Was it the maneuver or a penalty?
Learn to separate a maneuver that simply earned less credit from a moment that carried a penalty — and why the distinction matters.
One day. A different perspective.
Understand what the judge sees.
From the Judge’s Perspective
Reining Judging Seminar & Riding Clinic
- With
- Ed “Hoot” BrickerNRHA Judge
- Date
- SaturdayDecember 12, 2026 · from 8:30 AM
- Venue
- Leeman Farm13820 Kimmens Rd SW, Massillon, OH 44647
You know how your run felt.
Learn how it is evaluated.
A full day spent on the other side of the pen — how maneuvers are assessed for quality, where penalties come from, how the rules apply, and what a judge is looking for from start to finish.
The experience
A day built around how a run is judged.
- 01
Maneuver quality
How credit is weighed across the maneuvers of a pattern.
- 02
Penalties
How penalties are recognized and applied, and how they differ from a weak maneuver.
- 03
The rules
The rulebook context behind what happens in the pen.
- 04
The judge’s view
What the run looks like from where the scores are written.
What makes a maneuver earn credit?
Look at the qualities a judge considers when a maneuver is done well, and what tends to take credit away.
What can you learn before your next run?
Leave with a clearer framework for watching runs, reading your own, and preparing with the judge’s perspective in mind.
These questions frame the day; the exact content is shaped by the instructor on the day.
The day
One full day, two halves.
Morning
Videos & judging rules
A video-based session explaining the rules and how runs are judged. Open to riders and auditors.
Afternoon
Practical riding session
A mounted session for a maximum of 12 riders. Auditors stay on to watch and learn without riding.
TimesStarts 8:30 AM · end time to be confirmed
LocationLeeman Farm
13820 Kimmens Rd SW, Massillon, OH 44647
Get directions
IncludedRefreshments and snacks (lunch not included)
Instructor
Ed “Hoot” Bricker
NRHA Judge
Learn to see a performance through the eyes of an NRHA judge.
An experienced judge and steward with the National Reining Horse Association, Ed “Hoot” Bricker brings technical knowledge and a record of service to reining. He serves on the NRHA Executive Committee and Judges Committee and previously chaired the Stewards Committee, where he led the online steward recertification initiative.
In this seminar, Hoot will draw on that experience to help participants understand judging criteria and develop a more informed eye for performances in the arena — from the morning’s video-based discussion to the afternoon’s practical mounted session.
Organized by Ludwig Equine. This is an independent educational event, not an NRHA-sanctioned event or certification.
Registration
Choose how you’ll join the day.
Early pricing through November 20, 2026. Regular pricing from November 21. Your seat is confirmed once payment is complete.
Rider
12 riding spots in totalFull learning day plus a place in the afternoon mounted session.
- Through Nov 20
- $150
- From Nov 21
- $175
- Morning video-based session on rules and judging
- Afternoon practical mounted session
- Refreshments and snacks included
Auditor
Limited auditor seatsThe full learning day, observing without riding.
- Through Nov 20
- $75
- From Nov 21
- $90
- Morning video-based session on rules and judging
- Watch the afternoon mounted session
- Refreshments and snacks included
All prices in USD. Pricing dates follow Eastern Time.
Traveling with your horse?
A stall at Leeman Farm.
Leeman Farm offers an optional horse stall for an additional $75 USD for the full stay: December 11, 1:00 PM – December 13, 11:00 AM (Eastern Time). 12 stalls in total, exclusively for Rider participants.
Add one stall when purchasing your Rider ticket, or register without one. Stalls are not sold separately.
Horse feeding is the owner's responsibility and expense. Feed is not included in the stall fee.
FAQ