We’re desperately in need of new judges, warns Katie Jerram-Hunnable
KEEPING everyone safe in the show ring has meant changes in the way classes are run. In some cases, this means riders warming up in the ring itself to avoid having to share small collecting rings – and I hope this change is here to stay, at least for novice horse classes. Being able to ride a young horse around the ring to acclimatise him to his surroundings is a win for everyone. Show horses must have good manners, but they aren’t police horses.
While most judges make allowances for novice moments, this gives riders the chance to start from a level playing field. After all, showing is the only discipline where horses are expected to go into a strange environment and perform straight away. In dressage, you get the chance to ride around the outside of the arena before entering to ride your test and in showjumping, you have time to switch on your horse’s concentration and confidence before starting the course.
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This report can also be read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale date 24 June 2021
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