Ask the Judge: cross-cantering, final circle, tail wraps and more

When a horse lands cross-cantering for a few steps after a jump, how hard are you on that if it is an otherwise great jumping round?

I always say it is a jumping contest, first and foremost. If the others have not jumped as well, then I will not punish that rider for it. A few cross-cantering steps are in no way a major fault; it is easily corrected and then on to the next jump.

What score would you give for a rail rubbed and left up on the lip of a cup?

While the rider is lucky that the rail did not fall on the ground, rubbing the jump hard enough to bounce the rail up onto the lip of the cup still alters the height of the jump, so the highest possible score would be a 60.

At the end of the course are you allowed more than one circle?

Not really, but I rarely notice this being abused. Just remember, one circle to start, one circle to finish!

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What happens when a tail wrap is left on over fences or when jogging back into the ring?

This constitutes elimination on both occasions, although a dark wrap on a dark horse, or likewise a light wrap on a grey tail, often go unnoticed. Do not leave the ring or have someone step into the ring to take it off, as both will also result in elimination. When jogging back into the ring, if the groom quickly steps into the ring at the in-gate to remove the tail wrap, I will allow it.

In a warm-up class open to all, some equitation riders do their round with front boots on their horses. Do you judge them?

The class is judged as a hunter class, so no, they would be eliminated. If there are two warm-up classes offered, I would ask the in-gate person to advise the rider(s) that they need to take the boots off in order to be judged in the next class.

In an under-saddle or equitation on the flat class, a horse or pony is visibly lame. Can you excuse them?

I would hope that the rider would notice and excuse themselves from the class. If not, I will definitely leave them out of the ribbons. Even though I am judging the rider in an equitation class, the horse needs to be sound in order to be ridden, and its welfare is paramount.

How do you feel about…

… new, untreated tack?

I know that you are proud to show it off, but oil it so that it doesn’t look like it’s making its very first outing!

… dirty riding boots?

In an equitation class I consider it a serious fault. I am judging the rider, so their presentation is important. In a hunter round it’s a less serious offence, as I am judging the horse. Regardless of the discipline, make every effort to clean and polish your boots, as it is a good overall impression that you are trying to convey.

… a twisted rein or stirrup leather?

In a hunter class it is somewhat distracting and not considered proper turnout, but it does not constitute a major fault as it would in an equitation class.