Judy These are unsanctioned, family-oriented schooling shows. Last year a large club in Virginia, the Nokesville Horse Society, decided to do a gaited show in addition to their English and Western shows. The organizers offered us four classes for Icelandics. We had about eight people ride in four shows. I rode as did my daughter and granddaughter. We all had a good time and learned a lot about what we needed to work on in a low-key atmosphere. The judges were Tennessee Walker experts. Most had never seen Icelandics but did a nice job.
This year, the USIHC education committee has been working to get Americans qualified as judges for Icelandic competitions. A number of people attended seminars and passed a written test. They then did some mock judging at shows working with qualified judges. Those that passed became intern judges. To go to the next level, they have to judge some schooling shows. I thought it would be a good idea to see if any were interested in judging our schooling shows in Virginia. Four of them did. The show organizers offered us the first two hours of the gaited show. I have scheduled six classes. We expect to have a number of young riders. The judges should get good practice. I hope this answers your question. If you would like more information about the USIHC intern judge program, I would be happy to put you in touch with Bernie Willis, who is leading the effort. Rich
