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CANADA'S NATIONAL ARABIAN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Featured in Arabian Horse Times Vol. 54, No.3
MEET CANADA’S 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGES
VAN JACOBSEN
Pine Island, MN
(Main Ring and Working Western)
What is your background in the Arabian breed?
I have been actively involved in the Arabian horse industry since 1971 and have shown at all levels of competition in multiple disciplines receiving National honors, as well as participating in Endurance including the Tevis Cup 100Mile ride. I have been a USEF and AHA judge for over 40 years and have had the honor of judging beautiful horses all over the world.
How do you prepare for a show?
I always review the prize list carefully before any show to know exactly what classes I will be judging and make sure I have the appropriate patterns and any special class requirements for every class. I also review the rulebook to see if there are any recent rule changes that may impact my judging responsibilities.
How do you maintain a sharp eye when all the horses initially appear similar?
We get to see many beautiful horses from center ring, but a judge starts evaluating each horse once the gate closed. We have limited time, of course, so it is important to have a system that helps you review the horse’s performance or conformation on an ongoing basis throughout the class to determine your eventual placings.
What’s your ideal way to spend a wide-open weekend?
Visiting with family and friends. If I am at home, a favorite time is sitting on the deck before dinner watching the horses graze in the pasture while reflecting on all of the blessings in my life.
BRUCE MCCREA Edmond, OK (Main Ring)
What is your background in the Arabian breed?
The McCrea family has been involved with Arabian horses for over 70 years. I’ve had a successful career as a trainer, breeder, instructor and farm manager.
How do you prepare for a show?
Whatever show or classes I’m about to judge, I look over the schedule and make sure I’m up on all the rules and any recent changes.
How do you maintain a sharp eye when all the horses initially appear similar?
All the classes separate themselves eventually. In breeding classes you have the walk, stand up and movement to compare. In performance, once you are through all gaits both ways on the ring, I have made up my mind.
What’s your ideal way to spend a wide-open weekend?
My main hobbies are golf and riding my motorcycle (a new Indian). I also watch a lot of sports on TV and like spending time with my family.
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CATHARINE ANN VINCENT
Greenwood, DE (Main Ring)
What is your background in the Arabian breed?
I have a long history in the Arabian breed. I began as a child with Donald Booth from Seaford, DE. He then introduced me and my parents to Bazy Tankersley, owner of Al-Marah Arabians. Stanley White Sr. was the head trainer there and took me under his wing. He taught me so much about training and understanding the Arabian horse while Mrs. T was very helpful and sent me a few of her horses to break and show when I returned home. I was then blessed to meet Bob Hart Sr. He also taught me so much, especially training and bridling an English horse.
From there, hard work and perseverance kept me climbing. I went on to earn my judges card where I have had the opportunity to judge all over the world.
I wouldn’t change a thing if I had it to do again. I have truly been blessed.
How do you prepare for a show?
I usually try to go over the rules before I judge a show, come prepared with my calculator, pad and paper, pen and pencil, and utilize my cheat sheet on trail, reining and ranch riding. It is a serious job and I always try to be up for the challenge.
How do you maintain a sharp eye when all the horses initially appear similar?
I don’t believe they all appear similar. There are good attributes about each horse that I judge. I try to be quick yet accurate in my decisions and sort the horses out accordingly. Concentration is key in judging and I work hard on staying sharp and focused.
What’s your ideal way to spend a wide-open weekend?
I am not sure I have ever had a wide-open weekend, but I do love my gardens here at the farm. If I am not in the barn, I love tending to the gardens. And I love my dogs! I so enjoy being with Juicy, Wrigley and Addie!
MARGARET K. BOYCE
New Westminster, BC (Dressage)
What is your background in the Arabian breed?
I bought my first horse, a Half-Arabian/ Half-Quarter Horse at 13 years old. I have trained and shown in multiple disciplines. When I was exposed to dressage, I went in that direction as the training was so logical and harmonious. I hold USEF - R Dressage/r Western Dressage and Equestrian Canada - Medium Dressage/ Medium Para Dressage Judge status. I am also an EC Certified Coach. In 2023, I earned USEF registry as a FEI Level One Para Dressage Judge (Transfer Up Course).
I have trained with master Dietrich Von Hopffgarten in BC Canada, and moved to Europe to work for Dutch Team Coach Bert Rutten, German Team Coach Johann Hinnemann, and train with FEI Dressage Judge Col. Christian Carde, Head Trainer of the Cadre Noir, The French National Riding School. In NYC, I formed MKB Dressage, and I taught, trained and competed at Dressage at Devon & The North American Dressage Championships. I train with old world values, but with modern science, using a holistic approach to manage my horses as I continue to judge, coach and clinic in Canada and the USA.
How do you maintain a sharp eye when all the horses initially appear similar?
I use a few matching methods to make it easy to identify the team: matching rider coat color to horse coat color, or if the horse is chromy.
What’s your ideal way to spend a wide-open weekend?
You mean a weekend of not showing or judging, LOL! I like to hike and garden but I do like to trailer my horse to a few of the gorgeous horse parks in my region. It is a great way to bond to your horse as they really enjoy the change or scenario and still get a great workout.
JILL BARTON Odessa, ON (Hunter)
What is your background in the Arabian breed?
As a youngster I was offered a chance to ride and train the Arabian stallion KOURIM. To break into the Arabian show circuit, which at that time was fairs, numerous all-Arab shows, the CNE and the Royal, I showed him in hunter, jumper, stock horse, trail and side saddle, then graduated to the regular English, western, etc.
I have been a member of AHA Eastern Canada since the 60s when we had over 400 members and lots of breeders. I have served as club President, Secretary, Treasurer, Board member and Delegate. I am a licensed SN Steward of EC and FEI Jumper Steward. I also hold cards in H/J, Breed Sport, Arabian EC and AHA.
How do you prepare for a show?
Preparation for events includes a rules refresher and constantly watching horses in sport.
How do you maintain a sharp eye when all the horses initially appear similar?
I like to see the Arabian Sport Horse with a pleasant attitude, relaxed, and doing his job without resistance.
What’s your ideal way to spend a wide-open weekend?
Wide open weekends are spent on the farm riding, doing maintenance, and in the pool in the summer with family and friends.
