2023 USN Judges' Perspective

2023 U.S. NATIONALS

JUDGES’ PERSPECTIVE

JUDGES’ PERSPECTIVE

IN-HAND/BREEDING CINDY REICH

Fort Collins, CO

# of years a judge: 47 # of shows judged this year: 2

What are you looking for when a horse enters the arena in a loose lead walk?

A horse moving freely forward, interested and proud of itself. The best way to judge balance, substance, carriage and length of neck is at the loose walk. Horses that are intimidated, held tightly under the chin, kept from moving forward because of a whip being held in front of the chest as they walk—all these things make the horse look less than they really are.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

Intimidated, scared or clearly anxious horses being presented.

When you walk the line at the end of the class, what are you looking for?

I rarely walk the line after I have judged the class. I am confident in what I have seen and one more look isn’t going to change things. I learned a long time ago as a livestock judge in competitions, that when you change a placing at the last minute, it is invariably wrong. I will, however, walk the line if I have a very close placing and want to compare one more time. I also don’t like the pressure put on the horses when the judges walk the line one more time. I get the handlers are doing their job and going all out for one last great look, but that is the highest-pressure part of the class for most horses. I’d rather not contribute to that.

For amateurs showing in halter, what show ring attire advice can you give them?

What a great question! The first thing to remember is we are concentrating on your horse much more than you, but you do want to look professional. It can be simple, from a dress shirt and tie for gentlemen and a nice blouse or jacket and slacks for ladies to more formal wear if it is the championship or evening class. It is important to be comfortable! Wear clothing that allows you to do your job. A subtle or simple accent can be achieved by the color of a tie or for ladies, the color of a blouse—does it complement the color of the horse? Vests are nice for men during daytime showing, then can be enhanced by a jacket for an evening or championship. It is appreciated if the handler’s hair is not obscuring the number on the back. Bling is up to the individual, but don’t outshine your horse! Finally, I don’t mind at all if a handler is wearing running shoes in any class. Your horse can move better if you can run well. But don’t pull out your dirty, tattered gym shoes. Have a pair of clean, neat running shoes if that is what will allow you to do your best job. At the end of the day, the horse is the main focus. You just need to look neat, tidy, clean and professional. But simple is good. The horse should be the star.

GEORGE Z (Jerzy Zbyszewski)

Florida

# of years a judge: 25

# of shows judged this year: 3

What are you looking for when a horse enters the arena in a loose lead walk?

I evaluate balance and proportions. Many things change during the stand up. When they walk on a loose lead, you can see the good and the bad much clearer.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

The shape of the neck. I hate straight necks with no poll. A horse with a neck like this will never bridle and will always fight the bit. I will forgive a short neck, but it must have shape.

When you walk the line at the end of the class, what are you looking for?

I am just confirming my choices. Usually, I have my placings done after the individual judging.

For amateurs showing in halter, what show ring attire advice can you give them? Remember, you show the horse not yourself.

PAUL C. KOSTIAL

Austin, TX

# of years a judge: 38

# of shows judged this year: 3

What are you looking for when a horse enters the arena in a loose lead walk? Quiet, flat-footed movement, unobstructed or enticed by the handler, giving the judges an easy view of the horse walking both directions. The walk is so important for most judges, as it helps discern true conformational qualities of each entry.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

In halter and breeding, it’s so important for handlers to follow very basic procedures, like walking directly towards the centermost judge when called from the rail to center ring. So many “wander” on their way, making it difficult for judges to see the horse’s movement. It’s a critical component that initiates the entry’s individual judging.

When you walk the line at the end of the class, what are you looking for?

I’m usually doing my final comparisons, evaluating slight differences between two or three horses, sometimes for champion, and sometimes for any random placing. With each class, you generally have in your mind how it’s lining up so far, so most judges are confirming their choices (in order) at that point, and reviewing any last comparisons mentioned. It’s the last step before a judge puts their signature on their judge’s card.

For amateurs showing in halter, what show ring attire advice can you give them?

For amateur attire in halter, I recommend very simple outfits, simple solid colors not conflicting with your horse’s color. Basic deep blues are always great, as are grays and black. Colored clothing can be appealing as long as it’s not too flashy or distracting from your horse. Though attire is important, a polished professional look is most important, and we’re there to judge your horse, not your outfit. So, look great, have fun, and enjoy showing our beautiful Arabian horses. Best wishes to all competitors.

BRUCE MCCREA

Edmond, OK

# of years a judge: 47 years USEF/AHA judge & 29 years ECAHO judge

# of shows judged this year: 5

What are you looking for when a horse enters the arena in a loose lead walk? The walk is the best time to look for overall quality and judge the body. The stand-up can mask some faults but the walk lets you see more of the true horse. Also, I get a better look at the legs from different angles.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

Over showing and intimidating the horse. This tends to lead to crouching and the horse not standing properly on their back feet which is going to cost them.

When you walk the line at the end of the class, what are you looking for?

By the time we have judged the last horse, I know what I’m going to do. We’ve seen them at the walk and stand-up, so I will quickly walk the line just to confirm numbers. I don’t like to see judges walking around forever comparing horses!

For amateurs showing in halter, what show ring attire advice can you give them? For amateurs, just dress nicely and wear shoes or boots you can run properly in. Don’t try to be too flashy.

PERFORMANCE

LESLIE K. CONNOR

Joplin, MO

# of years a judge: 48 years

# of shows judged this year: 10+ (various breeds)

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Personally, I believe that “less is more.” I think that, in some cases, the bling is being a little overdone, but it doesn’t affect my judging the horse, so wear what pleases you!

