How do you feel about the braids and ribbons children now adorn themselves with at the show?
I like the braids, but try to keep the ribbons and bows small, because it can be quite difficult to read the rider’s number. This is particularly true in the under-saddle class, because there is no assistance as in the over-fences class, where a gate person calls out the number to me. I will sometimes make the extra effort and go into the ring to get the number, but judging can become quite hectic and not all judges will have the time to do this.
At the canter, are you supposed to sit or be in a half-seat?
It depends on the horse, but it shouldn’t be one extreme or the other. If the horse prefers a lighter seat, that’s okay. I prefer to see a rider sit at the canter, but a little bit of half-seat is fine.
Do you, as a judge, walk equitation courses?
I always walk the bigger classes, especially when I have to design a ride-off. I am looking to join a new line of jumps, understand the distances, and view the possibilities of optional turns.