34/ MAY 2024 THE RIDER The Judge’s Seat


Written by Lone Duff Submissions by Marc Garner Photo credits; Krystina Lynn Photography


In our ever-evolving modern


landscape, the art of horse training, par- ticularly the initiation process known as “colt starting,” may seem unchanging on the surface. However, upon closer ex- amination, it becomes evident that sig- nificant shifts have indeed occurred - not necessarily in the physical methods em- ployed, but rather in the training tech- niques and instructional approaches utilized. Throughout history, horse trainers


have demonstrated remarkable success in starting horses, with their expertise being passed down through generations. However, in today’s digital age, with the proliferation of resources such as the in- ternet, smartphones, and social media, the accessibility to training materials has expanded exponentially. This has de- mocratized the process, allowing enthu- siasts to learn from professionals and even acquire step-by-step instructional videos for independent practice. Though I haven’t started thousands


of horses, I find immense joy in laying the foundation for young horses. There exist numerous methods for accomplish- ing this task, with countless wranglers, horsemen, and horsewomen worldwide engaging in horse starting for centuries. In today’s digital age, access to instruc- tional videos further expands the reach of horse training knowledge. Throughout my engagement with


Equestrian Canada’s “Learn to Ride” program, the inception and evolution of my horsemanship philosophy took root. The fundamental principle I embraced above all else was safety, especially in the context of working with young horses. In articulating the essential ele- ments of graceful interaction with these magnificent animals, I introduced the concept of “DANCE”, symbolizing the seamless fusion of rhythm and timing required in their handling. Over time, this synchronicity becomes instinctual, flowing effortlessly like breath, as each step converges into a unified and harmo- nious dance. Achieving my lifelong goal of be-


coming an equine judge required a deep understanding of horse training and teaching. It is a profession that demands continual learning, particularly due to the humbling nature of horses. As a judge, I’ve had the privilege of evaluat- ing colt starting competitions across Canada. This role demands a keen eye to discern the subtleties of a trainer’s in- teraction with their horse and requires staying fully present in the moment. Judging horsemanship from the


judge’s seat is no easy task, especially when evaluating the best trainers in the


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An in-depth look into the judges perspective on colt starting competitions.


ence I had was a couple of smaller events involving youth. The person ask- ing was a friend of mine and had seen me judge those events. He assured me that I would do a fine job. I figured the best way to proceed was to draw on my 18 years of experience assessing stu- dents on a daily basis at the polytechnic I teach at to give me a basis for my up- coming commitment. Since then I have had the opportu-


field. Each judge operates with a set of expectations and guidelines, assessing not only the trainers’ skills but also their care for the horse’s welfare. Competi- tions like Horse Expo Canada’s “Train- ers Challenge” showcase the exceptional talent within the equestrian community, offering a platform for trainers to ex- plain their methods to the public. While trainers may excel in every-


day settings, competing under extreme pressures in a short timeframe necessi- tates a different level of skill and preci- sion. Having attended prestigious events such as the “Road to the Horse” compe- tition in Lexington, Kentucky, and now judging the “Trainers Challenge” for Horse Expo Canada, I’ve been consis- tently impressed by the talent and dedi- cation of the participants. Their ability to perform under pressure, while main- taining a strong focus on the welfare of the norse, is truly commendable. Collaborating with esteemed col-


leagues like Marc Garner has been a re- warding aspect of my role as a judge. Marc’s professional insights into the nu- ances of the “judge’s seat” offer valu- able perspectives, enriching the judging experience. Overall, my journey as a judge has


been immensely fulfilling, and I eagerly anticipate participating in many, more events, collaborating with some of the finest trainers in the world. As continue in this role, I remain committed to up- holding the standards of excellence in horsemanship and fostering a deep ap- preciation for the bond between horse and human.


—————-


Marc Garner’s Perspective on the The Judge’s Seat


Years ago, I was asked to judge a


trail challenge in the interior of British Columbia. At the time the only experi-


nity to judge similar events including trainers’ challenges at the Mane Event and Canada Horse Expo in Red Deer, Alberta, and trail challenges and various other youth events in Alberta learning each time I had the chance. Recently I was asked by a friend to come up with some things that I thought were impor- tant for those that may take the leap into the judging circle. Here is what I came up with. Keep in mind this is just my opinion and nothing more. Regardless of what you are judging


there are several unwritten rules that I feel ought to be considered. Although they are not in any specific order and often apply to most any type of venue, here are a few that may be geared to- wards equine type events.


1 . Always be a professional: You may know some of the con-


testants or their horse’s ability. As a judge it would be a poor decision to allow yourself the luxury of letting any of those things influence how that per- son or horse are judged. Leave all that “other stuff” at the door when you walk in.


2. Be consistent with your assessment: Given the vast differences in train-


ing methods and individual horses’ abil- ity this can sometimes be challenging. That does not change the importance of making sure that each trainer and/or horse is given an equitable score. In other words, even if you get it wrong, if you get it consistently wrong on each scorecard the general outcome will not be altered.


