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Clarification of Rule Change regarding Probationary Judges 2010
The BSHA has changed the ruling with regard to probationary judges officiating at RIHS qualifiers .This was to correct the inherent anomaly whereby ride judges were adjudged to be able to officiate in qualifying classes whilst probationers were not. This clarification brings the rules regarding probationary judges into line with those judges on the ride only panel i.e. that both can now officiate in RIHS qualifying classes when accompanied by an experienced conformation judge. Many of those already on the ride panel have indeed been promoted on to the probationary panel.
The BSHA is justifiably proud of and has complete confidence in the exceptionally rigorous selection process currently in place and in its choice of probationary and ride only judges.
The horses on which a potential judges riding ability is assessed are of necessity a wide variety as to temperament and manners and all those potential judges forward have to prove their riding skills in coping with and assessing rides. Ride assessors are carefully selected i.e. in 2009 potential judges came before ride assessors - Jenny Loriston Clarke MBE and Richard Ramsey. Jennie, one of our most eminent judges, won individual bronze at the 1978 World Equestrian Games and competed in five Olympics. She has run Catherston Stud since the late 1960s, is a FEI International Judge and was the chef d’equipe for the British young rider dressage team for six years. Richard Ramsey, a judge and producer of great renown, commands huge respect throughout the horse world for his vast experience and knowledge.
Having successfully passed through this level of assessment it is understood that riding ability will be appreciably improved by extra ring riding experience. However, more importantly, it is the knowledge of type and confirmation and the confidence gained by working with experienced confirmation judges that is of paramount importance.
The huge value in placing probationer and ride only judges with skilled and experienced conformation judges is in the transfer of knowledge of type and conformation, together with the skills in succinctly assessing and balancing the attributes one is looking for in the show horse i.e. type, conformation, manners appropriate to type, way of going, training and so forth. The ability to weigh these values against each other in a short space of time is something which comes with experience and most importantly with listening to and learning from experienced judges giving and explaining their opinions.
The BSHA board is happy to look forward, to reach out and embrace new ideas as to ways to enhance and strengthen our judge’s panel, their abilities and strength of character and we are confident that this is a strong and valuable approach forward. |
