Although the Event was over several weeks ago, Barbara has asked me to share my thoughts and observations with her readership. It is really an awesome responsibly to judge a major show like the Event, where so many people's breeding decisions can hinge on your decisions. I was fortunate to have been on a panel where the other judge's also took their responsibility seriously.

When I was actively breeding, I utilized straight Egyptians in my breeding program, which makes it a special honor for me to be invited to judge the Egyptian Event. I was the first person to breed to Nabiel when he was just a 2 year old, AND showed numerous Nabiel get in both halter and performance, as well as at the Event several times in the 80's. Other pedigrees I utilized in my program were *Ramses Fayek, Kamal Ibn Morafic and * El Mourek. It is always amazing to me to see that I often select a winning horse that will have some of the same breeding, with no idea of what their pedigree is before I judge them.

This year the show arena at the Event was transformed into a magical spot, with beautiful draping and great new organization of the presentation and commercial exhibit areas. What a treat for exhibitors and spectators.

I loved the new musical format, but the speakers need to be placed some where other than where they were. When entering the arena, horses were trotting, heads turned, bodies in almost a U shape, and looking much less than attractive, when they should have been walking in. They were obviously scared to death, and for an organization that is so strict about treating their horses with honor and dignity, it sent the wrong message.

The center presentation area was a wonderful idea and must have made the horses look fabulous, but the spot lights, coupled with the high temperatures and humidity, made it extremely warm and uncomfortable for the judges and handlers.

It was wonderful to see the number of horses up, and I was impressed with the quality. I felt the most dramatic difference was the overall enhanced quality of the motion of many of the horses. It appeared obviously something that has been given more consideration in breeding decisions. My choice for Jr. Champion colt was a particularly excellent moving youngster, with lots of charm and charisma.

There was some discussion here in the forum about ZT Sharuby, and I would like to add my comments. She is a breath-takingly lovely mare that exudes Arabian type. In the initial class she was presented in, I was not the call judge, and my scores were reflective of what I saw. Great marks for head and neck, and type, but lessor marks for the balance of the criteria.

When she came back in the Most Class Head Class, My heart was pounding almost out of my chest when I realized I had to excuse her for being balded. She is so white with beautiful black skin, but had been obviously incorrectly prepared for the class. So many things run through one's mind, but I knew I had to excuse her, and was ready for the consequences. I watched her at last year's Event and saw her become last year's champion with exceptionally high scores, but rules are rules.

I feel when I accepting a judging position that my salary is being paid by every exhibitor present at a show and the rules must be followed. I knew she was from Argentina, a country I have long studied and admired and I guess I will never receive an invitation to judge there now, but so it goes. I will just have to rent Evita again!

My phone has been busy with the why's and how could I's? The easiest call to respond to was from a major trainer who questioned how I could leave last year's champion out of my championship placings.

At the time of the championship I felt, like the other judges, she was a legal entry, and judged her with the same consideration given to all entries. When I step center ring to pick my show champions, I am selecting the horse that if I were given the opportunity to have just one of those individuals to breed.....which one would it be?

She simply was not the best overall quality mare in the ring. There is much more needed for a good broodmare than an exotic head, and type. Her neck is not set on correctly, and the balance of her conformation is not up to the standard of excellence I would demand for my ideal broodmare band. She is exotic, and lovely to look at, but not (added this word) the champion on my card in that class.

The judge's workshop, which I organized for the second time was poorly attended. (I made this two sentences) The Pyramid Society and I have decided that we need to rethink that as an annual event. Although this year (I broke the sentence in two and added this) we had lots of new material and it was a very good educational experience. I think 3eash (?) workshop has taken on a life of it's own, depending on who was there both as attendees and also as panelists. When I do something like that I can structure it with enough material, but loosely enough, that we can bend it around to take care if everyone's interests. Those attending seemed genuinely pleased and indicated they had learned a great deal.