Arrgh Judges!!!!

[verne]

I know they give up their free time often for no reward (i know this as used to be riding club sec,ours were well fed/watered/paid & give bottle of plonk,prob why we always had good ones?) I am "new" to showing but on this sun i entered a Veteran Class with Gally well....... the judge only asked us to walk,trot,canter in group on one rein? & then while competitors did their shows she chatted to the steward hardly watching at all . Gally went his best yet but she hardly watched!! The horse she placed 1st was stiff behind (almost lame) very under weight & stuck its nose out! Ok it was 32 (gals 16) but if its judged on age alone whats the point in me scubbing my boy,me & tack might as well not bother! Ok i know a horse twice Gals age wont look the same but still i didnt know it was a "oldest horse in the pack comp" i think its great a horse that age is still competing (though technically lame) but felt as if judge couldnt be bothered. This is not "bad eggs" as im free to admit that Gal has his moments when he dont play ball but he really did today yes i did get placed (3rd) but just feel cheated. Ahh well as experince in the ring.......

[verne]

Oh forgot to say any thoughts or experince of this?

[KoLaTo]

Been there many times Verne.

Athough i have to say that at a small local show on Sunday, we were honoured with a County Judge and to say i was impressed would be an understatement, he was absolutely wonderful if a trifle plummy - LOL

He was the most thorough judge i have ever come across and very chatty with every entrant, taking the time to shake hands, pass comment and tips on etc which normally at County shows, there isn't time or the inclination to discuss. Plus he told me i was a 'wonderful & lovely rider' which got him many bonus points - LOL I do like to know why i have been placed down the line/up the line and he took the time to explain his choices and very good choices they were as well, didn't show any preference for any breed or colour at all which in my mind is the best type of judge.

You will find 'usually' at local shows, it isn't what you know but who you know and at the end of the day, i find that many judges will overlook faults and problems if the horse looks pretty or is the oldest/youngest/fluffiest/cutest etc etc or the owner/rider is a very good friend.

We now take our pick from local shows and enter few and far between so we are not coming under the same judges all the time with the same prejudices......