2018 Canadian Nationals Featuring... ✦ Contenders ✦ Editorials ✦ Hot Spots
August 12 - 18, 2018 Brandon, Manitoba - Canada
Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Volume 49, No. 2
Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Volume 49, No. 2
Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Volume 49, No. 2
Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | Volume 49, No. 2
HIS OWNMAN CRF
AMES INSPIRATION
(Baske Afire x Gunning For Roses KCF)
(A Noble Cause x Justa New Look)
THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR
TOI DANIELS
(Matoi x Royal Starina)
(Black Daniels x R Secret Toi)
Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Volume 49, No. 2
AMES IMPERATOR Arabian Country English Pleasure Jr. Horse with Laura Rodel Owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians
AMES INSPIRATION Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR and Arabian Country English Pleasure AATR with Lara Ames Owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians
HIS OWNMAN CRF HA/AA Country English Pleasure Jr. Horse with Laura Rodel HA/AA Country English Pleasure AAOTR with Lara Ames Owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians
THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR HA/AA Country English Pleasure with Laura Rodel HA/AA Country English Pleasure JOTR, HA/AA Country English Pleasure JTR and HA/AA Native Costume AOTR with Sara Stowell Owned by The Stowell Family
TOI DANIELS Arabian Country English Pleasure with Laura Rodel Arabain Country English Pleasure AAOTR with Roberta Lembke Owned by Dan & Roberta Lembke
AMES IMPERATOR (Afires Heir x Aria Endless Summer)
THE AMES FAMILY DICK, LOLLIE & LARA AMES
JORDAN, MN | 952.492.2537 CEDARRIDGEARABIANS.COM
Ar abian Horse Times | 13 | Volume 49, No. 2
2018 Canadian Nationals Preview August 12 - 18, 2018 Brandon, Manitoba - Canada
Number of horses expected ... 710 Number of regions/states represented at the show ... Usually about 40. New features for 2018 ... The AWPA Western Pleasure AAOTR Maturity for both Arabians and Half-Arabians with a minimum of $15,000 in prize money for each class (thank you to Arabian Horse World and Equine Athlete for sponsoring these classes). Are you working with a local charity or doing something special this year? This year we are planning on 400 high school-aged children to the
Ar abian Horse Times | 14 | Volume 49, No. 2
horse show who are attending the Legion Games in Brandon. We hope to provide them a comprehensive experience with the Arabian horse. What is the one event during the Canadian Nationals Horse Show that people should not miss? The Keystone Centre Kick-Off BBQ for Exhibitors on August 10th; Armed Forces Day August 17th; and the Ribfest at Keystone Centre, featuring food, drinks and music, held in conjunction with Canadian Nationals August 17th-19th. How many people do you expect at the Canadian Nationals Horse Show? 5,000 (with the increase in community participation). How much do you expect the Canadian Nationals Horse Show to bring to the local economy? We estimate approximately $10 million What makes the Canadian Nationals Horse Show unique from other events? Canadian Nationals is a unique venue for exhibitors and spectators. It offers the widest variety of classes that any of AHA’s National events offer, including: Youth, Amateur and Open classes, in a wide array of disciplines from working western and sport horse to mounted native costume and halter. n
photos by Millington Anderson
Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | Volume 49, No. 2
▲
Allan Ehrlick - 2015
Hours before, Cheryl and I found out that I was having life threatening surgery upon my arrival home. This was my 108th National title and my most meaningful. The picture tells it all …
▲
Rick G ault - 2005
When I won unanimously the Arabian Western Pleasure Open on DA Aquila, a gelding, which is rare; typically, it seems to be a stallion or mare.
▲
La Rae F letcher Powell - 2016
Winning the Arabian Open Western on RD Habanero. My son, Colby Powell, rushed out to hug me and Cheryl Fletcher is grinning at us from behind!
