A few questions in 4H???

Question

ok i thought that judges dock you points if your horses main is in braids??

and can the judges red tag you like they do me every singal year. i do perfect right leads, chin up, shoulders back, smileing at the judge. in the line up they asked everybody to side pass my horse did perfectly and i was smilein at the judge and everything and then the girl next to me couldnt do that and jus walked her horse over and she still placed a high score like 3rd i think i didnt even place

and she knows those judges and that family is known. so what do ya think??

oh and when the say stop then reverse the ring when i reverse the ring am i still stoped or do i keep walkin i still dont kno after these years haha

Answer 1

You stop, then walk to reverse.

Maybe your equ. isn't what they are looking for. It is possible. I don't know if you are showing english or western, so I can't say anything to help. For western they should be in bands, and in english they should be braids. Maybe they placed that girl (even though it is unfair) because they have seen her ride that horse before and know that she can sidepass, so they placed her because they know how she rides. I hear of that happening a lot. Just keep on working at it. Can you possibly show in a different county? Or maybe try showing in a different disapline? 4H shows are really cheap, so try anything you want. I know western pleasure is probably the most competitive class of them all in 4H so keep at it!

Answer 2

Hello,

Sorry, you are being picked on like that!  I think that ALL showing can be political (meaning not always judged on the horse and rider, but who you know).  

I THINK that is UNFAIR and all riders/horses should be given the same shot.

THIS is true in a lot of showing (it is true in the dog show world too).  If you change to speed events, like barrel racing, pole bending, team roping, sorting, etc. you have a VERY fair chance.  Since these events are ONLY based on times!

KEEP up the good work, DON'T loose faith!  YOUR doing great!

EDIT<><><<><<><>

I should mention that judges can be political not only about the rider but a horse, or a stable/barn/ranch or trainer where the horse is from.

Answer 3

Hi, to your first question, the presentation of the mane is personal preference.  A lot of people that show both english and western at a show will braid the mane, especially if the horse is a more english type horse.  It is your option to braid, band or neither, no points are deducted, just make sure your horse is well groomed and presents the best picture possible.  As for the politics, there will always be judges that are political, but for the most part, the majority really do try to do a good job.  Always remember the placings are the judge's opinion and that is all.  Each judge has their own opnion and preferences and that definitely influences their placings.  You mentioned you are showing in western pleasure, which is judged on the horse and his movement, not necessarily how well you ride.  Don't get me wrong, good riders are able to present a more finished, polished look to even a bad mover.  The best thing to do is be happy with your performance and continue to work on areas you maybe weak in, but always remember the persons opinion who matters in the end is yours not the judge.  Without having seen the class, it is hard to say wether you were unfairly judged or not.

As for the stopping and reversing question, if they specifically call for you to stop and then reverse, then yes you would remain stopped after reversing until the next gait is called.  If they just call for you to reverse, you always reverse and continue on in the gait your where in before you reversed.  Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 4

Thats why i HATE 4H. Most of the judges are local and unfair because they know some of the familys... you sound like you are a good rider the way you describe yourself... dont let it get you down... any videos or pictures of you riding? I can give you some tips(email me :D). Also, have you thought about how your HORSE looks, moves, and his head set?

Answer 5

I don't know how they handle braids in 4H, so no help there.

As far as the judging, I am part of the hunter world, and anyone will tell you it's all politics. I assume the same thing happens regardless of your discipline. Sometimes a nice turnout/trip/whatever can only get you so far. It's sad :(

When you are stopped and asked to reverse, reverse and remain stopped. Do not walk until instructed to do so.

Answer 6

i read that in western the mane should not be braided. in english  i don't remember if you leave it normal or if it should be braided in those little ball things. when you reverse, from what i remember you should keep walking. the best thing to do is to ask the judges afterwards what your faults were, and to ask your 4h leader how to perform correctly. google "your county" 4h rules. it might answer our questions.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, most horse shows are political.  It doesn't seem to matter how well you and your horse perform, it only matters who your family is.  It's sad to think that 4-H has fallen to this low level, but it isn't surprising.

However, if you want to show where they aren't quite so concerned about who your family is, try showing in your area county fairs.  Around here (Central KY) there are several riding clubs (for lack of a better description) that hold shows once a month with a really good variety of classes.  I got a 3rd and 4th in the first two classes I had ever shown in and my step-daughter placed 1st in her very first class.

Besides that, don't let someone else's snotty opinion get to you.  You know you have a great horse....and they are probably jealous, so they vote for someone else.