Here are the results for the Blue Ridge Classic, Ashville, NC.  Thanks to the Show Committee for allowing me to post the Morgan Division Class results.

Morgan Judge: Kathryn Schwartz, Troy, Ohio
Morgan English Pleasure Adult Amateur
 1 CN A Touch Better (Jason Harrell, rider; Jason Harrell, owner)
 2 Claridge Freedom’s Spirit (Natalie Tetterton, rider; Connie Marshburn NatalieTetterto, owner)
 
Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving – Junior/Novice Horse
 1 Dragonsmeade Andante (Sarah Gallant, rider; Sarah Gallant, owner)
 
Morgan Park Saddle Open
 1 HVK Noble Flame (Ariana Varveris, rider; Blanche&Nicolett Bauer, owner)
 2 Springmill Navigator (Brooke Simpson, rider; Brooke Simpson, owner)
 3 JW Authority (Alyssa Johnson, rider; Barbara & John Goda, owner)
 
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I have been reading all the responses and discussion regarding the judging at NE last week.  Many people on the blog were very disappointed and frustrated with the class results, even the point of wanting to write to the show committee to voice their concerns (See “Trainers Who Judge” and “New England…Good Show?”).  While I think that is a good idea (it is always a good idea to discuss problems in an effort to find solutions), there is one thing that committees can’t do a whole lot about: There aren’t very many of Judges out there willing to put their lives and businesses on hold to judge many shows, especially long ones like NE and OKC.  The pay isn’t good and there aren’t many “perks” to the job (not counting political perks), even though it is a vital part of showing.  You can’t have a horse show without exhibitors, but, in turn, you also can’t have a show with out a judge.  Asking for better judging is important, however, I think it is often times very hard to find a judge willing to take the job. 

One way to possibly increase the judging pool is to have all trainers be required to also attend judges school, get their judges card and be required to judge “x” number of shows in a 3-5 year period in order to keep their professional status.  That would greatly increase the judges pool and give some new blood and new eyes to the show world.   I know there are a lot of problems with this idea but I thought that maybe by throwing it out there it would generate some more constructive ideas on how to renovate the judging (or lack thereof) in the Morgan Show World.

 So, hit me people…positives and negatives!

Since many judges are trainers, would a trainer’s poor performance as a judge alter your decision to bring your horses to that person for training?

Would it change your opinion on how much they really knew about training a horse to perform properly?

Once again all you AboveLevel users rule!  We beat our biggest day ever again yesterday with 2,123 views!!!  Today actually looks like it might be even bigger.  What is even more exciting to me is the amount of discussion (calm discussion, which is even better!) about all the various topics.  I love that this is becoming a place for people “gather” and talk about what is on their minds and share information.  That was our mission all along and it is outstanding to see it coming to fruition. 

 When my husband and I decided to start this we kept quoting a line out of one of his favorite movies, Field Of Dreams-”If you build it, they will come.”  And you did…and it is great!