EC Blog- Judges Are People Too
We’re excited to introduce our newest EquineChronicle.com blogger, Kory Kumar! If you’d like to contribute a blog post about a topic of importance to the horse industry, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.
By: Kory Kumar
Did you know that judges are people, just like you and me? It’s true! They may stand in the middle of the horse show pen, and judge you; however, they’re actual flesh-and-blood humans, just like the rest of us. They even, and often, have day jobs. Shocking, I know! Also, and this is important, they have the same love for the sport and horses that you do!
I’ve been fortunate to get to know a great many judges who hold several different breed cards during my life as a competitor and show committee representative. Judges are a very important group of individuals, who are essential to the horse show community. They bring a tremendous amount of value to each and every horse show event.
I’ve made so many mistakes over the years, and I’m sure that I’ve offended plenty of people on my personal road towards discovery. One thing that I’ve learned to keep in the forefront of my mind when talking to and hiring judges is that I’m asking them to take time away from their families, clients, and jobs to work long days, for which they’re also being judged. I’ve learned that, if nothing else, judges are owed a sense of professionalism from all of us.
Everyone wants a good deal, and all associations, clubs, and groups want to get the most bang for their buck; but, I ask you to ask this of yourself, what would your time as a judge be worth to you? If the roles were reversed, how would you feel? What is your time worth?
Judges can make a horse show. Judges entice exhibitors to want to show. They provide support, encouragement, educational opportunities to exhibitors, and yes, judgement of us and our horses. In short, they can elevate the status of any given horse show event. Why then, are provisions for hiring judges one of the last things considered when groups look for ways to improve their events?
It’s a very true and realistic fact that horse breed organizations and clubs are struggling. Declining memberships and exhibitor rates are evident everywhere. Groups are seeking ways to improve member and exhibitor participation all over the country. They’re looking for ways to attract people who want to spend their time and money in the show pen. When associations, coordinating committees, clubs, and organizations are faced with the reality of their individual finances, they’re forced to make fiscal decisions, which have a profound impact upon event participation and exhibitor opinion.
I offer the following perspective as a person who has spent the better part of 15 years organizing horse show events. When looking for areas in which to cut expenses, don’t do it at the expense of the judges. High quality judges bring people to shows. Other cuts can be forgiven in the presence of prestigious judges.
When working in collaboration with groups of other volunteers for horse show organization, it’s vitally important to have an understanding of the norms or industry standards related to the payment of services for judges. A few years ago, I didn’t have this understanding, and I inadvertently offended a judge I was attempting to hire.
I chose to take that experience and educate myself, so that I could ensure I didn’t make the same mistake again. I’ve spent a great deal of time talking to breed organization upper management individuals, show managers, and all level of judges in order to learn and grow as a show committee representative and horse show organizer. I’ve also learned that judges can, and, often are willing, to take less money when offered some degree of flexibility and long-range planning options.
When a person decides to show at the breed show level, they must also have an understanding that they’re not competing for ribbons, but rather points toward higher level regional and national awards. This shift in mindset is crucial to understanding why soliciting judges with impressive credentials is important to changing and promoting the upward growth of an event.
There are all kinds of political systems in place at horse shows, and this is just one of them. Exhibitors will come and show to judges that they hold in high regard. It’s a very simple and elemental principle. As a result of hiring judges who possess esteemed credentials, the obvious result is that exhibitor participation increases, class sizes rise, and associations, clubs, and other groups gain in increased revenue.
So, dear friends, event organization volunteers, and fellow horse show enthusiasts, I humbly ask that you please don’t cut your expenses on the back of our judges. We need them! We need them to want to work with us, so that the profession and hobby we share a mutual love for can continue on, as well as experience future growth and proserity.
About the Author- Kory Kumar
I’ve had a love of horse shows since I was a young girl. I went to my first show at 7 years old and have never looked back. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have served on many show committees with my regional clubs and for the APHA Zone One Representative Council. I’ve also worked most of the different jobs at horse shows over the years. Horse show planning and growth is a topic that is dear to my heart, as is the upward growth and prosperity of the equine industry.
