What Makes A Winner?

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Judge’s Panel at an event that my university’s Horsemen’s Association puts on. I’m a pretty firm believer that no matter how many years you’ve been involved with horses, there’s ALWAYS more to learn- and what better way is there to learn than to learn from the people whose opinion you actually care about?

So my first question to the judges (a fantastic group of judges- I’ve shown under and worked with all of them in various capacities and I greatly respect all of their opinions) was something that I’ve always wondered.

What separates a good quality rider from an exceptional rider that will dominate the top of of your place cards consistently?

This is a question that has been on my mind since I started riding IHSA. It’s very different from AQHA or open showing- you don’t have the advantage of riding your own horse in most cases. I went from comfortably winning high points on my trusty gelding to placing 4^th in a class of 4. I was so confused at what had changed so drastically in my ability. Over the past two years I’ve realized not to think of it in terms of my win depending on which horse I draw, but whether I bring my full ability for ANY horse and the judge for that day.

So back to my question- What can I do to consistently be the rider that the judges jump up and down for? The answers I received were different than what I expected, and different answers came from each judge. I decided that this was a question to keep asking, so I’ve put together some of the most helpful answers I’ve heard.

1. Confidence. Walk into the ring giving off the aura of “Hey judge- don’t bother looking at anyone else. Your winner just walked in.” My coach made me realize that when I’m relaxed and confident, I win, or at least have a great ride. It’s when I get nervous or intimidated by other riders that I choke up and effectively fail whatever horse I’m riding.  So be confident! There’s nothing wrong with thinking that you’ve got this. Who would you place first? A rider that has the look and presence of a world champion, or someone that looks like they’ve been forced into it?
2. Stay calm. If something goes wrong, don’t get mad! Or, don’t make it look like you’re mad. Judges DON’T want to see riders that jerk on mouths and constantly drive with their spurs.  Judges value quick and calm corrections, especially in IHSA. So your horse picks up a wrong lead? Don’t throw your hands up and immediately go into a jerk-kick combo that would make an irish step dancer proud! Just stop and try again. You want the judge to see the gears turning in your head, not an explosion of frustration.
3. Smile! It’s by far the cheapest part of your outfit, you might as well use it to your full advantage.
4. Show, but don’t over- or under- show. Over- or under- showing can definitely work against you, not only in IHSA, but in Open shows too. If your horse or the horse you draw naturally holds his head up, I promise you that you won’t be able to train him to keep it down in the two minutes that the judge will be watching you. So don’t saw on his head, just leave him be and let him do what’s natural for him. If your horse isn’t super stellar, show yourself! Keep your equitation perfect and you’ll do much better in the placings than if you tried to make both you and your horse look like winners. That being said, don’t under show by just letting your horse run laps with his head straight up in the air and focusing on yourself. Be an active rider, not a passenger.

These were answers that resonated with me and that I’ll definitely be keeping in mind at the start of my season next fall.