Comments on: So There I Was, Scribbling on a Scorecard

By: CINDY HALE

CINDY HALE — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:05:29 +0000

BELIVE ME, I DO KNOW HOW CONFUSING IT CAN BE TO TRY TO WATCH A CLASS AND EVALUATE IT WHILE ALSO SCRIBBLING ON PAPER. IN THE BEGINNING I JUDGED SOME REALLY TINY SHOWS AT HOLE-IN-THE-WALL PLACES SO I COULD LEARN MY CRAFT WITHOUT CAUSING TOO MUCH DAMAGE. I ALSO SAT ALONGSIDE VERY ACCOMPLISHED USEF-CARDED JUDGES AND PICKED THEIR BRAINS (STILL DO!) TO GET A GOOD FEEL OF WHAT THEY WERE REWARDING AND PENALIZING. MUCH OF BEING A GOOD JUDGE IS HAVING ENOUGH HORSEMANSHIP EXPERIENCE THAT YOU CAN FIND THE BEST HORSE AND RIDER IN A GIVEN CLASS. BUT IT’S ALSO BEING ABLE TO STAY CALM AND COOL UNDER PRESSURE AND JOSTLING SCORECARDS.

By: T.R.S

T.R.S — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:41:04 +0000

In 4H, judging was a challenge for me. I study and study, but never could get the knack of scribbly notes on paper while watching the horse or rider go through the class. Saddleseat and Walker classes were nightmares for me. Then I learned about western riding patterns and LOVED IT!!!! I’ve learned that though there are tough classes to judge, there will always be at least one to enjoy!!!!

By: Nikki K.

Nikki K. — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:05:02 +0000

It’s good to know that the judge is on our side when we are showing. I always get so nervous so I’ll keep that in mind next time.

By: Horselover

Horselover — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:29:50 +0000

Great article. I think it would be a lot of fun to be a horse show judge. I am in a basic equine science class right now, but I can’t wait to move on to a judging and conformation class.