Top 10 Horse Show Judges’ Pet Peeves

When you manage large show circuits like the March To The Arch, SOQHA Madness, and Stars N Stripes and Big A, you’re bound to learn a few things at the back gate from the officials judging the event. Recently, Mark Harrell Horse Shows put together this helpful list of the Top 10 Horse Show Do’s and Don’ts they’ve learned from judges during the 2015 show season so far.

“After sitting at dinner with multiple judges at multiple shows in multiple locations, we can offer the following suggestions…”

– Mark Harrell Horse Shows

#1- Please DON’T laminate your number. Whether inside or outside, the lighting or the sun makes it hard to read. Put strips of duct tape on the back of your number to make it more firm for those longer circuits.

#2- Be ready at the cone/gate. Nothing upsets a judge more than being kept waiting. They’re also trying to keep the horse show from running too late.

#3- You can spend a lot of money on a designer jacket or outfit, but you can ruin the look with a poorly shaped hat or too short of pants. A clean and properly shaped hat is imperative. It completes the look of your outfit. Judges appreciate the time exhibitors take to be professional looking. Judges are not given a list of “Exhibitor 1 is wearing Designer A while Exhibitor 2 is wearing Designer B.” Spend your time on preparation and cleanliness.

#4- Showmanship exhibitors- Do you tape the top of your boots? It’s cheap, it’s simple, improves the overall appearance, and prevents that odd leg break in your pants. Use electrical tape around the top of your boots so your pants fall smoothly.

#5- Trainers- Do you coach from the rail? Do you coach LOUDLY from the rail? Inside voice is appreciated and less distracting.

#6- Do you need to school your horse IN the pen? It’s often needed, and nearly every judge will agree that they understand it can be necessary. BUT don’t wreck the experience for your fellow exhibitors. Come off the rail, be courteous, and be nice. Excessive schooling will get you excused.

#7- Think you can get away with bad behavior in the warm up pen? Nope. Eyes and ears are everywhere. Those jerking, spurring, etc. are noticed.

#8- Judges understand when you’re having a bad run. It happens to everyone at some point. But they also agree that reaching down and giving your horse a pat of reassurance will go further than jerking.

#9- Don’t NOD at the end of your pattern! It’s totally unnecessary, breaks your line, and affects the judges’ last impression before they give you their final score. Keep your head in perfect position, eyes forward slightly above eye level, and make a confident impression!

#10- In Showmanship, while backing, your left hand does NOT go on the off side of your horse’s head. Both hands should be on the lead side of the horse’s head.

Sound off exhibitors and fellow judges… what are your horse show pet peeves? Any helpful suggestions or time-saving tips you’d like to share?