Ringcraft Tip!

[gotk]

Right! Having stewarded at a local show yesterday for FN (and learned that it's nearly impossibly to give a leg up to someone in slippery long boots if you're wearing woolly gloves ), I noticed something else.

When I gave each class directions - ie: 'Trot on please' said very loudly in a small ring (anyone that knows me can confirm that I'm not exactly the shy and retiring type ), about 75% of the competitors looked at me like I'd just asked them a question about rocket science in Swahili that they had to answer whilst performing a cartwheel on top of the horse.

I have a feeling that this was more out of nerves than anything else, and I know that this isn't HOYS/RIHS level, but unfortunately, just as the judge notices a smiling competitor for the right reasons, she noticed these looks for the wrong reasons. It was very noticable, especially in a small show ring and did nothing for the overall impression that the riders gave the judge

So please, please, pay attention and try to put a fairly intelligent and comprehending look on your face along with that smile ;D it will be noted

[lesleym]

LOL I have judged a few shows and it does seem to happen. Must be nerves me thinks

[Emma!]

Oooo I'll have to remember that one.

Here was I thinking this was going to be about running up in the mud

[zoe]

Will have to remember this one.

I usually go round like a gawping fish, don t even know i do it untill i see the video / pictures.

[deano]

Here is another, if the judge asks for a short show.......why do some do a dressage test , after having watched a ''riding horse'' class yesterday with a million entries, it makes for a very long class. .


deano.

[lesleym]

Your so right, when judging I always ask for a short show please. Then the competitor does a marathon dressage and showing show put together. I often think to myself, what part of short do they not get.Its very important to keep the show short, show what your good and and keep it short and sweet to keep the judges interest. Lets face it, the more you do, the worse it often gets.Also the judge does have a timescale to keep to , so the classes are not running late till midnight. ;D

[gotk]

Fn solved the show issue and gave the Riding Club Horse class a set show

[Emma!]

I gotta agree with set shows. I got given one at BSPS and as a rider it actually settled my nerves a little more to know exactly what the judge wanted, and to know exactly what to do.

[susers]

Agree with all the points......having stewarded a marathon length section on Sunday
please please please smile when the judge/steward is giving you your rosettes (whether you like the colour or not ) nothing annoys a judge/steward more than being met with a face like thunder!
Have been there myself as a competitor but having been in the ring for 5 hours solid a smile really helps you feel a bit more appreciated ;D

[bangle]

smile and the whole world smiles with you ;D ;D ;D

[katie]

Very good points, what is the point of a well mannered horse when the rider has a face like a slapped arse! Spoils the overall impression. However I usually forget to smile cos once I have tried to remember to look up, dont fiddle with hands, keep horse moving forwards etc etc then I forget to smile and go off in Katie world, but will make a very concerted effort for this years shows to smile more!!

[susers]

;D it's not like we have anything else to think about while having "ongoing discussions" with our beastie in the ring ;D

[lesleym]

discussions or swear words and what we will do to them when we get home LOL. although its much harder in the dressage ring as youre not supposed to talk at all, see Lesley mutter without moving her lips

[katie]

I have zoe on tape saying to peri ............. You Fu#king Bas#ard, but it was out of the judges ear shot I think as he won the class!

[susers]

Oh that made me chuckle ;D ;D I've never been heard to do that *coughcough* my Dad usually forgets that his comments from behind the lens are recorded too - leads to interesting viewing ;D