horse show judge

When things go wrong in the horse show ring Part 1

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If you plan to step into the horse show arena, expect the unexpected. Few sports have more variables than equestrian. This is the 1st of a 3 part article I wrote for Canadian Horse Journal. What might you expect to go wrong in the show ring? I’ll put on my horse show judge’s hat and share common equestrian mistakes. Additionally, I’ll wear my hat as a specialist in equine behaviour. Fixing WHAT happened depends on discovering WHY it happened.

When things go wrong in the horse show ring. Part 1

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If you plan to step into the competition arena, expect the unexpected. Few sports have more variables than riding. What might you expect to go wrong in the horse show ring? In this issue, I’ll put on my judge’s hat and share common mistakes. So common, in fact, that every horse show score sheet has a menu of mishaps and a box to record their numerical deductions.

Horse show judges’ PD Day

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At a dressage judging clinic, Caledon Equestrian Park on Saturday. Professional development day. Wearing a few different hats as a horse show judge, it’s SO interesting for me to compare the disciplines. The scoring systems, the traditions, the styles – even the background music! Something to be learned and appreciated from every horse show ring in equestrian sport.

Teach your horse a credit earning rein-back on the judge’s score card.

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Stop and back. It’s the final segment in many horse show patterns – the finishing touch. Most score cards include a separate score for the rein-back. As a young competitor, I didn’t take that final score card box seriously. With the “important” parts of the pattern in the rear view mirror, I’d be mentally reviewing the previous parts instead of earning a credit in this one. Now, I remind the riders I coach – don’t waste that maneuver score!