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2022 U.S. Nationals Judges’ Review
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2022 U.S. NATIONALS JUDGES’ REVIEW
SUSAN WITTE
Panel Respondents:
HALTER Donnie Bullock | Brian Ferguson | Kim Morgan
PERFORMANCE Van Jacobsen | Jody LaSalle | Lewis McKim | Susan Witte | Richard Wright
WORKING WESTERN Leo Fourre | Cyndi Robbins
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2021 U.S. NATIONALS JUDGES’ REVIEW
WHEN PRESENTED WITH COUNTLESS NUMBERS OF THE BEST THE BREED HAS TO OFFER FROM THIS YEAR’S COMPETITIONS, WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS FOR PICKING OUT THE 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS?
Kim Morgan: The entrance and particularly the walk, starts the process. This is the time you see the horses in their most natural state. When they come to the middle for individual presentation, I have the opportunity to see features up close and examine feet and legs more clearly. The final judging offers the opportunity to compare the individuals for the final decision.
Van Jacobsen: My process for selecting my placings, whether it is in a section or the finals is really the same process I use when judging any class. I always make sure I know the specific class specifications and then look for the horse that is doing the best job fulfilling the class specifications. I will generally make notes where I think the horse may end up on my card and place the numbers near the top, middle or bottom. I will then plus or minus horses as the class goes on, but I do not spend a lot of time looking for the numbers, as I know where a given horse may have been based on my initial impression. It is certainly not uncommon for a middle horse to move up to the top as the class progresses. I also have a line that is for horses that I do not feel should place in the class; if a horse goes below the line, in most circumstances it will not rise above the line. Having a consistent system is what is important to me and everyone has a different system that works best for them!
Jody Lasalle: The class specifications as listed in the USEF rulebook.
Lewis McKim: Firstly, the overall quality of horses was overwhelming in each of the classes in which I was assigned to judge.
The process which works best for me is that first impressions are paramount. I’ll usually have a “contenders list” and then let the class sort itself out with individual horses being transferred onto my “to place” list. From my experience, the true winners usually rise to the occasion.
Susan Witte: The process for me in ranking any class, is to let the class unfold and let the horses rank themselves. In following the specs given for each division, it allows me to select those that not only meet the criteria, but reward those that shine.
Richard Wright: Having been a trainer/coach my entire life, I feel that judging is just an extension of the appraisal process we engage in every day. Sorting horses at the level needed at U.S. requires a brutal focus on the credit-earning performances, while giving every horse in the ring an opportunity for success.
Leo Fourre: In the working western division, the horses are judged individually by a numerical system which requires the judge to evaluate each maneuver of a prescribed pattern and assign a numerical value to that maneuver. The range of maneuver scores is from +1 1/2 to -1 1/2 in half point increments with 0 (zero) indicating a correct maneuver with no elevated degree of difficulty which would deserve a plus score, and no incorrect parts of the maneuver which would deserve a minus score. These individual maneuver scores are then added to or subtracted from 70 which is the value each horse has as they enter the arena. At the end of the pattern, we do the math and that becomes the score for that horse on that particular pattern.
In the working western division at the U.S. Nationals, there were generally five judges, and at the end of each pattern the high score and the low score were thrown out and the remaining three scores were totaled to determine the ultimate placings for the top ten and the national champion.
Cyndi Robbins: My process is simply sticking to the rules and guidelines for each class as the presentation of each horse begins. I follow maneuver description guidelines and apply penalties as dictated to for each class for every exhibitor. My champions rise to the top sticking to those guidelines and rule applications.
Jim Porcher: Most of the classes I judged use a scoresheet so I don’t “pick out” the national champions as much as I score the obstacles or the horse’s conformation and the scoresheets arrive at the placings. One needs to trust one’s experience/eye/standard and let the scoresheet do its thing. I was comfortable with all the final placings and feel the system is working.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR MOMENT DURING THE 10 DAYS THAT MADE YOU FEEL THAT THE FUTURE OF THE BREED IS SECURE?
Kim Morgan: There wasn’t a particular moment, however, the high quality of the horses continued from the beginning of the week to the last day. By the end, I felt the future of the Arabian halter horse is in a great place going forward.
Van Jacobsen: It was evident to me within the first couple of days that the U.S. Nationals was going to be a special show this year. It was apparent that many owners, trainers and concerned individuals contributed to make this show special. The green shavings were the first thing that jumped out at me and the list goes on, from the various gifts for the winners of classes and all the other contributions that made the show feel like it was the Arabian horse community’s championship event!