▲
Vicki Humphrey - 2002
One memorable moment I recall at Canada had to do with showing the always wild Maximumm Overdrive in harness. He was a very claustrophobic horse, hated that ramp and hallway into the arena and didn’t much like to stop for any reason. I told the gate person that I wanted to go in when it had cleared out down below, so he could go straight in. Just as I got to the bottom, a horse in the arena lost a wheel on his buggy and they tried to shut the gate. Tish Kondas pushed it open—and nearly got written up—so I didn’t have a horse explosion in the tunnel. I then had to wait for them to replace the wheel with the wild horse who hates to stop. When the class was finally over, and I’d shaved 10 years off my life (tug came off once during class) and they called Max out as Champion, I told them to put the roses on him. Tish said, “I don’t think you should do that!” And I said do it; I worked hard for those! So, they did. For about three seconds they stayed on, after which Max reared straight up and leaped forward. And I said “take them off !” And Tish did, shaking her head ...
Ar abian Horse Times | 18 | Volume 49, No. 2
▲
Todd Ehret
I’ve had so many proud moments at Canadian Nationals not only for myself, but for my wife, children and clients. I think one of the best accomplishments is breeding and raising a horse that does well. We had that with the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure gelding So Double Your Bet. He won a total of 10 National Championships in his career. He is pictured with my wife Andrea.
▲
G reg Gallún - 1988
▲
Canada always offered a top flight show with a more intimate setting. Smaller classes than U.S. and usually a smaller arena. One year in the late 80s, there was a park class that was super competitive, and Brian Murch was riding Hallelujah Bask, who we all loved for her tremendous heart. Brian’s main competition was his mentor and former boss, Gene LaCroix, who was basically unbeatable. That night Hallelujah and Brian did the undoable! They won the championship and we all went wild, cheering and yelling, banging the glass that circled the arena which also serves as a hockey venue. So much fun!
Donna Hentges – 1998
In the summer of 1998, First Cyte had life-saving colic surgery. He was entered at Canada but was recovering slowly. With fingers crossed I decided to let him show at Canadian Nationals in the Futurity Colt class. That night he won (unanimously) his first national championship and made my dreams come true.
Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | Volume 49, No. 2
WESTMAN REPTILE GARDENS
NE 16-10-17W, Douglas, MB | www.reptilegardens.ca On the outskirts of Brandon, you will find Westman Reptile Gardens. With over 15 different venomous snakes, a collection of alligators, crocodiles and much, much more, this location dares you to come and visit. If you leave unimpressed, then you probably didn’t go.
RIVERBANK DISCOVERY CENTRE
545 Conservation Drive, Brandon | www.riverbank.mb.ca Take a step into nature and explore with the Riverbank Discovery Centre. With several walking trails, you will be submerged into nature, giving you an opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. For those who want to sit and relax, there is a pond that showcases plant life and several species of ducks and birds. Don’t forget to walk across the Red Willow Pedestrian Bridge for a bird’s eye view of the location.
ESCAPE THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
731 Princess Ave, Brandon | www.thefinalcountdoesn.ca
Put your brain to the test while visiting Brandon with Escape The Final Countdown. Each group is given a selection of rooms that range in difficulty. After the selection of the room is given, each group is given 60 minutes to escape. Regardless if you get out or not, this experience will be way too much fun to pass up on!
ART GALLERY OF SOUTHWESTERN MANITOBA
710 Rosser Avenue, Unit 2, Brandon | www.agsm.ca
The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is 23,000 square feet of environmentally controlled exhibition space and six discipline specific learning/ production studios, deeply rooted in community.
THE DALY HOUSE
122 18th Street, Brandon | www.dalyhousemuseum.ca Take a sneak peek into the early years of Brandon. The Daly House provides an extensive collection of antiques and photographic history while being placed in a historic setting. The Daly House hopes to create enthusiasm about the community’s history and culture.
Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Volume 49, No. 2
COMMONWEALTH AIR TRAINING PLAN MUSEUM
Box 3, Grp. 520, RR 5, Brandon | www.airmuseum.ca
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is Canada’s only air museum dedicated to those who fought for the British Commonwealth during WWII. Examin WWII vintage aircraft, vehicles and artifacts from that time period, including a Memorial Wall honoring those who lost their lives fighting for what they believed in.
BRANDON SHOPPERS MALL
1570 18th St., Brandon | www.shoppersmallbrandon.com This 70,000 square foot mall provides over 90 different stores for visitors to adventure into. Relish in some retail therapy while visiting Brandon. With a large variety of stores and food options, Brandon Shoppers Mall offers a de-stressing day.
BRANDON GENERAL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES, INC.
