Judging Hunters and Equitation

By Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker

The second edition of the most popular book on judging is now available everywhere you buy books.

Have you ever wondered what the judge is thinking?

This book can help you.

The goal of this book is to demystify the subjective process of judging hunters, hunter breeding, and equitation. Horse shows have been in existence in the United States for well more than 150 years, and understanding the judging process begins with knowing how foxhunting and its traditions have translated to our modern show ring.

Judging Hunters and Equitation explores the history of showing and how the rules and regulations evolved based on foxhunting. The authors then explain how and why major and minor faults are scored as they are, the process judges use to mark their cards, score and place horses and riders in their respective classes, and outline how to become a judge. They then identify the ideals judges seek in the hunter and equitation rings, strategies to help you improve your performances in the show ring, and an analysis of how major competitions are judged.

Interspersed within the chapters is advice from top judges throughout the country who offer their own helpful hints to score higher, mistakes to avoid, and the best ways to impress them. In addition, the book includes “Field Notes” from the authors’ experiences judging, reflections on past competitions, and personal stories from the judge’s booth.

Judging Hunters and Equitation will not only unveil the mystery of judging, but it will also entertain, inspire and help you make the most of your partnership with your horse.

 

 See what people are talking about with a look into Chapter 9 - “The Mystery of the Card.”

  • “This is a very important book. Thank you Julie and Tricia for helping all of us to better understand our subjective judging system. I’m so happy that both Julie and Tricia took the initiative to write down this valuable information and make it available to all of you.”

    —Geoff Teall

  • “ATTENTION lovers of the show hunter! All you ever wanted to know from the history of the sport to reflections on the future. Judging Hunters and Equitation gives you first-hand, behind-the-scenes insights of major shows and competitions. This book is a must for the bookshelf of the serious rider, trainer and official.”

    — Fran Dotoli, chair of the United States Hunter Jumper Association Officials Education Committee

  • “Get this book for all your riders and parents of riders. Very well done by Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker. It is so educational and so well written. I love the foreword done by Geoff Teall. I could not put it down!” ­

    —Bill Schaub, trainer