I would agree that from what you say, the Judge was not qualified for the Western Classes. She is talking thru her hat about chains, romel reins and split reins.
I am not a romel rein user, want a different feel for my horses, but have been educated in the “etiquette” of proper using them, bitting horses showing with such reins and the chains too. Old style stuff. Kind of like styles for each of the English disicplines, where Proper varies, though it is “all English”. The Experienced watcher can see if you mixed styles on your show horse, what is wrong or right about it. If your right hand wanders, go for the Romel style to hold the hand still.
I personally would not add rein chains because first, they weigh more on his mouth. Chains can get to swinging while riding along, makes his rein signals “muddy” by the time it gets to his mouth. I want a straight connection from hand to bit, giving him clear signals. Lift my hand a touch, head comes in, he shortens so he is ready for the next request from leg to move out. He is not heavy on my hand, can feel me touching the reins if he moves his head. Of course this is the more finished horses, not a young one in progress still. But that is the goal you work towards.
Not mentioned is his Western bit being used. I kind of expect to see a nice curb or spade looking bit on a horse with Romel reins, it is part of a package towards being a Bridle horse when finished. Various types of curbs work differently on horses build in different body styles, so there are numerous bits that go with Romel reins well. I would not like seeing a plain stainless curb, narrow shanks, just not the “look” of a Bridle horse. Might gig you a couple points, but certainly not a DQ for it.
I guess I would send a not to the Club that puts on the shows, the certifying group that licensed this Judge and point out the problems. I would include some photos of our horse and you, dressed to show, so they can see what Judge saw. Perhaps they will not hire her again, or make her retake the test to be licensed for Western Judging. I would not let it slide, people are hiring Judges now for the season.
And personally, I would CONTINUE going to that show for all the reasons you gave. Consider it “training time” in getting your boy more settled, easier with travel and in groups. What would a Clinic or Lesson with an expert cost you? You have to put in time ANYWAY with a learning horse, this place is close, sounds fairly inexpensive for classes, so you benefit a lot by going. I spent MUCH money and time going to small shows while horses were learning, never expected ribbons, though we did get a few then. But HORSE improved by leaps and bounds, all was a great travelers, got much more dependable on all their classes with this kind of exposure. The mare was rock solid for my kids later, did everything well when they asked it right.
You have had a learning experience. Life is not fair, you keep going. Horse sounds like a champ with no ribbons that day! GOOD BOY, he gets his apple anyway. Some Judges like you and horse, some will NEVER like you, even if you buy them lunch! Ha Ha That is the game, take it or leave it. As your horse gets closer to being finished, then you can spend the big entry money and expect to get winning rides. Better judges too! He looks like a cutie in the photo.