Showing- How important would you rate being on the correct canter lead

sometimes it can be really really good, the bad days you chalk up to experience and then go back to showjumping and dressage etc for a bit!
 
The more old fashioned judges will say that poor schooling can be worked on, but poor conformation is harder to change. Different judged place different weights on different aspects (type, way of going, conformation, weight, turnout etc) and that's why those who show at a higher level will know which judges will like their type of horse and will enter them under them and not under others.

That doesn't mean there's not some dire judging out there, but having just run a big local show I can say its very very difficult to get judges, especially those with the right experience and who won't have connections with exhibitors.
 
Top