Be aware that the judge is watching from the moment you step into the ring, even before the class has actually been called to order.
So that would be the time to show off your horse’s best gait, whatever that may be.
You don’t have to keep it up forever and tire out your horse if they are waiting for stragglers to show up to complete the class.
But you will notice that smart exhibitors make one or two good passes in front of the judge at their best gait before the class even starts.
And yes, absolutely adjust your number to the outside, especially when it is requested.
When people can’t be bothered to do that, I figure they just don’t really want to get a ribbon.
And if you want to be a little extra smart, when you line up at the end of the class, try to be in the middle of the line up. And if you’re on the ends far away from the judge, maybe stand at a little bit of an angle, so the judge can still see your number clearly as they double check their results.
And even though the subject has not been raised, I will take the opportunity to point out a pet peeve of pretty much every judge, which is when the hair bows on little kids cover their numbers.
No bows, small bows, big bows, I don’t care. Just make sure the number is clearly visible at all times.
Don’t make the judge try to guess the kid’s number!
Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Lol.