Jody Lasalle: The Arabian breed is secure.
Lewis McKim: There wasn’t one moment in particular, but in general, I felt the classes were well filled with each entry deservedly competing for top honors and being presented in a very competitive manner. I applaud the entire show management for being very pro-active in trouble shooting various situations. Considering these factors, I do indeed feel the Arabian horse breed is secure.
Susan Witte: There was more an overall feeling during the entire show that we have breeders working to secure the future of the Arabian horse. The numbers of new stock presented in the futurity and junior horse divisions showed extreme quality and athletic ability.
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2021 U.S. NATIONALS JUDGES’ REVIEW
I think we all have to appreciate and honor the Arabian horse, its history, service and devotion to mankind. Let’s remember its trademark as the “family horse”. Seeing the volume of lifelong owners, breeders, trainers and exhibitors at nationals gave me peace that the breed is secure.
Richard Wright: I feel the most encouraging aspect of the show was the vast cross section of horses that are new to the nationals scene, coupled with an equal number of amazing animals returning for another of many successful appearances there. This is a testament not only to the development of new stock but the wonderful care and support available to a seasoned competitor.
Cyndi Robbins: Yes, watching not only the great exhibition of the breed by the exhibitors with great accuracy and improvement, but seeing the camaraderie by the exhibitors from the back gate. Everyone was so supportive of their competition and through this, the future of the breed will be secure.
Jim Porcher: The trail competition continues to rise and I was pleased with the level of showmanship exhibitors as they are improving, but the numbers in the Performance Halter and the quality of those entries was most impressive, particularly the purebreds. I was comfortable with all the horses who ended up on top and commend all the horses who scored high on multiple cards. One judge can’t sway the system and, once the scores are converted to placings, it truly is a Majority Opinion System or MOS.
WHAT WAS THE EXCEPTIONAL ASPECT OF THE SHOW FOR YOU, AND DO YOU WISH TO SEE ANYTHING CHANGE?
Brian Ferguson: I very much enjoyed the atmosphere in the Pavilion. The arena was beautiful. I felt that Scott Christmas and Scott Benjamin both did exceptional jobs. Scott Christmas worked very hard creating suspense and anticipation while announcing the winners. Scott Benjamin’s color commentary and background added a great deal to overall success of the show.
I also felt that everyone on the Halter Committee worked very hard to make the U.S. National Championships an exceptional horse show. I was also pleased to hear all of the announcements inviting those from other arenas to come and witness the beautiful halter presentations.
Kim Morgan: Again, quality throughout all the classes. Show management did an exceptional job preparing the arena and creating an exciting environment for exhibitors and spectators. The announcer was fantastic and kept the excitement going for every class. The gate people and stewards kept the flow of horses coming in perfectly.
Van Jacobsen: The community taking ownership of aspects of the show and working with the U.S. National Show Commission to make this a premier event!
Jody Lasalle: The U.S. National Show Committee is doing an incredible job. Less classes would ensure a larger spectator base. Lewis McKim: I will say the most exceptional aspect of the show was the professionalism and comradery demonstrated by each of the show officials both in and outside of the show ring with whom I had the pleasure of working.
Susan Witte: The exceptional aspect of the show for me was all that encompassed the Ford Truck Arena. The arena looked beautiful and the opening ceremonies were moving. The center ring staff, gatemen, paddock, etc., were all on top of their game. The always professional ring men kept us safe and on track. It was an honor and privilege to stand with fellow judges to adjudicate classes that contained the best horses in the country. The incredible horsemen, professional and amateur, exhibiting elite levels of talent and skill. And above all, the horses, who ask for nothing and give everything.
Richard Wright: I felt that there was a concerted effort in every area to refine and improve the show’s function as well as its appearance. From the green shavings to the drastic reduction in the lag time getting horses in the ring between classes, I felt there was an ongoing and fluid effort to improve the show in every way.
Leo Fourre: The most rewarding aspect of the show for me was not a particular moment but the large participation in the ranch classes in general. The class sizes across the board were large and very competitive, not only for the professional riders but for the amateurs. The amateurs of all levels seemed to be enjoying their classes and were not intimidated to try this relatively new addition to the working western division. To me that is very rewarding.
