In a ride-off test with the top four riders, three do not complete the tests. For example, one doesn’t halt, another doesn’t trot the trot jump, and the other doesn’t hand gallop a jump. The rider called back into the ride-off in 4th place completes all of the required tests. How would you place these riders?

All four riders come back into the ride-off with a clean slate. The rider brought back in 4th place easily moves to the top as the clear-cut winner in this case as the only one to complete all of the tests.

A rider comes into the ring, picks up the canter intentionally going the wrong way, then canters across the diagonal demonstrating a lead change before heading to the first jump. How do you judge that?

This is too showy and ill-advised. I will score it as an incorrect lead to start your course. If you are doing it to catch my attention, then you have … but not favourably!

Do you have a symbol for a disastrous jump?

It is simply an “X,” which says it all. It is definitely a symbol you don’t want to see on my card, and hopefully there are sufficient good trips to put it out of the ribbons!

Can you describe brilliant hunter form that stands out from all the rest?

High, scopey, round, even and high knees, and alert with a great expression is what constitutes a brilliant jump for me. This is duly noted on my card with a “+” sign, putting it ahead of just an average jump.

How do you feel about a higher jump option in a derby class where a horse attempts it and has it down? Should the entry still get the bonus points for the attempt?

No, the bonus points for the higher option should only be awarded when the horse successfully clears the height. The rail down will also be reflected in the base score as a major fault.

As the judge, what do you expect from the course designer?

• Being provided with a copy of the courses with class numbers, distances and the jumps numbered properly on the course sheet

• A proper and clear view of all of the jumps from the judge’s booth

• Tests written onto the course chart when required, and the number of tests included in the course

• All of the jumps set going the right way, and two-way jumps built with fill/groundlines on both sides

• Correct distances and jump heights for the class

• Inviting, filled-in jumps

• Courses designed to be demanding enough for the level of competition

• Handy courses not made to be too demanding for green horses or riders