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ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS 2006
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THE JUDGE QUESTION |
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NOVEMBER
2006 ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Heather Asks:
HI was curious as to what was legal in the show ring
concerning long manes, in western pleasure, english
pleasure, and halter classes.
I used to pull his mane and band/braid, however I am not
showing as much in the pleasure classes (just local
shows), but I still want the mane to look neat and
professional. I hated having to pull his mane in the
first place since he had such a long and full, mane and
tail. The level of showing would be at most the state
4-H fair.
Thanks for your time.
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Heather-
I don't know of any rules that dictate the length of the
mane or tail. Usually, the rules will say (hunters being
an example) "may be braided".
In one of the recent questions, I mentioned that I had
just judged a high school championship show in Michigan.
Each morning, the coaches of the high school teams met
with the judges to address questions. One coach asked,
"We have a horse in showmanship with a very long tail.
Would it be OK to put a knot in the tail for the
showmanship pattern so he doesn't step on the tail?"
Five of the six judges said no and I added that they
might consider trimming the horse's tail for it's safety
and comfort! It certainly doesn't sound as if you have
reached those lengths. But my suggestion to you, is to
make sure whatever you do, that it flatters your horse
and doesn't distract.
For the hunter classes, a French braid works quite well
with the longer manes that aren't pulled.
You are most welcome. I was happy to get your thoughtful
question.
Anne Johnson
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Shannon Asks:
Hey. im 14 and I just bought a new horse. Hes going to
his first show WITH ME in 11 days (Nov 19 2006). Ive
shown alot .. BUt i have never gamed an arabian. I ride
in western gaming (poles, barrels etc) and i was
wondering how i could make him stand out in the show
ring (braids and such). And also, he is a VERY good
gamer.. but hes also really hyper; Ive been riding my
whole life so It isn't a problem. but if you could
tell me a way to calm him down. it could make the shows
more comphortable. He isnt getting fed grain that hypes
him up.. and hes Always in the first place ribbons. Just
a few tips could help.
Thanks.
Shannon:)
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hey
Shannon
Recently, I judged the
Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association show.
Great show. Michigan has high school riding teams and
they compete in showmanship, equitation, reining, trail
and plenty of games. They dress up their game horses
with brightly colored bridles, glitter on the mane and
tail or painting designs on their horses. Now in some
shows, that would not be legal so as I have stated in
this column so many times....check your rules! And, of
course, nothing stands out more in a show ring than
simply being the best at what you do.
I've worked with a number of champion barrel racers and
their horses. No horse with an overly excited mind will
perform their best. In general terms, the best ones I
know don't run patterns at home much but when they do,
they practice a lot at a walk or trot to refine cues.
Practicing rollbacks, stops, balanced circles, bending,
listening to leg cues quietly and promptly. Your horse
should know that every time it enters an arena, it's not
time to run.
Good luck on the 19th!
Anne Johnson
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Audrey Asks:
I have a 4 year old arabian gelding that I show in
alot of disciplines (such as western, huntseat, games)
do you think that is alot for my horse to handle. Would
I be burning him out so young?
Thanks!
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Audrey
Yes. Slow down.
Your horse and I are both glad you asked!
Anne Johnson
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OCTOBER
2006 ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Lindsey Asks:
I show a quarter horse and I was wondering how do u
judge a quarter horse I'm 11 yrs old.
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Lindsey
First, it's terrific that you
are 11 years old and showing! You are likely to have
many, many wonderful experiences by getting involved.
To really understand how Quarter Horses are judged, I
have some suggestions:
1. Go to shows without your horse and just watch.
Everything. All day. I learned a lot that way.
2. Get the AQHA rule book, read it thoroughly and
repeatedly. Know your rules!
3. Understand the breed standards...what should a Quarter
Horse look like? Are there differences in what judges
look for in halter, western, hunter, reining, cutting,
etc.?
Read as much as you can. Subscribe to a Quarter Horse
breed publication.
4. Check out 4H judging teams in your area and see if you
would like to get involved.
5. Watch the judges judge.
My guess is that you will have a lot of fun in the
process. And it will help you be so prepared to show and
do your best for years to come. Good luck!
Anne Johnson
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Kris Asks:
I recently purchased a 7 year old Arabian mare. She
has a long mane and tail and I was wondering what braids
would be best for her. She is only 13.2 hands. I really
appreciate your help!
-Kris
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Kris
Congratulations on getting
your new mare!
I can't tell from your question your purpose for
braiding her. To preserve the length of the mane and
tail or grow it longer? For hunt classes? Generally, for
hunt classes, when a horse has a long mane, your best
choice is a French, or running braid and the tail is
neatly braided from the base down a portion of the dock.
If you are not sure how to do it, check with people who
show Arabians and I'll bet they will be glad to show
you. And there are books with illustrations...something
we can't do here!
Manes and tails can get too long. When a tail drags on
the ground, the horse steps on it for backing and can
get it caught on a multitude of things. Very painful for
the horse. It depends on the horse, but some manes get
so long that they detract from the horse's appearance.
