Prospective Irish Pony Society Judges come from a wide range of experiences, from steward and/or judging at local shows to already being experienced judges with other societies.

The judge’s assessment process is intended to be non-discriminatory, fair and consistent to all candidates.  However, circumstances may sometimes mean that an assessment day runs in a slightly different way from the description below.

Assessment Date 2027 TBC

How to become an Irish Pony Society Panel Judge

The following is intended as a general guide to prospective panel judges and is by no means meant to be definitive or exhaustive.

Applicants for Judges Assessment must have attained their 24th birthday on 1st January of current year and be a current Member of the Society prior to applying for assessment.

The IPS expects candidates to have relevant experience before applying for assessment, i.e. a good knowledge of conformation, soundness, type and way of going. To be familiar with all the Society’s Rules, to have Riding Experience and an involvement with ponies/horses and to be capable of judging classes of different standards and numbers.

Experience

Prior to assessment it is important to have relevant experience that equips you to competently judge a class. There is no specification on how much experience you should have, however, in general it is a care of the more, the better. It is advisable for prospective IPS Judges to steward in IPS classes to enhance experience and gain knowledge prior to assessment.

Past experiences may include

• Showing as an IPS member.
• Riding or experience in other equestrian disciplines.
• Breeding of equines.
• Relevant work/life experience.
• Equestrian qualifications/certification.
• Judging for another panel or Society.

Apply to be Assessed as an IPS Judge

The Irish Pony Society holds an assessment day for prospective judges annually.  Dates for the next Judges Assessment Day can be found under Judges News when available

JUDGES ASSESSMENT

FORMAT FOR JUDGES ASSESSMENT DAY

There will be 3 categories assessed on the day and candidates may be assessed for more than one panel if there are sufficient places.

Weather dependent, candidates will be expected to wear suitable judging attire.

1. Youngstock and Breeding
   2. Show Pony, Show Hunter Pony (Plaited ridden)
   3. Working Hunter Pony

Candidates will be requested to:

1. Complete a written questionnaire, including some multiple choice, for chosen category.
2. Complete a practical assessment in an independent simulation or showing class specific to category.
3. In the Working Hunter category, the relevant WH making system will be used. A sample WH marking sheet can be requested from the IPS office. A Course Inspection will be conducted along with independent judging of a working hunter class or simulated class situation.
4. Complete an interview with a panel of assessors. It is at this stage that the candidate will discuss conformation or any other relevant information they acquired during the practical stage.

When candidates are deemed by the assessors to have completed a successful assessment, they are then required to complete probationary judge appointments alongside a Senior Panel IPS Judge (the required number of probationary judge appointments will be based on the recommendations of the assessors). A written report of performance will be completed by the Senior Judge on the day and must be returned through the online system on the IPS website. .

APPOINTMENT

It is on completion of the assessment day and successful completion of the recommended probationary days that the candidate will be proposed before the IPS Council for appointment to the IPS Judges Panel.

It is recommended that the candidate applies for Garda Vetting immediately upon notification of a successful assessment and that the Gard Vetting is in place prior to the undertaking of any of the probationary judge appointments. 

ASSESSMENT TO THE MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND PANEL – Contact the Chairperson of Judges.

If anyone requires any further information on the above please do not hesitate to contact info@irishponysociety.ie