19 9th Street, Brandon | www.brandongeneralmuseum.ca
The mission of Brandon General Museum & Archives, Inc. is to collect and interpret historic materials relating to the city of Brandon. This museum showcases three main exhibits that explain the true history of Brandon. This location will help you get an insider look into how Brandon became the city that it is today.
GLEN LEA GOLF COURSE
Lori Road, Box 17, Site 500, RR #5, Brandon | www.glenleagolf.ca Take a break from your hectic schedule to relax on this 18-hole golf course. Glen Lea Golf Course is surrounded by vibrant green plants and trees that will put you at ease. This calm and beautiful golf course overlooks the Assiniboine River and the Brandon Valley.
ALBERT’S BISTRO
2000 Highland Ave., Brandon | www.albertsbistro.ca
Don’t be fooled by the name of this hotspot. What is called a bistro also includes a driving range, mini golf and rock climbing! Enjoy Greek specialties at Albert’s Bistro while staying active with their fun outdoor entertainment.
Ar abian Horse Times | 21 | Volume 49, No. 2
THE DOCK ON PRINCESS
1133 Princess Ave, Brandon | www.thedockonprincess.com The Dock on Princess dares you to be a “locavore” which by their definition means to eat locally grown food and to support the locals. Don’t judge this pub by their exterior; once you step inside, you will be submerged in an upbeat environment. They pride themselves on creating better food from local ingredients.
LADY OF THE LAKE
135 B 17th Street North, Brandon | www.ladyofthelake.ca Lady of the Lake provides “comfort gourmet.” They begin each day with creating their menu from scratch from local and organic ingredients. This restaurant has won several awards and recognition for their ambiance and menu. It is truly one of the best places to get a bite of food.
JOE BEEVERZ BAR & GRILL
20 - 1300 18th St., Brandon | www.joebeeverz.com Joe Beeverz is a Canadian bar and grill ran by two guys who love Canada, beer, wings and poutine. They are known for their unique attitude and unpretentious atmosphere. Wanting to celebrate individuality and fun, enjoy a full menu including sandwiches and ribs.
KOMFORT KITCHEN
835 Princess Ave, Downtown Brandon | www.komfortkitchen.ca Komfort Kitchen is known for creating good food with care. This restaurant serves both breakfast and lunch. The food they serve to you at this small and friendly spot reflects their passion for food and the community they live in.
COFFEE CULTURE CAFE & EATERY
510 1st St., Brandon | www.coffeeculturecafe.com
This charming and cozy eatery is perfect for small get togethers or for a quick bite to eat. Not only do they have the usual coffee and pastries, Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery also serves vegetarian and healthier options that you wouldn’t normally find at a coffee shop. With a happy staff and pleasant seating, you’ll enjoy this quick escape.
Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | Volume 49, No. 2
MUM’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
505 24th St., Brandon | 204-725-0888
Mum’s Family Restaurant is a delightful place to visit for your morning meal. And there is a reason that this small diner is always packed, the food is tasty! With reasonable prices and a warm environment, Mum’s Family Restaurant won’t let you down.
SABOR LATINO
457 9th Street, Brandon | www.saborlatinorestaurant.ca Sabor Latino is the spot for high quality Spanish food. They say their success is dependent upon providing quality, consistent food that tastes great every time. Whether you want to dine in, carry out or have your food delivered right to your door, Sabor Latino will satisfy your craving for Latino-inspired food.
BENNY ’S
612 Rosser Ave, Brandon | www.bennys.restaurant Benny’s provides a more formal setting with their comfort food. Their menu is filled with a variety of options from seafood to nachos to lasagna. Not only is their food great, but their owner, Ben, makes the experience that much more enjoyable. When you’re at Benny’s, you’re in good hands.
BLUE HILLS BAKERY & DELI
1229 Richmond Ave, Brandon \ 204-571-6762
This small and friendly bakery and deli will fulfill your dreams of soup, salads and sandwiches. At Blue Hills Bakery & Deli, all their ingredients are fresh and everything is handmade. You will be impressed with their selection!
THE HANSEL & GRETEL SCHNITZEL HOUSE 363 1st St., Brandon | 204-725-4400
This restaurant is known for their “all you can eat” buffet. Meet up with friends and family to enjoy their authentic German cuisine with attentive staff and an upbeat environment.
