Cue the Instant Replay

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186 – October, 2016

BY RACHEL KOOIKER

Video is used as a review mechanism for most major sports these days. While we’re familiar with the sight of NFL referees huddled around a screen, reviewing a disputed call, many longtime competitors and even trainers may not know why or how video review is used at multi-judge events such as the World Championship Shows and the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. Read on to get a better idea of how judges use video review to get a second look.

Let’s Go to the Tape

Instant replay is the video reproduction of an event that was recorded lived and is being viewed again to allow for further in-depth analysis. But when do horse show judges get to review video of a ride and why do they do it? Some associations that use video review have specific rules in their handbooks regarding the use of the technology that’s somewhat new to equestrian sport. For example, the NRHA and USEF both address video review in a few different ways in their handbooks. It’s possible, that over time, other equine associations may develop formal rules as well, but for now there is a general protocol that’s followed by AQHA, APHA, ApHC, and PtHA shows that offer this service to judges and exhibitors at their premier events.

According to judge Clint Fullerton, who holds cards with multiple associations, “video review is standard at all major shows for events where runs are scored individually. I’ve done this several times, and, as a judge, I absolutely love it.” A major horse show is likely to mean a large, national-level horse show where an official videographer is present. This includes National Championships, World Shows, the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and Color Breed Congress. To understand why Fullerton appreciates video review as a judge’s tool, it’s helpful to know exactly when, why, and how video review is used.

Click here to read the complete article
186 – October, 2016