Judging Hunters and Equitation

Judging Hunters and Equitation demystifies the subjective process of judging hunters and hunter seat equitation. It is the definitive book on the subject written for riders, trainers, parents, and other officials. The book delves into the history of the sport, and how the rules and regulations evolved based on fox hunting. The authors explain how and why faults are scored, the process judges use to mark their cards, score, and place horses in their respective classes. They identify the ideals judges seek in the hunter and equitation rings, strategies to help riders improve their performances, and analyze how major competitions are judged.

“This is a very important book. Thank you Julie and Tricia for helping all of us to better understand our subjective judging system. I’m so happy that both Julie and Tricia took the initiative to write down this valuable information and make it available to all of you.”

- Geoff Teall, author of On Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation - Developing A Winning Style

“Attention lovers of the show hunter! All you ever wanted to know from the history of the sport to reflections on the future. Judging Hunters and Equitation gives you first-hand, behind-the-scenes insights into major shows and competitions. This book is a must for the bookshelf of the serious rider, trainer, and official.”

- Fran Dotoli, Chair of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Officials Education Committee

“I love using Judging Hunters and Equitation as a tool with our College of Charleston Equestrian Collegiate Team. We discuss the equitation tests and the current judge's "do's and dont's" that are suggested in the book. It's a wonderful resource that every coach and parent should have on hand to reference!"

- Natasha McCarthy - owner/trainer White Horses LLC and head coach of the College of Charleston Equestrian Team

Tricia Booker is a lifelong equestrian, U.S. Equestrian Federation R-rated judge in hunters, hunter breeding, and hunter/jumping seat equitation, and she has more than 30 years of judging experience. She owns and operates Cameron Green Media LLC and is an award-winning editor, writer, and photographer. An avid equestrian, she rides, trains, and shows hunters and jumpers and teaches judging clinics. In addition to co-authoring Judging Hunters & Equitation, she has written thousands of articles for an array of magazines, newspapers, and websites. Julie Winkel has been a U.S. Equestrian Federation licensed Hunter, Equitation, Hunter Breeding and Jumper judge since 1984. She owns and operates Maplewood Stables, Inc., in Reno, Nevada, a 200-acre training, sales and breeding facility. Julie continues to compete regularly, trains horses and riders, teaches riding clinics and judges throughout the country. She’s a committed volunteer for the USEF and U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and co-authored the book Judging Hunters & Equitation.  

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