How to Become a Horse Judge at Clinics

It is a challenging process to become a horse judge.

Horse judging is a challenging career that is rewarding. However, it takes time to become a qualified judge. Serious amateur and professional competitors, horse trainers and others involved in the horse business may want to get a judge's license. Judging at horse clinics and shows within the various equestrian disciplines takes dedication and years to move up through the levels of licensing.

Instructions

1. Choose your division. According to the United State Equestrian Federation, there are nine different national disciplines to compete under. Choose the appropriate division in which you have the most experience to move up the different levels of judging. Read the rule book of the division you are applying to.

2. Become a learner judge. To become a certified "recorded", "r" judge, individuals must first apply for a learning judge permit. This permit will allow the applicant to sit beside experienced judges as they are officiating in competitions or teaching judging at clinics. To qualify, an applicant must actively compete in the division she wishes to judge in. Applicant 21 years or older are eligible to qualify. Applicants must also be a member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association and pay a fee to apply.

3. Fill out an application. After paying the fee and filling out the application, a learning judge begins apprenticeship. An applicant must pay a $40 fee every time he sits in on a competition. Applicants must also pay any additional traveling expenses to shows. Learning judges must apply to the USEF at least 14 days before a competition in order to apprentice. An apprenticeship can last for three years.

4. Get the credentials. A learning judge must attend a judges clinic during the first two years of apprenticeship. Having at least fifteen evaluations is the requirement for the USEF application, from either judges or other members of the USEF Hunter/Jumper Association.

   To become an "r" judge for the hunter/jumper division, a learning judge must include judging experience from 10 different classes. These classes must come from the open equitation division and at least one of them has to be at the "A" rated (top division) competition or show.

   Learning judges must also make an 85 percent or better on a written exam. A LJ must also be able to fully operate the timing equipment, use a judges scorecard and have apprenticed in 20 classes in the jumper division with a USEF registered jumper judge. These competitions must offer $2500 or more in prize winnings.

5. Keep the credentials. To continue on in judging and building credentials, judges must attend clinics and training sessions that are recognized by the USEF. As of 2010, judges must also pay $50 in renewal fees and liability insurance to protect officials from lawsuits.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the time and use all resources available to learn everything during a judging apprenticeship. This will make it easier to move to the next level of judging.

References

• United States Equestrian Federation: National Disciplines
• Equisearch: How to Become a Horse Show Judge
• Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar: How to Become an 'A' Circuit Hunter/Jumper Judge

Resources

• United States Equestrian Federation: Rulebook