What It Takes to Win the World – The Judge’s Perspective

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194 – August/September, 2017

by Megan Ulrich

Just as exhibitors, horses, and trainers have their noses to the grindstone in preparation for World Show season, so do those who will occupy the center of the pen – the judges. Being chosen to judge at the most prestigious event of the season is not taken lightly. In fact, it may be the crowning achievement of a career. For that reason, they too, are busy doing their homework and preparing to crown this year’s champions. The Equine Chronicle asked five of last year’s AQHA and APHA World Show judges to shed light on just what it takes to win the World and to offer tips for those heading to the shows this fall.

Have a Strategy for Success

The horses and riders that win buckles at World-level shows aren’t there by accident. World Champions become champions because of a well-thought-out strategy, and that advance planning is evident to judges, says Michele Pearson, a judge with 35 years of experience who recently judged the AjPHA Youth World.

“It’s really apparent to me the horses and riders that have done their homework. They’ve turned the horse out, they’ve turned the rider out, and they didn’t just come to the horse show hoping for the best,” Pearson says. “It’s not their first game, and that’s really obvious.” Pearson suggests that exhibitors start planning for the World Show as soon as possible, with the bestcase scenario being a strategy that’s hatched at the beginning of the year. “If you’re going to try to turn out a Worldshow caliber horse, you have to start at the beginning of the year and have a strategy. When you’re standing in the middle and judging, it’s evident. All shows should lead up to the grand finale.” For that reason, Pearson suggests exhibitors shoot to peak with their best rides at the World Show, a strategy she has observed in many top training programs. “School, school, and school, when appropriate. Coach, coach, and coach, when appropriate. Your one great show should happen at the World Show, not three months before or after,” Pearson says. “People only have so many great rides in them, and horses only have so many great rides in them. Don’t use them up before the World Show.”

Click here to read the complete article
194 – August/September, 2017