Become a WPCSC Approved Judge
The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Canada is committed to developing knowledgeable, qualified judges who uphold the standards and integrity of the Welsh breed. The WPCSC Judges’ Training Program provides a structured pathway for experienced breeders, exhibitors, and equine judges to gain the education and practical experience necessary to officiate Welsh classes across Canada. Through learner judging opportunities, mentorship from senior judges, continuing education, and examination, the program helps ensure consistent, fair, and informed judging that benefits exhibitors, breeders, and the Welsh community as a whole.
Interested individuals are encouraged to review the program criteria below and submit an application to begin the process.
Judges’ Training Program Criteria
Any WPCSC current member who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older and has one or more of the following qualifications may enroll in the program. Any exceptions must be approved by the WPCSC Officials Committee.
- Holds a judges’ card for any equine breed.
- Has been breeding Welsh Ponies or Cobs for a minimum of five (5) years.
- Has shown Welsh Ponies or Cobs at a minimum of six (6) shows offering exclusive Welsh breed classes.
WPCSA Approved Judges, Senior Welsh Judges, and USEF Recorded or Registered Welsh Judges will automatically be granted a WPCSC Judges Card for both Halter and Performance, unless restrictions apply, and do not need to complete the Judges’ Training Program, provided their WPCSC membership is current and an application form is completed.
WPCS (UK) judges will automatically be granted a WPCSC Judges Card for Halter and Ridden Welsh Classic only.
Program Duration
The program must be completed within two (2) consecutive calendar years. Any delays must be approved by the WPCSC Officials Committee.
Resources for the Program
- Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Canada Show Rules
- Introduction to Welsh Ponies and Cobs by Dr. Wynne Davies, MBE
- Conformation of Welsh Ponies and Cobs, published by the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (Wales)
- Video of Welsh Ponies and Cobs available from the WPCSC office
- UK Video: Judging Welsh Ponies & Cobs – Sections A, B, C, D, Ridden and Leading Rein
The Program
1. Application
Candidates must include references from two (2) WPCSC members who are familiar with the applicant’s suitability to judge and who are not related to the candidate.
If the candidate has previous judging experience, a list of shows officiated at must also be provided.
2. Halter Judging
Candidates may apply for Halter Judging status only.
3. Learner Judging – Halter
Candidates must Learner Judge Welsh Halter classes at a minimum of two (2) approved shows offering exclusive Welsh Halter Breeding classes under a properly carded or approved Welsh judge from Wales/United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada.
Learner judging may be completed in Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom. Candidates should confirm with the show committee that the Senior Judge will accept a learner judge.
4. Learner Judging – Performance
Candidates wishing to judge Performance classes must Learner Judge Performance classes (e.g. Hunter, English Pleasure, Driving, Western Pleasure) at a minimum of two (2) shows under a properly carded or approved judge from Canada or the United States.
Performance and Welsh Halter classes may be judged at the same show to satisfy requirements.
Learner judging may only be completed in Canada or the United States.
5. Ridden Welsh Classic
Candidates seeking Ridden Welsh Classic judging status must:
- Learner Judge Ridden Welsh Classic classes (e.g. A/B and C/D) at a minimum of one (1) show under a properly carded or approved Ridden Welsh Classic judge from Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom.
- Attend a Ridden Welsh Classic clinic.
- View the Ridden Welsh Classic video provided by the WPCSC Judging Committee.
- Review the Ridden Welsh Classic class outline.
6. Section Requirements
Candidates must judge each of the four sections at least two (2) times.
All breeding sections must be judged at each show:
- Section A
- Section B
- Section C/D
Each show must have at least three (3) individual animals representing each section. If there are insufficient entries, additional shows must be added to meet the requirement.
7. Senior Judge Reports
After each show, the Senior Judge must complete and submit a report evaluating the candidate’s:
- Knowledge
- Ring presence
- Courtesy
- Other judging competencies
Reports are submitted directly to the WPCSC Officials Committee.
Note: The candidate is responsible for providing the report forms to the Senior Judge with all names, dates, and classes completed in advance. Forms are available from the WPCSC office. The Senior Judge must be available to discuss the judging experience with the learner at a mutually convenient time or at the end of the show day.
8. Candidate Reports
After each show, the candidate must submit a report outlining:
- What they learned from the experience
- Any questions they may have
- Comments on the show and the animals presented
Reports are to be forwarded to the WPCSC Officials Committee.
9. Written Examination
Candidates must complete an open-book examination after their application has been officially accepted.
The examination is based on information contained in the WPCSC Rule Book.
A minimum score of 85% is required to pass.
10. Maintaining a Judges Card
To maintain an active judges card, judges must:
- Officiate at a minimum of one (1) show every five (5) years.
- Attend one (1) clinic every five (5) years.
A judges card is only valid while the judge’s membership remains current and in good standing.
Administration of the Program
The program is administered by the WPCSC Executive Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors.
The Committee is responsible for:
- Preparing report forms
- Preparing the final examination
- Reviewing and evaluating reports
- Arranging examination marking
Grading
Candidates must:
- Achieve a minimum score of 85% on the written examination.
- Receive acceptable evaluations on at least 85% of the Judge Evaluation Reports.
Examinations will be marked by at least two (2) members of the WPCSC Executive Committee.
Membership Requirements for All WPCSC Judges
All WPCSC judges must be Annual or Life Members in good standing.
Membership renewal is due by February 1 each year.
Failure to renew by this date will result in the judges card becoming inactive.
If membership remains inactive for one (1) year, the judge’s name will be removed from the roster and reapplication will be required for reinstatement.
Continuing Education
WPCSC Judges are encouraged to attend Judges’ Clinics.
To maintain a WPCSC Judges Card, judges must:
- Attend an approved Welsh Judging Clinic and/or judge at least one (1) Welsh Pony Show every five (5) years.
- Complete a WPCSC written examination every five (5) years.
- Achieve a minimum score of 85% on the examination.
Costs
All costs associated with the program are the responsibility of the candidate.
Candidates are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the required books and videos.
The WPCSC Rule Book is available online.
Judges Evaluations
All WPCSC shows and WPCSC Regional Welsh Association/Society show committees are encouraged to complete a Judges Evaluation Form and submit it to the WPCSC Office following the show.
The evaluation form assesses performance in both breed and performance classes.
Any WPCSC carded judge who consistently receives poor evaluations from exhibitors and/or show committees may:
- Be required to appear before the WPCSC Executive Committee.
- Receive feedback regarding areas requiring improvement.
- Be subject to other actions deemed appropriate.
Judges Evaluation Forms are available through the WPCSC National Office.
Note: Approved means approved by the WPCSC Executive Committee.
Applications and Inquiries
Applications, reports, questions, and inquiries should be submitted to:
Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Canada
c/o 758 Concession 6 Woodhouse
Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4K4
Email: info.wpcsc@gmail.com