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Together with his wife Marjorie, who judged at the SFAS final for several years, conformation judge Richard Ramsay — a qualified British Horse Society Instructor (BHSI) — has been breeding, producing and training show horses and ponies for over 30 years, winning at the highest level with a wide variety of animals. As judges, both Richard and Marjorie are as much in demand overseas as they are in the UK.
Richard, who has been involved with the SEIB series for “at least 15 years”, is a former eventer, competing to three-star level before deciding to concentrate on showing.
“First and foremost, the horse or pony must be correct in its conformation and fit the criteria for type,” he says. “Many that come forward simply aren’t potential show horses. Many of the riders are new to showing, so we would forgive greenness and lack of ringcraft, because those who qualify really go to town to improve themselves, as can be seen at HOYS.
“Many of the horses are not used to going in company and get rather competitive, but the keen owners will take them away and do their homework to correct this. We won’t forgive downright bad manners though.
“If we see a horse that has potential but goes badly on the day, we tell the rider to get help and try again, as that horse could turn out to be a future star. The 2017 champion [Lynsey Lawrence’s Mister Fezziwig] was a case in point as this was their second year of trying to qualify.
“In all cases we want a straight-moving, well put-together horse or pony that fits the category of the class. We have often told competitors they are in the wrong class — for example they may think they have a riding horse but it’s actually a lightweight hunter, or vice versa — and it’s great when they then reappear and qualify.”
David and Chris Bartram-Lawton, who have officiated at the qualifiers for 16 years, also bring a wide range of experience with them.
David was a three-day eventer too, competing at Badminton and Burghley as well as representing Great Britain at Breda and Boekelo. He was a highly successful producer, trainer and showman, in addition to hunting for more than 30 seasons. He is a panel judge for a number of societies and has officiated at HOYS and Royal International on several occasions.
“It has been an absolute joy to see the progression of the horses and riders within the series over the years,” says David. “The standard has grown higher and higher, and competitors have realised that with hard work, HOYS is within their grasp.
“As a ride judge, I’m looking for a light, uphill, mannerly and balanced ride that is accepting of the bit and leg — sadly, we see a lot of SFAS horses that are over-bitted. It’s also very important for competitors to get different people to sit on their horses beforehand as it prepares them to carry a ride judge.
“All too often, people tend to over-ride and do not keep their horse between hand and leg and in rhythm — hence the pace is too fast. A green horse in the show ring can be forgiven but an unmannerly horse should not be — if they cannot behave, they need more education and schooling.”
David’s partner Chris produced and rode show and competition horses and is a popular judge both in the UK and abroad.
“On the go-round, competitors must ensure that they take notice of their fellow riders and, more importantly, the ring stewards who are there to inform and keep everyone safe in the ring,” he advises. “Standing a horse up for conformation is something that a lot of competitors struggle with too. You need to walk out with purpose, stand the horse up well without pushing and pulling, and pretend you are trying to sell it to the judge.”
The series, brainchild of SEIB Insurance Brokers, has launched many animals and their riders on glittering paths.
“The concept now is the same as it was when we started the competition more than 20 years ago, but the standard has improved ahead of all hopes,” says SEIB marketing director Nicolina. “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see a raw amateur learn, progress and move on to succeed at top open level.”
