submitted by Lynne Levy

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Every year the Wisconsin State Horse Council holds a seminar for open and 4-H judges. On March 13, the topic was “Saddleseat Pleasure and Equitation” and “Gaited Horses.”

Being a progressive thinking organization, the WSHC sought out the best possible clinician. They brought Nicole Carswell all the way from Moorehead, Ky., to do the honors.

On a cold and windy day, the seminar got started. This particular weekend they were presented with two Saddlebreds, one Morgan, one reserve world champion Missouri Fox Trotter, one world champion double registered Rocky/Kentucky Mountain Horse and two Supreme Versatility Champion Tennessee Walking Horses.

As the day went on the weather got worse with snow and sleet being the order of the day. Despite this, 100 open and 4-H judges remained in their seats to learn about these unusual creatures. Carswell spent the day putting both horses and riders in the places, both individually and as a class. Her knowledge was constantly being challenged as she attempted to do justice to the standards of all these similar yet different breeds.

The 100 judges left with a greater appreciation for and knowledge of the gaited breeds as well as the realization that there is much more out there than the AQHA. In fact, Ideal’s Carbon Gray (TWH) and Diamonds Are Forever (RMH/KMH) both stood by after the seminar was over to allow any interested judges the opportunity to experience the pleasure of a gaited horse. A good number took them up on that offer.

This was the most positively received seminar the WSHC has held. Of the 100 seminar evaluation forms issued, there were no negative comments; something that has never happened in the 20 years of the WSHC’s seminars.