Say you are judging a show and there is a horse or pony you are interested in, either for yourself or for a client. What is the proper procedure involved in this kind of acquisition?
This is a very sensitive area and all judges need to take note: the world is watching and should you decide to approach anyone regarding your interests before the end of the show, you run a high risk of damaging your career and/or reputation. We are judges and our overall conduct — actions, reactions and advice — needs to consistently reflect fairness and sound judgement. In a case like this I would suggest that you first wait until after the show and you are out of town; then call the show and request the contact information for the owner/manager of the horse and proceed conservatively.
How serious is it when a horse or pony switches a lead before a fence?
It depends on where you are … not just at which show, but also where you are in the course. If you are in Palm Beach or indoors with the best of the best, it could put you right out of the ribbons, but if you are at a small show, you could still be the winner. As it relates to the course, it would depend on the distance the switch was made from the jump: too far out from the jump it becomes obvious and will be heavily penalized. It would also depend on whether the horse goes too hard right or left to switch. Some horses will be gentlemen (as I call them) about it and will silently step off the lead only one stride out from the fence and make a good and centered jump that is not obvious at all.
As a result of a slap with the stick, I have all too often seen a hunter, jazzed up and over-motivated, enter the ring directly from the in-gate at a canter and on the wrong lead. What is the best way to fix this, as I know you are watching?
You are correct in that this is not a great entrance. My advice is not to make a big deal of it: Just get back to the trot smoothly, followed by a smooth canter departure on the correct lead.