Judges riding when showing?

[Bozzy]

I'd like to have a go at some showing this Summer and there's a large local show coming up which has a number of different classes so lots to choose from. Probably a silly question but some classes have a conformation judge and a ride judge, would that mean that in those classes, he would be ridden by the judge? That's putting me off somewhat! I was looking at the ridden lightweight hunter and the ridden 4&5yr old hunter classes.

It's mine and his first time showing, I don't want anything too scary or complicated! They also have large riding horse which could be an option.

 

[Mehitabel]

hunters and riding horses are nearly always ridden by the judge, even at local level. i love it - means i don't have to do a show myself! it actually makes life easier for you - you do the group bit at the brginning, thenyou are pulled in and the judge rides one by one. after the judge has riden, you take saddles off and do a conformation bit.

have a look at my website in my profile for a more indepth explanation.

 

[Bozzy]

Sounds a bit daunting!! I think it may be a bit too soon for him as he hasn't been out much, maybe our showing debut will wait until the end of the summer when he'll have hopefully done a little more. Thanks

 

[Daffy Dilly]

Judges are generally good riders. You can always go HC - take him in for the experience, watch the judge ride other horses and if you don't feel up for letting them on your lad, just ask to do an individual show for the experience.

Whilst it says ride judge, it doesn't mean for definate that they will be riding, just that they're judging that part of the class. It is likely, but that doesn't mean you can't enter at all. Best bet is to ring the secretary and ask if they know about the ride judge, and also whether or not you could opt for an individual show if they are riding.

 

[Mehitabel]

you should go for it! it's not daunting at all, as DD says they don;t often choose muppets ot ride, and normally it is lovely to see a professional ride your horse and see hwothey go for them.

 

[Bozzy]

I'm more worried about Forrest's behaviour and how embarassed I'd be if he did anything (which is likely!). I'll have a think, I'm hopefully going to the show anyway to do dressage so it could always be a late entry if I decide to do it.

I may call up and ask as well just to find out a bit more.

Thanks guys

 

[Haphazard]

whichever you do Bozzy, have fun and good luck

 

[atillathefun]

Why dont you do some fun classes initially that way he will get used to the environment without any pressure

 

[Mehitabel]

Why dont you do some fun classes initially that way he will get used to the environment without any pressure

that's a good idea. what fun ones are there on the schedule?

 

[Bozzy]

None It's a huge show with lots of qualifiers in the showing classes.

There aren't that many shows around here with low key showing shows. I think there may be one at a local EC on Good Friday, though it's more aimed at kids, I think it has a few classes I could enter. That could be an option and a good intro to a serious class

 

[Glider]

If you let me know who the ride judge is I might be able to tell you if they'd suit you. Most are lovely riders, but some I'd avoid with a youngster. If your horse starts to misbehave the judge will bring him back to you and you'll be technically eliminated, but can go on HC if you like. I'm a ride judge and there's usually a few who aren't perfectly behaved, so don't be emabrrased if he does misbehave, it's all experience. Just don't take him if you think he's dangerous, it's not fair on the judge!

A smaller show would probably be better for you at the beginning of the season, or you could just go to this one to ride round and see how he goes.

 

[Bozzy]

Glider - I've PM'd you

 

[bellazebra]

I prefer it when the judge rides - means I don't have to think of a show, and I think it gives the judge a better idea of the horse. Harvey always rockets up through the line after the judge has ridden.

Like Glider says, if it's his first time and as long as he's not dangerous, then don't worry. Most judges are very nice riders.

 

[Iron Maiden]

I got through to the final judging in a big working cob class once with my old lad, a judge rode him but only after he'd been unsaddled & trotted up for the in-hand judge. I think my horse thought 'well that's it, job done' when his saddle came off because when he was saddle up again & the judge got on, he more or less refused to move. She had to boot him on like a beach donkey & only managed to get about 2 strides of 'horse with handbrake on' canter out of him, it really wasn't pretty!! I cringed inwardly but the judge was very pleasant and polite, and we were placed 5th much to my astonishment! If a judge ever gets on P I will be intrigued to see how she reacts, it's all good experience for both of us in my book.