Ask the Judge: pony classes, trends, model classes and more

When judging children on ponies, do you take suitability into account?

In the US, suitability is a requirement and since I have judged for so many years in the States I naturally consider suitability when judging Canadian shows as well – although it is not a requirement in Canada. When a rider is too large for a pony, it doesn’t look appropriate and it will be reflected in my placement. When a rider is too small for a pony, it seems to be less serious, but it still doesn’t look correct and there could also be a safety issue to consider here as well.

Do you notice any trends over your years of judging that you would like to comment on?

Yes, and lets call them ‘trends that need to go!’ First, what is with this new release where the hands are buried on the neck, elbows sticking straight out, stifling the horse in the air? I’ve never seen the top jumper riders or the top hunter riders use this release, but it is being used at all levels all over the country. Who invented it, who is teaching it, and better still … who is correcting it?

Second, many riders are walking the length of the ring on their entrance. I’m not sure of the reason for this; is it to get the judge’s attention, or to make your round last longer? Another trend I have noticed among many professional riders is that they go last with four horses in a class of 50 double rounds! This is rude to the in-gate, to the judge, and to the rest of the exhibitors. Rudeness is a trend we need to get rid of.

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Finally, there is a trend in course design that involves the first jumps being lower than the rest of the course. As a judge, I am evaluating all of the jumps; as trainers, we are schooling our horses to jump high and round and not rub the jumps. Let’s make all of the jumps the same height, as we are judging and showing in a class where good jumping style is part of the test.

A horse comes into the ring and has a disastrous round. The same horse comes back for the second round and miraculously goes great! Does the first round have any influence on the second round?

Absolutely not. The second round is a new class in and of itself. This is what makes judging unique and challenging: that it can go from the worst to the best in a matter of minutes, and all need to be justly awarded.

What is actually being judged in the jumper medal class (Trillium circuit) both in the over jumps and the flat phase? Is it 50% rider and 50% horse, or just the rider?

It is all about the rider – how a particular rider executes the course and performs on the flat. Certainly the horse is a crucial vehicle, but the rider has to use the correct and appropriate techniques, make the best decisions, and look the part, in order to facilitate a worthy performance.

In a model class, how do you feel about showing in a wire snaffle or a pelham bit?

I don’t love it. I prefer to see just a simple snaffle or a plain D-bit.

What are your thoughts regarding rider attire as it relates to unconventional colours, loud jackets or breeches in a hunter or equitation class?

My advice is to try and be invisible. Be as conservative and neatly dressed as possible. This is about your performance and your horse, not a distracting outfit.