Putting Your Best Foot Forward:
Tips from the Judge’s Perspective Whether you’re aiming for a win in a competitive halter class or a top score at inspections, successfully presenting a horse in-hand is a huge accomplishment. But even the best horse won’t make it to the top without great attention to detail and putting in plenty of work ahead of time. Peggy Brown, AHR Senior Judge, and John Dunkel, AHR Senior C Judge, share their tips for putting in your best presentation when the moment counts. What is your biggest “pet peeve” in the ring? John: Exhibitors that are more concerned with showing themselves than the horse. If you're showing at a breed show the horse is the main focus. It's not a Showmanship class. You are showing the horse to the best of your ability. Try to the best of your ability to make it look the best you possibly can.
48 Winter 2018 • Haflinger Horse
Peggy: Horses that are dirty, hooves need trimming, manes and tails are uncombed, hair is untrimmed. Basically, a lazy, sloppy turn out. Usually the handler who shows a dirty horse is also casual in their handling and personal attire and creates a negative impression to the judge. This handler lacks respect for his/her horse.
What is the biggest turnout mistake you see competitors make? John: The biggest turnout mistake I see is people making their horses too thin trying to create a leaner neck and pronounced whither . If your horse loses its muscle over its top or its hind quarter so you can get the neck down then Genetically speaking the horse does not have that shape of neck. Skinny is not conditioned. Horse must have ample muscling Over the Top Line and hind quarters to look show ready! Peggy: Bridles and halters are not adjusted properly and tack is not clean and properly conditioned. Brand new
