Learn from Horse Show Judge Jennifer Sullivan
Jennifer Sullivan, of Pembroke, MA, has been involved in the horse industry for her entire life. As a child, she rode Arabians on the regional circuit, with respected farms such as RoRah Arabians, Char Mar Arabians, and J.R. Dillon Arabians. Later, she became increasingly interested in the dressage discipline, working with Sybil Crafts and Tom Noone for several years.
She then decided to claim her professional status in the industry, choosing to obtain her instructor’s license. At this time, she began teaching and training in the Morgan, Saddlebred, and stock horse community. This experience gave her a well-rounded, multi-breed and discipline background. Soon, her focus shifted to judging and she has never looked back. Relying on her diverse equestrian experience, Jennifer quickly became an educated and renowned judge in the New England area.
Jennifer is a wealth of knowledge, holding United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Licenses for judging Arabians, Morgans, Friesians, Andalusians/Lusitanos, Saddleseat Equitation, Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Roadsters, and Western. She also holds a multitude of other breed judging cards, including Pony Of America Club (POAC), Gypsy Horse Registry Of America (GHRA), Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA), World Class Miniature Horse Show Association (WCMHSA), and Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America (WPCSA). Additionally she is licensed by the Open Horse Show Association (OSHA), National Open Horse Show Association (NOHA,) New England 4-H(Regional/National), New England Horsemen’s Council (NEHC) English and Western, and the Open Horse Show Association (OHSA).
The Cheshire Horse (TCH): Why did you choose to get your judge’s card?
Jennifer Sullivan (JS): It was actually another judge, Joe Lombard, pulling me aside and telling me that I should really consider becoming a licensed judge when I was a young professional. It meant a lot that he thought that highly of me, so clearly I had to listen! Originally, I was only planning to get my NEHC judging cards, but I found that I really enjoyed being in the center of the ring.
Then, in 2009, the Morgan judging school was being held in conjunction with the UPHA Spring Premiere show. I thought to myself, “Well, if nothing else, I should go to the school and see what I learn.” I had no idea about the process and I didn’t realize how in-depth it was going to be.
It turns out that I learned a whole lot. It was an incredible experience.
In addition to the time in the classroom, we also spent a lot of time sitting in the arena and watching classes. It was really beneficial to sit and talk about the various circumstances and how we would handle each situation. By sitting with industry professionals and experienced judges we were able to get different perspectives on judging philosophies and rulebook interpretation.
One of the judges that was leading the school was Karen Homer Brown. She was welcoming and engaging, she really encouraged me to go for and pursue my USEF Morgan card. Karen mentored me through the process and helped me navigate through the paperwork and other requirements. Her support truly lit the fire for me to continue to learn and acquire all of the judging cards that I have today.
TCH: What has been your most memorable judging experience?
JS: That’s a great question. You know, I think, overall that it’s watching young equestrians. They often exhibit a love of the sport and truly love their horses. I have to say, judging leadliners and walk trotters is often the highlight of my day.
However, that said, one of the favorite moments that I saw when I was first judging, was a lovely older woman who was riding a Saddlebred at a local schooling show. She did a fantastic job handing her horse and riding a difficult class. She ended up being awarded the blue ribbon. When the announcer said her number, you would have thought that she had won a national championship. She was screaming, crying, and was just so excited. Her husband was on the rail and was just so proud of his wife as well, he actually got his phone out and called their son!
At a show over a year later, they came up to me and told me how great that moment was. It was so nice to realize how much the experience means to so many committed equestrians. Now, as a judge, I think that any time someone wins and they really have no expectations of doing so, it is so incredible to watch their reactions.
TCH: What do you wish more people knew about being a judge?
JS: The judges really want people to succeed. We really are rooting for them. We never want to beat somebody up. We are truly never looking to give someone last place.
I think sometimes people have the impression that judges are over-critical and looking for faults.
I love watching each and every horse and rider combination, I think you can learn something from everyone. I really enjoy judging the little kids, especially in the leadline and walk/trot classes. They are so passionate about the sport and remind me what it is truly all about.
“The judges really want people to succeed. We really are rooting for them.”
TCH: What really stands out to you as a judge?
JS: The very first thing that stands out to me, whether it is a 4-H or a national show, is your turnout. Is your horse well clipped and well bathed? Are your braids neat (if appropriate for your division)? Is your tack clean and does your clothing fit well? It is really important to realize how important first impressions are.
That’s a big thing. If you come in and you look the part, that automatically puts you in a really good place. I tell my students that going into the show ring is like going into a job interview. You need to dress correctly and have the confidence to put yourself out there. You may be nervous, but that’s okay. As the saying goes, “Fake it until you make it!”
TCH: What tips do you have for competitors?
JS: The biggest tip that I can give you is to read the rulebook and know the rules for your classes. I think that a lot of times people don’t realize the resources that are out there to make sure that you are in compliance with the rules.
It truly breaks my heart when I see exhibitors with the wrong equipment or illegal tack for their class or division, for example a curb that is too long or a pelham in the Arabian Junior Horse clases. I don’t want to disqualify you, I never do. Judges never want to tell someone that they are disqualified for the class.
Many times, illegal tack and equipment are educational issues, people are certainly not trying to break the rules. If you have a question, ask! The show office and the stewards on the show grounds are always available to help. Their job is to educate you and help exhibitors avoid potential issues.
I really want to reiterate, ask questions! There really is never a stupid question. As judges and equine professionals, we want to help and make sure that it is a successful horse show for everyone.
TCH: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the equestrian landscape, how do you think it will affect horse shows this season?
JS: As a two-time cancer survivor, I am immunocompromised and therefore in a higher risk category. I have been very selective in the judging jobs that I take to make sure that I stay safe. Overall, I think that judges and exhibitors need to take their own circumstances into account and make decisions that feel appropriate for them.
In talking to my trainer friends and people who are out there judging, I think that COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed horse shows but not as much as you might think. People are wearing masks and paying attention to spacing, but it is still a horse show. Exhibitors are focusing on safety and their well-being, but in the end, they are all outside and enjoying their horses.
I think in a way, the pandemic has had a positive effect on the horse shows that are all running. Horse shows are no longer being taken for granted and everyone is so excited to be there. I have noticed that people are more focused on the camaraderie and not as much on the ribbon. Everyone, from the judges and horse show staff to the exhibitors and trainers, are so happy to finally have the chance to showcase their hard work
Overall, I think that the pandemic has made everyone much more thankful and grateful for the incredible opportunity of getting to show their horses and spend time with their horse show family.
Learn more about Jenn as well as where she is judging this upcoming season on her website.