FOSH NAC 2011 Park Plsr

"I'm a Rich Jazzman," TWH Stallion with Anita Howe up.
FOSH Judges refused to tie after consulting together. Considered "Too Extreme" in conformation to be a FOSH winner.

Surprised to learn that now FOSH considers conformation variances that do NOT result in unsoundness to be grounds for disqualifying a rail horse. Judges say (after conferencing together) that this horse is too extreme to be rewarded in the ring. Remember, this is NOT a halter or model class, but a rail class that should be based upon movement under saddle, not conformational differences.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• FOSH
• NAC
• I'm
• rich
• jazzman
• TWH
• stallion
• with
• Anita
• Howe
• up

[raprhowe]

A TWH class at a FOSH championship. All 3 horses are TWH, 2 of them novice horses. The chestnut is being trained to maximize his gait for the show ring, though he too is in his first season of show. This video has grabbed attention because the 3 judges converse together & agree that the only horse executing the best example of the TWH gaits should be "denied" any ribbon because he is too extreme in his hocks. No ribbon because of what they consider a conformation fault. No rules broken.

[raprhowe]

Generally the show was successful and the judging fair. I rode several other horses that all won ribbons; two of which even won championships.

FOSH does a lot of good for the sound gaited horse and I would not want to handicap any progresses being made for the horse’s benefit. A strong organization will review problems to find solutions. A weak one will seek to pass blame and avoid problems. I have faith that FOSH will come out the other side of this stronger and better in the long run.

[raprhowe]

I want to let everyone know that in spite of the controversy at the North American last weekend I still support FOSH and the sound horse. I believe there are things to repair within the judging program but as with any good group of folks, I know they can find a way to make things better & I have definite ideas about, but at this time no one is interested in my opinions.

This NAC was, by and large, successful. While I saw a few minor issues like any multi-day show this was the only DQ.

[raprhowe]

I still support the sound horse and the philosophy of FOSH and feel their voice is still needed in support of the sound horse.

[raprhowe]

PLEASE people, this is not about the other horses. This is about a lack of judgement when it comes to understanding conformation and movement of the Tennessee Walking Horse. It is also about interpretation of the original FOSH statement of purpose and the meaning of one sentence into the entire notion that conformation must be considered and weighed when tieing a rail/performance pleasure class.

[raprhowe]

One of these ladies is a good friend and I publicly apologize for any distress this is causing her. The other young girl hopefully is not aware of what people are saying about her 26 yr old gelding that has been her best riding buddy for many of her growing years. This was her first show and based on the backlash of public criticism it will likely be her only show.

[widowmaker309]

Anita - I'm putting on a big NWHA show in southern WI/northern IL this year. I would be honored for you guys to bring your horses - and I know they will do well. Where can I send you information at?

[Smokinjo58]

I'm shocked with the behavior of these judges! Why would you dismiss the only hores doing a true TWH gait? The other horses were doing everything besides, one a uneven rack(?) looked as if it had a hitch in his getty up? The other was a Paso Fino's gait. Anita, your horse was doing as perfect a flat walk & run walk with an excellent increase of speed at the run walk. Since your horse was checked at DQP, was compliant with HPA, they had no business dismissing you from the class!

[flatwalkman]

GET THE NAMES OF THOSE JUDGES AND DON'T EVEN ALLOW THEM ON SHOW GROUNDS. ANITA'S HORSE WAS WALKING UP A STORM AND THE 3 STOOGES COULDN'T EVEN SEE THAT!!

[twhmama12]

Anita, am I mistaken, or are those other horses doing a saddle rack? I don't see a flat or running walk on either of them. Your horse has beautiful gait and fluid movement, and was clearly the deserving winner.

[PoJoRanch]

I'm confused. Someone directed me to watch this video. One horse is clearly a Tennessee Walker, one is painted like a TW but I'm not at all sure what gait he/she was doing, the third horse looked moved like a Paso Fino doing a corto.  Is this a mixed breed class? I'm also not sure who won. Can someone please explain what I'm watching and why someone may have sent me here? Polly Aulton

[iraisehorses100]

The riders receiving ribbons in this class are not to be criticized. They did not judge the class, the JUDGE did. Two things are obvious to me. #1 The judge tied horses that were racking and excused the horse that was walking. #2 The performance of the WALKING horse was impeccable!! The FOSH people involved in this particular instance must still be of the belief that there is some trickery involved whenever a really good TWH does what it is bred to do and trained to do NATURALLY!