Ask the Judge: refusals, cell phones, thank yous and more

If a horse refuses and rears up so high that it just about goes over, can you excuse it?

Yes, as it is just too dangerous. In a professional class the rider can usually handle it, but in a junior or any other class it is not okay and you need to intervene and excuse them.

As a judge, do you feel that the equitation classes are too demanding?

I do fear that the horses have to do a lot of jumping in the warmup to get them jumping lower and rubbing the jumps [to provide a smoother trip for the rider]. I also think it is asking a lot when they have to do double-duty in both hunter and equitation.

What do you think about a rider on course whose cell phone rings?

They had better not answer it! Basically it would not affect the placings, but it’s disrespectful and tacky. Cell phones should be turned off or left at the ingate.

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When you watch the hunters go today, can you imagine any of them actually in the hunt field following hounds and jumping fences over rough terrain?

What a great question; the answer is a big “no!” Most of them would lose it, run away, jump badly, stumble and possibly fall. However, there are a few good hunters out there that might also be good in the hunt field.

Is it appropriate to thank the judge or send a thank-you card?

That is so nice and I would so appreciate it, as you rarely ever hear about what a good job you have done! (P.S. – The card is probably the best way to express your thanks, as then you are not directly approaching the judge, which could be misinterpreted by others.)

When a course is changed and a jump has not been lowered to the right height, yet some riders have gone before it is noticed, what do you do?

If the jump is too high and it is brought to the judge’s attention, then the class needs to be stopped. Once the jump is lowered to the right height, the class continues and those who have already gone have the option of a re-ride (most riders would not bother). If the jump is too low, then the class continues without stopping and without the option of a re-ride. Lower is fine and acceptable for safety reasons; higher is an issue and the class needs to be stopped and the jump must be fixed.

If a rider in a hunter class loses their stirrup or a rein, how serious is that?

While it does not look too good for the overall picture, I am judging the horse, so as long as it does not bother the horse, then I cannot penalize too severely. The rider needs to try to recover as quickly as possible, though.

(Ed note: see “To Cross or Not to Cross” in the May issue for advice on learning to quickly pick up a dropped stirrup.)

How much do you take off for a stumble or trip while on course?

That depends on whether the horse breaks stride, which is a major fault. Were they close to take-off or in the middle of an in-and-out? Our rings are usually well-groomed with good footing and are unlikely to cause a trip.