What Judges Notice: Achieving Success in the Show Pen
In the show world, small details can make all the difference between a successful ride and a missed opportunity. We interviewed five judges to gain insights on what they look for in the show pen, how riders can improve their performance, and what really sets the winners apart. Here's everything you need to know about what judges notice and how to excel in the ring.
Meet the Judges
Before diving into the insights, let’s take a moment to introduce our judges:
✨Holly Hover
AQHA, NSBA, + NRHA Judge | 2017 AQHA professional horse woman of the year
Holly Hover has had a distinguished career in the Quarter Horse industry, starting at age 9 and showing through her youth years into college, before training in Utah and founding her own business in Arizona. With over three decades of experience, she is a highly respected AQHA, NRHA, and NSBA judge, having judged world shows, the AQHA Congress, and international events. As a trainer, Holly has guided clients to top victories at major events like the AQHA World Show and the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Named AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year in 2017, she has also served as an AQHA director and volunteered on various AQHA committees. Holly currently trains all-around horses in Cave Creek, AZ.
✨Alex DeWitt
4-H and POAC Judge
Alex DeWitt began judging in high school through FFA and 4-H hippology, where she developed a passion for the sport. During her sophomore year at the University of Findlay, she was a member of the reining judging team. At Ohio State, she competed on the judging team and placed at the AQHA Congress. She later became a judging team coach in Texas, where her team achieved numerous championships, including AQHA World Champions, APHA World Champions, APHJA World Champions, and Reserve AQHA Congress Champions. Now holding both Ohio 4-H and POAC judging cards, Alex aspires to judge at the AQHA World Show and AQHA Congress. She judges an average of 30-40 shows annually.
✨Riley Yuhas
Trainer & Judge with over 20 Years of Experience
Riley Yuhas has been deeply involved in the equine industry her entire life, coming from a family of equine professionals. She was an avid showman throughout her youth and later continued her education at the University of Findlay, where she earned a degree in Equine Studies with a Western Emphasis. Inspired by her father, an accredited career judge for multiple associations, Riley developed a passion for judging. Today, she is actively involved with several associations, including AQHA, OMIQHA, NOQHA, EOQHA, OQHA, NRHA, NSBA, APHA, and OHSA, and plans to acquire more judging cards. Riley and her husband run Yuhas Show Horses in Bucyrus, Ohio, where they specialize in western and English all-around horses, ranch riding, and reining.
✨Matt Claypool
Trainer & Judge with over 23 Years of Experience
Matt Claypool grew up showing all-around and working for reining and halter trainers. He has been training for 23 years and judging for the past 8-10 years.
✨Kip Riley
Judge & Showman with Over 50 Years of Experience
Kip Riley has been involved in the horse industry for over 50 years, growing up in Seville, Ohio. He began in 4-H and open show circuits as a youth before competing in AQHA as a young amateur. Throughout his successful show career, Kip earned multiple World, NSBA, and Congress championships, along with several AQHA year-end titles. In 2022, he was named the reserve all-around AQHA amateur in the country. In 2024, Kip transitioned to judging, scribing, and managing major shows, including the NSBA World Show, Quarter Horse Congress, Arizona Sun Circuit, and more. He is dedicated to giving back to the community, working with 4-H, youth, and open show circuits.
What Makes a Good Performance in the Show Pen?
Holly Hover
"First and foremost it has to be correct no matter what you’re showing. Whether it's a pleasure horse, you have to engage in the correctness of those gaits. In the pattern classes, correctness in your maneuvers and transitions. The first thing learned is to stay out of the penalty box. Maneuver scoring comes from confidence, degree of difficulty, and your finesse. So it's a combo of things. But first and foremost you need to be on pattern, have pattern correctness and then enhance your maneuvers with whatever degree of difficulty you can bring to that pattern."
Alex DeWitt
"When judging, I look for consistency, partnership, ability to think logistically and critically in addition to talent of the horse. It depends a lot on the class and level of the show, but overall I am looking for how that horse and rider work together. Does the horse respond to that rider's cues consistently? Does the rider set the horse up for success or give it a disservice in terms of not thinking through a pattern or on the rail. I also look at the talent of the horse in some classes. Some just don't have "it" especially with today's breeding. In a pleasure class, that horse has to have the correct movement in addition to stamina of a class, especially if the class is larger. This goes for any type of rail class. For pattern classes, can the horse and rider physically complete the class? Oftentimes, people wonder why their champion western pleasure horse isn't doing as well in trail, but in reality, their legs cannot get over the logs as fluid."
