The Naughty List

The ‘naughty list’ is the list the judge keeps tally of naughty outbursts, wrong leads and dropped rails. As a judge, we try not to use horses on the naughty list when placing competitors at a horse show. Sometimes, when there are few people in the class, we often have to use horses which may be on the naughty list.

Things which can put you on the naughty list are:

•  – Refusal. A refusal, run out or disobedience is an immediate score in the 45 and put on the naughty list.
•  – Knock down. A knock down is also a low score. Just above a refusal. And this is interesting, most judges record if it is a knockdown from a lazy front hoof or a knockdown from a hind leg.

  

  A hind leg knock down is less severe and in my case, will place over a rail knocked down from a front leg. This is because a horse that hits the jump with a front leg will be in jeopardy of causing a rotational fall, flipping over or other bad accident.
  Usually if a horse hits a rail with a hind leg it is from the rider getting left behind or coming back into the saddle too soon.

• – Unruly behaviour. This is beyond a wrong lead but actually kicking out, rearing or being nappy at the gate.
•  – Wrong lead.
•  – Breaking into the trot –

Three tips to get noticed in a good way:

1. Have good turn out. You can never go wrong with clean horse, clean equipment and professionally braided horse.
2. Use the ring wisely. Ths means not getting stuck in the corners, getting cut off or cutting other competitors off in the ring. Know that the judge is noticing you and to show your horse to the best of its ability.
3. Treat your horse kindly. Saying a kind word and a simple pat to acknowledge a good round is acceptable. This does not mean, however, to exclaim wildly, “GOOD GIRL/BOY while dropping your reins and slapping the horse’s neck. A simple pat and acknowledgement is all that is required.

What’s your tip to get noticed -in a good way- while at the horse show.

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