Do Judges Look Unfavorably At Overweight Riders?

gailfinney · 07-30-2008, 01:54 PM

i have to admit it (even though i myself am very large) i sometimes at a horse show tend to pick the more fit and trim riders over the overweight ones...i was wondering if judges actually deduct points for the rider being overweight and maybe not looking as neat and attractive as the skinnier riders... i guess they pick the horse/rider team that is the most pleasing to the eye and best put together which is only natural..i understand the difference in pleasure classes and horsemanship classes where the rider is the only one being judged and thats only on his/her riding skills but i cant help but think that when i ride in the show on saturday my weight will be a deterent.
so my question is if 2 riders have equal riding abilities and skills would the judge be more likely to choose the more attractive or more fit rider? also my horse is no great beauty either but he's a good horse, would they be more inclined to choose the more attractive horse if all their skills are equal?

ChasnCans · 07-30-2008, 02:00 PM

That is a tricky one.

I've found most places that I've gone to to see this style of riding, most of the winners are the better horse/rider combo. And normally it is a fit rider. But I could be wayyy off.

I know that in barrel racing nobody really cares, but seems that the smaller riders win, hence it is easier on the horse's body and they can simply get going faster, just like in horse racing. But that is not showing now is it lol.

**gbarmranch** · 07-30-2008, 02:04 PM

I know in english classes, longer legs sometimes seem to get the attention over shorter ones.. could be the whole symmetry - aesthetic look works the same here too

I would hope that a well turned out horse and rider that performs together as a team would be what they look for.. but you never know

horseloverinVA · 07-30-2008, 02:05 PM

In my experience it depends on the show and the judge. I have to admit I'm a lil fluffy and have been since I was younger. I'm not that big so quit laughing

. I have seen the more fit rider place better some shows and some shows not. It also depends on how proportionate (sp) you are compared to your horse. I don't think being fluffy

has ever really hurt me much in the show ring, but I've never ridden a horse that was classified as too small for me either....if that makes sense to anyone but me....ohhh it's been a long day at work.

ToveroMom · 07-30-2008, 02:06 PM

Gail...you are not heavy anymore.

you will do fine.

gailfinney · 07-30-2008, 02:07 PM

well let me pose this question in another way? do any of you overweight riders feel you did a better job and were passed over in the ribbons because of your weight/appearance?

BarnBum · 07-30-2008, 02:07 PM

There is no exact answer to this. When going to a show, you are paying for an "opinion" . You are paying for a "judges opinion" when you show. There is nothing in any rule book about the "size" of the rider. Its the judges decision.

I have been both weights. I will be honest with you. Showing youth many years ago, APHA, I was 6' tall with a 32" waist. Small. I know I rode better back then than I do now, 50 lbs heavier. I know I don't sit as well, I know my horse doesn't move as well. Weight is an influence on your riding cabalities and how your horse moves. JMO.

ToveroMom · 07-30-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gailfinney

well let me pose this question in another way? do any of you overweight riders feel you did a better job and were passed over in the ribbons because of your weight/appearance?

seldom.
I WILL say it is harder for someone that is packing weight to ride as effortlessly as someone who is thinner and more fit.

I am neither at the moment-but I was in the past and it was MUCH easier. I know it has affected my performance to a degree.

horseloverinVA · 07-30-2008, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gailfinney

well let me pose this question in another way? do any of you overweight riders feel you did a better job and were passed over in the ribbons because of your weight/appearance?

I personally have not felt that way. I also have to add that even though I classify myself like you are talking about I always place exceptionally well in my equitation classes, and that is sup to be about the rider.

Rusty's Girl · 07-30-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gailfinney

so my question is if 2 riders have equal riding abilities and skills would the judge be more likely to choose the more attractive or more fit rider?

Unfortunately, the answer to this is probably yes. In an ideal world, we would be judged on ability and personal grooming, but in the real world with real people and their ideals, large riders probably don't place as well (all other things being equal of course). Now, if we're talking about how rider size affects riding ability, that's a totally different question. I'm fat too, and I know I look really top heavy on my horse, but I don't show, and as long as we don't ride by an mirrors, I fine.

gailfinney · 07-30-2008, 02:13 PM

t-mom even though i lost 100 lb that doesnt mean i'm not still overweight i actually am still about 40 lb overweight and cant seem to lose that last 40 lb ive been the same weight for 3 years now ..but im not complaining ill take the 100 lb loss and be happy, but whenever i look at a pic of me on one of my horses it looks like i tower over them and all is see is those huge thunder thighs (would chaps hide large thighs or make them appear larger)..heres a pic from last weekend on peppy and hes a stout horse and a hair over 15hh but i look like a giant on him

calicocalgirl · 07-30-2008, 02:14 PM

I am fat and I still place..

I know when I feel out of shape I dont feel as confident somedays and that alone effects how I ride.