Riley Yuhas
"Everyone definitely has their own style and things they are drawn to in a horse and rider combination that naturally comes into play, which is why people love to see multiple judges, but the main thing for me that’s going to put you at the top of my card, is how efficient you are at exhibiting your horse. How correct you can display the horse, and who stands out to me the most because of this, in a pen full of horses. Who makes me keep looking?"
Matt Claypool
Matt Claypool emphasizes that for pattern classes, the key factors are a neat and tidy appearance, a pleasant expression, and confidence at the cone. He recommends attire that is fitted and neat—like a tailored button-down shirt—and advises investing in high-quality hats and chaps, as they are a timeless, valuable choice. Matt views the 2-3 minutes in the show pen as a job interview, so presenting oneself professionally and confidently, with attention to detail, is crucial.
Kip Riley
"For me, it's when an exhibitor can grab my attention, make me sit on the edge of my chair and want to positively root for them. Keeping in mind that this all has to be done within a 3-5 minute time interval. Easier said than done! First impressions are the most important. As a judge, you have about 10-15 seconds to receive this first impression and your entire decision making stems from this initial interaction. There is such an importance in presentation, including the cleanliness and turnout of both the horse and rider, in making a positive impression. Preparation is imperative and always displays itself. Confidence comes with proper preparation. The top exhibitors always present these characteristics and have mastered their nerves so that they do not distract from their presentation. Top exhibitors also know the rules of their discipline."
How Important Is Rider's Attire and Presentation in the Show Pen?
Holly Hover
"As a judge I try to be a bit more lenient, but as a trainer it's extremely important to me. I want the outfit to enhance the rider, their body type, the color is important to me, and the fit is important to me. As far as styles go: we have gone from simple to more exotic and more bling, and now things have dialed a bit back down to more simple with a little flair. But more than anything, is the fit of your clothing. Your hat shape. How everything fits. Chaps, shirt, tack, saddle, saddle pads, everything needs to be clean and neat. It doesn't have to be the most expensive outfit or tack in the show ring, but it does have to be of a certain quality to keep you in the money."
Alex DeWitt
"Presentation is very important! But, not in the way many people think. I am more conservative in terms of fit. Wear to your body. I am a bigger person, so I know I am always more conscious of my show clothes and wanting them to be fitted, but also not tight. Smooth lines are always eye appealing no matter who it is and what size they are. I am loving the suits with the little details lately, but I am always a sucker for a great blinged out jacket or shirt that fits cleanly. I am also HUGE on clean and WELL shaped hats that fit to a person's face. There are so many people out there that do a great job at shaping- it's hard to not get it done anymore. A hat is a big investment, so a $10-$20 shape every few months is important. I also look for little details such as clean boots, earrings that match, and tight, well-kept hair. Even if you can't afford a $1,000 outfit, the little details will help you stand out. As a youth, I showed at large shows in a Goodwill suit for showmanship that my mom tailored for me and small earrings I found at a tack swap. The F&E score will reflect the overall picture of your attire and pattern. Don't be afraid to ask your judges for tips on how to improve this score. I go off it for tie breakers a lot."
Riley Yuhas
"To me, this is of high importance. Growing up I was always taught that the way you dress and display yourself to your judges, shows respect. Therefore, you should always be as professional as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to go and buy the most expensive outfit and spend the most money, but you should highly care about your presentation in the pen. Dress like the champion before you ever know the results!"
Matt Claypool
Matt Claypool emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, particularly ensuring everything is neat and tidy. He stresses that polished boots and a clean, well-shaped hat set an exhibitor apart, as first impressions are key. Matt also highlights the importance of keeping the horse tidy and clean. A properly groomed horse is essential—ensuring the horse is clean, with a shiny coat, clean hooves, and a polished appearance. Proper grooming not only enhances the horse’s presentation but also reflects the exhibitor's professionalism and attention to detail, setting them apart in the show pen.
