Oh, the Places You’ll Go! – Judges Expand Their Horizons Overseas

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162 – March/April, 2018

By Taylor Fabus

While it’s unlikely that Dr. Suess had horse showing in mind when he penned his classic children’s book, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” the sentiment could certainly be applied for the many incredible journeys our horses have taken us on. The same can be said for professionals in the industry as well.

For well-respected judges, trainers, and clinicians, their expertise isn’t restricted to our borders. Countries around the world – Australia, France, Germany – often seek out American judges and trainers to officiate their events or to hold instructional clinics. The Equine Chronicle visited with several of the industry’s most traveled judges to learn more about the places their careers in the horse industry have taken them.

Recently, Kelly Chapman of Battle Creek, Michigan traveled to Israel to officiate a horse show as well as to serve as a clinician to Israeli riders. “I’ve had the good luck to judge in nearly every state in the U.S. and in several foreign countries like Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and now Israel. Each has been a wonderful experience. Israel, however, was very special given the format and time of year. Ruti Shadmot of the Israel Quarter Horse Association (IQHA) has asked me to come over on numerous occasions, and finally this time it worked into the schedule.

“The first three days were a mix of AQHA, APHA, and open classes, and the final three days consisted of a youth clinic. The clinic was absolutely my favorite. They love to compete and are hungry for knowledge to improve their skills. We started with breakfast every day at 7:30 a.m. and finished with dinner around 6:00 p.m. I worked them very hard by having them ride, while using different balance and strength exercises, and doing some fun games on horseback. Since the horses needed several breaks, I did a lot of team building exercises with the group. My goal was to encourage them to have fun, build relationships, and have good memories together. Here, Jewish and Muslim kids came together with no political agendas pulling them apart. For this time, in Kibbutz Magal, the horse is what connected kids of different languages, beliefs, and cultures.”

Click here to read the complete article
162 – March/April, 2018