Becoming an Official

Step 1- Complete a Judges Application 

The first step is to become a Recorded official is to complete a Judges Application and Judging Consent Form send in to the SHF office. A file will then be created.

Step 2- Current Heritage/Prairie Cup Handbook

Order a copy of the current Heritage/Prairie Cup Handbook from the SHF office, or download a free copy.

Rulebook

Step 3- Attend a Provincial Judges Workshop

This is usually a two day workshop which includes:

• Course conductor training through DVD and Video Tapes
• Requirements of each class; Such as how to place, and conduct of each class. 
• A take home exam. Using the designated rule books you will answer each question and return them to the SHF office.
• A minimum mark of 80 % is required to pass.

Step 4- Shadow Judging

The most important step of the recorded Judges training, is to Shadow Judge. Currently you must Judge at a minimum of 4 Shows: 3 General Performance, and 1 Hunter/Jumper Show (this requirement is under review). Shadowing must be completed under THREE different senior judges.

The more variety of classes that you have experience in Judging the better. In-hand breed classes (halter, conformation ) are non-performance classes, but need experience with. The Shadow Judging Record Form must be completed, signed by the Sr. Judge, and sent into the SHF office when you do your year end report. Please make copies and keep for your records at home.

Once these requirements are completed you may apply to the Officials Committee for advancement to Primary Status. The Primary Official is qualified to Provincial level Shows including Heritage Circuit Shows and Provincial Fairs.

To maintain your current Judges status, It is you responsibility to:

• Maintain an individual membership with the Saskatchewan Horse Federation
• Attend an Officials Workshop (Every 3 Years)
• Write the rule book exam, passing with an 80% mark (Every 3 Years)
• The Judges Committee may require a Primary official to complete additional shadow judging, or additional experience is recommended if there is a concern. 

Judges are responsible for sending in updating documents to the SHF, as well as copy of all your paper-work; from the application form through to the last completed exam.

It is currently recommend that you officiate for 5 years (under review) before applying for Provincial Senior Status. The Provincial Senor Judge is an experienced official eligible to judge at Heritage Circuit Shows, may be able to judge some Prairie Cup Series Shows, and may be called on to conduct provincial Judges Training Programs.

To remain a current Sr. Provincial Judge:

• Maintain an individual membership with the Saskatchewan Horse Federation
• Attend an Officials Workshop (Every 3 Years)
• Write the rule book exam, passing with an 80% mark (Every 3 Years)

Judges are responsible for sending in updating documents to the SHF, as well as copy of all your paper-work; from the application form through to the last completed exam. 

If you would like to advance your Judging education there are many opportunities for education. The Equestrian Canada Training system, National Reining Horse Association, and many Breed Associations conduct programs for training their officials.

At this time SHF does not have a grandfathering program for Officials. Applicants that have accreditations from other associations are urged to contact the SHF office for consideration of placement by the Official’s Committee.