Judging and Designing for the Future

A panel of officials assisted Jon in a number of sessions that were both theory and practical. In the morning John Youngs, an FEI and Supervisory Judge, and British Showjumping Steward gave a review of the upcoming rule changes for 2011. Next up, Stephen Renouard, FEI Course Designer explained the relationship between the course designers and the judges. Then Stuart Grant, an FEI and Supervisory Judge and timing expert gave a presentation on how to operate the timing equipment, set it up and run it efficiently during a competition. In groups of 4, all judges in their ‘judges boxes’, viewed videos of course problems and judged the rounds using the timing equipment. This generated much interesting discussion on real life problems that have happened during a competition.

Before lunch, judges started work on a list of questions, with judging problems and scenarios that have happened over the years.

Gerry King (owner of King’s Equestrian Centre) provided a hearty two course lunch, which was enjoyed by all the delegates.

After lunch the judges moved into the arena to review the course and problems set by Stephen. Next, the participants moved back into their ‘judges boxes’ which were now set up in the gallery to judge, with the timing equipment a number of rounds by the volunteer competitors, Caroline King riding Dennis and Charlotte Pudge riding Tufty.

For the final session, everybody moved back inside and judged an Accumulator competition from the video and after which discussions on the answers to the questions that were provided prior to lunch.

Jon Doney stated ‘ he was delighted with the number of judges that attended the conferences and found that the mix of practical and theory sessions always produced great interaction and participation from the judges’

An excellent educational day was had by all and British Showjumping wish to thank Gerry King for all the hospitality and wonderful food.

Jon said he would like to thank all the 4 centres (other conferences were held at Crofton Manor, Hampshire, Patchetts Equestrian Centre, Watford & Trentvalley Equestrian Centre in Nottinghamshire) together with the riders for the help and kindness shown.

For more picture, please visit my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/British-Show-Jumping/14631532570#!/pages/British-Showjumping-Wales-West-Midlands/165354463484579

Gill Perkins Wales & West Midlands Development Officer