Post by daleypark on Sept 5, 2006 6:53:29 GMT -5
Below is a brief guide on the things you, as a judge, should be looking out for and keeping in mind when assessing entries in a photo show (ABMHA or otherwise). If you have any questions or would like a clarification on something, feel free to PM me and I will explain or help as best I can.
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Things to Consider When Judging a Photo Show
Although to judge a show (either live or photo) is to give your opinion, there are several aspects that all judges must consider before opinion even comes into it. For the basis of this discussion, only photo shows will be mentioned.
--->Rules
All shows have some rules for entrants to follow. They can include things like what information to include when the photo is entered, the size or shape of the photo itself, how the photo is named, etc. The rules are the most important aspect a judge should consider. Any photo that does not comply to the rules should not even be considered for the rest of the class or show.
Entrants who cannot put in the effort to follow the rules should not be rewarded with a placing or a win. Rules are there for a reason!
--->The Model Itself.
Remember that what the entrant is trying to achieve is a photo of what looks like a real horse, not a plastic (resin, china, etc) one. Whether the horse is standing, laying, grazing or performing a gait, the general aim is to make it as real as possible. Therefore, although rubs in the paint should not be directly marked down, if the model itself looks generally fake or unrealistic, then it should not place well.
--->General Photo Advice
Along with realism, clarity and creativeness should also be considered by the judge. Good lighting is essential at all times. A dark or dim photo in which the model or aspects of the model cannot be seen properly should place poorly, or not place at all. Focus is important. Extremely blurry photos may be disqualified at the judge's discretion. Slightly out-of-focus photos shouldn't be disqualified, but may place poorly.
Creativity is not essential, but helps a photo to stand out to the judge amongst a sea of photos. A creative photo is sometimes unique, but nearly always stands out to the judge and catches their eye.
--->The Model in Halter Classes
Halter is judged primarily on the conformation of the model, but since these are model horses, other things also need to be taken into consideration.
Conformation- 40%
Gender characteristics- 20%
Breed characteristics- 20%
Background, realism, model's condition etc- 20%
Conformation is strictly how the model is put together. Models that are laying down, grazing, rearing, etc should not be penalized. They should be judged with the same criteria applied to standing models or models displaying a gait. Conformational faults can be major or minor, and it's up to the judge's discretion how heavily they will fault a particular flaw. However, flashy but poorly-conformed models should not place over less flashy but well-conformed models.
Some faults (such as a skinny or ewe neck) may be hidden if the model is shown on a slight angle. The preferred angle is at right angle to the photo, with the head facing either to the left or to the right. With some molds of models such a perfect photo may be impossible, but the head should always be clearly visible to the judge.
In breed classes, conformation that matches the breed standard is the most important thing. Some breed standards prefer a highly-set neck or straight shoulder, which may be looked down on in other breed standards. It is up to the judge to do their research (or at least have a slight knowledge of general breed types).
When judging color classes, more emphasis can be put on looks since you are judging more on color. (i.e. a model with a minor fault and exceptional color could place over a better-conformed model with poor color). Models should also be displaying a colour which is relevant to the breed; a pinto Friesian does not exist and therefore there should be no models named as such!
Gender classes should emphasize more of the gender characteristics. A model could have excellent conformation, but if it looks like a stallion and is entered in the mare class, it shouldn't place as well as a more feminine model. It is up to the judge to work out a balance between characteristics (be it colour or gender, depending on the class) and conformation flaws.
If everything else was equal, a model with good conformation would place over a model with poor conformation. Or, all other things being equal, if model A is called a Friesian but is exhibiting a pinto pattern, that model would place lower than a correctly-coloured Friesian. Depending on the size of the class and the particular judge, model A might even be disqualified.
--->The Model in Performance Classes
Horse- 50%
Tack, Setup- 30%
Conformation, Other- 20%
The most important thing when judging a performance photo is whether or not the model could actually be performing what is depicted in the picture. Is the model suitable for it's discipline? A rearing horse would hardly make a good Western Pleasure prospect! Don't count against unusual breeds being in a certain class -if they're performing well, their breed shouldn't matter. Be aware that some registeries in real life do not allow certain breeds to compete in certain disciplines. If the scene is completely unrealistic, (it's unlikely a Shire could clear a 5 foot wall) then it should be penalized accordingly.
