[Spectrum]

Hi everyone,

Who are some judges that you have either really enjoyed riding for and/or (if you are a competition manager) having judge at your competition?

Why did you like them? What did your fellow competitors think of them?

I think this would be a really helpful thread for those who are picking judges to book for their competitions. After all, we want competitors to be happy, right?

If you have judges you really *didn't* like, please don't post them here, but I would love to have you PM me.

Thanks,
Spectrum.

[SerenaGinger]

Hilda Gurney
Eleanor Stine-Masek
John Zopatti (don't know if he is higher than L yet?)

[InsideLeg2OutsideRein]

Jane Weatherwax

[ThreeFigs]

Janet Foy
Dolly Hannon
Axel Steiner

I know there are more but I'm tired. I'll check in again!

[tempichange]

Tom Poulin.

[FriesianX]

Hilda (I bet she gets a ton of thumbs up votes)
Jane Weatherwax
Jeanne McDonald
Dinah Babcock
Paula Lacy
Georgia Simpson

These are the ones I've showed under more than once and would seek out again - there are others who I LOVED as teachers/clinicians/L Faculty, but I haven't shown under yet, so I couldn't comment as a competitor. I'm assuming you just want feedback on judges as JUDGES? This isn't even a complete list I've had positive experiences with many judges. As for negatives, don't want to post them publicly or privately...

[NCSue]

Show Management: Sue Smithson with Sporting Services (dot) net & Dianne Boyd with Grey Horses. Both run excellent shows with meticulous attention to detail.

Judges -- I have worked with many judges. All have had something positive to leave behind. All have had a real heart towards the horses and a desire to see them properly trained. Kem Barbosa. Ida Anderson. Janine Malone. Gretchen Verbonic are just a few that I can recall off the top of my head.

[Fixerupper]

Stephen Clarke...there should be more like him.

[Tiligsmom]

Hilda Gurney
Jane Weatherwax
Macartney (Canadian)

[Perfect Pony]

Jane Weatherwax

OMG I rode with her today for the first time. LOVE HER! She was so nice and helpful.

[nashgirl]

Louise Koch - Obviously loves to teach; has great constructive comments and always takes time to talk to competitors.

[Foxhound]

Marlene Schneider
Lilo Fore
Cara Witham
Natalie Lamping

[Saracatherine]

Louise Koch
Betsey Berrey
Bill Woods

[swgarasu]

I rode for Charlotte Trentelman this weekend (my mare's first show, and my first show in 15 years). She gave us scores ranging from 2-8 (great because our ride had a LOT of variety ) good comments, and she was very friendly. She is the type of judge that makes me want to show, because she is not afraid to say that "this was very bad, but this is very good- keep working".

[Holly Jeanne]

I've shown a grand total of once at Intro a few years ago. That said, the judge was Jeanne McDonald. It was a schooling show and there was a generous amount of time allowed. Ms. McDonald literally gave everyone a mini lesson after each ride (at least at Intro, I didn't stick around after I finished). It was great! Doesn't hurt that she liked my mare.

[SBrentnall]

I just scribed for Melonie Kessler at Cool August Nights at LAEC, and she was very fair. I saw her gives marks ranging from a 1 for a movement that wasn't really performed, up to a 9 for an exceptional canter. Her comments were also very encouraging.

[honeydoozy]

I just scribed for Melonie Kessler at Cool August Nights at LAEC, and she was very fair. I saw her gives marks ranging from a 1 for a movement that wasn't really performed, up to a 9 for an exceptional canter. Her comments were also very encouraging.

I have ridden for her, and have reviewed countless tests done by friends, and I have to say that she is consistent and very fair. Her comments are *always* positive and constructive, and I would absolutely ride for her *any* time.

[Spectrum]

As a show organizer, I'm thrilled to get this kind of feedback from people.

I can't say how distressing it is to book a judge, have competitors with negative experiences, and then after the fact hear from people, "Why did you book them? Everyone knows he/she is just a VICIOUS judge!!"

On my own positive experiences... I have to say I've really liked the following judges:

1. Carter Bass
2. Anne Cizadlo
3. Lois Yukins
4. Marlene Schneider
5. Kate Phillips

I've also heard good things about Tom Poulin and Hilda Gurney. I do like Bill Woods.

I think Bill Solyntjes is seems pretty well-liked and is fun to work with.

Other competitors.... there are hundreds of judges out there (just trying picking one out on the USEF site). Some more likes? PM me with dislikes?

Thanks,
Spectrum.

[Elegante E]

Bradbury Management and Consulting (Horse show office) handles the waterloo shows in Michigan (he's resently branched out to Ohio as well). They do a great job.

[RICL]

As a competition manager, a few of my favorites are:

Bill Warren
Dinah Babcock
Lois Yukins
Joan Macartney
Fran Dearing

All are great to work with from a management perspective, and our competitors seem to like them as well.