Kip Riley
"A rider's attire and presentation contribute 100% to the overall performance evaluation. This doesn’t mean attire or tack has to be expensive, but it does mean that it must have an impeccable fit. Neat and tidy is key from the shape of your hat to the shine on your boots and the presentation of your horse and tack. Quality never goes out of style."
What Are the Most Common Mistakes Riders Make in the Show Pen?
Holly Hover
"Schooling in the arena. I see a lot of people enter the show arena pumping on their horses' faces, adjusting their reins with two hands, etc. I think it goes without being said, you are being judged as soon as you enter the arena. I see it more in the rail classes. Until the last horse enters the ring everyone thinks it's a free for all in front of the judges and it’s not. I see a little bit of it happening in the pattern classes. Once you come through that gate or up to the cone, you are being judged and being held by the rules of that class. Another thing I see is a lack of confidence, and it's hard to teach but easy to recognize. You just need to give yourself a little self-talk, look into sports psychology, believing in yourself and what you have, know what you're good at, and what you can lay down. That confidence will exude to the judge. It is quite remarkable when you stand in the center of the ring, you can see just by their attitude who has that confidence. As an instructor, I try to build my clients up, and have them execute everything we would see at a horse show, no matter what discipline. It is no different than taking your driving test, or a test in school. If you study or practice enough, you will have the answer. It really does show to a judge. There is, however, a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Overconfidence or a poor attitude can be just as noticeable."
Alex DeWitt
"Common mistakes include not being ready at the cone, not knowing the pattern, and not giving your horse and yourself grace. A big pet peeve of mine is not being ready at the cone. Anyone that has shown under me knows that I will close the gate if no one is ready at the cone. I find it disrespectful not only of my time, but others at the show. No one wants to be getting home at 10 pm on a Sunday night. Nowadays, patterns are posted two weeks ahead of time before shows. Practice them and know them before going to the show and if you have questions on them, don't be afraid to ask. I'd rather you ask than go out there and get anxiety over not knowing it. Finally, give grace! We all have off days. It's okay. I know it and I've been there myself with many horses. Come in the next class and make it a better experience for you and your horse. I've seen so many horses get mentally blown up over their riders fussing with them and making shows unbearable."
Riley Yuhas
"I see more mistakes from nerves than anything else. Whether it’s being in the show pen, riding in front of people, or the fear of failure, nerves always play a part. Get out there and show and ride as much as you can! Get confidence with the horse you’re teaming up with and don’t give your nerves a reason to show up. A clear mind is also the cleanest ride."
Matt Claypool
Matt Claypool advises riders to focus on their own preparation and not be distracted by others in the practice pen. He stresses the importance of doing your homework and not trying to "win" the practice pen by copying others. Novices often make the mistake of changing their riding or training style at a show after seeing someone else’s success, which can throw them off. Matt encourages riders to focus on what they and their horse need, show what they brought, and not worry about anyone else. He emphasizes the importance of preparing at home and staying focused during the competition.
Kip Riley
"Do's and Don'ts go hand in hand. Do continue showing no matter the penalty/don’t give up. While schooling is sometimes inevitable, it’s frustrating as a judge when exhibitors give up or don’t continue showing when mistakes are made. Whether it is a pattern class or rail class, exhibitors should carry on. You never know, your mistakes just might be the least in the class and you may still have a favorable outcome when compared to the mistakes of others."
What Are Some Things you Wished More Riders Knew or Practices They Could Adopt to Enhance Their Performance?
Holly Hover
“There is often a lack of understanding about what judges are specifically trained on and the standards by which we are expected to judge. As a result, we face a lot of criticism. While some may perceive it as political, the reality is that we are held to a strict set of guidelines, which are clearly outlined in the rulebook. If I were someone possibly without a trainer, I would take the time to thoroughly study the rulebook and explore AQHA's Horse IQ platform to gain a deeper understanding of what judges are instructed to look for. This knowledge can significantly improve your performance and help you present exactly what we're looking for."
