Ride Judge

[cg]

How do I get my horse to go better for ride judges? He goes beautifully and particularly for me but i have had him since a baby? I have never really had a ride judge other than once and she was very big for him (hes a small 15.2) and he didnt cope well with a large judge.

Any tips greatly appreciated thanks

[gillwales]

get experienced friends to ride him, select the classes you enter carefully so you pick a judge suitable for him

[catkin]

Agree with gillwales. Also bear in mind you are helping the horse along, knowing what it needs. A judge is there to enjoy a nice ride.

[LinsopStud]

There are some lovely ride judges out there but there are a few that make you cringe when they get on..! Get out to some shows and watch as many ride as you can. Remember they don't expect the horse to go perfectly for them a they've literally just got on it but it should be well mannered and well behaved in the 3 paces. It is hard sometimes, I prefer to avoid male judges for example as my Hack is very dainty.

[cg]

Thank you very much I will! I was wanting to do the SFAS series and he will look very tiny in those classes so I am not sure if I can avoid a male ride judge? And compared to the big horses he will feel very different and odd, will they take into a count hes a lot smaller as he rides like a pony not a horse

[gillwales]

some people may like that

when you show there are no guarantees, all you can do is your best, both in preparation and on the day
all you can ask of your horse or pony is that they go well
all you can ask of a judge is that you get your share of their attention and that they give their opinion fairly
have fun

[cg]

Ahh Thank you very much

[LinsopStud]

I wouldn't worry about them feeling really different, think how many the judge is used to riding. I love watching mine be ridden by the judge, there's nothing better than them going really sweetly for someone else and give them a great ride