Forest Oaks Equine Facility

HUNTERSHistory of Hunter DivisionsFirst of all, it’s important to understand the rules and history of each hunter division. The hunter divisions originated from the hunt field, and many of the rules and judging criteria are based on the tradition of fox hunting. As a result, both the horse and rider are judged individually and as a team in the show arena.Horses are judged on several points, including: hunting pace, movement, style of jumping, and manners.Riders are judged on their position (equitation), ability to communicate and control their mount with invisible aids, and ability to execute the questions posed on course.

The Scoring System Used by JudgesHunter classes are judged using the numerical scoring system, much like grade school. Scores can range from in the 90s down into the 60s. The following are some of the possible reasons for the different scores.Scores in the 90s – A score in the 90’s is an ‘A’. This score is not commonly given, as the round would require that it be beautifully executed by a top quality horse or very accomplished rider.Scores in the 80s – A score in the 80’s is a ‘B’. This score could indicate a special horse or top rider having a good round with some subtle discrepancies.Scores in the 70s – A score in the 70’s is a ‘C’. This score could reflect an acceptable round produced by an average horse or intermediate rider. It could be an excellent performance by a horse of less quality, or a more novice rider. This could also be a trip by an exceptional horse or rider that had some notable problems.Scores in the 60s – A score in the 60’s is a ‘D’. This score could reflect that either there was a significant error by a quality horse or good rider, or there were serious flaws with the style of the horse or rider. A ’65’ is generally the range of scores for missing a lead change, a lot of cross cantering, skipping a change, or adding a stride in a line (except in short stirrup or lower level classes). A ’60’ is often given for bucking, bolting, kicking out, leaving a stride out of a line, and/or use of the whip.Scores in the 50s – A score of 59 and below is an ‘F’! Such a low score usually means that major problem(s) occurred during the round such as a dangerous jump, e.g. scrambling as the horse leaves the ground due to a bad distance or poor communication; excessive speed, out of control, etc. A score of 55 is given automatically for breaking stride (trotting on course). A score of 50 is usually given for adding a stride in a combination. A score of 50 is given for loss of an iron or rein in an equitation class. A score of 45 is usually given for a rail down in the hunters division. A rail down in equitation classes constitutes a 4 point deduction of the original score.Scores in the 40s – This score usually indicates a first refusal or extra circle on course.Scores in the 30s – This score usually indicates a second refusal or extra circle on course.Elimination or no score – Horse and rider are usually eliminated and/or not given a score if there is a third refusal, the rider goes off course, leaves the arena before finishing the round, or if there is a fall of horse and/or rider.Comparison of Competitors – Additionally, if there are identical scores amongst competitors (horse and rider teams) in the same class, the judge will compare them to each other to decide which was better and adjust the scores accordingly, so there are no identical scores in the same competition. Ultimately, the judge must decide which horse or rider was better if the scores are similar

When does the judging begin?Once you understand how the scoring works, it is very important to know that you are being judged from the time you enter the arena until the time you leave. The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression is all-important. This is so, because as the rider enters the ring, the judge writes the rider’s number on the score card, the color of the horse and a quick first impression of quality and movement. Overall expectations are formed (upon initially entering the arena) in the judge’s mind, and subconsciously he/she gets an idea of the level of scoring that might be achieved. As the round finishes, the judge has a score in mind and is now deciding, if there is another competitor with a similar score, which one is higher or lower

Show Turnout of Horse and RiderAlthough attire and tack don’t have to be the most expensive on the market, they must be traditional, well-fitted, and clean! There is no excuse for dirty tack, ill-fitting jackets or muddy boots! Unsightly braids and sloppy turnout is a red flag to the judge that you aren’t a contender and have little respect for yourself and/or the judge.Overall impression of the horse includes weight and condition of the animal, as well as conformation, expression, and type. Overall impression of the rider for the equitation division includes suitability of the horse to the rider, not only in size, but also in compatibility

JUMPERSA competitor’s time begins when their horses chest reaches the timer, or at the expiration of the 45 second allotment after the buzzer (whichever comes first).
Penalties for a late-falling rail can be given after crossing the finish line, but before a competitor leaves the ring. If the rider exits the ring before the rail falls, they will not receive a penalty.
Similarly, a penalty can also be given for a late rail until the tone starts for the next round, even in a 2B format. If a rail falls after the buzzer has sounded for the next rider or round, the previous rider will not receive the penalty.
The USEF rulebook states that “changing the height of a fence” equates to four faults. This means that if a top rail were to come out of the cup and rest on a lower rail, not touching the ground, the round will still receive four faults.
If a rail cracks but does not come out of the cup, the round will not receive any faults.
If a horses equipment (such as a low hanging martingale, bell boot, etc) knocks a rail, the round will receive 4 faults. The only exception to this rule is a sprung shoe that may hit and knock a rail.
The knocking a flag will not receive any faults, but knocking a timer will receive four.
Severe lameness is grounds for elimination on the judges discretion.

DRESSAGEDressage tests are judged by licensed judges. Judges give scores from 1 to 10 (half points are also allowed) for a predetermined set of movements, which increase in difficulty as the horse and rider moves up the levels. The national levels of competition start at Introductory Level and go through Fourth Level. For each test, there is also a directive. The directive states the purpose of the test and the overall concept for the level.
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During a test, the judge normally sits at the letter C. For competitions where several judges are used, judges may also be seated at B, E, H, or M. The judge is assisted by a scribe, who writes the judge's scores and comments on the score sheet. The comments are meant to help the rider understand each of the individual scores.