There are some big trees in the ring and a horse or pony goes behind one cross-cantering, then comes into view on the right lead. How do you score the round?
I cannot judge what I cannot see, so it’s a freebie! Only the view from the back side of the tree knows for sure whether it was a clean change, a trot, a skip change, or a kick-up change.
In back-to-back classes a horse or pony has a rail down in the first class; the rider pulls up before the end of the course and then starts the second course. Is that okay?
It’s all good with me, and thank you. Why waste your horse if you like him, as I know you do? So on to the next class and hopefully a better trip.
When the jump crew puts a rail back up, do you watch to make sure it is securely in the cup, the right height, and with any bow in the rail facing down?
Yes, all of the above, as well as making sure they push the standards in so the rail is not on the edge of the cup. Often the jump crew are not experienced and the course designer is elsewhere, so it is up to you as the judge to keep an eye on things.