Was it the maneuver or a penalty?
Learn to separate a maneuver that simply earned less credit from a moment that carried a penalty — and why the distinction matters.
One day. A different perspective.
Understand what the judge sees.
From the Judge’s Perspective
Reining Judging Seminar & Riding Clinic
- With
- Ed “Hoot” BrickerNRHA Judge
- Date
- SaturdayDecember 12, 2026 · from 8:30 AM
- Venue
- Leeman Farm13820 Kimmens Rd SW, Massillon, OH 44647
You know how your run felt.
Learn how it is evaluated.
A full day spent on the other side of the pen — how maneuvers are assessed for quality, where penalties come from, how the rules apply, and what a judge is looking for from start to finish.
The experience
A day built around how a run is judged.
- 01
Maneuver quality
How credit is weighed across the maneuvers of a pattern.
- 02
Penalties
How penalties are recognized and applied, and how they differ from a weak maneuver.
- 03
The rules
The rulebook context behind what happens in the pen.
- 04
The judge’s view
What the run looks like from where the scores are written.
What makes a maneuver earn credit?
Look at the qualities a judge considers when a maneuver is done well, and what tends to take credit away.
What can you learn before your next run?
Leave with a clearer framework for watching runs, reading your own, and preparing with the judge’s perspective in mind.
These questions frame the day; the exact content is shaped by the instructor on the day.
The day
One full day, two halves.
Morning
Videos & judging rules
A video-based session explaining the rules and how runs are judged. Open to riders and auditors.
Afternoon
Practical riding session
A mounted session for a maximum of 12 riders. Auditors stay on to watch and learn without riding.
TimesStarts 8:30 AM · end time to be confirmed
LocationLeeman Farm
13820 Kimmens Rd SW, Massillon, OH 44647
Get directions
IncludedRefreshments and snacks (lunch not included)
Instructor
Ed “Hoot” Bricker
NRHA Judge
Hoot leads the day from the judge’s chair — walking through the rules and judging in the morning, and bringing that perspective to the arena in the afternoon mounted session.
Organized by Ludwig Equine. This is an independent educational event, not an NRHA-sanctioned event or certification.
Registration
Choose how you’ll join the day.
Early pricing through November 20, 2026. Regular pricing from November 21. Online registration is not open yet.
Rider
12 riding spots in totalFull learning day plus a place in the afternoon mounted session.
- Through Nov 20
- $150
- From Nov 21
- $175
- Morning video-based session on rules and judging
- Afternoon practical mounted session
- Refreshments and snacks included
Auditor
Limited auditor seatsThe full learning day, observing without riding.
- Through Nov 20
- $75
- From Nov 21
- $90
- Morning video-based session on rules and judging
- Watch the afternoon mounted session
- Refreshments and snacks included
All prices in USD. Pricing dates follow Eastern Time.
FAQ