30/ AUGUST 2023 THE RIDER


The Science of how Horses Think & Learn Judging horse shows. Wearing many hats.


even judging location (standing in the ring, sitting in a booth, bleachers or golf cart). Because I love watching


horses and riders, I enjoy judg- ing them. I’ve come to respect all the colours of the kaleido- scope; the unique characteristics of each breed; the range of tack, turnout and traditions through- out riding styles. My first love has always


By Lindsay Grice. Equestrian Canada coach, horse show judge and specialist in equine behav- iour.


I smiled, walking past the


airport hat kiosk, on route to a judging adventure at an exhibi- tion in eastern Canada. I’d be wearing a few hats, judging a kaleidoscope of classes: equi- tation, road hack, reining, west- ern riding, working hunter, pleasure driving, driven dres- sage, conformation, showman- ship, miniature horses, a timed “extreme”obstacle challenge… .and more! Those who judge multiple


disciplines must learn to change hats -scoring systems, terminol- ogy, penalties, class formats,


been teaching. I shrugged off the idea of horse show judging for years . Too much pressure, I fig- ured. Factors sorted and deci- sions made quickly with little time for mulling. No room for re-dos or explanations. Yet, as teaching has made me a better rider – more reflective, deliber- ate with my cues - judging has made me a better coach. From my judging experience, I direct my students to focus on the ma- jors – sharpening credit-earning skills and avoiding penalties which tally up on the score sheet. To separate my roles as


coach, rider and judge, I remind myself to stay in my lane and keep my hat on.


Judge’s sun hat or coach’s visor? I think it helps for a coach


to be a muller. I’m not impulsive by nature. I think on things - turn them around in my mind. Yet, as a


Judging jumpers


judge, I must assess what I see NOW. I can’t factor in potential and possibilities. That horse would be the clear winner if only…Wouldn’t that horse move beautifully if only … Often a performance prob-


lem lies beneath the surface. Dis- cerning coaches zero in on the glitch and source of it. Deeper than a simple equitation-fix, glitches are commonly rooted in communication issues. My coach’s heart wants to explain to competitors the rea-


sons for their placings. Though I’ll invite questions, it isn’t a clinic. So, I live with the frustra- tion that they may think, after the winners are announced, “The judge didn’t like my horse.”


Judge’s hat or riding helmet? Most of those sitting in a


judge’s chair can relate to the ex- periences of the riders they judge: what it takes to prepare, to arrive at the show grounds in the dark and early, to navigate the warm up arena and show ring traffic. We know what it’s like to win and to lose. It’s the losing that’s made


me an empathetic judge. I know what it’s like to make a pilot error that costs an important class - to ride through the rest of the class with grace, when you’d like to excuse yourself. I know what it’s like to go off- course -the flush of regret on the long walk to the exit gate.


Empathy, sadly, can’t influ-


ence the marks on the judge’s card.


A continual learning Judging western classes. OBITUARY Jean Szkotnicki (nee Sur-


geoner), 70, passed away on June 30, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. She left this world sur- rounded by family and friends, leav- ing behind a legacy of determination, strength and re- silience. Born on March 7, 1953 in


Newmarket, Jean spent most of her life in the Guelph-area. Her love of horses led her to major in animal science at the University of Guelph. Jean built a distinguished career from her degrees that included lead- ing the Canadian Animal Health In- stitute for over 25 years and chairing


Judging Mountain Trail obstacles


process. The more horses I watch, the more I learn. The more horse types I compare, the more scoring systems I memo- rize, I’m learning. Judge’s gain knowledge by training their eyes on the good ones, the less-good and the poor ones. Each show, I see new combinations of penal- ties and “learn” new variations on rule and tack violations.


Jean Szkotnicki 7 March, 1953 – 30 June, 2023


industry boards like the Canadian Animal Health Product Regulatory Advisory Board for Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Jean received many acco- lades for her work including induc- tion into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017 and an Hon- orary Degree from the Ontario Vet- erinary College in 2022 for championing responsible use of an- tibiotics in animals. Jean’s professional accom-


plishments are more impressive given personal hardships, including the loss of her only son, Peter, from mental illness at the age of 23. The


loss of Peter inspired Jean and her husband Bill to endow a legacy fund in his name to support youth mental health programs in the Guelph Community. In 2019, Jean lost Bill, her husband of over 40 years to can- cer.


In addition to a large network


of professional colleagues and cher- ished horse friends, Jean will be greatly missed and fondly remem- bered by her brothers, Gord (Sarah) and Don (Lynn) Surgeoner as well as her nieces and nephews. Her niece Jade and nephew Joel are to be commended for the extraordinary care and compassion they provided


to Jean throughout her brief battle with cancer. The family would also like to thank Megan Jones, Donald McCaig and Jeff McFarlane for their tireless support of both Jean and the farm, as well as Tess Tungol and the team who showed great compassion and care. In honour of Jean’s memory,


donations to the Peter Szkotnicki Legacy Fund (Guelph Community Foundation) would be greatly ap- preciated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time where family and friends will gather to share memories and find solace in one another..


Judging driving classes Learning from those who


wear other hats. I’ve really gained appreciation for various breeds and for those who are spe- cialists in their fields. I seize the opportunity to learn from other professionals and I ask lots of questions! I’m fascinated by how people are gifted differently –the course designers, show man- agers, stewards, talented trainers


About Lindsay Grice.


“Is it me or my horse?” Horse show judge, coach, trainer and specialist in equine


behavior, Lindsay Grice helps riders solve their “horse puz- zles”, sharing keys from the science and research of how horses think and learn. She loves to help riders prepare for competition and just enjoy the process of riding, not just the results! Lindsay enjoys teaching clinics and travelling to Ontario


and specialized judges who are REALLY good at what they do. Next issue -The judge does-


n’t like my horse and other pos- tulations. Scoring systems across the riding disciplines. A peek at common marks and notes, points and penalties on the judges score sheet.


See you next month!


farms as a freelance coach. She’s taught the science of equine behavior and learning for horse associations, courses for Uni- versity of Guelph and therapeutic riding facilities. Lindsay judges multiple disciplines and breeds, holding judging certifications with • AQHA


• Equestrian Canada • Extreme Cowboy • Ontario Working Equitation • OE provincial Hunter/Jumper • OE provincial dressage She loves to share her own insights and stories learned from 25 years as a competitor and horse trainer.


“Why do horses do what they do?” Lindsay says, “In the horse world, our traditions and the evi- dence sometimes collide. I love to communicate the WHYs be- hind the HOWs of riding. “Equitation Science” – it makes life better for horses when we speak in a language they under- stand!”


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