Q. How do you feel about a horse that ‘plays’ in an equitation class?
A. I do not penalize it, as that will only make the rider work the horse harder or lunge it more to make it quieter. I am judging the rider, so if they handle it well, then it’s a bonus for them!
Q. When a mishap occurs right before the rider starts their course – for example, a loose pony or runaway golf cart flies into the ring – what do you ask the rider to do?
A. I would let him or her leave the ring, regroup, settle down and come back into the ring when all is calm.
Q. If you as a judge have any sort of an issue come up, such as the eligibility of a horse or rider, how do you proceed? Do you approach the steward or the show management?
A. I would say the management, as that is who you work for, and they will then go through the proper channels to rectify the issue.