Russell Marks will be judging the mini mountain and moorland section at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, assessing performance alongside conformation judge Tracey Brooks. With experience in various equestrian disciplines, Russell has been judging for over 35 years and has a love for mountain and moorlands. Safety is a primary concern for Russell, and he will heavily penalize any bad behavior he sees in the show ring.
In the lead-rein class, Russell will be looking for smooth, consistent, and safe ponies with smooth transitions. He emphasizes the importance of safety for both the pony and the rider, with a focus on suitability for the child riding the pony. Russell expects the leader to be at the pony’s shoulder with a slack lead rein, allowing the pony to do its job without constant interference.
Russell’s ideal first ridden pony will be safe, responsive, and not too big of a mover. He discourages constant kicking from the rider and expects the pony to respond to minimal cues. Overall, Russell is looking for ponies that will give the child confidence to improve their riding skills while prioritizing safety and suitability for the rider.
