What was the judge thinking?

Did you ever wonder about that after a good trip in the hunters or equitation, only to leave disappointed when the class was pinned?

While it’s not a mystery, there’s no simple answer to the question about how placings are decided. Judging takes a host of factors into consideration. The complexity involves far more layers than many might realize, whether they are a rider, trainer, horse owner, parent or even a spectator wondering what’s going on.

The process is demystified in “Judging Hunters and Equitation,” a beautifully put-together book so authoritative it often is used as a text at colleges offering equine studies programs.

Now in the second edition, it should be required reading for anyone who hopes to show successfully. The mystery can be replaced with insight for those willing to make an in-depth exploration of what the judges look for when evaluating competitors and their horses.

Written by U.S. Equestrian Federation judges Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker, the volume offers information on far more than the judging criteria, though that is explained in great detail.

It starts with the basics, building the foundation for performance.

The look of the ideal show horse and its attributes are described as a useful guide to choosing a mount. From the pony, junior and amateur ranks to side-saddle and the professional sections, the authors detail advice not only about the traits it takes to succeed, but also how to choose the appropriate level of competition for horse and rider.

Tack, equipment and turnout necessary for show readiness all get their due, along with a discussion of strategy, which is as important as a good bascule or a braided mane. Then there’s a list of judges’ pet peeves — dirty boots and too-short hunt coats among them — as well how to become a judge, if a reader is interested in exploring that option.

There are plenty of details about judges’ perspectives and the way they mark their cards during a class. Although the live-stream era means people can see top competitions on their phones, Tricia pointed out they do not watch a class from the same vantagepoint as a judge. So the casual observer’s conclusion can differ from that of the official being paid to sort the entries.

She explained, “a score on any given day is not a standard score; it’s in comparison to the rest of the class. Your amazing and awesome trip could be a 90 one day at one show, and an 85 on another day at another show, because you’re coming into the ring and competing against different horses over another course on another day. It’s really not about the scores, it’s about where you place in the class.”

You may not have known that, or hundreds of other things you can learn from this book. Readers will better understand judges after gleaning  information cover to cover. But there’s more to making decisions than that for hard-working officials.

As Julie noted, “Judging requires good judgment and a strong opinion that you aren’t afraid of sharing.”

The book may be ordered via its website, judgingwtf.com; on Amazon.com or wholesale through triciabooker@mac.com