Leaving braids in the mane and the length of the tail
can be a great way to get more growth and fullness. It
helps to shampoo, condition and thoroughly rinse first
and then follow with a moisturizer (baby oil and Show
Sheen work) before braiding. To avoid breakage,
periodically take the braids out and repeat the process.
I hope you and your mare have a great time together!
Anne Johnson
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MAY 2006
ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Yasmin Asks:
Hi Mrs Johnson, I have a beautiful thoroughbred with a
really fine mane. I like the look of a shorter mane as
it makes my horses mane appear thicker but I also like
to braid it for shows. What style of braiding would you
recommend to be the best looking for a short mane, and
the easiest to accomplish.
Thank you!
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Yasmin
Quality braiding of any type gives your horse a finished
appearance for the show ring, shows respect for
your sport and the judge, and the impression that you know
what you are doing! The braiding will draw
the judge's attention to that area. So make sure what ever
style you choose, it is neatly and evenly done. With
high quality horses that have beautiful necks, simple,
single braids that are right at the mane line look great
and likely is your easiest way to go. The short, fine
mane limits some of your other options.
You might enjoy checking out some of the books and
articles on the subject for added technical assistance.
As you know, braiding can become a real art form. You
might have a lot of fun with it!
Thanks for your question--
Anne Johnson
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Joker Asks:
I show a paint horse he is a spur stop horse and I
NEVER need to use rein on him I was wondering if Judges
will demerit points if they see you use leg? Also I was
wondering if in Western Show Apparel if the Judge is
looking for color coordination with the horse? Because I
have a Chestnut Tobiano and I dont have any outfits that
match his coloring they are purple and exotic colors
that flash so I was wondering if that would demerit me?
Thank You!
Joker
PS I'm 11 years old so please make this easy to
understand!
Thank You again!
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Joker-
To guide a horse well, a rider incorporates the proper
use of hands, seat and legs. When the cues become nearly
imperceptible to an observer (the judge for example) and
there is a real harmony between horse and rider, to me
this is the art of horsemanship. If a rider is jerking
the horse around or abusively spurring, it's anything
but good horsemanship. So it becomes a matter of degree.
No judge should demerit the use of your legs unless you
are demonstrating poor horsemanship.
It's fun to get show
outfits! But sometimes we have to just work with what we
have. If the colors are so loud that they detract from
your horse, you might tone your outfit down a bit by
just adding a neutral colored hat or shirt or pad. You
want the judge looking at your horse and the
performance. Always check your breed rules for the
equipment and attire that is required.
Have fun!
Anne Johnson
Joker Question 2
Hello Anne,
I have a Paint and his coloring is Chestnut Tobiano! He
is very flashy in my opinion the problem is when I show
him halter and showmanship he wont set up I realize in
Halter you can pick up there foot and physically move it
but what about showmanship?
Thank You
Joker
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Joker--
Breed rules can differ but I think showmanship is about
control and showing your horse to its best advantage.
And that means, training your horse to set up without
picking up the foot. With just a little practice and
patience, you usually can get them to walk right into
it. Lavish the reward when he does!
Anne Johnson
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Shaunna Asks:
I'm working on ground manners for a few horses at our
barn. However, the owners of the newest horse want to
show her in halter classes. She's half-Arabian and I
don't know the first thing about what judges look for in
her discipline/class/breed. I show Western Pleasure on a
Quarter/Paint, totally different. Do you have any
suggestions of reading materials or videos that I can
read up on to help them out.
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Dear Shaunna,
To get ready for showing Half-Arabian halter I suggest
reading the United States Equestrian Federation
(USEF) rules on Half Arabian halter. You can get the
information on their web-site or through a member
with a rule book. The class specifications are very well
written, very descriptive. Just by attending an Arabian
show, watching and asking questions before you take the
horse to a show would be very helpful. Feel free to ask
the show steward there or exhibitors about the class.
They will likely be very happy to help you.
Have fun,
Anne Johnson
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Dennis Asks:
Hello Anne,
Would you have any information where, in the Stockholm
region, we could find trainers for Halter, Hunt and
English Pleasure. We are contemplating bringing our two
Arabian purebred geldings and a 4 year mare to Sweden
from the US when we move, and nobody seems to be able to
provide us with any ideas about how to find boarding and
trainers.
Thanks for your help!
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Dennis--
Yes, I do have contacts here in the United States that
might be able to help you find trainers in Stockholm,
Sweden! Please forward your email address to me at
questions@equineextra.com and I'll provide
that information directly. In addition, I judged the
Arabian National Championships in Israel once with a
terrific judge from Sweden and I'll located
her information, too.
Anne Johnson |
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Miranda Asks:
Hi, I was wondering about my Arabian show gelding. I
show him in western pleasure and huntseat. He has a very
nice collected headset with his nose tucked in, but he
tends to move his nose around or bob his head every now
and then instead of carrying it steady. He is not lame.
What can I do to get him to carry his nose steady? Also,
how long does the bridlepath need to be clipped. And I
have seen show Arabians with almost an eye shadow look
on their eyelids. Is this just clipped hair or what is
this?
