Do you ever wonder what it takes to earn a position at the top of the judge’s card? Or perhaps you just can’t get the judges to look at you. Winners earn a top spot with a combination of qualities that draw the judge’s eye swinging the results their way. For one, they know how to make a good first impression showing confidence and control. They understand they will never get a second chance to make a first impression. The impact secures a favorable opinion from the start.
Presenting a positive first impression is critical. A judge begins to formulate an opinion about you from the moment he or she first lays eyes on you. That is why it is crucial for you to be ready and to act as if being judged the entire time. In the show arena, the judge has only moments to assess you and your horse. Individually judged events give the exhibitor more time to sway the judge’s initial opinion. However, in rail classes, the exhibitor has much less time to make up lost ground. Also, when the judge has a favorable view of a horse/rider, mistakes made later in the class are often more easily overlooked.
Without thinking, a judge interprets your level of confidence from the moment you step into the pen. It is almost like wearing a sign; slumped shoulders, fidgety in the saddle, downcast eyes all send off warning signs – no confidence here, best look for the winner elsewhere. The judge can look over you as if you were there only to give a demo ride. On the other hand, we have all seen the rider who may not have the talent but glows with confidence beat a better rider or horse. It is not the judge’s responsibility to find you. Confident riders attract attention like a beacon in the night. Even for a novice onlooker the confident rider, and usually the winner, is often easy to spot.
It is important to understand that the judge has only seconds to make a decision and rank you in his or her mind and in the class. Judges do not know how much you have improved, where you and your horse were a month, a year or a decade ago – they only judge what they see on that day in that ride against the others in the pen. Do not expect the judge to appreciate your progress; he cannot because he simply does not know.
Knowing how to be properly turned out is another key to a favorable first impression. Judges truly appreciate the exhibitor who has a well groomed horse, clean equipment and properly fitting clothes with polished boots and a well shaped hat. Sometimes, it makes you wonder if all the glitter is there as a distraction from a flaw, hmm. No matter the amount of money spent on their shirt, tack or hat; winners are clean, neat and properly fitted in their tack and clothes. The pride they take in their presentation is a result of their positive attitude – another characteristic common in winners – both in and out of the show ring.
Research suggests that attitude is more important than any other element when it comes to building success. It is a combination of many things: positive thinking, gratefulness, understanding what is important, enjoying the unexpected, being friendly, happiness and the list goes on. The mind is a powerful thing. Attitude is a choice, your choice. It radiates like heat from a fire. Whether at first glance or as you exit the arena, your attitude leaves a lasting impression. Choose to have a positive attitude – it is the surest way to the top of the card and your most memorable attribute.
About Stephanie Lynn: Professional Horseman Stephanie Lynn coached her first AQHA World Champion in 1988. She has since coached, trained and shown World, Congress and Honor Roll horses across disciplines. She is a judge for AQHA, NSBA and APHA and has judged World Championship shows for each association. Most recently, Stephanie is the author of The Good Rider Series and A Lifetime Affair: Lessons Learned Living My Passion. The Good Rider Series is a library of resource material that is both practical and applicable in the barn and show ring for riders. Stephanie can always be reached through her website: http://www.stephanielynn.net to answer your questions, schedule a clinic or lesson.
