AMHR Nationals Stakes Classes On Sunday Afternoon

[Yaddax3]

The class list for AMHR Nationals is out, and I'm hoping it can be adjusted.

I believe that holding all the driving Stakes classes on the afternoon of Sept. 19 -- a Sunday -- will result in fewer entries in those classes than ever before. And that means less money for the association coffers.

Many exhibitors travel eight or more hours to get to Tulsa. And many exhibitors who travel at least that far -- me included -- were planning to be back at work on Sept. 20. If we stay for the Stakes classes, that's not possible. Some will stay. Many will leave.

Other than trainers whose livelihoods depend on showing no matter what day it is, I believe switching Stakes classes to Sunday will greatly impact the number of non-professional exhibitors as well as the number of entries and the revenue generated by more entries.

Am I alone in feeling that it is a mistake to have all the driving Stakes classes on Sunday afternoon?

And can anything be done about it?

We have several board members who often weigh in on important topics. Unless I'm the only one who thinks this is important, I'd like their feedback.

 

[~Lisa~]

While I totally understand what you are saying.. some classes always have to be Sunday afternoon and if you moved the Hunter/Jumper and Obstacle classes to that time then those people would not be happy either

When I asked the answer I got was that they did it then to ensure the horses were rested and fresh?

and many travel 2-3 days to get to Nationals so not sure how much sympathy you will get on the 8 hours so I can get back to work thing...lol

 

[JMS Miniatures]

The problem is there are so many driving classes offered they would have to move the driving classes up a day along with Stakes. I don't have the schedule in front of me but I can defintelly see your reasoning behind. I'm sure there is no way they can change it now, its too late in the game. However if people would come together on this they could possibly find a way to change it in the future.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

While I totally understand what you are saying.. some classes always have to be Sunday afternoon and if you moved the Hunter/Jumper and Obstacle classes to that time then those people would not be happy either

I wonder if there is any possible way of having 2 different arenas, 1 for halter and 1 for performance, that would defintelly shorten the days, and it could be a possibility with different judges, but not near nice enough of a arena and I'm sure people wouldn't be happy for that either. Anyways I see your point too.

 

[Maple Hollow Farm]

I wonder if there is any possible way of having 2 different arenas, 1 for halter and 1 for performance, that would defintelly shorten the days, and it could be a possibility with different judges, but not near nice enough of a arena and I'm sure people wouldn't be happy for that either. Anyways I see your point too.

The problem with two different arenas is for the people who show both halter and performance cant be in two places at once. This is my first time to Nationals so I cant say what order I think the classes should be in...I am still trying to decide what horses to take LOL!

 

[~Lisa~]

That would be impossible to many horses and to many adults with kids and the same horses show..

Look not to be rude but the reality is this is the National show- The largest miniature horse show in the country and it runs long. there are a lot of classes- it runs late and you have to miss work to get there. It is once a year- a prestigious event HUGE classes with wins that are truly earned.

Cant please everyone and when you go - you go knowing.. you will have long days- long nights- little sleep great competition lots of fun and a good vacation from everyday life.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

The problem with two different arenas is for the people who show both halter and performance cant be in two places at once. This is my first time to Nationals so I cant say what order I think the classes should be in...I am still trying to decide what horses to take LOL!

I know like I said can't please everyone. And for me personally I wouldn't want to see it happen that way either.

 

[Yaddax3]

While not a great fan of using two arenas, if it shortens the show and gets Stakes earlier than Sunday, I'm all for it.

Here's how it can work:

There are two sets of judges at AMHR Nationals: Halter and Performance judges.

While Halter is being done in the morning and afternoon on Thursday and Friday, exhibitors are given a block of time, say 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, when they can jump for Performance judges. They get another block of time for obstacle and obstacle driving.

In other words:

Hunter Under and Over, Thursday morning

Jumper Under and Over, Thursday afternoon

Obstacle Under and Over, Friday morning

Ostacle Driving, Under and Over, Friday afternoon

This way, nobody has to show on Sunday.

As for the explanation Lisa got about horses being rested and fresh for Stakes classes on Sunday, how exactly does that work when there's a full slate of driving classes on Saturday afternoon and evening and many of those horses will have been in Tulsa for nearly two weeks already?

Also, as Lisa noted, it is a huge national event held just once a year. But this the reality: Exhibitors will leave to get back to their lives, just as many did last year when Stakes classes were held on Saturday. (We didn't leave. We stayed for Stakes. As for this year, we'd like to stay. I just don't know if we can.)

 

[~Lisa~]

Bob my suggestion to you is to go to Convention and propose your changes and see how it is received

Although realize your class fees will go up when you have the performance judges working all day as opposed to just doing the driving on those particular days

The whole point of having those extra judges was so that they would not be judging from 8 am until 1 or 2 am but perhaps a 3rd set of judges would be what you should propose? Again not sure what that would do to the class fees though maybe nothing?

 

[Yaddax3]

Lisa mentioned going to Convention and proposing changes for the AMHR Nationals schedule. It's my understanding that the class schedule isn't decided upon at Convention. It's decided ... well, when is it decided and how much input is there?

