The Smoothest Ride ... Tips, Articles, and Stories For The Paso Fino Horse Enthusiast
The
Judge's Side of The Story
Originally
from “Stud Manager’s Handbook”, Vol. 2
Credit to “Horse Lovers” Magazine Sept.-Oct. 1967; *edited
for the Paso Fino by Lynn Gallup ,
www.smoothride4u.com
Many times one hears a horse show judge criticized unmercifully. Perhaps in some cases such criticism is justified. However, if the exhibitor or the spectator would put themselves in the shoes of the person passing judgment on a class, he might possibly see another side to the story.
There
are a number of important factors that the exhibitor, the spectator and
particularly the judge must take into consideration when preparing for
a show.
The complete exhibitor, the knowledgeable spectator, and the qualified
judge will be all well versed in certain necessary areas. Although this
discussion will be made from the viewpoint of the judge, the exhibitor
and the spectator would in most cases, be less vociferous in their discussions
of the show if they took heed and followed some of these suggestions.
First
of all, the judge must have a clear picture of the ideal.
This ideal may be a *Bellas Formas Classic Fino, Performance, or Pleasure
horse; but in each class the qualified judge will know exactly what he
is looking for. They will observe each horse closely, comparing him with
the ideal. Their observations must be complete and they must be accurate.
When the comparisons made are based on complete and accurate observation,
a logical and correct conclusion can be made, and the class is placed
accordingly.
Now
then, let’s observe the exhibitor and the spectator while the class
is being judged.
The exhibitor is showing his horse the best he can, and has little time
to properly evaluate the performance of his competitors. His first and
most important concern is showmanship, and not judging. The spectator,
on the other hand, has much time to watch the class as does the judge.
He can observe all the horses work and reach his own decision. Maybe it
will be a good one. He may, however, have had some distraction from his
neighbor or perhaps he has a friend or relative showing one of the horses
and he spends a little more time watching that particular horse or person
and misses something of importance, or he just might not have an unobstructed
view of the class at all times.
The important points about the judge are:
- The judge has only one thing on his mind, and that is to place the class to the best of his ability.
- The judge is mentally tuned to use a system to logicly determine placements of the class.
- The judge has the best view in the house. Of course, he may miss something when his back is turned, but if he/she is truly qualified and follows definite procedures the things missed will be of little consequence.
- Knowledge of the ideal for each class has been mentioned.
- The judge must also have a complete understanding of the rules, qualifications, tack, and attire governing each class.
Most shows follow
rules that can be found in the Handbook published by the USEF (formerly
the American Horse
Shows Association). In some local cases, “local” rules
of a specific association, may supersede AHSA rules. In all cases, the
judge is duty bound to become familiar with these rules. By the same token,
the exhibitor and the spectator must know the rules. Many controversies
could be avoided if everyone concerned knew the rules of a particular
class.
And finally a good horse show will have:
- Good horses
- A good physical plan
- A qualified judge
- Enthusiasm and good sportmanship among exhibitors
- The judge will be thoroughly trained and will conduct their self in a manner that is a reflection of the position they hold, one of professionalism and integrity.
The judge will attempt to satisfy:
- His/her own conscience
- The exhibitor
- The spectator
If the exhibitor and the spectator train themselves as judges, and if they gain some appreciation of the work that the judge does, our shows might become a truly educational and rewarding experience.
Lynn Gallup was introduced to the Paso Fino breed in 1975, while owning a Half-Arabian at the time. She began actively showing them in the Atlantic and Piedmont regional Paso Fino shows in the mid-70’s. She owns Gracewood Farm Paso Finos in New Hill, North Carolina, home to about 17 Paso Fino horses, where she continues to train/breed her own Paso Fino horses. Lynn is a multi-gaited horse breed show judge: Paso Finos, Rocky Mountains, and Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses, and a Registered "R" Judge with USEF. The “Tips” are learned from hands on experience and attending clinics over the years involved with horses. Lynn’s website “The Smoothest Ride” went online in 1997, and offers helpful and informative tips, articles, and stories for the Paso Fino horse enthusiast. New URL: www.smoothride4u.com.