09/04/2026
At every major horse show, there’s one discussion that always circles back around: the judging. Is it consistent? Is it fair? Is it too subjective? According to acclaimed trainer Don Stewart, some of the frustration around hunter judging may not stem from the judges themselves, but from a lack of structure in how performances are scored and presented.
“I don’t think judging is always the problem,” Stewart explained. “I think the problem is we don’t have enough clarity around what we’re asking the judges to prioritize. There’s no consistency in the criteria from class to class.”
Hunter classes have long been rooted in tradition, with an emphasis on elegance, rideability, and overall impression. But as the sport has evolved with increasingly technical courses, highly produced rounds, and a variety of class formats, riders and spectators are often left wondering what exactly is being rewarded.
“Sometimes it’s a beauty contest. Sometimes it’s a jumping contest. Sometimes it’s a who-rides-the-best contest,” Stewart said. “And that’s fine, but we should say that up front.”
Without clear criteria, riders don’t always know how to improve. Owners may question results. And the audience, especially new fans of the sport, can feel lost.
“We can’t expect people to understand judging if we don’t explain what we’re judging for,” he added.
Stewart doesn’t suggest a total overhaul, but he is in favor of more transparency.
“Let’s tell people what the judges are looking for in each class,” he said. “Not just in the prize list. Make it visible. Make it part of the sport’s culture.”
He’s also a proponent of judge education, not just continuing education for officials, but opportunities for trainers, riders, and spectators to understand the judge’s perspective.
“I think more people would respect the judging if they had a chance to learn how hard it is to do,” he noted.
📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/09/08/why-hunter-judging-needs-to-be-more-transparent/
📸 © Heather N. Photography
