ORHA Show Season and Learning from Our Judges
Moving Through the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: The Spirit of Excellence at Y Not Farms
We are in the thick of show season and celebrating great engagement and camaraderie in the Ontario reining community! The latest reining show was hosted by the beautiful Y Not Farms and Equestrian Facility in Meaford Ontario. The Spirit of Excellence took place on Saturday July 11th and owners Ron and Gillian Lubinski ensured a great show atmosphere inviting riders to enjoy the beautiful grounds. Riders cruised around the largest reining pen in Ontario overlooking gorgeous views of the escarpment. (PAYOUTS INFO AND RON ADDITIONS)
What’s Coming Up Next?
August 14-16 Canadian Classic and ORIP Derby- Ancaster Fairgrounds- Ancaster, Ontario.
September 18-20 The Grand Finale and ORIP Futurity- Huron Reach Facility- Clinton, Ontario.
Looking Ahead to the Winner’s Circle!
As the show season moves ahead, riders are reminded to check out where they sit in the standings.
Year End Award Requirements:
• attended 50% of the ORHA shows in their category
• completed 2 hours of volunteering
• have an active ORHA membership
For the most up to date standings head to: https://orha.on.ca/results and contact shows@orha.on.ca if you have questions about qualifying. If you are not on the list due to missing volunteer hours, please contact ajanzen@orha.on.ca to sign up to help at the GRAND Finale!
Looking Ahead to the ORHA Grand Finale and ORIP Futurity:
Futurity season is right around the corner here in Ontario! The 2026 ORHA Grand Finale and ORIP Futurity is set to take place September 18–20 at the Huron Reach Facility in Clinton, Ontario. Riders and owners, be sure to get your entries in and make this the biggest year yet! There is still time to enter, head to the ORHA website to complete the online nomination forms. Click on the “Futurity and Derby” tab for entry forms and details.
ORHA Spotlight Feature: A Word from our Scribes!
What Does a Scribe Do?
At a reining show, the scribe works alongside the judge to record the scores and penalties for each horse and rider. As the pattern is performed, the judge calls out scores for individual maneuvers and notes any penalties. The scribe records this information on the score sheet, making sure everything is accurate and complete.
While the judge focuses on evaluating the performance, the scribe helps keep the scoring process organized and running smoothly. It’s an important volunteer role that requires focus, accuracy, and a good understanding of the basics of reining.
Spotlight on ORHA Scribe Volunteers
This issue we decided to express our gratitude to our scribe volunteers. These riders have generously offered their time and have gone above and beyond the required 2 hours of volunteering with the ORHA. Sarah Learn, Ann Pavlic and Sharon Hart were kind enough to answer some questions and offer their insight on the experience, so if you have been considering giving it a try, read on.
Sarah Learn (Pictured above)
I was asked a few years ago by the Fletchers. I took a few years off scribing but decided to return with the encouragement of my coach, Jason Richards. I also started scribing ranch riding to add to my experience. I have learned a lot to improve my own rides by listening and asking questions of the judges. It is a very valuable experience because you are seeing what the judge sees and getting their feedback. This has provided really helpful insight into the intricacies of what judges are looking for in each maneuver and the pattern overall. My most memorable experience as a scribe would be when I scribed for a Super Slide. The judge broke down the four parts of the slide-Approach, Stop, Finish, Degree of Difficulty- to make up a final score. I also really enjoyed scribing ranch riding. It is challenging because the pattern goes by fast!
I would say that a good scribe needs to be well organized and good at double checking tallies quickly. If you are interested in learning more about the specifics of how judges score maneuvers, you should consider giving it a try!
Ann Pavlic (pictured at left)
Having hosted several NRHA shows in the past I know how much work goes into making the show a success. Helping hands are essential. Scribing is my way of giving back. Hearing the judge’s reasoning for scores elevates your understanding and eventual execution of maneuvers in the pen. There really isn’t a better seat in the arena than next to the judge!
Sharon Hart (Picturted at Right)
When I first started scribing about 5 years ago, I wasn't 100% sure how it would go.
Since then, I have been lucky enough to go on and sit in the ring with the judge where you get a whole new perspective on what they are looking for. Pattern placement, spins stopping on mark and getting past cones for your stops to name a few!
Some judges will talk and share comments and others quietly judge and say the score after each maneuver. I prefer the judges that provide commentary because it is such a valuable learning experience. For example, I now make sure to use both sides of the ring equally as you see a lot of riders make smaller circles on one side over the other.
If you have been considering volunteering to be a scribe my advice is to approach show management and let them know. Next you need to shadow a scribe to make sure that it is for you. Personally, I enjoy doing this and you get the best seat in the house!
See you in the pen!
The ORHA is so thankful for our scribe volunteers! If you are interested in giving it a try, please check in with the show office or email: ajanzen@orha.on.ca to arrange a volunteer slot.
Source: Ontario Reining Horse Association