Have you ever wondered
what a western horse show
judge is thinking, as he/she
is standing out there judging
you? Let’s try to get into the
minds of our judges so we can
know what is expected of us
as a competitor and what
makes our judges tick.
What
is that
Judge
Thinking?
Article: Joanne Gregory
Our pool of AQHA judges in Australia is not a huge list of names.
We have a nice mix of judges who have been judging for years
and some exciting new, up and coming judges. But in the end
they are just people, like you and me, who have chosen to learn
our rule book and make those often tough decisions.
So let’s start by looking at what job the judge has to perform,
so you have a better understanding of their responsibilities
and what they are required to do. A judge can be required to
judge for a few hours, for example Trail Classes only, or one,
two or more days. Show programs are set by committees
and they never know how many competitors they are going
to have enter the show. So a judge may have a very easy day
with small entries or a huge day with lots of entries, but either
way everyone wants to get home early including competitors,
Page 12 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • March • April • 2018
Photos: Tania Hobbs
committee members and workers. So the judge has to work
with the Show Manager to ensure that the classes are judged
in a timely manner. This means that we want our judges to be
efficient, but to also take enough time to assess every entrant
and ensure competitors are given enough opportunity to show
their horses to the best of their ability. Whilst doing this, the
judge also has to keep an eye out for incorrect or illegal
equipment and/or attire, and most importantly judge to the
requirements of the classes as per the rule book. A lot of our
classes now are scored classes, which takes more time for
the judge to complete. This is why you often see stewards
being used to inspect the Showmanship horses so the judge
can complete the score sheets. These sheets are very useful
to the competitor - take the time to go to the office and have
a look at how you scored. Check this against the rule book to