Do you love horses or have any equestrian experience? Have you ever considered becoming and equestrian judge?
Every horse competition needs judging officals. There is usually more than one judge for the event or even for the class. Judging can be anything from smaller 4-H competitions to getting licensed as an official United Stated Equestrian Federation (USEF) or Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) judge.
What Does Judging Entail?
Judges are paid anywhere from approximately 40 dollars per day (for small shows) upwards of over 500 dollars per day. Judges or “officials” can have their transportation, accommodations, and meals paid for, depending size and level of the competition and what credentials the official has.[social_warfare buttons=”Pinterest,Facebook,Twitter,Total”]
Horse judging can be an excellent source of extra income. Officials do need to set aside the majority of a day or however long the event is and there is not much wiggle room for schedule flexibility. However, most officials are compensated well for their time and services which make this an excellent side hustle.
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In order to become a recorded judge, you may have to spend time as a “learner judge” which the USEF recently changed to the term “apprentice.” It only makes sense that an apprentice will sit along side a judge so they can observe and learn before acquiring their certification.
There are several different levels of certification according to the USEF.
“r” is licensed to judge through Second level
“R” can judge through Fourth Level
“S” is “senior” and can judge through Grand Prix
The FEI also has judges that range from level 2 to 5 – 5 being the highest and allowing officials to judge international competitions.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Judge?
USEF licensed judges have to complete both classroom and hands-on training, as well as written testing. Schooling shows, or small breed shows often do not require credentials for judges.
All breeds and disciplines need judges. The USEF has an excellent website on the requirement needed to become a judge for the breed and discipline you desire.
For example, to be an “R” judge for the Arabian breed, an official must have met certain requirements. These include:
Being up to date on all clinic and exam requirements
Must have officiated in 2 USEF licensed competitions for a total of 5 days judging
The USEF website has pages of downloads available so you can see what the requirements are for “r” and “R” for each breed. To become an equestrian judge, you start with the “r” status and work your way up to “R”.
Are you ready to make some extra income? Horse judges have no shortage of competitions to consider. The USEF website has many different breeds and disciplines to choose from ranging from Saddlebreds, Arabians, Andalusians, Carriage Pleasure Driving, AQHA, eventing, FEI competitions and many others.
Start small by judging local 4-H competitions or schooling shows to gain experience. Judging clinics and schools are offered, and some of these may be required for the next step. It may be beneficial to take a class or clinic to boost your credibility and begin building a solid foundation for a side hustle that can make extra income for years to come.