Ar abian Horse Times | 23 | Volume 49, No. 2
PANEL 1 If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? Never stop riding! It’s just a mistake. Make the rest of the class great! You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? I learned from Peter Cameron, a mistake never drops a good horse off a card. Correct training and quality can allow forgiveness, providing there are not multiple or continuous mistakes.
Janet Henderson
Years as a Judge: 27
How many National shows have you judged? Four, including this year’s Canadian Nationals. Breeding/In-Hand: How important do you feel the entrance and loose lead walk is? I really appreciate seeing the horses on the loose lead walk; it helps to demonstrate innate quality. The entrance is always exciting for the spectators. At the end of a class, if it is a comparative class, how important is the final stand up and what do you use this time for? The final stand up time is used to confirm my card. How important is it to have a big entrance into the arena? If a big entrance is correctly trained and the performance at the trot is done well, it lends to a positive first impression in movement.
Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? If a horse is constantly too close to center ring, it is very difficult to get a good overall view, which is a detriment to that horse. In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? A country horse needs to give the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride, and the first two criteria are attitude and manners. If the horse is well trained, it will be content to wait for the rider to ask for the next gait and show a clear walk. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? I always appreciate elegance but as this is a National show, I understand an exhibitor would like to have something special. It should never be over-powering. Ultimately, I am judging the horse’s performance, so attire must adhere to the rules and does not play a role in my final decision. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Breathe!
understanding? People sitting in the stands have a different view than the judges have. I can only judge what I am looking at. If an exhibitor makes a mistake behind my back that I am unaware of, it was a fortunate occurrence for them! My concern is to give each exhibitor the fairest opportunity in the safest environment I can help manage. Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? Riding off the rail should be used selectively. Exhibitors that are constantly riding way off the rail are unaware of how difficult it can be for a judge to really look at your horse when you’re too close. I would prefer to watch a horse that shows adjustability in their rail position with an occasional pass off the rail.
C hristine Johnston
Years as a Judge: 8
How many National shows have you judged? I’ve judged U.S. Nationals. This will be my second National show. Breeding/In-Hand: How important do you feel the entrance and loose lead walk is? The entrance sets the tone. I’m looking at movement, quality, and type. I find that the loose lead walk is the best opportunity to judge balance. At the end of a class, if it is a comparative class, how important is the final stand up and what do you use this time for? Final stand ups might have an impact if I have a close decision between two exhibitors. How important is it to have a big entrance into the arena? Having a big entrance definitely affects my first impression of an exhibitor, but a poor entrance would not keep me from pinning a horse first as long as their performance after the gate closes warrants it. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? Exhibitors can only be judged by what is seen and you never know what mistakes have been made by others in your class. Keep riding, it isn’t a fault and out; make a strong recovery and move on! You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better
In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? The walk is a judged gait as the trot and canter are. The country pleasure horse is required to have a true flat-footed walk. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? Attire can either enhance your overall look or distract from it. We all want to stand out in the show arena … let your horse’s performance leave a bigger impression than your attire does. Individuality is wonderful as long as it isn’t distracting. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Enjoy the experience of showing at Nationals, give your best effort, and keep in mind that you have made it to a level that many never achieve.
error may well be overridden by accumulated positive aspects of the performance. Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? I like to see horses on and off the rail, depending on where that horse shows the best. However, off the rail does not mean up and down the center buzzing the judges. It is really hard to “see” a horse that is closer than 15 or 20 feet. If I have to move to avoid being run over, it is definitely not going to earn you bonus points! In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? The flat footed, 4 beat walk is one of the hallmarks of a country pleasure horse. That, along with a quiet mouth, quiet tail, and happy expression are signs that the horse is relaxed and comfortable in its job. Country pleasure has become “fancier” over the years but these traits are what separate these horse from the English pleasure and park horses where more collection, animation, intensity and motion are rewarded.
