Question:
We have a young member, this will be his first year for
showing. He will be riding an aged draft horse in walk-trot
classes .... can he ride with two hands or does he need to ride with
one hand? Do you have a preference on the type of bit since the
animal is a draft horse and one that is accustomed to being driven?
Judge's Reply: Per 4-H rules, an aged horse must be
ridden one handed in a curb bit in western classes. A draft horse
may be more suitable to being ridden english so that he may still be
direct reined, as he would be with a cart. If the child has no other
option but to ride 2 handed for safety issues, in western attire and
tack, he must know that he will not be able to place above legal
rides/tack, regardless of how well he rode. The rider must also
use a curb bit for an aged horse.
At the walk/trot level, I would not
disqualify, but would not encourage, a 2 handed ride. I
would, however, DQ a 2 handed ride in western tack/attire for an
aged horse, at any other level. I would also explain the correct
way of holding reins and what equipment is legal for that particular
class. I would encourage them to ride correctly for any other
class and/or judge. It would be a learning
experience.
Some counties have draft riding rules
that allow them to ride 2 handed and in a snaffle regardless of age of
draft horse. Since our rule book does not support this, I
would need to go by the most current rules.
Question:
Is a horse, blind in one eye, permitted to show in the Junior Fair
Horse Show and if so, which classes?
Judge's Reply: I
don't have any problems with a blind horse in the arena in any class as
long as he is safe and sane. There is nothing in the rules about
blindness so it should be okay. I ran it by Amber and she and I
both agreed it would be fine. I have seen a lot of blind horses
show and they do great.
Question:
I am going to
be showing contest this year and for that reason I want to leave my
animal's mane long & flowing. Will points be takeoff in showmanship
for this type of mane?
Judge's Reply: My question to you is
what is the breed of horse that you will be showing and would you be in
english or western showmanship? As long as
the animal is fit and groomed/trimmed correctly I don't have a problem
with the long mane. However, it is still not the preferred way to show
a stock horse in showmanship. Hunter type horses should be
shown in braids, but thinned manes are permitted, just not
desirable. It must still be stain free, coat shiny, ears,
bridle path, face, and legs need to be well clipped. Your
halter must be absolutely clean and adjusted properly, and your
horse must have manners. "A long mane and tail may be
allowed according to the style that best fits the breed and
individual."(rule book page 15, 3a.). Grooming and trimming
are only 20 points of your score, but 60 points are your maneuver
score. This is only my opinion and other judges may deduct points
for a long mane on a stock type horse.
Question:
In showmanship, some judges want exhibitors to
look back while trotting away. Do you want the exhibitor to look back
at you or should the exhibitor keep his face forward?
Judge's Reply: Once you have turned away, look back at
the judge to be sure you are in line with them, then immediately start
your trot. Sometimes it is helpful to pick a spot straight in front of
you to keep your lines straight. You may look back one time once
you are trotting to make sure your lines are still straight, but no
more than that.
Question:
In
showmanship, do you want the showman to stand up straight when trotting
or to lean forward?
Judge's Reply: The showman should always look athletic
and professional, not stiff or artificial. I don't like crouching
or a stick straight posture. You need to look comfortable,
natural, and relaxed, but poised.
Question:
What
is more important to you....the rail work or a perfect pattern?
Judge's Reply: BOTH, however, rail work is only worth 20
point if a pattern is used. The pattern makes up 70 points and
appointments 10 points. Everyone seems to think the best pattern
wins, but not always. You must not sacrifice good horsemanship
because your horse can do patterns. Your heels still need to be
down, good hand placement, nice line from shoulder to hip to heel, soft
straight back, EYES UP AT ALL TIMES, know if you are on the wrong lead
without someone on the rail telling you or looking, etc. Rule book page 28
letter C: "results are not more important than the form and
equitation methods used to do the pattern."