JUDGES – IN HAND AND RIDDEN
Judging
The purpose of Judging is to place the animals in each class in order of merit subject to breed requirements, conformation, quality and soundness. Apart from their beauty, the Welsh breeds are noted for strength and working ability therefore Judges will probably pay particular attention to characteristics illustrating that each animal can fulfill the purpose for which it is bred.
Conduct of Approved Judges
From the time of arrival on a Showground, or where staying the night before, the Judges act in an official capacity. Except for necessary contact with Show Officials they are as reserved and impersonal with the general public and exhibitors as is socially acceptable, and are concerned only with seeing animals that may come before them in the ring. Judges do not discuss the relative merits of any animal shown except as required by their official duty. Their conduct during their visit to a Show upholds the dignity and reputation for integrity of the Society of which they are Approved Judges.
1.1. A Judge should remember that it is a great honour to be invited to Judge at a show. He/she should reply promptly to the invitation and, having made the commitment, should honour it. If you find that you are, at short notice, unable to officiate, please inform the show secretary immediately, suggesting another Judge if possible.
1.2. A Judge who feels unable to Judge any class in the schedule should inform the show secretary well in advance of the show.
1.3. Judges are advised to make prior arrangements with the Show Secretary regarding their fees and expenses. Judges are advised that the Society's recommended mileage allowance is (25p) per mile but Judges should clarify this with the show concerned.
1.4. Because Judges are representing both themselves and the Society they should always be punctual and look their best. Judges should present themselves to the Show Secretary at least half an hour before the first class. It is the Judge who sets and maintains the standards of the ring. A courteous manner is expected at all times, even under provocation.
1.5. Judges must avoid judging the same Section in a local area more than once during a season. A local area is defined as a 40 mile radius from the Showground.
1.6. A Judge should not accept any hospitality from an exhibitor during a show until judging is completed.
1.7. A Judge should avoid meeting exhibitors, their helpers and Ponies or Cobs, on the day of the show prior to entering the show ring in which he/she is to Judge.
1.8. A Judge is forbidden to refer to the show catalogue during the show.
1.9. Animals bred by a Judge cannot be shown in the Section that he/she is judging.
1.10. Before judging commences, discussion with the ring Steward should take place regarding the procedure to be adopted in the ring; where to stand the Ponies/Cobs with the line up on the near side of the first placed animal.
1.11. Schedules should be carefully studied beforehand, noting the number of rosettes to be awarded, special awards or qualifiers. Judges should carry a schedule to hand to a Steward before judging.
1.12. A Judge should not call any exhibitor by his/her name in the ring and must remain completely detached. No social conversation should take place.
1.13. Instructions to exhibitors generally should be relayed through the ring Steward.
1.14. Judges should be smartly dressed at all times during the show. Hands in pockets while judging should be actively discouraged.
1.15. All Judges should wear a hat while judging.
1.16. Judges should neither smoke nor use a mobile phone whilst in the ring.
1.17. Judges are asked to consider very carefully the placing of over-fat animals in the show ring so that the showing of such animals is discouraged.
1.18. Excessive white should be discouraged. In the show ring, Judges are empowered to Judge according to personal preference.
1.19. Judges should present rosettes unless a sponsor is requested to do so. It is the Judge's prerogative to withhold rosettes if he/she feels entries are of insufficient merit.
1.20. Be cautious and discreet in any remarks made after judging is over whilst remaining open to questions from exhibitors who are entitled to ask for reasons for the placing of their animal after the class.
1.21. It should be remembered that each competitor pays the same entry fee and therefore merits the courtesy of having his/her Pony/Cob given the full attention of the Judge at all times.
1.22. It is the responsibility of the Judge to be familiar with all the WPCS Judging and Showing Rules and Codes of Conduct.
1.23. You know your integrity is beyond question – make sure that it is seen to be so. A Judge must be unbiased and fair. It is the Pony/Cob only that is being Judged on the day.
2. EXHIBITORS, OWNERS & PRODUCERS
2.1. Exhibitors should conduct themselves at all times in an orderly, polite manner as they represent the Welsh breeds and consequently the WPCS. Bad language is not tolerated under any circumstances whether to fellow Exhibitors, Owners, Producers, Judges, Stewards or Show Officials. Bad behaviour brings the Society into disrepute.
2.2. Judges should not be approached on the day of the show.
2.3. Exhibitors, owners and producers are expected to be familiar with the rules of the Show and the WPCS.
2.4. It is their responsibility to ensure they are in the ring at the right time and should not expect a show or its Judges to hold up a class for them.
2.5. Exhibitors should comply with the Steward or Judges requests at all times.
2.6. No exhibitor should leave the ring unless permission has been obtained from the Judge via the Steward.
2.7. Exhibitors should be dressed neatly and circumspectly at all affiliated WPCS Shows.
2.8. Stud advertising on clothing is strictly forbidden in the ring.
2.9. Exhibitors should ensure they are wearing the correct number for the animal they are showing. This is particularly important in medal shows.
2.10. The welfare of their Pony or Cob is paramount and no lame, sick or overly fat animal should be brought to the show or into a class.
2.11. A courteous manner is expected at all times.
2.12. The Judge’s decision is final. Any objections must be lodged officially according to the show’s and WPCS rules.
2.13. The use of any artificial aid (e.g. plastic bags, excessive use of whips, drinks cans etc.) to excite the animal being shown is not acceptable and may be subject to penalty, including being asked to leave the ring