Ask yourself if the depicted performance is in accordance with the real-world horse showing rules for that discipline. Is the tack appropriate for the discipline? Is all the tack allowed for that class? (boots/wraps are not allowed in hunter classes, but are okay in jumper classes) Is the background appropriate? (a dressage rail wouldn't be used to contain cattle in a team penning class) Are the props appropriate? Does the tack fit properly?
The general set up should also be considered. In any type of jumping class, the horse can only jump from a certain distance away. If the model is so close that its foreleg is touching the pole, then if it were real, the horse would never have a chance of clearing the jump!
In the same instance, look at the pose and gait of the model. Breyer's Gem Twist is cantering on the left lead, so he would not be suitable in a dressage test doing a circle which is supposed to be on the right lead. Look at the head carriage - Western pleasure horses are not supposed to have their poll above their withers. Check if the gait is appropriate for the class; you don't see a horse in a hand gallop in a dressage test!
--->Background and Props
Props are things such as dolls, fences, other animals, etc. A judge should never mark down an entry because of the lack of a doll in ridden classes. The only classes in which a doll or handler is essential is in handler or showmanship classes, in which the judge judges the doll, and the model is the prop.
Arena walls are essential in classes which are completed in an arena (such as English Arena Trail). Fences in paddocks are optional, but if they are used they should be both in scale to the model and not overpowering of the picture. Fences that are essential to the class (such as a dressage fence) should be discrete but visible. A lack of said fence may result in disqualification, depending on the class.
Recommended Reference Materials
"The New Encyclopedia of the Horse” by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
“Horse the Complete Guide” by Mary Gordon Watson
“The Ultimate Horse Book” by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
“The International Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies” by Jane Kidd
"The Horse Conformation Handbook" by Heather Smith Thomas
Nationally recognized breed organizations
Internationally recognized breed organizations
Oklahoma State University list of breeds- www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/
------------
Things to Consider When Judging a Photo Show
Although to judge a show (either live or photo) is to give your opinion, there are several aspects that all judges must consider before opinion even comes into it. For the basis of this discussion, only photo shows will be mentioned.
--->Rules
All shows have some rules for entrants to follow. They can include things like what information to include when the photo is entered, the size or shape of the photo itself, how the photo is named, etc. The rules are the most important aspect a judge should consider. Any photo that does not comply to the rules should not even be considered for the rest of the class or show.
Entrants who cannot put in the effort to follow the rules should not be rewarded with a placing or a win. Rules are there for a reason!
--->The Model Itself.
Remember that what the entrant is trying to achieve is a photo of what looks like a real horse, not a plastic (resin, china, etc) one. Whether the horse is standing, laying, grazing or performing a gait, the general aim is to make it as real as possible. Therefore, although rubs in the paint should not be directly marked down, if the model itself looks generally fake or unrealistic, then it should not place well.
--->General Photo Advice
Along with realism, clarity and creativeness should also be considered by the judge. Good lighting is essential at all times. A dark or dim photo in which the model or aspects of the model cannot be seen properly should place poorly, or not place at all. Focus is important. Extremely blurry photos may be disqualified at the judge's discretion. Slightly out-of-focus photos shouldn't be disqualified, but may place poorly.
Creativity is not essential, but helps a photo to stand out to the judge amongst a sea of photos. A creative photo is sometimes unique, but nearly always stands out to the judge and catches their eye.
--->The Model in Halter Classes
Halter is judged primarily on the conformation of the model, but since these are model horses, other things also need to be taken into consideration.
