“Judging by the Rules ”
By renowned equestrian judge, trainer, and equine practitioner Karen Sholten Maas
I am often asked to give clinics dealing with "What Judges Are Looking For" to help exhibitors and owners take some of the mystery out of show results. While it is easy to refer to rulebooks (and if you haven't, you should!), there are many areas that are open to interpretation. In addition to very specific requirements and infractions, horse show rulebooks specify desirable qualities, which are intangibles, not easily measured or quantified.
Horse show judges must apply their body of knowledge against the written rules of the particular show, association, or registry. Judges who work in a single breed or discipline need be familiar with only one set of rules, which may readily be committed to memory. Judges who judge a large number and variety of breeds and disciplines must be familiar with all of the applicable rules and must be able to apply the particular rules in any situation. Good judging depends upon a correct observance of the fine points and the selection of the best horses for the purpose described by the conditions of the class. (AMHA Rule Book)
Judging criteria and order of application can vary according to the class description. A balanced horse stands squarely over its feet, carrying its body weight distributed in proportion according to its conformation. The horse should appear to match from front to back, and from side to side, without obvious disproportion between the mass of the forequarters and the hindquarters. A horse that leans over its front end, or hangs back over its hocks does not appear to be balanced. A horse carrying a large amount of muscle through the neck, chest, and shoulder that is lean and light in the hindquarters is not a balanced individual. A horse that displays great symmetry and harmony of proportion is a well-balanced horse.
In movement, a horse that is heavy on the forehand is less balanced than a horse that is light and airy in its movement. A horse displaying asymmetrical movement is less balanced than a horse that is rhythmic and even. A horse that rushes is less balanced than a horse that moves with a measured and regular cadence. A horse that lays on the bridle or pushes into the rider's or driver's hands is less balanced that a horse that is in independent self-carriage.
Here is where the variation observed in judging comes into play. To one observer, a horse that simply remains upright may be considered to be sufficiently balanced, as may a horse that is in balance only through the rider's or driver's obvious efforts. Just as soundness may be of varying degrees, so can balance.
When showing, an exhibitor can act to enhance or destroy what natural balance a horse may possess. An unbalanced rider can destroy a horse's balance, as can improper vehicle fit. Or an exhibitor can help a less than perfectly balanced horse stand well, or subtly support a horse that may rush.
How judges determine a horse's balance can vary. Simple tests such as transitions between gaits or within gaits will give evidence of a horse's balance. Asking a horse to rein back gives additional evidence of balance or lack of it. Here, too, the exhibitor can help or hinder the horse's efforts. Good judges work very hard to develop and maintain the skills needed to evaluate and adjudicate these intangibles. An exhibitor desiring to understand what judges are looking for would do well to do the same.
