Judging Guidelines

Judging guidelines should be clear and descriptive leaving no room for question on how specific elements of a class are judged. The more detailed the guielines, the better.

UNDER SADDLE JUDGING GUIDELINES

Under saddle judging guidelines should include what judges are looking for and how riders are scored or penalized. Guidelines should include a brief description of the objective of the under saddle class, penalties given for each error made during the class and line up, breed suitability (if applicable), how turnout is evaluated, and criteria used to break ties. Gait callouts should also be listed, along with any special movements that may be asked during the class (i.e. half turn in reverse, turn on the haunches, etc.).

OVER FENCES JUDGING GUIDELINES

Over fences judging guidelines should clearly define what judges are looking for and how riders are scored or penalized. Guidelines should include a brief description of the objective of the over fences class, how each jump is scored, penalties given for errors during the course, how turnout is evaluated, and any other moves or elements judges may be looking for during a course. This may include, but is not limited to, halting, turns and approaches, courtesy circles, transitions, and lead changes. Gait callouts should also be listed,  along with any special movements that may be asked during the course.

JUMPER JUDGING GUIDELINES

Jumper guidelines are generally more straight forward than hunters and equitation guidelines. Guidelines should include when the timer starts and stops for a round, what counts as a "clear" jump, the distinctions between different jumper classes, and faults that may accumulate during the class. JNEF strongly recommends that SSO jumper faults align with real life jumper fault standards. Gait callouts should also be listed.