OGM - Judging.

[ruthie]

I have been asked to judge for a 12 & under Pony Club show. I am judging the Veteran Pony and Pet pony.

What do I need to wear? I want to look the part, and what sort of hat? I am 21 so don’t want to look like a total old lady.

I am really worried because M&M is my thing…. Any advice tips? What do I ask the competitor, I tend to get asked my ponies age and what I do with her. Do these classes follow the same format?

-Walk around and trot around (some will be on the lead rein so no canter I presume?)
- Pulled in to line, do there own individual show,
- back out
- final line up and rosette giving.


I want to do this well, but I am worried I am a bit under qualified.

[leannwithconnie]

Oohhh what an honour Ruthie..can't really help with what to weat etc but I'm sure someone will shortly be able to help you out, When is the show?

[Rowndan]

yes what an honour. well done.

im not sue what you should wear either. just smart i would think.

[admin]

Ruthie - it'll be fine.

I judge all the childrens classes at the two local riding clubs. I do handy pony, beginners jumping, clear round, young handler, fun class, riding club horse, riding club pony - all sorts.

Because of the handy pony and jumping classes it's not really sensible to wear anything too smart. I tend to wear jeans and a tshirt. I do put a hat on for the riding club horse and pony club horse. Generally my classes are indoors, so I'm not too close to the posh show rings. If I am outside I wear my hat for all classes.
The hat I wear is my Buckaroo (or something - isn't that a kids game???) one, so it's smart, horsey, but not too old and fuddy duddy.

The key to good showing (IMO) is for you to have as much fun as the kids! I also always say that my classes are about learning, so I don't mind if I have to give them a lot of help. For example, they might not know what an individual show is, so I'll talk them through what I want.
I also ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS say at least one positive thing about each combination. You can always find something!

I'm also not shy about telling them if there is something wrong. THey've got to learn somehow. Last time half of them were wearing badly fitted grackle nosebands adn I said to the entire class that they weren't appropriate to childrens classes. I'd have 'em all in cavessons and snaffles if I had my own way!

And most importantly remember - in that ring you are GOD. Never apologise for anything, if you want them to do something they have to do it, and don't take any crap off stroppy parents!

Good luck and have fun!

Olivia

[JoM]

I dont know anything about judging - but, my sister has taught a friends young daughter to ride on another friends dales pony. Lovely mare - just far too big for the child! But placid enough for her to ride. However, she went in her class - on a 14.2hh strong mare and tried her best! The only one there that wasnt on a lead rein and on the biggest pony and she was told she was overhorsed and needed to work on her circles!

That is not good judging in my opinion - not by a long stretch! She came out absolutely crushed.

I think what I'm trying to say is, make everything positive - yes she was over horsed, but why say that? Why could they not say, you have done ever so well by yourself on this big strong pony! And her circles were pants - but why not say - that was a lovely canter you did on the pony! I thought it was quite cruel. i was upset for her!

I'm sure I am teaching you to 'suck eggs' so to speak LOL

[hannahjsheldon]

At our local riding club they had a few younger judges last year too. I remember that they were dressed in smart riding gear with their riding hats on. It looked much better than the old 'fuddy duddy' approach.

[bevbob]

Great stuff Ruthie, I think positive comments are best too, cant remember how many times Iv had to find positives out of negatives lol but it does work wonders.
You could pick up on things that they could work on for next time too.
Good luck it sounds fun.

[harveydales]

I think Olivia has summed it up well and deffinately ignore any stroppy parents!

Because it's veteran and pet pony for under 12's I would talk to each child a bit to find out what they know about their pony and caring for him or her, just simple little things which can tell you a lot about the child's attitude. I always place a nice, well loved and cared for but average pony over the smart show pony with smart Mum doing it all in this sort of class. The main thing is that you all have fun. I bet you will enjoy doing it Ruthie.

[khristyne]

Lucky you, I would love to have a go at that!! I would say comfortably smart. I think I would be looking for good pony manners and suitability for the job as well as all the other considerations.

have wonderful day!!