Attending the AQHA judges conference in Dallas felt like being part of a large orchestra! One of 350 judges, tuning up to be “on key” with the standard, and in sync with one another. So many experienced, talented horse-people, yet personal preferences, interpretations and biases were to be laid aside – a reminder to stick … Read more Judging horses – sticking to the “score”.
Just returned from the AQHA judges update in Dallas. Past president, Bill Brewer spoke of ethics in judging and set the tone with a remarkable yet relevant statement from the Bible. Ancient wisdom, yet fitting to guide the 350 judges listening as we make show ring decisions in 2020. As I mulled over these words, … Read more Horse show judging ethics
Judging the CQHA trail obstacle challenge at the Happy Trails Horse Park , my score sheet reflected the connection (and patience!) of horses and riders. When you think about it, the horse doesn’t know if that water obstacle is 2 ft or 20 ft deep. He doesn’t know that the bridge REALLY IS sturdy and … Read more Connecting with your horse through trail obstacle competition!
Math exam, driving exam – we’ve all been there. Unknown questions are best faced with well-rehearsed fundamentals. Judging the Mountain Trail challenge show at Happy Trails Horse Park, it was cool to see riders navigate their horses through unfamiliar obstacles with familiar cues. Though not permitted to practice the obstacles on competition day, some had … Read more Trail Obstacle Challenge – “This will be on the test!”
An excellent article from champion Bob Avila, addresses a horse show trend that’s been troubling me as a horseperson and judge. Another trend I hope our governing associations will consider “reining back” , for the welfare of our industry and the welfare of the horse. (Every discipline has its trends!) It’s the extreme low, even … Read more How low is too low? Head position in the show ring.
If you’re not enjoying your hobby, it’s not a hobby. It’s a job. And for those of us for whom it is a job, let’s enjoy the process – not just the result!
As a horse show judge and riding coach, this has become my motto over the years: “Over-prepare… then go with the flow.”
I love working with “speed riders” in clinics or lessons – helping them to: identify specific instances in which the horse is resisting their cues on course clarify their cues speak in a code the horse understands – even while navigating at speed. Jumper, barrels or extreme obstacle races. Speed under control is quicker than … Read more Speed event “horse science”…Every little resistance costs precious time.
“Good luck!” With a final buff of my boot and a pat to the horse’s neck, the horse’s owner waves me from warm up ring to show pen before taking their place in the bleachers. Many years of showing horses, many owners, many horses, but the scene is familiar. Do you believe in luck?
At this week’s AQHA show judge’s update, I really liked how one of the clinicians described what judge’s are looking for in “looking ahead”, scoring equitation over fences.