Cyndi Robbins: One of the most exceptional aspects of the show for me was the teamwork by the entire show crew. Everyone was extra willing to help out and communication skills were well performed. As a judge, I really appreciate that. I might want to see scores per judge sent through with computer tablets in the future and get rid of the walkie talkies; they can be a little distracting.
Jim Porcher: Running a show of that size and scope is a tremendous undertaking. I think the AHA Staff and U.S. Commissioners listen to exhibitors and try to do everything in their power to make it a great show. I appreciate how they try to stay fluid and adapt to necessary changes, but they don’t make knee-jerk reactions, relying on the combined experience of all concerned to make the best decisions. It was an honor to participate as an official and watch all those wheels turning around us as we were allowed to do our job.
WHAT CLASS, HORSE, OR PERSON EXHIBITOR OR OTHERWISE POPS INTO YOUR MIND WHEN THINKING OF THE U.S. NATIONALS, AND WHY?
Donnie Bullock: In the Halter arena this year, the spectacular quality of horses and degree of horsemanship combined with an abundance of sportsmanship made the honor of judging this division one of my best experiences. I applaud the breeders, owners and exhibitors for sharing their most beautiful horses with us. I am always a little partial to the mare classes and this year was no exception. The Sr. Mare class was stunning—extreme quality throughout. The winning mare, Lan Chavela, was just simply beautiful. I also had the honor to judge the
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2022 U.S. NATIONALS JUDGES’ REVIEW
2-Year-Old Filly Breeding Pays Futurity class that had exceptional quality entries throughout! Getting to witness the quality of horses, enthusiasm of the participants both professional and amateur, and the spectator involvement was inspiring and is surely a positive step forward for the Halter community.
Brian Ferguson: I will say that myself and my fellow judges were beyond honored to render our opinions about such a magnificent group of horses, that were presented to their ultimate by an amazing group of horsemen.
Kim Morgan: Every class had special individuals etched in my mind forever. The Futurity Filly class stands out for me as most impressive. As they came in, it was evident there was great depth and certainly more than 10 horses that should be top ten.
There were so many great horses and the level of horsemanship was incredible. I was so proud of the job the trainers and handlers did presenting horses at a high level, yet very dignified. I saw a beautiful look in the horses’ eyes and great appreciation of the horses from the handlers. That was truly a blessing for our breed.
Van Jacobsen: There are so many talented horses and riders in various divisions. However, I do think the U.S. National Show Commission, the staff and all of the volunteers that work to make this show so special should be commended. Teamwork and unity are what our community needs now and it was evident at the U.S. Nationals.
Jody Lasalle: U.S. Nationals had many spectacular classes and horses. It was a very enjoyable 10 days.
Lewis McKim: Classes that stood out in my mind were the Western Pleasure classes (Open, Amateur and Futurities). The depth and the quality of horses was exceptional; in particular, the Open Half-Arabian Western Pleasure class, it was extremely competitive, not to mention the outstanding way in which it was called.
Susan Witte: The class that stood out to me the most was the Arabian English Pleasure Open. The class had so many exceptional individuals that were presented in an exemplarily manner. On any given day, my top five placings could have been the winner. They were solid, finished horses in their prime. The balance of the class was also a deep field of competitors. Ranking them was a fine line with only degrees of separation. It was an exciting class to judge and one I will always remember!
Richard Wright: For so many reasons I felt the Open Western became the heart of what our shows should represent. A trophy given in honor of a revered colleague no longer with us, awarded to another who has also experienced recent tragedy. In a class full of excellent horses and riders that could be legitimately pinned in any number of ways, the support and true sportsmanship exhibited was both humbling and incredibly uplifting and something that I will NEVER forget. For me, that was a benchmark that we should all try to equal, and seldom can.
Cyndi Robbins: I have to say, two young male exhibitors pop into my mind: Skylar and Colby Powell. Even with the passing of their mother, LaRae, they stayed true to all she taught them. They exhibited their horses exceptionally and even when something went wrong, they continued showing to the best of the horse’s ability and supported other exhibitors as well. So great to see!
Jim Porcher: Tracy Dowson and Little Bit of Boom had an outstanding go in the HA/AA Western Trail AAOTR semi-final. The horse was relaxed though its entire body and was perfectly cadenced. It was ridden to every obstacle with precision and confidence. I loved how rhythmic the ride was and Tracy rode with such skill that her final score on my sheet was an 80. I have never given an exhibitor an 80 before, but I was perfectly confident in scoring her that high for her ride.
