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Judges' Pet Peeves: Hunter & Equitation

(Featured Image Credit (CC): S. Carter on Flickr)

It's all in the details! Sometimes the littlest things can make a bad impression on the judge! 🙈

In my 30+ years experience in the judge's box, and from having countless opportunities to officiate with hundreds of judges that I respect, I'd like to share with you some pet peeves that might help you to influence the judges favorably instead of negatively!

First and foremost, let's talk about turnout.

As they say, "you only get one chance to make a first impression." That first impression is when you enter the ring and the judge first lays eyes on you. Well-turned-out includes a clean, tidy, traditional appearance.

Turnout-wise, here are some pet peeves:

1. Dirty boots
2. Poor-fitting tack
3. Yellow tack
4. Too-large saddle pads
5. Big fuzzy boots for horse in equitation
6. Poor braid job
7. Spurs sticking straight up instead of level with boot seam
8. Untucked shirts
9. Blingy belts
10. Bling on Spurs
11. Bling on brow bands
12. Charms on spur straps
13. Huge bows on pony children that obscure the riders number
14. Short hunt coats that look more like an untucked fitted shirt
15. Martingales that are too tight or too loose
16. Crops that are brightly colored, have charms or are too big
17. Odd colored hunt coats, breeches or shirts
18. Boots with snakeskin or multi-colored leather
19. Horse in poor condition (either/or—weight and condition of coat)
20. Unconventional bits
21. Messy hair

Basically, anything that detracts from the horse is frowned upon. It's a horse show, not a people show.

Performance-wise, here are some major pet peeves:

1. Posting to the canter
2. Twisting and pulling on inside rein over the jump to attempt to land the lead
3. Poor sportsmanship!!
4. Excessive speed
5. Too slow of pace
6. Tired, sore or sour horse
7. Temper!
8. Horse behind the bit
9. Rider too heavy in the saddle, or that rides behind the motion
10. Looking for lead or diagonal
11. Horse over-bent in turn or bent to outside
12. Pulling on the inside rein for lead change
13. No release or backwards release over the jumps
14. Jumping ahead of the motion
15. Getting left behind
16. Ducking over the jump

There are others for sure, but in general, keep in mind the origin of the sport. Traditional hunting attire is the theme, so clean, conservative, classic turnout is a must!

Your turnout, appearance, and performance reflects respect for yourself, the judge, and most importantly, your horse!

Good luck and have fun😊