The “walk” in an under-saddle class is such a short-lived gait. How long should we ask them to walk and what are you looking for?
A lot of judges do it so fast by asking for the next gait immediately after reverse or starting the class. Horses anticipate this and jig instead of actually walking. The walk needs to happen and be observed because it is one of the required gaits. I am looking for a relaxed, comfortable walk with somewhat of a loose rein and a nice expression.
The very first horse on course in a large class goes really well. What are the chances of you giving a high score to this horse when so many more are to perform after?
I always say “go first to be first!” I am never hesitant to award a high score to the first horse; the stage has been set and the remaining competitors will need to try and better it, so often the first to go wins.
You are judging a round and consider it to be dangerous. You believe it’s not just bad jumping form, it’s way too fast, lacking in control, leaving out strides and scary. What, if anything, can you do as a judge?
If the rider is planning on coming back, then ask the steward to tell him you consider their riding unsafe and that they need to do something before returning. You can suggest lungeing, another bit, schooling or whatever they need to do to regain control. The last thing anyone wants is for a child to get hurt or scared.
As a senior judge, do you have any advice for a learner judge?
In a nutshell, always be prepared. Bring lots of judge’s cards and expect to watch the class after first having checked in with the judge or judges you have arranged to sit with. (Don’t forget to check in with the office staff and steward as well, or you won’t receive credit.) Choose the best judges to sit with, and especially the ones you admire. This isn’t simply about convenience or making your learner judging experience fit into your schedule; it’s about a fantastic opportunity to learn from really great horsemen.
My horse finishes his round and has pulled a shoe. It is the end of the class, the jog is next, and I get a callback. My horse is lame without the shoe because he wears pads. What do I do?
As the judge I am on your side and hopefully everything will work out with the cooperation of the management and other exhibitors. Probably your best approach is to send your horse directly to the farrier, then contact management through the in-gate person, explaining that you are not certain what to do. I would hope that they would allow you time to replace the shoe and then jog back. Possibly delaying the jog and starting another class would be a good solution.
What is your opinion of riders talking to their horses while on course; i.e., saying things like “whoa,” “easy boy,”“good boy,” or clucking as encouragement?
The phrase “silence is golden” comes to mind … save the conversation for schooling or for when you leave the ring.
