What do you look for in a young handler?

[Toz]

As title suggests

Just local level shows. Judges or not your opinion is appreciated!
Thanks

 

[cambrica]

A big smile speaks volumes! I hate seeing kids trudging round looking miserable. A smart turnout and to how to turn the correct way.
Most judges are great with kids and will nearly always offer good advice for next time. It's the one class where luckily the pony isn't judged so a polite happy child will always do well.

 

[Toz]

A big smile speaks volumes! I hate seeing kids trudging round looking miserable. A smart turnout and to how to turn the correct way.
Most judges are great with kids and will nearly always offer good advice for next time. It's the one class where luckily the pony isn't judged so a polite happy child will always do well.

Thanks very much!

 

[fattylumpkin]

I was at a show for shetlands a few months ago taking stock photos and was very impressed by this young lady, as were the judges apologies for the pixeliness, but she had a lovely big smile, nice relaxed handling of the pony (some were hanging onto their ponies' heads) and she was very polite and attentive to what was happening around her and what the judges had to say!

 

[cambrica]

Here's my daughter pulled in first and my niece in second at a local show. There were about 7 or 8 in the class and a couple of very nice show ponies (compared to my motley crew welsh!) The only advice I ever give them is 'Smile and enjoy yourself'

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[clanter]

our youngest daughter started showing as a five year old, she always had a smile

 

[Brontie]

Cambrica, is the LBSDRC?

 

[Toz]

Wow thanks everyone! So smiles, politeness and attentiveness! Thanks

 

[cambrica]

Cambrica, is the LBSDRC?

Yes it is! That was a couple of years ago. My niece still shows and my daughter has just started jumping.

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I think it would be nice if they are ready with some facts about the pony, name, breed, age, height eg for NF, if Forest Bred, so the judge has some sort of conversation.

 

[katastrophykat]

When judging, I look for a child who knows to stay at the shoulder, stand up correctly (or at least try to) how to lift or settle the pony that they have, correctly turned out, pony true to type, confident that they have full control. And have an idea about using the space in the ring to make the most of the pony(eg going wide on corners to make space when they're more forward than the one in front) I judged a local show last year and had 20 turnouts, including a fair few who trudged around the ring looking like they wanted to be elsewhere- and so did the pony! They're usually the ones who look really narked to be put down the line. One little girl had a section D youngster, who with another handler I put reserve in hand champ, but with the young child was at times quite difficult- I took the time to pop over and advised her to separate her out while she settled rather than trying to continue to go round while the youngster was winding herself. The judge should be patient and understanding, and happy to give feedback when asked.