Michael Miller
Years as a Judge: 16 Discipline(s) judging: English, Show Hack, Western, Hunter and Saddle Seat Equitation How many National shows have you judged? This will be my third Nationals show. I judged U.S. Nationals in 2013 and Youth Nationals in 2016. How important is it to have a big entrance into the arena? Your entrance into the arena is when I get my first impression of the class and keys me in on which horses I want to watch. However, it is the overall performance that places the class. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? Everyone makes mistakes; the difference is in how fast you can recover from one. The previous rail is done; it is always the next rail that matters! You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? In a large ring with multiple judges viewing the class from different vantage points, you would be amazed how different the class can look from one view to the next. Good judging rewards positives while considering the negatives, so an
Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? The goal of a show outfit, regardless of discipline, is to complement the horse and enhance the overall picture. Fit, color and detail all lend to a pleasing picture. A little sparkle can be nice as can some contrast, but remember … you are trying to draw attention to, and showcase, your horse! What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Practice, practice, practice … and when it comes time to show, take a deep breath, show me your horse, and enjoy the ride!
PANEL 2
Kelly Elm
Years as a Judge: 28 How many National shows have you judged? U.S. Nationals twice; Youth Nationals twice; Canadian Nationals, this will be my second time; and Australian Nationals, once. How important is it to have a big entrance into the arena? While it is nice to make a good first impression, the judging doesn’t officially begin until the gate is closed. Sometimes horses or riders with less experience come in a bit nervous, but they usually settle in before the judging begins. I recommend going for a mannerly, balanced entrance rather than an extreme entrance that is unsustainable. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? There are multiple judges at Nationals. While one judge may have seen your error, chances are the others did not. Ride like it never happened! And, others may have made mistakes worse than yours! You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? I encourage all exhibitors, trainers and coaches to attend the AHA Judges and Exhibitors School held each November. Newcomers and the most seasoned exhibitors come away with a much better understanding of the many things judges consider, what we see and don’t see, and the importance of the class specs. After standing center ring and having to put their placings on paper and sign their name, one comes away with a different perspective. I guarantee it will enhance their presentation the next time they enter the show arena. Ask anyone who has attended.
Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? While no one wants to be trapped on the rail, showing too close to center and the judges, makes it harder for us to see the whole picture. My advice is to use the straightaway and show slightly off the rail if desired. Do your best to not get covered up, while maintaining enough distance from the judges to show off your horse. In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? The USEF rules for country pleasure states, “It is imperative that the horse gives the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride.” The specs for the class list attitude as the first criteria, followed by manners, performance, quality and conformation. A horse that is nervous or cranky at the walk does not fit the description of a country pleasure horse, and will be penalized. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? I suggest looking at photos of the finals from the most recent National show. Find your discipline and get an idea of the current styles and what appeals to you. There are descriptions of attire in the USEF rulebook for each discipline. Some are flashier than others. You don’t want to get so loud that the judge sees every move you make, good and bad. If you have a good ride, the judges will find you regardless of what you are wearing. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Watch the classes, hang out with your horse show friends and remember, ultimately, it’s about you getting to spend every day with your horse doing what you love, with friends that share your passion for the Arabian horse. You are making memories of a lifetime!
Jody Strand
Years as a Judge: 25 How many National shows have you judged? One. Breeding/In-Hand: How important do you feel the entrance and loose lead walk is? The entrance gives you a good first impression of the horse. The loose lead walk is extremely important, because you can see the quality and balance of the horse before it’s hidden during the stand up, but that’s the handler’s job! It’s my job to see through it. You can’t hide faults during the walk! At the end of a class, if it is a comparative class, how important is the final stand up and what do you use this time for? At the point of the final stand up, I’m checking my card. My decision has already been made. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? If an exhibitor makes a mistake, correct the mistake slowly and just keep riding. You don’t know what’s going on in the rest of the class, or mistakes others may have made. You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you
say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? I would tell them it depends on the size of the mistake! Major faults are marked down heavily. I consider performance horses that are way over-bridled a major fault. Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? I feel exhibitors need to start using the whole arena! I can find the best horse … it doesn’t need to constantly be right in front of me. Even in a small ring, exhibitors still cut off 10-20 feet. We need to get better at using the entire arena. In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? A good country horse should walk relaxed and not have to be forced to walk. Loosening the curb rein and holding on the snaffle always makes me chuckle! Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? Regarding each discipline’s outfits, more is not always better. If I notice something about an exhibitor’s outfit before I notice the horse, that’s not a good thing. I usually feel less is better. If you’re riding a great horse, your outfit is not going to influence my decision. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? It’s just another show. Have fun and ride the same as you did all year!
