HAVE YOUR BEST SHOW POSSIBLE WITH TIPS FROM A JUDGE.

BY CINDY HALE

LESLIE POTTER

Do you enjoy showing? I always loved competing in horse shows. Whether I won a bunch of ribbons or came home empty-handed, each show was a unique adventure. After many years of showing, I became a hunter and equitation judge. Now I’ll share some advice so you can have more fun—and have a better chance at a blue ribbon— the next time you compete.

Any list of English horse show classes can look confusing, especially if you aren’t sure how each one will be judged. The easiest way to explain the classes is to divide them into two groups: those that are judged primarily on the horse’s performance, and classes where the focus is on the rider’s skill.