**gbarmranch** · 07-30-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gailfinney

t-mom even though i lost 100 lb that doesnt mean i'm not still overweight i actually am still about 40 lb overweight and cant seem to lose that last 40 lb ive been the same weight for 3 years now ..but im not complaining ill take the 100 lb loss and be happy, but whenever i look at a pic of me on one of my horses it looks like i tower over them and all is see is those huge thunder thighs (would chaps hide large thighs or make them appear larger)..heres a pic from last weekend on peppy and hes a stout horse and a hair over 15hh but i look like a giant on him

That is not a heavy woman on that horse.. or one that is too tall - you look fine..

How can you go wrong with a horse named Peppy!!!

SueBee · 07-30-2008, 02:18 PM

One of the instructors at our barn is very slim (and very pretty), and boy, does she look good on a horse, and she makes the horse look good.

I think that this goes along with the riders who:

A) have the flashy horse
B) have the flashy tack
C) have the flashy, matching outfit

We were at a county fair show last year, and a girl was showing her horse and out riding most, if not all, of her competitors in the WP classes. But, while her horse was conformationally correct and handsome, he was a solid sorrel. Her tack was older, without a bunch of bling, and she was wearing a simple outfit that didn't match her horses tack.

The judges basically ignored her, awarding ribbons to riders of much less ability, but who had flashier horses and/or tack. (ETA- meaning that I interpereted it to be a bias towards appearance and not ability)

And I do think that there could be a bias towards riders who look more physically fit. The judges should be judging based on ability and not attractiveness.

WiggyBug · 07-30-2008, 02:20 PM

Gail, you look great on him! The proportions look very good. Perhaps you are seeing yourself through your old self's eyes (100 lbs heavier).

rubysrider · 07-30-2008, 02:21 PM

I don't know anything about showing, but Gail, you look fine on your horse. You do not look too big at all.
Congrats on the weight loss.

gailfinney · 07-30-2008, 02:23 PM

calico you are NOT fat..i always think you look so wonderful and stylish in all your show pictures and you and your horse make such a great looking pair!
and gbar thanks!

SueBee · 07-30-2008, 02:25 PM

You both look great, and by no means are either of you unattractive or heavy.

gailfinney · 07-30-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueBee

One of the instructors at our barn is very slim (and very pretty), and boy, does she look good on a horse, and she makes the horse look good.

I think that this goes along with the riders who:

A) have the flashy horse
B) have the flashy tack
C) have the flashy, matching outfit

We were at a county fair show last year, and a girl was showing her horse and out riding most, if not all, of her competitors in the WP classes. But, while her horse was conformationally correct and handsome, he was a solid sorrel. Her tack was older, without a bunch of bling, and she was wearing a simple outfit that didn't match her horses tack.

The judges basically ignored her, awarding ribbons to riders of much less ability, but who had flashier horses and/or tack. (ETA- meaning that I interpereted it to be a bias towards appearance and not ability)

And I do think that there could be a bias towards riders who look more physically fit. The judges should be judging based on ability and not attractiveness.

then i am soooo screwed cause i dont have fancy tack, i dont have a flashy horse and i dont have fancy matching clothes but im an excellent rider and Peppy is a pretty good horse...but showing is fun, win lose or draw and its all about the fun for me

**Diamond_Y** · 07-30-2008, 02:29 PM

Gail, I think you need to go back and look at the pictures you posted. You most definitely do not look too big! You look terrific.

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07-30-2008, 01:54 PM
gailfinney Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: virginia Posts: 313	Do Judges Look Unfavorably At Overweight Riders? i have to admit it (even though i myself am very large) i sometimes at a horse show tend to pick the more fit and trim riders over the overweight ones...i was wondering if judges actually deduct points for the rider being overweight and maybe not looking as neat and attractive as the skinnier riders... i guess they pick the horse/rider team that is the most pleasing to the eye and best put together which is only natural..i understand the difference in pleasure classes and horsemanship classes where the rider is the only one being judged and thats only on his/her riding skills but i cant help but think that when i ride in the show on saturday my weight will be a deterent. so my question is if 2 riders have equal riding abilities and skills would the judge be more likely to choose the more attractive or more fit rider? also my horse is no great beauty either but he's a good horse, would they be more inclined to choose the more attractive horse if all their skills are equal?

