Provinces combine for new course for grass-roots horse show judges

Equine Guelph is doing its bit to encourage those interested in becoming horse show judges in Canada’s grass roots circuits with a new online course.

Five provincial equestrian associations, Alberta Equestrian Federation, Equestrian Nova Scotia, Island Horse Council, Manitoba Horse Council and Newfoundland & Labrador Equestrian Association, have partnered with Equine Guelph for the new course, based on a training model provided by Equestrian Nova Scotia on TheHorsePortal.ca for the past two years.

Entry level judges are a vital part of equestrian sport and the course gives the opportunity to train to become a recognized provincial official.

This course will be self-paced and there is a full year granted to complete this 25 – 30 hour prerequisite training to work towards becoming a Foundations Judge.  Candidates will be learning the responsibilities of Judges at the grass-root levels, in order to officiate for multi-disciplined or general performance provincial shows.

Equine Guelph director Gayle Ecker said Equine Guelph recognised Equestrian Nova Scotia for being leaders in spearheading online training programs to its officials. “We are thrilled to be working together with five provinces to offer this accessible model of training to as many budding grassroots officials as possible.”

As role models, Foundation Judges create a safe environment for equine sport at local shows, upholding rules, ensuring fair play, and equine welfare.  Whether judging objective or subjective classes, entry-level judges can help build sport and long-term athletes.

Foundation judges will encounter multiple breeds and athletes from various walks of life.  The online program will help future judges or current discipline-specific judges in focusing on the essence of each class and introduce the tools to judge a variety of classes with consistency.

Topics include Western Performance, Western Speed Division, Showmanship, Flat, Hunter, Jumper, Equitation over Fences, Dressage and Pleasure Driving.

Equestrian Nova Scotia Executive Director Heather Myrer said the development of the course was led by Director of Technical Development Sheila Currie and volunteer experts.

“Taking it to the next level as a training course offered in several provinces across Canada is amazing and we can’t wait to get started with our provincial colleagues and Equine Guelph on this important officials’ development partnership.”

The course costs $C75 for foundation members, or $C100 for general enrolment.

» Register for the Provincial Foundations Officials Course