The Plaid Horse polled judges to compile memories and scores of exceptional trips they have watched and judged. The judges come from a variety of backgrounds, levels of experience, and some from different disciplines. Their answers are all unique, reflect their different personal opinions, and offer exclusive insight to a judge’s perspective.
The question posed is: What is the highest score you have given as a judge, and what do you remember about the round that made it so extraordinary?”
Here are their answers:
“About eight years ago, I was judging the first week of the Wellington Equestrian Festival (WEF) in the Main Hunter Ring. During the first class of the day, the First Year Green Hunters (because it was still called that at the time), Scott Stewart walked into the ring on a beautiful, dapple gray horse, and it was phenomenal. It landed every lead, moved beautifully, and jumped even better. I scored it a 92, because at that point in time, you didn’t see a lot of 90s in the hunters.
The announcer looked at me and said, “Are you sure you want to give the first round of your first week judging at WEF a 92?!” I said that it was an A all day long, and how could I not reward someone who chooses to go early and absolutely lay it down. I thought it was brilliant. It ended up being the highest score I gave all week. It was a horse I had never seen or heard of, but is now one we will never forget: Catch Me. I should have given them a 95.” -Hope Gylnn
“I have high standards and I have only scored 3 trips in the 90s. The highest score being a 95, and it was for a beautiful horse; a lovely mover with wonderful expression that looked through the bridle and jumped around the jumps upright and straight. It came into the ring and established pace on the courtesy circle, and kept the same rhythm from beginning to end. Breathtaking!” -Anne R. Kenan
USEF “R” judge since 1994
“In July 2022, at GLEF 2/WCHR Week, my husband Alan and I were judging the derby on Sunday. I saw an inside turn on paper for the handy that no one was taking. Samantha Schaefer and In The Know were still left to come back for the handy, and I knew if any pair were to attempt that turn, it would be them.
Sure enough–they did it–and it was BEYOND brilliant. When they landed from the last jump, I looked at Alan and said, “95.” Alan knew what was best for him and said, “Agreed!” With her high options, I think the total score for the round was 99. I have loved In The Know ever since The Schaefers got him. To be able to judge him in the class, where he always shines brightest–and to get to reward him with that score–will always stand out as a special moment in my judging career.” -Jessica Lohman
Read more about Jessica here.
“It was an honor to judge the 2024 Arabian Scottsdale Show in February. The quality of horses was excellent, and the expertise and presentation from our exhibitors across all divisions were a pleasure to judge. Our young equestrians are the future, and our horses are in good hands.
A highlight of the show, for me, was the Scottsdale Signature Arabian Western Pleasure class for 3 & 4 Year Olds. It was one of the largest classes of the show and the quality of movement, and Arabian type presented, was extraordinary. This class was comparable to a National level class, and the trainers should be incredibly proud of the work they are doing with these young horses. I look forward to watching this group competing at the U.S. Nationals.” -Ashley Lauren Toye
USEF “R” N/R Arabian Judge
“The highest score I’ve ever given a horse is a 92. I remember thinking the round was so smooth–the horse held one pace, jumped a 10 at every jump, and never looked rushed or worried. It walked in the ring with a great expression and look; very shiny and beautiful! Truthfully it was a great round and horse and needed to be rewarded!” -Dana Hart-Callanan
Read more about Dana here.
“While I have seen a round or two that stood out to me, I don’t feel that in my time as a judge I have necessarily seen the type of blockbuster round for which you are seeking feedback. That being said, I have seen rounds I’ve felt were exciting for a number of other reasons: I have gotten goosebumps watching an athletic, green horse measure a jump and use itself well; watching a talented pro make a gorgeous, well-balanced inside turn; and even watching a short stirrup rider put all the parts of a course together to create an excellent round in that division.
Each opportunity to sit in the judge’s stand is a privilege. In time, I hope to be lucky enough to have the honor of watching rounds that will go down in history. For now, I am grateful to witness the moments that take my breath away, even if they don’t result in a score to be remembered.” -Ashley Fant
