So I’ve been asked to judge a little fun show at my barn this weekend - just riders in the barn, unrated, super low key with fun Halloween themed classes at the end. I’m new and don’t know anyone all that well yet, so it made sense to have me judge as I’m relatively impartial.
I’m not a judge, and while I’ve been riding hunters for 16 years I have no illusions of playing one on TV either 
My trainer has asked me to come up with what I think is fair for her to pay me (actually to take off my bill - no sense in passing cash back and forth) and I have absolutely no clue.
Going with an hourly rate, what would you ask? $10? $12? More? Less? Minimum wage here is $7.25/hr and while I’m more than happy just to be included, I don’t want to short change myself either. Not expecting the show to last all day but who knows!
Any input would be great!
In my part of the world, the going day rate for 4-H shows is in the range of $200-250. Those days tend to be quite long with a lot of pre-show prep required. For an in barn fun show, I think the day rate would probably be less than that.
When I was actively judging, for small shows or judging contests, I sometimes offered a rate along the lines of $75 for 4 hours or less, $100 for 4-6 hours, $150 if more than six hours.
This is super helpful! Like I said I have no clue where to start. Even the trainer isn’t sure how long the day will be but I don’t have to do any prep. Thanks!
I used to do a small (tiny) youth show for a friend for $125. Usually my day was 10am to 2/3ish. No real prep. Sometimes maybe I set the cones for showmanship and directed the setting of crossrails around the edge of the ring.
If its your own barn, why are you charging? I do schooling shows for my barn and I don’t charge. I consider it a favor to the trainer
Trainer asked me and insisted on payment. I asked if she needed volunteers, and she said she needed a judge and it would be paid. Hence this post, as I don’t want to “charge” too much!
Assuming it’s like a 8-2 type day I’d probably just ask to swap it for a lesson.
Thanks everyone! Ended up “charging” one lesson off my bill, as the day was only 9-4 and super simple. I really appreciate the input as these things can be uncomfortable and I had no clue where to start.