Thanks, Miranda
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Dear Miranda--
The headset comes from the hindquarters. So first look
at driving him into the bridle more with your legs and
be sure that you are using your seat effectively. In
judging a close class, I look a lot at transitions to
see who is really doing it right and who falls apart.
That's when you generally see the horses come out of the
bridle. Make sure you are not riding him just off your
hands. He could be bobbing his head to get away from
pressure so once he responds to your hands for
collection, lighten (but don't pitch away) your hands.
It could also be that your bit and/or curb chain need
readjusting. Or finally, he might need a little dental
work.
There is no requirement for a bridlepath or the length
of one. It should be of a length that flatters
your horse's neck and head...and during the off-season
allow it to grow out. Some of the horses hardly
have any mane left because the clippers just keep taking
more and more! There are rules against "balding"
around the eyes and it is illegal to use coloring around
the eyes. Only clear materials. People can really
get carried away with this one....just clip enough to
flatter your horse's eyes.
Thanks for your questions--
Anne Johnson
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APRIL
2006 ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Stephany Asks:
Hi,
My horse is a Thoroughbred cross and I ride him hunt. I
was wondering if I should braid him for my county fair
or not? I won a blue last year without braiding his mane
but my trainer wants me to braid when I go to all the
shows, should I do this or not?
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Stephany,
Your trainer has my vote! Show horses are usually
clipped, bathed and polished to the max. And most of the
people I know just love to go shopping for that perfect
show outfit. Braiding your horse is the finishing touch.
It's not mandatory but it does demonstrate that you
understand the tradition of the hunt style and that you
care. I think most horses look better when braided for
all hunt classes.
Have fun...and please make sure your trainer gets this
email!
Anne Johnson
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MARCH 2006 ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Katelynn Asks:
When you judge
for halter class what kind of questions will we be asked
?
This is my first year and I have no clue what I going to
be doing!!
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Katelynn-
I’m pretty sure you are
talking about showmanship classes. In halter, the horse
is being judged but in showmanship, you are being judged
on how well you present and show your horse. The judge
may ask
questions about your horse knowledge. Usually, they are
about parts of the horse, conformation, unsoundness.
I teach all of my students parts of the horse right away
so they can communicate well with vets, farriers,
people at the tack shop, etc. So I recommend that you
study and know those first and then learn about
basic unsoundness and blemishes (splints, capped hocks,
spavin, founder, etc.). These are things everyone
should know about and chances are, you'll enjoy the
topics. Before you show, watch some of these classes
and of course, read the rules and you will have more than
a good clue as to what to do!
Anne Johnson |
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FEBRUARY 2006 ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Patti Asks:
Would you be so
kind to answer a question for me? My 4yr mare recently
got a small splint and I would like to know how much of
a deduction is that in a halter/conformation class? Can
I still show halter or would it be a wasted of time
because of that? Absolutely sound with it.
Thank you
Patty
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Patty-
A splint is a blemish (like wire cut or scar of some sort)
not an unsoundness (lameness or sore) and should not be
a major deduction in halter classes. Unless....the
splint appears to be the result of poor conformation.
So if a horse has bad front legs that would contribute to
the creation of a splint, it is a major deduction. Also,
if a splint appears close to the knee joint, periodic
lameness issues can result even if the horse otherwise
has good leg conformation and that is also a serious
fault.
As you probably know, horses can get splints easily all on
their own by banging into something like a feeder. You
can't do much about that. I always recommend putting on
splint boots whenever you ride, trailer, lunge or free
lunge. It only takes a minute.
Good luck with your mare!
Anne Johnson |
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Christine
Asks:
I have a 8yr old
appaloosa with a very short mane. I know you are
supposed to braid the mane for pleasure classes. Is
braiding an absolute need in a pleasure class?
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Christine-
I’m not aware of any rules that require braiding. It's
always a good idea to thoroughly read the rule book for
your division before showing. Sometimes a grooming
technique can be illegal and the judge can't place you.
Happy reading!
Anne Johnson |
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JANUARY 2006 ASK THE JUDGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Courtney Asks:
Hi Anne,
I have an saddlebred/quarter
cross. He is such a baby. He is perfect to show except i
cant get him to stand still! Do you have any tips?
Judge Anne Johnson's Reply
Hi Courtney,
Your question raises more questions! Is he a baby
because he is young or mentally immature? Or is he a
baby because he's been spoiled? What does he do
perfectly when showing? At what point won't he stand
still? And within those questions, you will find your
answer.
It's always about consistency and repetition. Young and
mentally immature horses generally need more time and
patience with training. Any horse that has been spoiled
(treats, babying, inconsistent cues, etc.) needs to know
what is expected within reason time after time, and
rewarded for good results. Horses want to please and you
said he does some things perfectly when showing...he
learned that somehow and your technique worked. Figure
out what is stimulating him and at what point it happens
when he won't stand still (crowd noise, horses leaving
the arena, impatience, doesn't respect "whoa" enough
yet). It usually works when you ask for the change in
behavior (standing still) for very brief periods and
lavish praise when the horse does it...if only for a
second or two. Then move on to something else so he
thinks moving is your decision.
Good luck--
Anne Johnson |
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