30/ SEPTEMBER 2023 THE RIDER


The Science of how Horses Think & Learn Judging horse shows. Wearing many hats. Part 2


may share the same ring. The hi- erarchy above, helps to find common denominators among uncommon horses. Across the breeds, a good


horse is a good horse. Judges seek a 4 beat walk, 2 beat trot and 3 beat canter (with excep- tions for gaited horses). We look for balance- body parts, blend- ing together. Ribbon winners have “lift”- lightness of the fore- hand. Accurate transitions, a straight line of travel, round topline, attentive (yet soft) ex- pression and quiet mouth are in- gredients for any credit-earning performance.


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


Last month I wrote about


judging multiple disciplines and learning to change hats -scoring systems, terminology, penalties, class formats, even judging loca- tion (standing in the ring, or out- side on the bleachers; sitting in a booth a golf cart or even a car). Over the years, my appre-


ciation for pretty much every dis- cipline has grown as I’ve learned from those who are really good at what they do and as I’ve stud- ied for judging cards – provincial hunter/jumper and dressage, AQHA western events, Extreme Cowboy, EC General Perform- ance and now Working Equi- tation.


Western hat or sun hat? Shift- ing between breeds and styles. As I write this, I’m pack-


ing to judge an exhibition. On the show bill - classes over fences, over obstacles, under saddle , in- hand and driven. To keep these systems from tangling in my head, I review the rules and rou- tines before every assignment. Wrong leads, knocked


poles, late transitions, bucking and refusals are handled and scored differently according to dressage, reining, obstacle and hunter rule books. Traditions are those un-


written rules (“I don’t know, we’ve always done it that way”) with which a judge should be fa- miliar – at least if one hopes for future judging assignments!


The common thread Weaving through all judg-


ing duties, regardless of breed or style, is a hierarchy of attributes, helpful to evaluate entries. In ap- praising conformation, move- ment,


individual jumps or


maneuvers I ask; • Is it correct? On pattern, on lead, on rhythm? Within rules and meeting basic standards of performance soundness? • Is it quality? Cadence, expres- sion, efficiency, self-carriage ? • Is it special? The cream rises to the top. The memorable perform- ance might display brilliance, a degree of difficulty or an element of risk – a tighter line, more speed. Does any entry just make me smile


Comparing apples to oranges. At an open show, an Arab, draft cross, Quarterhorse and pony


Keeping current. Formally, every judging card carries re- quirements for updating and testing. Less formally, I learn from the experience of talented trainers and specialized judges who are REALLY good at what they do. I gleaned such experience


from a respected draft horse judge recently. I asked lots of questions. I listened to his sto- ries. I heard the passion in his voice as he described the quali- ties he looks for in his winners. And I chuckled at the jargon - every breed has horse show lingo.


The judge doesn’t like my horse and other postulations. The refining of class score


as leader


sheets over the years has left less room to factor in judges’ prefer- ences. Scoring systems help de- fine standards of excellence, average and poor. Numeric penalties classify the seriousness of each fault. Dressage, reining, hunter, driving and obstacle competitions each have their own methodology of rating and ranking horses and riders. I do tip my hat to AQHA in progressively


At fall fairs, a kaleidoscope of classes!


squeezing subjectivity out of the judging process with every con- vention and judge’s conference. Score sheets for more than 18 AQHA class types, from equi- tation over fences to ranch riding,


ratings ranging from superb to satisfactory to sub-standard. The rule book reveals that


it’s maybe not that the judge did- n’t like your horse, but rather did- n’t like the late transition, tense


Judging western classes.


count? Indeed, first impressions may start an entry on the credit side of the judge’s ledger. Never- theless, the crispest braids and most current brands can’t out- weigh a chip to a fence, counter- bend or flat canter.


Lighter moments. A judge has to be nimble – adapting to unex- pected weather, unusual entries and unconventional variations on rule and tack violations – “Wow, I’ve never seen that before. What am I going to do with that?” Sometimes the judge has to


be literally nimble. I’ve dashed from my booth


or danced around in the centre of the ring pursued by a bee, while keeping my eyes on the competi- tor and hands still making notes. Another dance move is the


Dressage


include menus of penalties for a range of rider mistakes and horse missteps. Movement and maneu- vers are described with distinct adjectives and assigned numeric


expression or extra beat in the lope.


You might ask, does


turnout – the spit and polish we’re told to strive for - really


one to evade the showmanship horse, wide- eyed at the local fair (picture a shaken pop can) and now trotting toward me.


About Lindsay Grice.


enjoy the process of riding, not just the results! Lindsay enjoys teaching clinics and travelling to Ontario


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


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


Keeping the big picture in mind. Judges are reminded at every conference, that we carry responsibility for perpetuating certain trends that have become distasteful to the public. In every discipline there will be competi- tors tweaking tack and training techniques to get the winning edge - if a little is good, more is better!


Horse show officials are


called upon to make decisions, guided by the letter of the law (the rule book). Yet, the spirit of the law is a better guide for grey areas. What’s the intent of the rule? What’s the best option for the horse’s well-being and the longevity of our sport? Horse show judging is a


continual learning (and occasion- ally humbling) process. But what a privilege to make a living with horses! For a once horse-crazy young girl - It doesn’t get better than that!


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.


Hunters and dressage are judged from a booth – a gift in uncooperative weather!


Most judges remember starting out in the show ring themselves – what it's like to win...and lose.


“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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