Judge and Competitor – A Social Contract

The results of equestrian events in certain areas of our sport (eg showjumping) are clearly evident to all spectators. In other areas of equestrian sport, such as dressage and showing, subjective judgement is the key element of the final result of the event. Even if knowledgeable onlookers have a fairly good idea of the probable outcome of an event, that result is ultimately the judge’s decision.

In a show, the judge and competitor enter into an understanding. The competitor agrees to abide by the rules of the event and to accept, without question, the judge’s decision. The judge agrees also to abide by the rules and to preserve the utmost integrity whilst judging. The horse fraternity is a relatively insular group of people sharing in one common interest. At all levels, often a judge may be judging at one show and competing at the next. I see nothing wrong with this situation as long as personal integrity is maintained. Indeed, a current or recent competitor when judging, brings I feel, a valuable additional aspect of knowledge to their judging skills.

However, judges need to be aware that they have no friends when they are judging. Judging can be a somewhat isolating and thankless task but the need to attract judges of the highest calibre is an absolute necessity for the future of equestrian sport.

We live in an imperfect world. It is often difficult to obtain the services of knowledgeable, experienced judges. Most judges are happy to judge when asked by various organisations and the concept of a Probationary Panel for new EFA judges to develop experience is a helpful idea. I want to emphasise that experience is the key element here. It takes time to develop experience and this doesn’t happen by attending a few judge’s schools. It concerns me sometimes when a judge’s practical experience is limited. Judges who;

(a)  have not ridden competitively for over 20 years

(b)  worse still, never ridden at all

(c)  or have had no formal riding instruction ever (and junior pony club barely counts)

…are hardly equipped to judge riding competitions (much less dressage comps). So, how could this situation occur? Well, a judge may be quite capable horse judge but have limited knowledge in riding competitions or turnout classes. I think it is important that every judge feels highly confident of their abilities when accepting judging positions.

Every week of every show season, I am either judging, competing or coaching riders who are competing, so I observe a broad cross-section of showing judging (plus quite a bit of dressage in the off-season). I think the majority of judges are quite capable and I applaud these judges for selflessly contributing to the sport. However, I do see some judges that appear to be “in over their heads”. Poor decisions have consequences and sometimes a ripple effect through the sport. We do, however, accept the judges decision without question. So what is the answer to this dilemma? I honestly don’t know but I do think that the more prestigious the show, the more important it is to have very capable judges at all levels.

Another problem I see occurring occasionally in Club showing  (ie Pony Club and HRCAV) is the notion – and some judges are quite open about this- that a combination is “too professional” or a horse is “too much like and open show horse”. This attitude astonishes me. It may have some credence in a restricted class (eg Mount Most Suitable for HRCAV) but in the major classes we are rewarding excellence. In a riding comp, the winner must be the most accomplished rider. In a saddle class, the winner must be the horse that fits the requirements of a show horse- ie conformationally correct, healthy coat and condition, presence, well presented and displaying quality in manners and paces. We already have age restrictions and assessment levels dividing classes, so it is imperative that the winner is a shining example of the quality and performance required to win a class at that particular level.

The judge is not there to simply share the prizes around so that everyone has a good day. Pleasant as that sentiment may sound, it doesn’t help the aspiring competitor or the sport in general. Occasionally we have all come away from a show, confused about the outcome. Winners are grinners and for those who don’t have a good day, I suggest you learn from the experience and be philosophical….there is always another show!

One legendary competitor once said to me “It never concerns me if I win and I didn’t deserve it because it makes up for all the times I lost when I should have won.” It’s an imperfect system. No one wins all the time, but if you win most of the time, under various judges, you are obviously doing something right. Most of all, win, lose or draw enjoy your showing!

Leigh

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