Judging School Handbook - American Morgan Horse Association

SCORING (0-100)90-100 Excellent movement, no faults80-89 Good movement, commits 1 or 2 minorfaults70-79 Average movement, commits 1 or 2 minorfaults60-69 Bad mover—No major faults, only minor60-59 Major Faults—“Oh my God!” jump, hind legdown, refused, trotted, cross-cantered, frontleg down49-30 1 or 2 major faults, unsafe jumperEliminations:3 Refusals, runout, bolting on course, extra circle,showing an obstacleOff course, fall of horse or rider (when the shoulderis down)Mark for Faults:Bucking On Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60-40’sPoor Form Over Fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60-40’sKnockdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-30’sRefusals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-30’sLead (missing, cross canter, wrong lead) . .60-downBreak of Gait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60-downUse of Whip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60’s downDangerous Jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59-downKeep a cheat sheet, it helps to maintain a runninglist of placements in that class.Make sure the course has been posted and after thefences go up walk the course with the course designer.After it has been inspected, have a course walk.The best place to judge the class is probably outsidethe ring slightly above the horses’ backs. Bring thehorses back for a jog in the order of those who aregetting a ribbon.Necessary Tools: Note Pad, Pen or Pencil,Whistle and Judge’s CardSuggested Class Procedure:Each horse will enter the ring individually. They areentitled to one circle before they start the course. Inthat circle, they usually will go from a trot to a canterand then proceed on course. After they completethe course, review your worksheet, tally the score,and place the entry on your cheat sheet accordingly.After each entry has gone, it is customary to reviewthose who are to receive a ribbon, to trot in front ofthe judge before final placement.28