Conformation- 40%
Gender characteristics- 20%
Breed characteristics- 20%
Background, realism, model's condition etc- 20%
Conformation is strictly how the model is put together. Models that are laying down, grazing, rearing, etc should not be penalized. They should be judged with the same criteria applied to standing models or models displaying a gait. Conformational faults can be major or minor, and it's up to the judge's discretion how heavily they will fault a particular flaw. However, flashy but poorly-conformed models should not place over less flashy but well-conformed models.
Some faults (such as a skinny or ewe neck) may be hidden if the model is shown on a slight angle. The preferred angle is at right angle to the photo, with the head facing either to the left or to the right. With some molds of models such a perfect photo may be impossible, but the head should always be clearly visible to the judge.
In breed classes, conformation that matches the breed standard is the most important thing. Some breed standards prefer a highly-set neck or straight shoulder, which may be looked down on in other breed standards. It is up to the judge to do their research (or at least have a slight knowledge of general breed types).
When judging color classes, more emphasis can be put on looks since you are judging more on color. (i.e. a model with a minor fault and exceptional color could place over a better-conformed model with poor color). Models should also be displaying a colour which is relevant to the breed; a pinto Friesian does not exist and therefore there should be no models named as such!
Gender classes should emphasize more of the gender characteristics. A model could have excellent conformation, but if it looks like a stallion and is entered in the mare class, it shouldn't place as well as a more feminine model. It is up to the judge to work out a balance between characteristics (be it colour or gender, depending on the class) and conformation flaws.
If everything else was equal, a model with good conformation would place over a model with poor conformation. Or, all other things being equal, if model A is called a Friesian but is exhibiting a pinto pattern, that model would place lower than a correctly-coloured Friesian. Depending on the size of the class and the particular judge, model A might even be disqualified.
--->The Model in Performance Classes
Horse- 50%
Tack, Setup- 30%
Conformation, Other- 20%
The most important thing when judging a performance photo is whether or not the model could actually be performing what is depicted in the picture. Is the model suitable for it's discipline? A rearing horse would hardly make a good Western Pleasure prospect! Don't count against unusual breeds being in a certain class -if they're performing well, their breed shouldn't matter. Be aware that some registeries in real life do not allow certain breeds to compete in certain disciplines. If the scene is completely unrealistic, (it's unlikely a Shire could clear a 5 foot wall) then it should be penalized accordingly.
Ask yourself if the depicted performance is in accordance with the real-world horse showing rules for that discipline. Is the tack appropriate for the discipline? Is all the tack allowed for that class? (boots/wraps are not allowed in hunter classes, but are okay in jumper classes) Is the background appropriate? (a dressage rail wouldn't be used to contain cattle in a team penning class) Are the props appropriate? Does the tack fit properly?
The general set up should also be considered. In any type of jumping class, the horse can only jump from a certain distance away. If the model is so close that its foreleg is touching the pole, then if it were real, the horse would never have a chance of clearing the jump!
In the same instance, look at the pose and gait of the model. Breyer's Gem Twist is cantering on the left lead, so he would not be suitable in a dressage test doing a circle which is supposed to be on the right lead. Look at the head carriage - Western pleasure horses are not supposed to have their poll above their withers. Check if the gait is appropriate for the class; you don't see a horse in a hand gallop in a dressage test!
--->Background and Props
Props are things such as dolls, fences, other animals, etc. A judge should never mark down an entry because of the lack of a doll in ridden classes. The only classes in which a doll or handler is essential is in handler or showmanship classes, in which the judge judges the doll, and the model is the prop.
Arena walls are essential in classes which are completed in an arena (such as English Arena Trail). Fences in paddocks are optional, but if they are used they should be both in scale to the model and not overpowering of the picture. Fences that are essential to the class (such as a dressage fence) should be discrete but visible. A lack of said fence may result in disqualification, depending on the class.
Recommended Reference Materials
"The New Encyclopedia of the Horse” by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
“Horse the Complete Guide” by Mary Gordon Watson
“The Ultimate Horse Book” by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
“The International Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies” by Jane Kidd
"The Horse Conformation Handbook" by Heather Smith Thomas
Nationally recognized breed organizations
Internationally recognized breed organizations
Oklahoma State University list of breeds- www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/