I wanted to share my thoughts on what I have encountered. Having been in 4-H yrs & yrs ago, then growing up, watching 4-H horse shows, then judging those county fairs as an adult. I do think that the 4-H horse program in idea is very good, Ohio rules seem pretty fair, and look out for the safety of the exhibitor BUT what I have encountered more & more is that the 4-H Advisors (more than I care to admit) are not helping these kids for show.
I notice that so many of the 4-H advisors are not qualified to instruct these children in horse shows, nor does it appear they study the state rules for 4-H showing. Some have work rides that are unorganized, and some are even unsafe. These kids then come to the fair, unprepared and lost. Their horses are not kept the way a horse should appear at a show.
There's only so much we as judges can do to help these kids. A few constructive criticisms here or there help, but when the show "must go on" time is an issue.
Year round instruction is of the utmost importance with these inexperienced horse owners and families. There's nothing like a qualified horseman and another set of "eyes" to see what is really going on with the showman or horse.
~Willie Matthews
