[QUOTE=BigEqRls;7240525]
Question–how much do they judge the canter? Because they only seem to canter for about 2 seconds/half a lap? [/QUOTE]
The trot is certainly the emphasized gait. The canter needs to be on the correct lead. For some judges that is good enough. Other will look for and reward straightness, a decent, consistent speed, being mannerly in the bridle, and an appearance of being easy to ride at the canter (especially in a pleasure class, ladies’ class or junior exhibitor class).
And I noticed at the Worlds Championship as well that they don’t really change gaits when told? They keep trotting long after they call for the walk, and don’t necessarily start cantering when asked? And some take several laps at the trot before lining up? Is that not considered breaking the gait?
No. A Saddlebred class is not a command class. You do not have to execute the call immediately when you hear it. Ringmanship is a huge factor in showing a Saddlebred. So you choose when and where to do your transitions to best show your horse. However trotting for a very long time once the line up is called has a name (“showboating”) and you will notice some judges purposefully look down at the card once they have called for the line up. They’ve seen what they want to see, they don’t want any showboating.
