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Horse Shows - Lots of fun, but there
are rules to be followed.
It is important to understand the rules
and follow the etiquette of the sport in which you compete.
Please read and comply with the following rules and etiquette.
Respect to the Judge and Ring Steward
If the competitor has a question they are to ask it
to the judge themselves or through their coach. A parent
does not question the judge or their decisions, nor should
they make any comments regarding the same.
Competitors, you are not to speak to the judge or ring
steward during your class unless you have a question about
the requirements of the class. If you are asked a question
you are to respond very politely. If you did not hear
or understand the question you may ask for it to be repeated
but never say "HU", "EH" or "WHAT".
Never chat to another competitor during your class.
You are being judged from the time your class has been announced,
such as "All walk on the rail, numbers to the inside, you
are now being judged" or when the bell has sounded, right
up until the numbers are presented. When you are lined up
and the judge is completing their sheet, they are still watching
you! Sit up straight, hold your reins properly and do not
talk. Slouching and talking are considered disrespectful
and can take you out of the ribbons. Even after the judge has
signed their sheet they can take it back and make changes.
You may congratulate your friends between classes.
You are not to speak to the judge or ring steward when
they are in the ring judging a class. If you have a question
you must wait until the entire class has been pinned and
the judge has left the ring to ask permission to speak. NEVER
enter the ring or approach the judge's booth to speak to
the judge. If you would like to speak to the judge you MUST
ask permission first. You may say; "Excuse me madam judge,
may I ask a question?". If they say "yes" then you can ask
your question. If they say "no" then you may not. Never question
your placing, such as "Why did I get fourth when another
rider made a mistake and got third?". This would be an insult
to the judge's expertise. HGEC arrange for very experienced
judges and will not allow them to be insulted. If they feel
they have been insulted they will not come back. You may
however ask; "How may I have improved my ride?" or "For my
next class is there something I can improve upon?". LISTEN
to their answer and do not challenge their statements. Be
sure to thank them for their comments to you.
Do not address the judge by their first name and only
speak to the judge between classes and not on their way to
the washroom.
Dedicate Your Day
This year we are running a 16 class In House show series.
(The Medal Class 12 has three parts.) Please keep "show day"
dedicated to the show. It is unrealistic to expect the show
to be run in fewer than five hours. This allows less then
20 minutes per class. HGEC pay the judge anywhere from $150.00
to $300.00 a day to judge our show. The judge is expected
to look at each one of you, write comments and to take the
time to make careful decisions. After the show,
all the judge's sheets are reviewed, and this aids in
future instruction to you.
Never rush the judges by asking them or the ring steward
"How long will it take?" or "When will it be over?". Most
judges have barns of their own and move the show along as
best they can so they can get back to their farms to look
after their own horses. Most often they do not want a lunch
break and usually only go to the washroom when the ribbons
are being presented or when courses are being set up.
The judge has a very hard job to do. All HGEC students
are exceptional riders for their ages and many are riding
far better then most other riding school students. Their
mistakes are minimal and they all ride in a very similar
style. It takes a great deal of concentration and focus on
the part of the judge to make a fair assessment of each student
and then place them in the class accordingly. Often there
are only a few marks separating first through sixth place.
To judge and place a class of six students, sometimes having
to switch riders and adjust stirrups, move horses in and
out of the ring, award ribbons and calculate championship
points is a lot to ask someone to do in 18 or so minutes.
Please respect our efforts to run the show smoothly.
Please note: The competitors cannot leave the show
grounds between classes in case their class is called to
the ring early. All shows reserve the right to call classes
in early.
Show Numbers
All numbers are to be returned to the number box in
the tack room before you leave. If we continue to have numbers
taken home we will have to charge a number deposit fee. We
would like to avoid doing this if at all possible.
Quiet - The Dressage Is On
During a dressage test, do not talk, rattle paper,
move from your seat or make any other noise or distractions.
If the test is being "called" the rider may not hear the
caller if the spectators are making any noise. You may applaud
nicely after the entire test, including the final halt and
salute, is completed.
The Free Style Kur is the rider's "work of art" and
it is courtesy not to spoil it by interrupting with your
voice and movements. Sit still and wait for their presentation
to be finished before you speak or move.
HGEC - Our School Reputation
Our school is known for having very polite, mannerly
students.
We arrive at shows on time, properly dressed, in an
organized fashion, with our manners in place and smiles on
our faces. No matter what the outcome of the day, when returning
the numbers to the show office I make a point of thanking
the show officials for their efforts that day. I seek out
and thank the stable owner for putting on a show for us.
My students also thank the show organizers before leaving.
We never leave any garbage or mess in our trailer area or
holding area.
We are always invited back. Remember the show organizers
have the right to refuse entries without giving cause.
Let us practice our show etiquette here at home so
when we go to other show locations it all comes easily.
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