles, causing their helmet to fall forward or come undone. What should they do?
The rider should stop and fix the helmet properly before proceeding without penalty. The rider should not leave the ring to do so, but can have assistance from a groom or trainer coming into the ring if needed.
Should jumps in the ring that are not being used in the current class be crossed off?
No, I think this looks tacky and distracts from the appearance of the course. Either the extra jumps should not be in the ring, or they should be clearly marked on the course chart posted by the in-gate that they are not to be jumped. On a related note, any extra rails should not be stored on the back side of jumps in the ring, or along the side of the ring. This makes the ring look messy, and could be dangerous in the event of a fall or loose horse.
How do you feel about a groom or trainer leading a horse completely into the ring?
This is not acceptable and it is a major fault that will result in a low score. Other activities I have seen that are equally unacceptable are backing the horse into the ring, or leading the horse into the ring and then giving the rider a leg up onto the horse once they are in the ring. Both are a big no!
After two refusals in the ring, a horse and rider are eliminated, and the whip is not to be used after elimination. If the rider does use a whip on the horse after being eliminated, what can you as the judge do?
First, I would have the announcer indicate that the rider has been excused and that no punishment of the horse is allowed at this point. If the rider ignores this instruction, then I am obligated to report the incident to the show steward so that they can deal with it.
What has been the most ridiculous request you have received over the course of your judging career?
The most ridiculous request I have ever encountered was to have two judges and one course. The riders were to jump the course with one judge scoring it as a hunter class, and the other judge judging it as an equitation class…essentially a 2-for-1 pinning deal! Needless to say, this arrangement lasted for only one show.
