I was searching the web and came across another horse forum. I began flicking through and saw a thread about rude judges and was very surprised at their comments. I never realized some judges could be so rude! Have you ever experienced or seen a rude judge?

Yes, Last year went to a very low key local show with some kids. Had a 4 yr old little girl on a pony in leadline. A very grumpy opinionated old lady walked up through the line, normally expecting a "how old are you" "whats your ponies name" instead was met with "next time clean your tack better" How rude and uncalled for. The kid was the youngest part of that combination pony=36 tack=12 but in clean, good working order.

Not rude just dumb-A Dressage show were the judge apparently had no business being there, scored using all the #'s 0-10. In Dressage you are scored on a series of movements. 0 means that you did not perform that movement at all 10 that it was performed at textbook perfection. So in reality there is no way to cover the whole spectrum in the same test.

I can't say as I've had them all...but probably most of them. From nice, friendly, shy, talkative, helpful and honest...to rude, opinionated, short tempred, and prejudice...

Yes,

had the all also, you just have to learn to ignore the ones that aren't so nice and just remeber to enjoy yourself.

Although the thought had crossed my mind a few times to find their truck and give them a present from my horse. (I'm so naughty some days)

my sister and i were showing my old instructors horses at a fun show and the judge walked up to my sister and told her that she had no chance of winning because her horse was ugly. the horse was a 22 yo almost albino (she had one white mark on her foot which made her creamello). i was SO mad. it was really rude.

p8ntcrazy, just let me know and I'll walk Jackson by so he can bite a big chunk out of their seat!(Yes, done it before, NEVER leave windows down!)
I have never experienced one myself but I've heard stories.

Hehe, just surfing through threads and giggling at y'alls comments lol

My daughter was showing in an open show - she was about 14 - judge did not place her and told her that since this was a western horsemanship class she did not have on enough makeup.......!

vjrmn, that is absolutely ridiculous! I might've had to have a little chat w/the judge afterwards.

Well, I guess I could have said something - but daughter was such a good sport about it, that I did not want to intrude on that by getting on the judge. Besides, this judge should not have been the one to tell her about make-up......the judge had tennis shoes on and a very mix-matched frumpy outfit - she was a female also.....!

We have been overall lucky all our judges have been helpfull, even when my daughters horse literally passed out. She stopped the competition, assisted in getting him up and spoke to her later to reassure her it happens and she shouldn't give up on him that "horses have stage fright too"

At another show a judge approached me and offered her services (free of charge) to show my daughter how to handle her horse alittle easier also how to dress more comfortably. Granted that was a small quaint show but her approach was greatly appreciated.


I did however have some rude parents over the years. I'd like to clock them but what example would I be setting for my child , instead I just nod, smile and make sure a pile of lawn apples are all around the entrance to their tack room, either they step in it or have to move it. hehehe....only kidding about the lawn apple part.

Anyway, judges really should realize what an impact that their comments can make on the rider, it can ruin a pleasurable experience for the kids in a second.

Oh yeah, i've had my share of rude judges. Sad that as you move up through the levels sometimes they get worse the bigger the show