Learn From the Experts: Inside the Judge’s Mind

March 13st, 6-8pm
National Equestrian Center (NEC)

Register Here

In competition, the margin between first and fifth is rarely dramatic. It is typically the accumulation of small technical decisions — pace, accuracy, geometry, presentation — executed either correctly or imprecisely.

The Show Judge’s Panel: Masterclass on Mistakes is designed to eliminate guesswork. Competitors will gain direct insight from three accomplished judges representing:

• Hunter/Jumper
• Dressage (Classical, Western, and Gaited Western)
• Western Disciplines including Pleasure, Showmanship, Trail, Equitation, Ranch, Reining, and All-Around events

Meet the Judges

Barbara Wood

USEF Western Dressage Judge | Classical & Western Dressage Instructor

Barbara Wood brings cross-discipline depth that is uncommon in today’s competitive landscape. She:

• Has competed through Level 4 in Western Dressage
• Has competed through Level 3 in Gaited Western Dressage
• Has shown through Prix St. George in Classical Dressage
• Is a certified USEF Western Dressage Judge
• Hosts Fix-A-Test Clinics in Western and Gaited Western Dressage

Barbara’s experience competing at upper levels and evaluating tests from the judge’s box gives her a uniquely analytical perspective. She understands how minor deviations in geometry, rhythm, or connection translate directly to numbers on a score sheet.

Janis Collette

Hunter/Jumper Judge | Steward | MHJO Founding President

Janis Collette has been immersed in the Hunter/Jumper industry since 1992. She:

• Trained with respected horseman John Korenak
• Competed extensively as an amateur adult, including on the now-retired Right As Rain
• Co-founded the Missouri Hunter Jumper Organization (2002)
• Served as President for 10 years
• Has held a Steward’s license for 10 years
• Currently holds a small “r” Jumper Judge card

Her background combines competitive experience, governance, and regulatory oversight. Janis understands not only how a round is scored — but how rules, course design, and ring management influence outcomes.

Ashley LeeAnn Bauer-Slabaugh

Multi-Carded Western Judge | Educator | M.Ed. in Equestrian Education

Ashley Bauer brings more than two decades of involvement in the show industry and over a decade of judging experience. She holds judging cards with:

• ApHC
• PtHA
• IBHA
• ABRA
• POAC
• OHSA

She has judged and exhibited across halter, showmanship, western pleasure, horsemanship, trail, hunter under saddle, equitation, ranch riding, discipline rail, reining, and all-around events with both stock and pleasure-type horses.

In addition to judging, Ashley has over 15 years of instructional experience and holds:

• B.S. in Business Administration
• B.S. in Equine General Studies
• M.Ed. in Equestrian Education

Her academic background and ring experience position her to explain judging standards with clarity and structure — particularly how presentation, polish, and pattern execution impact final placings.

Small-Group Discipline Breakouts

Following the moderated panel discussion, attendees will divide into discipline-specific small groups. This format allows competitors to:

• Ask direct, technical questions
• Clarify scoring standards
• Discuss discipline-specific scenarios
• Gain practical adjustments to apply immediately

Why This Matters

Competition is a form of applied education. When competitors understand evaluation criteria, preparation becomes strategic rather than reactive.

The Masterclass on Mistakes is designed to provide clarity — not opinion. When riders align training with judging standards, performance improves.

When performance improves, horsemanship advances.

We invite competitors at every level to step behind the judge’s card and gain the perspective that separates participation from podium finishes.

Register Here