Ride Assessment

Candidates will be required to ride different horses, in front of Assessors, and to assess and analyse the ride, accurately and succinctly, with valid reasons and explanations for their opinions, in line with the type of animal ridden. The riding ability and fitness of the Candidate will be assessed in this phase, together with the ability to interpret, assess and communicate the way of going of the horse. 

Conformation Assessment

Candidates will be presented with several different types of horse by several Assessors. They will be expected to assess type and place each horse in its correct category, giving a short, concise but comprehensive analysis of the points of conformation and movement of each horse, both the positive and negative aspects.

Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate their understanding of the importance of structure and movement in relationship to performance and the significant characteristics, especially relating to horses in BSHA classes, e.g. particular awareness of the difference in category for cobs and hunters, differences in type between hacks and riding horses.

Interview Assessment

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a good knowledge of the main BSHA Rule Book and BSHA London International Showing Series Rule Book to a panel of Assessors in an interview format. In addition, Candidates will be expected to further demonstrate how to manage and run classes in accordance with the Association’s Rules.  

Other categories covered involve:

• the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the requirements of a tight show schedule
• the ability to liaise and work with show officials
• the ability to control classes and cope with difficult situations that may arise
• appreciate the responsibilities and duties involved and
• awareness that judging the Association’s classes carries the responsibility of representing the Association to the Members.  

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Panel, that they have a fully committed attitude when accepting Judging appointments and fully understand the possible impacts of using social media.

Results

Results will be shared in writing within 21 days of the assessment

Successful Applicants

All successful candidates will be appointed to the BSHA Probationary Judges Panel, for a standard two-year probation period, reviewed annually. Probationary Judging appointments will be allocated by the Association. Candidates will be required to Probation with a minimum of six Senior Panel judges. All Probationary judges will be expected to steward at a BSHA Show during their Probationary period.

If a full panel Candidate only passes the Ride Assessment, they may progress on to the Ride Probationary Panel but must also present for reassessment for the Conformation Panel within a two-year period in order to progress on to the full panel.