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

I always try to judge on the positives, so I don’t have what I would call my “biggest pet peeve,” but these are a few of the things for which I do deduct points: heads behind the vertical in all classes; gaping mouths; overriding the horse (especially trying to make the strong trot a race to see who can go the fastest); and I would really prefer to not see riders holding their hands three feet apart when using a bosal!

What advice would you give to competitors?

Show your horse to its best advantage, but please try to stay on the rail as much as possible! And, most of all, win or lose, enjoy the wonderful experience of showing at the U.S. Arabian Nationals!

JUDGES’ PERSPECTIVE

CORKY SUTTON

Akron, NY

# of years a judge: 40 # of shows judged this year: 2 large shows

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? Horses circling the judges and getting too close. It is hard to evaluate a performance if the horse is too close to the center of the ring.

What advice would you give to competitors? Aside from liking to see a difference between the normal and strong trot, enjoy every moment of your ride.

JOYCE THOMAS

Olympia, WA

# of years a judge: 30+

# of shows judged this year: 4

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? The best look is a classy, tailored outfit that complements both the horse and rider. The focus is on the horse; don’t be a distraction.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? A rider that quits riding during a class. Don’t give up, keep showing.

What advice would you give to competitors? Congratulate yourself on making it to this level of competition. You have done your homework, now go enjoy your ride.

MARY TROWBRIDGE

Bridgewater, CT

# of years a judge: 33

# of shows judged this year: I was grateful to be invited to adjudicate Four of the industry’s greatest shows this year.

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Wear what makes you feel GREAT! Your joy will be what catches my eye, because your horse will display it.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

If I am calling for the walk an abnormal number of times in your class, my advice is to get thee and thy mount to the rail, and out of my face so that I can actually Do. My. Job. Closer to me is NOT in your best interest.

What advice would you give to competitors?

Don’t be afraid to face whatever you need to learn and accomplish prior to the event. Don’t shy away from the struggle and make your lessons and warmups more challenging than the show ring will be. My experience as a competitor is that pretty much anything you are worried about happening in the ring is going to manifest there if you don’t face it outside and figure out how you are going to overcome it! Guaranteed, especially when you are riding our very emotionally evolved Arabian horses.

And know that I, and all my fellow judges, will be rooting for every single competitive team of horse and rider that comes through the gate. Have a blast; we are all so incredibly blessed to have these great horses in our lives, and I am so looking forward to watching you all enjoy the ride! I am positive that every single one of you have earned it.

REINING/COW/RANCH

TOM CROWLEY

Kellogg, MN

# of years a judge: 35

# of shows judged this year: 15

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Understated elegance, which allows the performance of your horse to shine!

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge?

Any display of poor sportsmanship to the gate person, other exhibitors or to your horse.

What advice would you give to competitors? Be prepared, know the rules and enjoy your class.

JUDGES’ PERSPECTIVE

NANCIE WRIGHT

Penrose, CO

# of years a judge: 21

# of shows judged this year: Since 2009

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? I like a simple and professional look within the rules of the class you are exhibiting in. Remember, we are judging the performance, not your outfit.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? I really don’t have any pet peeves. I judge on the standards of our rulebook.

What advice would you give to competitors? Do your personal best and remember most of all, have fun!

MARILYN PETERS

Edmond, OK

# of years a judge: 25

# of shows judged this year: 17

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Clothes and accoutrements that are pleasing to the eye and fit properly.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? Not running patterns correctly.

What advice would you give to competitors? Ride the horse you have that day to the best of your ability and have fun!

EDWARD “HOOT” BRICKER

Evans City, PA

# of years a judge: 27

# of shows judged this year: 15

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Clean horse and tack; hat shaped and fits correctly; western attire that fits the event showing in.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? Excessive schooling in the Reining classes (amount of time in arena).

What advice would you give to competitors? Know the rules of the event you are competing in. Read the rulebook, it is your friend.

TERRY THOMPSON

Aubrey, TX

# years judging: 40

# of shows this year: 25

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Clean, neat and in good taste according to the class; nothing extravagant.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? Excessive schooling. A nything excessive is not good for the horse industry.

What advice would you give to competitors? Preparation. Never go beyond your horse’s talent.

TRAIL/SHOWMANSHIP/WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP

MYRON KRAUSE

Placida, FL

# of years a judge: 35

# of shows judged this year: 5

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? Don’t wear your hat backwards!

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? Not staying on the rail.

What advice would you give to competitors? Be prepared, be on time, smile often!

JUDGES’ PERSPECTIVE

BRIAN SCOGGINS

Tuscola, IL

# of years a judge: 30 # of shows judged this year: 2 Nationals

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? In Trail competition, conservative dress is suitable; not a lot of bling. I don’t think out on the trail, glitter is wise.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? When someone overrides and over shows their horse in as many classes as they can show in.

What advice would you give to competitors? Enjoy the ride!

JONATHAN VRABEC

Colorado Springs, CO

# of years a judge: Since 1995, but specifically Arabians, since 2008 # of shows judged this year: I have judged one other Arabian show this year, but all total this year by Nationals, 16 shows of various sizes across three states.

When it comes to show ring attire, what advice would you give to what catches your eye? I don’t pay a lot of attention to attire. I am really focused on the horse and its performance, but in general, attire should be clean, functional and fits the exhibitor and the horse.

What is your biggest pet peeve as a judge? When exhibitors worry about the little things before taking care of the big things.

What advice would you give to competitors? Take your time. When it’s your turn to go, the arena is yours. n