Deborah Walters
Years as a Judge: 15 Discipline(s) judging: Western Pleasure
How many National shows have you judged? This is my first National show assignment. Breeding/In-Hand: How important do you feel the entrance and loose lead walk is? For me, the entrance is always fun and exciting, but does not influence my decision in movement whatsoever. They are always more brilliant when they first come in and their movement is more exaggerated. Once they have shown and trot away, I feel that is the true movement of that entry and my score will reflect that. As far as the relaxed walk, I think that is the most positive improvement we have made in showing our halter horses. Our trainers are so talented in what they do, that they can stand up their horse and completely hide their horses’ faults. At the relaxed walk, you are able to see the horse as they truly are. At the end of a class, if it is a comparative class, how important is the final stand up and what do you use this time for? In Canada, they are using the comparative method, so we once again can go around at the end and look at them at the last stand up. I have several thoughts on this, but as a judge, this will allow me to go back to those who may be close and make that final decision. The crowds and the owners, I think, will love this; it puts the excitement back in the class. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? Everyone can make mistakes. When it happens to you, collect yourself and move on; you don’t know who saw it, who else has made a mistake and how bad that mistake was. You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? When you hear people complain about the judges pinning exhibitors that have made mistakes, many times they think the judge is political or incompetent. The first thing I would like to point out is, as much as we try to see the whole ring, things happen that we simply didn’t see or perhaps the horse is superior to the rest of the class and the mistake was very minor, so it will be chosen because of its superiority. Another very important factor is that many exhibitors and owners never take the time to read the rulebook and we as judges spend many hours educating ourselves on the specifications of each discipline and category. For example, in the western pleasure classes, in the open, the specs are manners (behavior), performance (transitions), substance, quality, conformation and attitude. And for the junior horse, the specs change in importance: substance, quality, performance, manners and attitude. In the amateur and junior
rider classes, suitability of horse and rider is added as well. All these things go into our decision. Remember, it is not a command class. Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? I know I used the center until I became a judge. When you ride very close to the judge, you make it very difficult for us to see your horse correctly. Obviously, riding the rail in a big class can you get covered and the judge never sees you, so use your best judgement and place yourself so we see you, but not right on top of us. In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? When judging the country pleasure horse, I always have in mind that they should be soft and a pure pleasure to ride. Once again, a great deal of emphasis is put on the walk; it must be true and flat and forward moving. Many times, the walk will separate the winners from the rest, because they are relaxed and moving along. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? I really don’t have any advice on apparel, as long as it’s tasteful and appropriate for the class. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Have fun; look around you, what can you take home with you to work and improve on; stay true to yourself, don’t start schooling or ride differently because you saw someone else riding that way; and it’s not all about winning, but also about doing something we love.
comes to attire. In my opinion, conservative will always be the route to take. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Prepare ahead of the show and do the best that you can do. Don’t stress out over it, have fun and enjoy the trip.
WORKING WESTERN
Jan Decker
Years as a Judge: 45 How many National shows have you judged? U.S. Nationals three times, Youth Nationals two times, and Canada three times. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? Keep riding to win. Maybe no one else even knows you made a mistake. You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? A quality performance can negate a mistake if the other competitors do not exhibit a similar quality performance. There are many considerations in the judging specifications of each class and all specifications need to be adhered to. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? Stay within the boundaries of the rules for each discipline. Retailers seem to always push the envelope when it
Jill Mitchell Years as a Judge: 14 Discipline(s) judging: Working Western and all main ring classes How many National shows have you judged? Two. Breeding/In-Hand: How important do you feel the entrance and loose lead walk is? I feel like you learn a lot by the way people enter the arena. Creating a good first impression sets the tone for the rest of the performance. As a judge, you want to see someone enter the arena with presence. With respect to the loose lead walk, you want to see the horse maintain its natural conformation throughout; something that I look for as a judge. At the end of a class, if it is a comparative class, how important is the final stand up and what do you use this time for? I use the final stand up to make hard decisions. If two competitors are very close during the performance, I will often wait to make a final decision until I see how the horse and handler appear in the final stand up. I do not typically make overall decisions based on the stand up and wouldn’t penalize someone who was clearly the best horse/handler, but if there are close calls, I definitely use that time to make my final decisions. The stand up allows me to confirm my overall impressions.