07-30-2008, 02:00 PM
ChasnCans Coming two Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KS Posts: 1,561	That is a tricky one. I've found most places that I've gone to to see this style of riding, most of the winners are the better horse/rider combo. And normally it is a fit rider. But I could be wayyy off. I know that in barrel racing nobody really cares, but seems that the smaller riders win, hence it is easier on the horse's body and they can simply get going faster, just like in horse racing. But that is not showing now is it lol. __________________ In memory of baby Mayln Marie Loyd. I love and miss you! (Aug 13th-Oct 29th)While he may knock over a barrel he will never break my heart

07-30-2008, 02:04 PM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,239	I know in english classes, longer legs sometimes seem to get the attention over shorter ones.. could be the whole symmetry - aesthetic look works the same here too I would hope that a well turned out horse and rider that performs together as a team would be what they look for.. but you never know __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown

07-30-2008, 02:05 PM
horseloverinVA Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Central, Virginia Posts: 2,175	In my experience it depends on the show and the judge. I have to admit I'm a lil fluffy and have been since I was younger. I'm not that big so quit laughing. I have seen the more fit rider place better some shows and some shows not. It also depends on how proportionate (sp) you are compared to your horse. I don't think being fluffy has ever really hurt me much in the show ring, but I've never ridden a horse that was classified as too small for me either....if that makes sense to anyone but me....ohhh it's been a long day at work. __________________ A horse can lend its rider the speed and strength he or she lacks, but the rider who is wise remembers it is no more than a loan. Pam Brown

07-30-2008, 02:06 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,300	Gail...you are not heavy anymore. you will do fine. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

07-30-2008, 02:07 PM
gailfinney Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: virginia Posts: 313	well let me pose this question in another way? do any of you overweight riders feel you did a better job and were passed over in the ribbons because of your weight/appearance?

07-30-2008, 02:07 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,611	There is no exact answer to this. When going to a show, you are paying for an "opinion" . You are paying for a "judges opinion" when you show. There is nothing in any rule book about the "size" of the rider. Its the judges decision. I have been both weights. I will be honest with you. Showing youth many years ago, APHA, I was 6' tall with a 32" waist. Small. I know I rode better back then than I do now, 50 lbs heavier. I know I don't sit as well, I know my horse doesn't move as well. Weight is an influence on your riding cabalities and how your horse moves. JMO. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !! Last edited by BarnBum : 07-30-2008 at 02:11 PM.

07-30-2008, 02:13 PM
gailfinney Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: virginia Posts: 313	t-mom even though i lost 100 lb that doesnt mean i'm not still overweight i actually am still about 40 lb overweight and cant seem to lose that last 40 lb ive been the same weight for 3 years now ..but im not complaining ill take the 100 lb loss and be happy, but whenever i look at a pic of me on one of my horses it looks like i tower over them and all is see is those huge thunder thighs (would chaps hide large thighs or make them appear larger)..heres a pic from last weekend on peppy and hes a stout horse and a hair over 15hh but i look like a giant on him Last edited by gailfinney : 07-30-2008 at 02:17 PM.

07-30-2008, 02:14 PM
calicocalgirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Belleville, Pa Posts: 3,055	I am fat and I still place.. I know when I feel out of shape I dont feel as confident somedays and that alone effects how I ride.

07-30-2008, 02:18 PM
SueBee Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW suburbs of Chicago Posts: 419	One of the instructors at our barn is very slim (and very pretty), and boy, does she look good on a horse, and she makes the horse look good. I think that this goes along with the riders who: A) have the flashy horse B) have the flashy tack C) have the flashy, matching outfit We were at a county fair show last year, and a girl was showing her horse and out riding most, if not all, of her competitors in the WP classes. But, while her horse was conformationally correct and handsome, he was a solid sorrel. Her tack was older, without a bunch of bling, and she was wearing a simple outfit that didn't match her horses tack. The judges basically ignored her, awarding ribbons to riders of much less ability, but who had flashier horses and/or tack. (ETA- meaning that I interpereted it to be a bias towards appearance and not ability) And I do think that there could be a bias towards riders who look more physically fit. The judges should be judging based on ability and not attractiveness. Last edited by SueBee : 07-30-2008 at 02:21 PM.

07-30-2008, 02:20 PM
WiggyBug Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 77	Gail, you look great on him! The proportions look very good. Perhaps you are seeing yourself through your old self's eyes (100 lbs heavier).

07-30-2008, 02:21 PM
rubysrider Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: N.W.Arkansas Posts: 740	I don't know anything about showing, but Gail, you look fine on your horse. You do not look too big at all. Congrats on the weight loss. __________________ Life is simpler when you plow around the stumps.

07-30-2008, 02:23 PM
gailfinney Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: virginia Posts: 313	calico you are NOT fat..i always think you look so wonderful and stylish in all your show pictures and you and your horse make such a great looking pair! and gbar thanks!

07-30-2008, 02:25 PM
SueBee Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW suburbs of Chicago Posts: 419	You both look great, and by no means are either of you unattractive or heavy.

07-30-2008, 02:29 PM
Diamond_Y Administrator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,659	Gail, I think you need to go back and look at the pictures you posted. You most definitely do not look too big! You look terrific. __________________ Diamond Y Quarter Horses - Breeders of Quality Foundation Quarter Horses Home of King of Cooke County, 2004 Perlino son of Cooke County ETC