Alex DeWitt
“Thank the show staff, "save" your horse, and praise your horse. These aren't the typical "do's," but they are ones that make you a better horseman. Show staff work long, hard hours and often go without a thank you. They often get yelled at and I hate seeing that. I am also a big advocate of "saving" your horse. This means to not ride your horse you haven't rode in three weeks in 20 classes in a weekend, or riding a horse that has hoof problems in back to back classes either. It's okay to focus on your better class and give it your all than to show in as many as possible. It's better for your horse and for yourself in the long run. Lastly, praise your horse. They feed off your energy and your thoughts so by staying positive and praising your horse after a class or a good warm up, they feel that. They'll want to perform more for you, and both of you will have a better show for it."
Riley Yuhas
"I would love to see every rider care about how they present themselves, and horses, in the show pen. I love watching someone show their absolute heart out even when the show may not be a huge event! I love seeing someone show like they are jogging in at the World Show even on the weekends! So my advice would be, always show as hard as you possibly can no matter where you may be!"
Matt Claypool
"If we have a pattern released ahead of time, we school the pattern at home. We school just parts/elements of the pattern at the show. Do not run the pattern too much, as it can cause the horse to anticipate, which will cause a disconnect between you and your horse. Also, in the show pen, there is never the perfect run. If you have a bobble, do not give up, keep going. If you continue to keep showing, your score may be high enough to still put you in the placings."
What is Something you Want to See in the Show Pen That May Not Always Be Visible But Makes a Difference On How a Rider Performs?
Holly Hover
"It’s important to me that there is a genuine connection between rider and horse. Instead of simply hopping on your horse five minutes before your class, while the trainer warms up your horse for you, judges can tell who truly has a bond with their horse. You can distinguish between those who know their horse and those who are just riding “a vehicle” that isn’t truly their teammate. Whether it’s in the reining, cow horse events, trail, or pleasure, the connection is clear. You can see the trust between the rider and their horse, and that mutual trust plays a significant role in their performance. That bond, knowing your horse, both in and out of the show pen, is something special and it really shows up in the ring. As a coach, especially with my top-level riders, I never get on their horses at the shows. They do everything themselves. I help with decisions and patterns, but they do the preparation. While we ride our training horses at home, the best and most successful riders at shows are the ones who take charge of their horse's preparation; saddling, washing, warming up, the whole deal."
Alex DeWitt
"Something I really want to see is the planning out of their ride. This is huge in pattern classes. For example- in trail, know your horse's stride. Where should you hit the poles to set your horse up for success? In horsemanship, where is your line? Is it straight? Is your circle a circle or a squircle (That's an old Clark Bradley term)? In reining, I will always drop someone's score if they don't hit the center for their circles. In showmanship, know how to count your steps to match your hip spot to line up with the judge. It's the very little things in mentally preparing your pattern logistically for you and your horse. I show my gelding completely different from my mare in patterns because he has a shorter stride and more knee action. So I will go over poles in a very different place than my mare in terms of trail. In rail classes, if you have a bigger stride horse, know that you're going to be passing more people, but don't let speed give you anxiety. Show your horse off to the best of its ability (Just don't come in closer than the quarter line!)"
Riley Yuhas
"Ring etiquette, a rider that is capable of, and talented enough, to maneuver around the show pen like they’re playing a game of chess, constantly setting themselves up for success with each move."
Matt Claypool
"Appearance and confidence. Come into the ring with confidence and that can get you that bigger score. You don’t have to be grinning ear to ear but a pleasant appearance gives it an overall better look. Show that you love what you are doing and are here to have fun."
Kip Riley
"Confidence that comes with proper preparation. Also, you must be able to conquer your nerves. There are so many tools at our disposal from a sports psychology viewpoint that most anyone can use to help with nerves while showing."
How Important is Preparation For The Show Pen? What Do You Think is The Best Way Physically, Mentally, and Stylistically - Before They Enter The Pen?
Holly Hover
"Practice at home and time in the saddle. I think riding different horses and disciplines all makes you a quicker thinking rider and a rider with more feel. My advice would be to ride as many horses as you can. Good horses, bad horses, tall horses, short horses. Each horse grows you as a rider and gain that feel. A lot of it is also the journey, the journey that makes the big win, it makes it special, after all those hours in the saddle. I see it with people, there is just an element of pride, and you can't pay for that, you have to earn it."