3. Quantify and break it down when possible: Do not just walk into a judging sit-


uation without preparation. Make sure to take the time to know what is ex- pected of you and come up with a plan on how to proceed. This often involves developing a good judging sheet that breaks down what is to be judged into specific outcomes. This can help to quantify (to some degree at least) each trainer and horses skills.


4. Have Empathy: Imagine yourself in front of a


crowd of 200 people or more that all come from a similar background as you. Imagine what they are thinking as you proceed to compete against others of similar skill and talent particularly when something does not go according to plan. Every individual may handle these situations differently but even those that are experienced and confident can feel the pressure. If that is not enough there are probably several judges assessing your methods and skills. Having empa- thy does not mean that your assessment should be watered down but to simply understand what that individual may be feeling can help in providing a more ac- curate score for everyone. It takes courage to participate in a contest and open yourself up to scrutiny.


5. Make sure you are qualified: When someone asks you to be a


judge, make sure you have the qualifi- cations to provide fair and accurate as-


sessment of the contestants and horses. Your skills do not necessarily have to be better than those that you are judging but need to be solid enough to seek out those little things. Some events can come down to a half point separating the top three. If you are not up for the task when called upon, be honest and say so. Re- member, that the people being judged are putting themselves out there and deserve the absolute best from you.


6. Be Seen not Heard It has always been my experience


that the best judges know when to speak and when to be quiet. People should see you but their focus should be on the con- testants. Do not be the person that likes to talk just to hear yourself speak. If you need to communicate with the trainer about something important make sure to do so. When trainers ask for assistance, and assuming it is acceptable and agreed upon, give it to them but keep additional non applicable commentary to a mini- mum. The center of attention is re- served for the people you are judging.


7. To Scribe or Not to Scribe: A scribe is someone who works


with you to help keep track of scores. If you are judging an event that has many things happening over a short period of time, you may find it difficult to write down a score and keep your eyes peeled for what is happening in the ring. This is where a scribe comes in. When you as- sess a certain element, you simply ver- balize what the skill is and the score associated with it. For example, you may exclaim “flying lead change, 7.5”. Your scribe will document it while you get to keep judging. This ensures that key elements were not missed. You want to get it right but that can be difficult if your eyes are not on the job.


8. Be forthcoming: As a contestant it is natural to want


to know how you will be judged. There are some things that you can do to make sure that everyone is on the same page:


1. Provide the score card ahead of time. This may be art of a catalog of the event but if not make sure judges and contest- ants have this. You may even want to consider providing it to owners and the audience. Doing this will ensure that there is no question as to the elements that are going to be looked at by judges. If you elect to give it to the audience you may find that they are more connected with a perceived vested interest in what is taking place. Make sure to confirm with the event organizers that this is ac- ceptable.


2. Have a meeting. Review each out- come of the judges score card. Be spe- cific ass to what will be taken into account and discuss what happens if cer-


tain situations occur. 3. You may be asked by contestants after the event is over to see your score card for them so that they can improve for next time. This can be a slippery slope and serious consideration should be given to bringing this up before the even with contestants so that you are not sad- dled with the uncomfortable conversa- tion that often follows. The more you deal with before the event, the less you will likely have to deal with when it is over.


————- Working alongside Marc Garner as


a co-judge for the Horse Expo Canada event is always a pleasure. I’m eagerly anticipating the event scheduled for April 26th to 27th, 2024, in Red Deer, Alberta, where Marc and I will collabo- rate with the remarkable team at Horse Expo Canada. This year holds special significance as we celebrate the “Leg- ends Challenge” of colt starting, featur- ing renowned trainers Pat Parelli, Glen Stewart, and Doug Mills. It promises to be an epic| event! Serving as a judge is a significant


responsibility that I take very seriously, echoing Marc’s sentiment that providing a fair and accurate assessment is para- mount. When asked what goes through my mind while judging, I often respond with the acknowledgment of the serious- ness of the task at hand. Maintaining a focused demeanor is


crucial to ensure that no detail is over- looked, especially considering the cal- iber of trainers participating in the competition. Even a half-point differ- ence in scores can be pivotal in deter- mining the final results. One aspect I’ve particularly en-


joyed in recent year is the opportunity to enhance the scoring sheets for Horse Expo Canada. While the previous sheets served their purpose, making improve- ments has been instrumental in refining the judging process. lt is essential for judges to have a clear understanding of what they’re evaluating in each session, with keen eye or the progression| achieved by both the trainer and the horse. With the competition unfolding over a short timeframe, maintaining focus and preparedness is vital. Overall, witnessing these trainers


showcase their skills in front of a large audience under extraordinary circum- stances is awe-inspiring. As judges, we’re privileged to have a front-row seat to observe the evolving partnerships be- tween horsemen and horsewomen and their horses over the course of three days. Starting young horses is a truly beautiful endeavour, offering the oppor- tunity to provide each horse with a solid foundation and set them up for success. lt is undeniably one of the greatest jobs on earth.


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