judges comment?

[Charlie77]

"Quietly ridden" did this mean sat like a passenger? Or did she actually mean quietly ridden? How would you interpret it?

 

[meardsall_millie]

When I've had it on my sheet, or when I've used it when judging, it's usually meant to compliment the rider on not killing the tosspot of a horse they've somehow just managed to steer through the test, against all the odds!!

 

[Charlie77]

Lol, this I could well be the case he was feeling very "bright" & a lot spooky! in the gale that was blowing last monday. But those words quietly riden have been playing on my mind ever since. Thank you x

 

[wkiwi]

Agree with above that it is a compliment. I would also add that the judge was probably pleased to see you riding like this, as some riders become over-assertive or hang onto the horse's mouth blocking the rhythm (due to nervousness?/desperation for better marks?/loss of concentration?) when it is windy.
I would interpret it as 'keeping your cool'

 

[sportsmansB]

Yes I would see it as sensitively managed - similar to tactful riding. Usually a nice comment when you have had a lively test and really they could write 'your horse is a knob. you managed not to do anything obvious to make this worse, no matter how much you wanted to sock him in the gub'

 

[FfionWinnie]

It's a compliment, regardless of whether the horse was being an idiot IMO. Being a quiet rider is always a good thing!

 

[PorkChop]

I agree, it is a good comment - I would be pleased if I had this comment on one of my test sheets

 

[Farma]

I judge and trust me that's a compliment means you sat nicely and didn't flap and pull!

 

[spookypony]

Considering the ideal is meant to be that your aids are so subtle that they are invisible, I would take that as a good compliment!

When the horse is being a tube, I think "tactfully", "sensitively", or "sympathetically" ridden is a nice thing to find on the sheet.

 

[Charlie77]

Thanks all this has cheered me up no end. It was one of them tests were you come out thinking well there's always tomorrow, but much happier now thanks everyone x x

 

[HighFive]

I take it as a good thing! It usually means you've quietly supported a horse who was showing tension/nervousness, rather than getting upset and making the situation worse. A quietly ridden test is one which will usually have given the horse confidence.

 

[Goldenstar]

Quietly ridden ..... Maintained a calm face while horses went nuts underneath you.
Sensitively ridden ...... Maintained a sweet but slightly unworldly smile as the horse went nuts underneath you.