Alex DeWitt
"Preparation is very important! Repetition is a great way to prepare for a show. Review the pattern multiple times, do different parts of the patterns with your horse a few times a week. Mentally get yourself into a setting where you can think on the fly and change your ride as needed. Sometimes in a class you might need to change your course to help you and your horse. I am a big believer in music therapy. Have your pump up playlist for the morning of the show! Listen to it getting ready and warming up. It'll put you and your horse in a positive mindset. Have everything ready the night before you show. Know where your stuff is. Put your things in places you know where you'll find them. When we are at shows, we have our tack room organized by tack item and by horse so we know exactly where to find items for that specific horse. We put things in the same place in the tack stall each time so we know exactly where to find things when we're all rushing around. When you're done with things or have free time at the show, put things away where you know you'll find them later. If you're rushing from your stalls or trailer at a show, your anxiety of getting to your class will not set you up very well for your class."
Riley Yuhas
"Preparation is key! Not only will feeling prepared take away a lot of the nerves that come with showing, but when you’re prepared, you have a level of confidence that makes it hard for you to make a mistake. With preparation your mind is sure and it allows for clear communication to your body and horse on what needs to be done! Practice, practice, practice, and don’t ever give up even when it’s not perfect."
Matt Claypool
"Each person as an exhibitor has different ways to prepare themselves and their horses. Everyone is different. One thing I do with my clients is the "10 minute rule". When we are in the practice pen and they have 10 before they go in, it's just them, their horse and their trainer. No family, no friends. It helps keep them in that moment with no distractions. Also, our horses are athletes, so we make sure our horses are fit. We also need prepare ourselves. Stretching, warming up, and muscle strengthening out of the saddle can help make you a better rider in the saddle."
Kip Riley
"Obviously I believe that preparation is crucial as I have mentioned it in nearly all of the above items. It all starts with preparation. A well prepared horse and rider team will always rise to the top. There is no substitute for hard work. Do your homework, study videos of yourself and those who are successful. Spend time watching top exhibitors and how they prepare. Watch them not only in the warm up pen, but watch them in the show pen as well. Top exhibitors have a plan and that plan always includes a plan B when things don’t always go as planned."
How Have You Seen Judging Standards or Styles Evolve Over The Years? Do You Feel Like The Way People Approach Showing Has Changed Over The Years?
Holly Hover
"We have become more specialized. In my era the all around horses was a big deal and was kind of the jack of all trades, master of none. Now with all the affiliates that have split off from our breed associations, we have specialized horses, judges and judging standards. It used to be more often you would see a horse do more. For example: Todd Bergen, a famous cow horse trainer, He made finals at the youth worlds on the same horse in the cow horse, pleasure, horsemanship and western riding. He was a world champion in two of those events, you would never see that now. But that horse and that train of thought made one of the greatest western trainers, Todd Bergen, a 5 million dollar rider. It is a very specialized industry, not better, not worse, just different."
Alex DeWitt
"Score sheets! I still remember when showmanship was subjective and didn't have score sheets. Score sheets have given a more equal opportunity for every exhibitor. Penalties have become standards of patterns and rail classes have become more "for the horse".
Riley Yuhas
"I think as our industry changes with the times, our judging, and styles move along with it. Judging committees in recent years have really been pushing for true movement, and natural way of going, which I think is appropriate with how our breed has also evolved to fit each discipline so smoothly. When judges place horses off of true and correct, trainers and riders also start styling them to match that too. Our industry has a huge trickle effect!"
Matt Claypool
"Yes, it has evolved. With the pattern classes, The new scoring system helps break down each maneuver and makes it is more exhibitor friendly. Exhibitors can follow what their score is and understand where they can improve."
Kip Riley
"Changes in the show pen I believe that horses have become so much better over the years. They are specialist athletes bred to do incredible things. I think we are doing better at finding jobs for horses that are most suitable to their conformation, disposition and talent. Horse welfare is at a paramount and is such a welcome change. We are doing better at policing ourselves and how our horses are treated, however we still have some help needed areas. In my opinion horses are bred better and more technically trained than they have ever been. This makes a judge’s job even more difficult yet rewarding at the same time."
Have You Noticed Any Recent Trends In The Show Pen In Terms of Attire, Tack or Riding Style. Are There Any Trends You Really Love or Think Are Gaining Traction?