I wasn't consulted. Nor should I be. I'm not on the board. The thing, it's my understanding not all board members were consulted, either. But I'm not looking to rouse rabble. I'm just out to see if I'm the only one -- or just one of the few -- bothered by Stakes being on Sunday.

And if I am, I'll pipe down.

 

[~Lisa~]

It is not decided on at Convetion as far as I know Bob..but I think it would give you a chance to talk and let others voice opinions in a place where all the directors are in one place?

 

[Yaddax3]

It is not decided on at Convetion as far as I know Bob..but I think it would give you a chance to talk and let others voice opinions in a place where all the directors are in one place?

Excellent point, Lisa. Looking forward to seeing you at Congress, where, by the way, I have no complaints about the schedule.

 

[~Lisa~]

Excellent point, Lisa. Looking forward to seeing you at Congress, where, by the way, I have no complaints about the schedule.

LOL Bob.. I look forward to seeing you and Mary

 

[disneyhorse]

I don't see what the problem is... it will probably work out for those with driving classes earlier in the week.

Missing one day isn't a big deal... and like someone said an eight hour drive is something to be envious of! I had a 23 hour drive, which is three times that long, and thus many more days of work missed on both ends there and back!

Class schedules will never please everyone, they are what they are. What will work best for you may not work best for someone else.

Just go and have fuN!

Andrea

 

[Yaddax3]

Small point of clarification:

Our drive to Tulsa is closer to 13 hours each way. My point was that it will be a hardship to anyone with a drive of at least eight hours. I feel for anyone who needs a day or more to get to and from Tulsa.

 

[LindaL]

When I plan my Nationals trip, I do so when the idea that my classes could be near the start of the show (Ammy classes) and at the end...and plan around that. I just assume that I need to take as much time as possible off to show my horses at all the classes I planned on. Nationals is...like Lisa said...THE event of the year...You need to plan around it if you plan to be there.

I do not think using 2 arena would work. Not only would some people not be able to watch the 2 classes at once, but many horses are in many different types of classes...both halter and performance...using youth, ammys, trainers...so how would you split that?? You can't really.

As far as the Sunday classes go...SOMEONE'S classes have to be on Sunday if the show runs thru that day...and it won't matter whose it is, they won't be happy if they need to get back on the road to get home.

 

[ruffian]

I wonder if there is any possible way of having 2 different arenas, 1 for halter and 1 for performance, that would defintelly shorten the days, and it could be a possibility with different judges, but not near nice enough of a arena and I'm sure people wouldn't be happy for that either. Anyways I see your point too.

A separate ring for the individual classes - jumper, obstacle, hunter, liberty (especially!) , could easily be handled. Hire a separate set of judges for a specific day and/or time period. Then make it up to the exhibitor to find the time to make those classes. This would easily shave at least one or two days off the nationals schedule.

Example:

Liberty - 30 "A" horses, and 30 "B" horses. Each horse takes about 5 minutes. 1/2 minute to get to the center of the ring and wait for music to start, 1 1/2 min run, 2 min catch, 1 - 1/2 min to secure halter and leave arena. Total - 5 hours. Then have scoring and presentation - say another half hour. Just in that class it's half a day.

Jumpers - 3-4 hours

Hunter 2-3 hours - no jump offs

Obstacle halter - 3+ hours

Obstacle driving - 4+ hours

Minimum total on just these classes 18+ hours

It would be easier on the exhibitors to have a time period to be ready instead of being on the regular schedule with the rest of the classes. If you have a halter class, then a driving class, you could go do the individual class at a separate arena in a down time.

The reason the stakes are on the last day is it should be the culmination of the show - the best of the best.

 

[Echo Acres]

Well I have mixed feelings about the stakes classes being at the very end. We have always wanted to enter, but usually head home that day and don't want to wait around for them and then drive 14 hours home. So we have skipped them, by our choice. Didn't really like it, but felt fair since in the end it was our decision. This year I really wanted to stay for them, but now knowing they are another day out might change my mind once again. I can see Bob's point about the income, but I also agree it is the individual's choice on weather to stay or not.

Though call.

 

[tagalong]

If AMHA can run two arenas at times during Worlds and has done so for many years, I am not sure why it would be impossible for AMHR to do likewise... as I recall AMHA would have Futurity classes going all day in one arena and some performance classes going in the other. And yes, we would run back and forth between the two but it was not a big deal.

What I would change - is that I think the show should end with a BANG!! and not a whimper. Have Over and Under Senior Stallions on the last night as well as the parade of Champions or whatever.

The way things are now, the big exciting classes/presentations are held and then the show slowly dwindles to an end after they are all over... it just feels rather anti-climactic - but then I may be the only one who feels that way...

 

[~Lisa~]

If AMHA can run two arenas at times during Worlds and has done so for many years, I am not sure why it would be impossible for AMHR to do likewise...

Not pitting one against the other in any way- both shows are wonderful and have the best of the best - however in general the classes at AMHR are much larger from Halter to Driving I think that might make it more difficult to work out the timing and getting back to the ring you need to be at with the horse you need to have in time for your class???