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Local equestrian event brings in judge from Ocala

Posted on February 28, 2023

Patricia Smith
ECB Publishing, Inc.

It was not just a  regular Saturday at First Flight Farm. It was show day! The wind cut through low temperatures at 8:30 a.m., and the riders were bundled in layers until it was their turn to run the course in front of the judge in hopes of winning a first-place ribbon.
Riders (Hunters) are judged on how they run and jump through the course. They are given the opportunity to walk the course in the direction instructed before mounting and being judged. They are also observed and judged for sitting positions, posture and certain mannerisms, as they enter the competition arena area. The horse is also judged on its overall performance and mannerisms. How is its jumping style? Did the horse have a good round symmetrical with a smooth jump? Were the horse’s knees folded in the correct jumping position? All these things reflect on the percentage scoring decided by the judge. The February competition was judged Karen DuPrato from Ocala, Fla.
The obedience of a horse is of the upmost importance, but just like humans, horses have days when they are moody or choose to be mischievous. If the horse strays off course against the riders’ instructed movements and direction, it is an obvious sign of disobedience.
Not everything always goes according to plan when young riders hit the course on competition day to gain more experience and discipline. Unfortunately, a few of the event riders took falls and were disqualified from the competition. It is normal to take a tumble off a horse occasionally, and both the riders walked out of the arena feeling bruised, but without serious injury. Falling off the horse during a judged competition is unfortunate and is cause for instant elimination.
First Flight Farm owner Dacia Johnson and her daughter Riley are already planning for the next horse show that will bring equestrian riders to Monticello from surrounding counties and other states. First Flight Farm appreciates all the continuous local support shown by the Monticello community.

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