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Post by Occasional Judge on Jul 18, 2007 11:43:30 GMT
As a judge, in some cases it can be necessary to move tails in case they're hiding bad hocks, or feel extremely hairy legs for splints or other lumps and bumps. In veteran classes checking teeth (people do lie about age), and checking hoof condition is part of judging the condition of a veteran.
The hygiene side is easily sorted. There are small, hand held, antibacterial hand sprays available.One quick squirt and hands are instantly sanitised.
The danger side? Well It's not usually to hard to spot a horse that may not like being touched. They're usually the ones messing about. If a horse kicks it should be wearing a ribbon anyway, and any self respecting judge would ask if a horse is ok to handle before they go prodding and poking.
Hair, tails, feathers and long manes can hide a multitude of sins and I don't feel that having a good root round is wrong, especially in a qualifier or a higher level show.
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Post by also judge on Jul 18, 2007 13:02:04 GMT
I judge too for a couple of societies and a lot of RC shows. I only have a 'feel' of a horse in best condition classes, purely for condition, by feeling the neck, shoulders for muscle tone, and run my hands over the ribs and rump. I ALWAYS ask the exhibitor if it is safe and ok for me to do so BEFORE i do anything. I also have antibacterial wipes in my pocket which I use after every horse.
All other classes though I dont touch them, just use my observation.
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