What do judges look for?

Question

In horse shows in the English Hack and English Rider what do the judges look for to choose you and what can you do to get their attention?

Answer 1

judges look for somebody who has a great connection with their horse. they will pay special attention to you if you communicate really well with your horse. if you or your horse messes up, take it in stride. work your horse through it. they will be looking for somebody who can do a good job regaining their form and taking a crisis in stride. (i ride English too!) the judges also will be looking for a good form: tight legs, reins that are a good length, HEELS DOWN, looking forward, straight back, etc. you will do a great job!!!!!!!! :):):)

Answer 2

in english you want a straight line that connects your elbow-hand-reins-bit.. you want to have contact with the bit.. heels down, elbows loose, shoulders back, head straight forward, toes out. make sure your horse is in frame and moving nicely.. you NEED quick and smooth transitions [they can make or break you] also if you pick up the canter on a straight line rather than a corner and you get the correct lead, they are supposed to mark you better in a tie. good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

To get their attention, try to be one of the first horses in the ring - the very first if you can without being unsportsmanlike.  Look the part - horse groomed to the max, you shined and polished.  Enter at your very best working trot, horse working from behind and on the bit.  Check your diagonal before you enter the ring and ride your very best as you enter.  This is your moment to shine, the one moment you absolutely KNOW the judge is looking at you.

In large classes in particular, many judges will pick out a few horses to watch through out the class at this point.  Be one of them.  These are the horses the judge feels are worth multiple looks - if you're not one of them, you have to really stand out to have any chance at all.

They're looking for the ideal representative of the class you're in.  The appropriate gaits with the appropriate speed/collection/extension; the appropriate amount of contact; good transitions; etc.  Look up the standards for your classes, and ride accordingly.