From the Judge’s Chair

The judge’s score reflects the whole run, from start to finish.

Ifind myself saying the same thing every year when the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity® is over:“WOW!” It’s all about competing to win and having the horseflesh to accomplish it.This year, Justin Wright had both going for him, but the part that stands out to me most was when he drew a borderline cow to work and he attempted to compete on it like it was the only one he was going to get. It makes the new cow whistle a lot easier to blow when the exhibitor stays in position and the cow lets you know it wouldn’t give you a fair shake to compete on it.In this case, that’s exactly what happened. Congratulations Justin—job well done!

As the competition increased, there were maneuvers that helped separate runs from the judges’ perspectives. In the herd work there seemed to be more cases of excessive herd help than in years past.Excessive herd help is assessed on the judges’ cards when the herd help cuts the arena down or saves a major penalty.In either case, it detracts from the work by not allowing the exhibitor to attempt to control the cow without help.Also noted in the herd work was a horse’s lack of ability to work the cow with semiloose reins.These are snaffle bit horses and reining them is allowed, but the horse that works a cow correctly with semi-loose reins demonstrates more eye allows you to gain back credit if the rest of the turns are on the money. The whole run is what is important, and the final score should reflect that from start to finish.

To the judges and exhibitors, these reflections are just food for thought on our never-ending journey to try to get better at what we’re attempting to do.

Until Next Time,

appeal and cow sense than a horse that is shown with tighter reins.

In the rein work prelims it seemed like there were more out of lead and break of gait penalties than usual.Also noted when transitioning from the large fast to small slow circles, slowing down too early or speeding back up too late basically eliminates some degree of difficulty from the maneuver score. Slowing down two strides before the center and speeding up two strides after the center are in the credit-earning ranges. Excessive over-canting when slowing down also eliminates some degree of difficulty.There is more risk assumed to the horse that stays straighter during the transitions and, with all things equal during the rest of the circles, probably should be scored higher. Body alignment has always been important when exhibiting a horse. Excessive speed and lack of body alignment during the turnarounds is very hard to judge. Correctness is important when evaluating maneuvers. Correctness with speed is the ultimate goal and should not be overlooked by attempting to go fast without being correct.

The fence work usually shows off horses that are comfortable and confident with speed.Missing the entry to a turn by less than a length basically eliminates credit from that turn.It can still be a check turn if it has some form and the exit is good.Averaging the turns

PRIMO MORALES

Bill Enk NRCHA Director of Judges