Having just returned from a three week trip to Australia during February, I am finding it cold at home, though the evenings are drawing out and spring certainly seems to be on its way.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to spend three days judging at the Barastoc Horse of the Year Show, at Werribee Park, near Melbourne. In lovely warm weather, I judged the lead rein, show hunter ponies and International Challenge in the equestrian centre at Werribee, which boasts two indoor schools, six outdoor dressage arenas, showing rings and polo fields.

The standard of production in all classes is outstanding, with ponies presented to high standards. What was particularly pleasing to me, was the correct way of going that many of the ponies and horses showed and, typically, ridden to a much higher standard that at home. This is due in part to the age of the riders, as some ponies are ridden by adults. It was refreshing to see ponies far less over bent than is typical at home, going with good balance and rhythm in natural outlines.

The hack classes in particular are of a very high standard, with many quality thoroughbreds off the track making the successful transition to the show ring. These classes are hotly contested with large entries, though the method of judging would certainly raise a few eyebrows round the ring in shows in this country.

After the initial walk, trot and canter on both reins, judges make a selection of approximately ten animals, who are are brought into line to perform individual shows. This means the others remaining are asked to leave and they do so with courtesy. Personally, I favour this way of judging as it not only allows you to concentrate on the horses and ponies which you feel are going to be your final line up but, more importantly, it allow classes to have start time which makes life so much easier for exhibitors and show officials. I believe that we should look to adopt this system more in the UK to improve the timetabling of shows and allow judges to focus their attention on the animals they wish to view in more detail. With entries of thirty plus in each class, this system allows more successful management of schedules, to the benefit of exhibitors, show organisers and judges alike.

During the International Challenge, judged as an evening performance to music, those qualified completed a two minute individual show that had hacks performing serpentines and flying changes with ease and aplomb. These classes really were a pleasure to judge, the only downside being that the horses and ponies are not stripped - though I asked all my competitors to walk away from, and trot towards me, so that I could more accurately assess their conformation and movement.

Another aspect of the judging process I enjoyed, was being given the opportunity to answer questions about my decisions, which were posed by the commentator during the prize giving. Being handed the microphone is not something which happens in the UK and I am sure that some judges would feel uncomfortable about this - though I appreciated the opportunity to explain the reasons for my champions' and reserves' placings to the three hundred or so people who enjoyed dinner whilst watching the performance.

The rest of my time in Australia was spent holidaying with friends, Kerry and Paul Dunstan of Malibu Park, and Darren Telford and Greg Gerry of Whitmere Stud. Their hospitality allowed me to enjoy the best of food and wine, as well as the odd pony or too at Canberra Royal Show. Many thanks for making so welcome and looking after me so well during my stay.

For more information on Barastoc and photos of the prize-winners, please click HERE