Table of contents for Practical Horseman Extra Volume 25 in Practical Horseman

Wouldn’t you love to increase your score from the judges with just a few changes? Of course you would. The best part is that you don’t have to ride like John French, Kelley Farmer or Scott Stewart to do this. You just need to pay attention to some details. Let’s start with your appearance: I can tell you from a judge’s perspective that when a rider walks into my ring and is well turned out, I automatically feel positive and anticipate a good round. Why? Because I assume she is with a knowledgeable trainer who is not only concerned with turnout but good training as well. By turnout I am referring to the appearance of both the horse as well as the rider. First of all, the horse needs to…

Your horse is fit, your lessons have been right on point and your confidence level is high as you trot into the show ring. But did you forget something? Could that be dust on your boots? Is your saddle pad less than pristine? What about the gunk on your horse’s bit? Turnout—the way you and your horse look—may be the last thing you consider, but overlooking it is a mistake. “Turnout is what gives you the edge to be a winner. It’s about attention to detail,” says Carol “Hoffy” Hoffman, a U.S. Equestrian Federation R hunter and hunter seat equitation judge who also is a successful hunter exhibitor. “When I’m judging, I get an initial impression of the way the horse and rider are turned out, their attention to detail.…