How important is it to have a big entrance into the arena? Coming into the arena with a presence and command of your horse makes a good first impression. As a judge, I definitely will look during the class for riders who impressed me at the entrance. Demonstrating a knowledge of your horse, creating a nice picture, and showing that on entrance, gets the class off to a good start. If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? I recognize when riders recover quickly from mistakes. I am always impressed when riders mitigate the impact of mistakes and when riders turn something that could become a big issue into a small issue or a non-event. Obviously, there is some penalty for small mistakes, but I would also give a rider credit for recovering quickly. I would tell riders to not worry about mistakes, they happen to everyone, and to learn from the mistakes and finish the class strong. Plus, there is always the chance that the judge didn’t see it! You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? When a rider is clearly better than other competitors, you have to make a decision as a judge how much to penalize someone. There are times that even when factoring in a mistake, the rider who made the mistake had an overall better performance. Those are often very difficult decisions for judges, but we try to do the best we can to take into account the overall performance. Plus, as a judge, you can’t see everything, and there are always things that you miss, particularly in larger classes. Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? My advice to riders in smaller classes is to ride on the rail. I definitely want to see riders who can keep their horse on the rail the whole class, including after the reverse. At Nationals and in bigger classes, I tell riders to think about the arena as having three lanes, with lane one being on the rail. In big classes, you want to be in lane two so that the judge can see you. You don’t want to be on top of the judge, but you also don’t want to get lost on the rail behind other horses. In smaller classes, I consider being on the rail to be important. Also, you have to consider spacing, and if space allows, stay on the rail. If not, I understand as a judge when riders move off the rail because of concerns regarding spacing.
In the country discipline, there has been a lot of emphasis put on the walk. Can you share why the walk is so important? In country classes, the horses are so powerful and have so much energy, so I view manners as important. It is important that country horses are able to walk flat-footed and on a loose rein. I view that as one of the more important parts of the class, and I think the walk can separate the horses who are strong and perform well at the trot. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? I think proper fit for clothes is very important. Clothes don’t have to be expensive, but I think it is important that the clothes fit well. Additionally, I encourage riders to be thoughtful about what colors blend well with the color of their horse. Unnecessarily bright and bold colors can be distracting. You don’t want to stand out because of your clothes, but you want to think about clothes creating a nice picture. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Nationals is such a great experience. I encourage first time competitors to soak it all in. A first year at Nationals can be a great learning experience. Don’t be overwhelmed by the class sizes or the level of competition. Go out, do your best and have fun!
DRESSAGE Margaret Freeman How many National shows have you judged? One in Canada, three years ago, and one in North Carolina, two years ago. Breeding/In-Hand: How important do you feel the entrance and loose lead walk is? Judging the sport horse breeding classes on the triangle, we don’t judge an “entrance,” however, walks should be all on a loose lead (if possible). If an exhibitor makes a mistake, what is the best advice you can give them to not give up? Judging sport horse breeding on the triangle is very forgiving. Circle, regain control and continue. In a dressage test, forget a mistake after it happens, or rider tension can carry on to the next movements. Dressage judges don’t fret about a single mistake but will take into account repeated mistakes. You often hear people complain when they see someone make a mistake and still get a good ribbon. What would you say to the person sitting in the stands, so they have a better understanding? For a dressage test, a mistake in one box affects only that box. If the scores in the other boxes are high enough, it can make up the difference. Repeated mistakes are a different matter and can affect the collective scores at the bottom of the test, plus the individual movement boxes. Performance: You see a lot of people ride off the rail; what advice would you give them in using the whole arena? When I judge a group sport horse class, that would depend on where I am judging from. If I am outside the ring, it is better to be off the rail on the side where I’m placed, but on the rail for the opposite side. I appreciate riders who are aware of the other horses in the ring, give them space and don’t cut them off. Apparel can have a wide variety amongst its own discipline. What advice would you give someone getting a new outfit? What do you feel is important and what do you find distracting? I am not a fan of apparel choices that pull my eye away from the horse. What advice would give a first-time Nationals exhibitor? Smile and relax. n