"I have had the pleasure of judging at the Royal Welsh before, and as such the responsibility is huge.
This year I am officiating the part bred classes. To explain, these are a cross of any horse or pony, but must have a minimum percentage of 12 1/2 or over of Welsh blood.
The first call for a judge is honesty, and integrity. I am always ready to explain to exhibitors why and how they have been placed. This is a prerequisite at most shows on the continetnt.
I feel that far too much time is wasted during judging. If one is confident and secure there is no need for it, and I find that in the main exhibitors appreciate swiftness.
At the Royal Welsh classes of over sixty entries are forward in certain sections. If the judge is slow it means that a great number have to be excused from the ring, in order to keep the tight schedule of the show on track. As a consequence much dissapointment for those concerned.
Very often I am asked to judge coloured horses, and this is also a pleasant task. These have grown in popularity at all shows not least the Royal Welsh.
Contrary to what some believe these animals have to be judged in the same way as any other horse i.e. conformation, correct movement etc.
On many occasions I officiate the Mountain and Moorland competitions. These are quite demanding, as one has to be able to identify all the various breeds, Shetland, Dartmoor etc., and reason how each animal conforms to the particular breed standard.
It is very satisfying to see a tremendous surge in their popularity. A fine example is the Highland. The Society has worked hard to promote their animals as versitile beings no longer depicted as only pack horses for the recovery of shot deer from the Highlands.
Returning to the Royal Welsh it is a rule that a judge is not allowed to exhibit within the classes of the particular species he is presiding over.
In conclusion, I would urge everyone to make a visit to the show a must. It is without doubt the greatest show on earth."
Article by Ifor Lloyd
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