Landssamband hestamannafélaga

Guidelines for Gæðingakeppni judges Gæðinga competition

The goal of the Gæðinga competition is to find the best horse, the horse Icelanders call a “Gæðingur.” That is a quality horses that is a joy to ride and a pleasure to watch. The judges should keep the following in mind when searching for this horse.

The most important factor when judging a “Gæðingakeppni” is the willingness/spirit of the horse, including its character. The willingness and character should bring out the best of the horse’s other qualities, but not interrupt them. Most emphasis is placed on the spirit; it should not be too sensitive and should allow the horse to show everything freely and with pleasure. 

The beat of the gait is important when judging. Keep in mind however that the beat alone does not create the ideal riding horse. The beat, even though it is clear, may be stiff and not in a fluent rhythm, which means that, it does not give the rider the ultimate pleasure. The horse should also be soft and supple. The judge should always evaluate style, beat and coordination in the movement as to how well it shows in all the gaits during riding.

Example: Lift (Leg action) and energy that creates suppleness drive and flexibility gives higher marks. On the other hand if the judge thinks the horse carries itself too high, the movements are uncoordinated and the horse is stiff and mechanical, than means a lower mark.

Big reach and energetic drive counts for a lot, especially if it is accompanied with high leg action. The movement of the front legs should be coordinated with the movement of the hind legs and the judges should watch that and deduct or raise their marks depending on what they see. Exaggerated leg action that lessens the drive and speed should lower the mark.

An elegant and proud manner with suspension and flexible, proud, movements is the trademark of a good horse and those should increase the horse’s marks dramatically. In an old regulation on riding horses it says: ”The movements of the riding horse should be light, flexible, high, suspended, clear, in good form and free.”

This description is still valid and everything that takes away from the horse’s flexibility and free flow, such as exaggerated leg action (lift) that is not in coordination with other movements of the horse, should be denounced. The Gæðinga judging should be based on these basic points.