Holly Hover
"As far as trends in the working events it is pretty traditional, we have seen ranch and reining get a little more of the cowboy look. As far as the all around it seems to me that a lot of sparkle and flash have been toned down a bit. I am seeing more solid colors and I like that, it is not so distracting to me. We are seeing more color than just black on black with an accent color. Which is always safe but if you imagine there are 50 horsemanship horses in a class and all 50 of them are in black. If you're good, I wouldn't be afraid to make a statement and stand out with a bit of color. And it seems to me we are coming around to that, at the youth world show last year, I would say about 50% of them were carrying color as opposed to solid black, with just accents of color. What is important to me as a horse trainer: saddle pads are the premier. We love our saddle pads. It is important that it matches the event we are showing in. For example the ranch classes are more earthy tones. I have seen some loud iridescent coloring or sparkle in some of the show pads and it is just a bit too much for me personally, but if you can pull it off go for it. I won't hold it against you, just a personal preference. Your colors need to fit your personality and the event."
Alex DeWitt
"I love ranch! A lot of people are switching over to ranch because they're realizing it's better for their horses. I enjoy seeing the natural movement of the horse, but with that being said, I don't like seeing horses that couldn't make it in the western pleasure or reining move into ranch and go those slower speeds with their noses still in the dirt. It's that fine line of natural and over bridling. I am also seeing bright colors come back in the performance classes. I love seeing people's personalities come out in their outfits! From a judging side, score sheets!! Not only are more associations going to a more unified score sheet and penalty style judging for pattern classes, but people are learning how to read score sheets and asking questions about them. With the usage of score sheets more, I'm seeing a lot less upset parents and exhibitors because they are seeing penalties and scores in writing."
Riley Yuhas
"I have noticed the suits for showmanship and halter making a comeback, opposed to excessive bling. The patterned show blankets are a huge hit right now, and I hope that one sticks around. I think it’s a great way to match your horse and clothing. History repeats itself, so I think these fashion trends will keep circling back around!"
Kip Riley
"There are always going to be attire and tack trends in the industry. As long as they are not distracting or performance inhibiting, I am fine with them. While trends can be fun, nothing substitutes for traditional clean and well fitting. One trend I am not a fan of is in the open show area where clubs are allowing short sleeves and tank tops. This is very distracting to the overall presentation, and to me says you just don’t care enough."
If You Had One Piece of Advice To Give To Competitors Looking To Really Make A Positive Impact in The Show Pen What Would it Be?
Holly Hover
"Understand your horse, analyze and understand your weakness and strengths. You need to exhibit those strengths, and cover up your weaknesses the best you can until you can make them a strength. If your horse has a credit earning extended trot you need to show that to us, milk that score out of us, and the really great riders do that. They have distinct familiar knowledge of their strength and weakness and their horses strengths and weaknesses."
Alex DeWitt
"Don't be afraid to make friends when showing. All but one or two of my closest friends are through horses. We support each other in and out of the show pen. We show up for each other and we cheer each other on no matter what. At any horse event, my friends always joke that I will know everyone there. And I'm okay with that because I know that I can spread that positivity of the horse industry to others with that camaraderie. One of my best friends now as an adult, we didn't like each other as youth exhibitors. We showed against each other and we were always 1st/2nd with each other in classes. We ended up becoming judges around the same time and our friendship flourished because we both got out of that mindset of not wanting to be friends."
Riley Yuhas
"Be the hardest worker. Work harder than anyone else. You are not going to be the most talented rider every time you step in the pen, but you can ALWAYS be the hardest worker. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard."
Matt Claypool
"Do your homework, make sure your attire for that day is neat, clean, tidy, and fits well. Know what your strengths and weaknesses are, what you need to improve on and show off those strengths. Show what you brought. Do not get intimidated by who is at the show or in your class. We all have good days and bad days. Do not focus too much on a bobble you may have where it prohibits you from continuing to show that class. Keep going. Focus on the positives."
Kip Riley
"First impressions are everything. It’s not a matter of just doing your best, it's the culmination of being thoroughly prepared."
Conclusion
What we learned from these judges is clear: excelling in the show pen goes beyond just skill. Preparation, consistency, confidence, and professional presentation are all critical aspects of success. By focusing on both horse and rider, paying attention to details, and practicing under pressure, you can set yourself up for success in the show pen.