Guide for YEH Judges
Authored by Marilyn Payne
Responsibility of YEH Judges
- Place the class
- Evaluate potential
- Evaluate training
- Give honest and consistent scores since they will determine qualifications for YEH Finals
Methodology
- Judge what you see - not the past
- Don't be tough on playfulness, insecurity or greenness
- Remember the best of each gait
- Keep track of each horse's scores on your own master scoresheet so the correct relationship among horses is preserved
- Know the meaning of each score 0-10 with decimals .1-.9, as well as scores 0-5 with .5
Meaning of Scores
*Scores of 0-4 are indicative of characteristics that will preclude horse from becoming an event horse
**Decimals are encouraged
| Score | Dressage Meaning | YEH Meaning | Level Potential |
| 5 | Marginal | Must have more ability | Starter/Beginner Novice |
| 6 | Satisfactory | Should have more ability | Novice/Training |
| 7 | Fairly Good | Could have more ability | Preliminary/Intermediate |
| 8 | Good | Clear athletic ability | 4* or 5* (Questionable) |
| 9 | Very Good | Very good potential | 4* or 5* |
| 10 | Excellent | Outstanding potential | 5* |
Evaluating the Walk
- Relaxed and supple with a swinging back
- Diligent, eager and marching
- Ground cover
- Stretch over the back
- Clear four beat rhythm
Evaluating the Trot
- Rhythm
- Suppleness
- Elasticity
- Impulsion
- Ground cover
- Swinging back
- Freedom in shoulders
Evaluating the Canter
- Three-beat pace followed by a moment of suspension
- Natural balance
- Ground cover
- Suppleness
- Impulsion
Evaluating Submission
- Suppleness
- Confident connection
- Straightness, bending
- Is the training going in the right direction?
Scoring Show Jumping and Cross-Country
| Score | Meaning |
| 0 | Refusal |
| 1 | Very bad |
| 2 | Bad |
| 3 | Satisfactory |
| 4 | Good |
| 5 | Excellent |
- Rail down = no higher than 2
- Fall of horse or rider or three refusals = Elimination
- Decimal .5 may be used
Evaluating Jumping Ability on Cross-Country
- Scope
- Power
- Adjustment to terrain
- Coordination
- Boldness
- Quick natural instincts
Evaluating Cross-Country Fences
- Safe and efficient style
- Jumping out of stride
- Balance in approach and landing
- Effortless and confident
- Natural instincts
- Quick footwork
Rideability Jumping
- Confidence
- Attitude
- Response to aids
- Learning ability
Evaluating Gallop on Course
- Jumping out of stride
- Ability to adjust balance
- Maintaining rhythm
- Desire to go forward
- Appropriate pace
Evaluating Open Gallop
- Ease of gallop
- Ground cover
- Balance and lightness
- Efficiency
- Desire to go forward
Judging Criteria - Overall Impression
- Questions to ask yourself about the horse:
- Event type?
- Natural ability and balance?
- Willing temperament?
- Correct basic training
- Presence and attitude?
- Would you ask a potential buyer to invest in this horse as a 4* or 5* prospect?