Flip Flops at the Nationals?!?!

[Sunny]

Can someone get word to the lovely young lady who is presenting the neck sashes and ribbons at centre ring that Flip Flops are NOT show ring appropriate, nor safe?! I can't believe no one has told her that!!!

 

[maestoso]

I think it's just part of her "ensemble"...... Sneakers wouldn't look very good with a fancy dress. I actually live in my flip-flops, including around the barn, working horses, whatever. I know it's unsafe, I just do. I actually showed a horse in flip-flops once. It was a fair show, someone needed a handler, and their was no specific rule against it. So I went in with a polo short and khaki shorts and my flip flops. We got Reserve Champion.......

 

[hahler]

I trim horses feet in shorts and tennis shoes

be glad they arent big horses lol that would hurt

and just have quick reflexes if you dont, then you deserve your feet to be squashed :stupid

 

[bingo]

While not presenting ribbons center ring I must admit I am guilty of running the show grounds in flip-flops

 

[whimsical]

Ditto on doing all my horse work in flip flops.

I know it isn't the safest thing, it it is so comfortable.

 

[Becky]

I have to agree with Judy that flip flops are not appropriate show ring attire. Especially at a National show! I wear flip flops too, but not when I am showing horses. I have been kind of surprised at some of the clothing I've seen in the ring at that show.....

 

[Sunny]

Becky, you seem to be the only one who got my point.

I know we "all" wear flip flops and other unsafe footwear around our horses at home and other places with our horses but, I'm sorry, this is the Nationals and, IMO, flip flops or any type of open toe shoes are just wrong. Enough said.

 

[Frankie]

I agree to a point,,,,but so you know.

I believe due to school, and other obligations, some of those who were to present ribbons had to leave and there were some who stepped up to do so, and it was not so much planned.

I can not say that is for sure as I do not know specifically who you are speaking of, but I know the above to be fact. Mark announced a few times, thanking this person and that person for stepping up to help.

 

[Leeana]

I lived in flip flops all this week at nationals...but i was not working center ring

.

 

[Hosscrazy]

This is the Nationals

Nothing more to add...this is the Nationals. There may not be a "dress code" per se, but come on...it's the Nationals...

Liz R.

 

[Sunny]

I agree to a point,,,,but so you know.I believe due to school, and other obligations, some of those who were to present ribbons had to leave and there were some who stepped up to do so, and it was not so much planned.

I can not say that is for sure as I do not know specifically who you are speaking of, but I know the above to be fact. Mark announced a few times, thanking this person and that person for stepping up to help.

I didn't know that, Carolyn. Thanks for pointing it out. I have no idea who the young lady was. I just thought that whoever was the "Royalty" for the show would be presenting the sashes, etc., and would therefore be properly dressed.

Ya learn something every day, and that was one for me. Thanks!

 

[Genie]

I also have been surprised at the "ranges of attire" at the Nationals.

 

[dannigirl]

Just back from Nationals and I happen to know the young lady that wore flip flops. I think she borrowed the dress and didn't want to wear boots with it, so her flip flops were the only other option. She worked really hard in that ring and was one of few young ladies left at the show after the weekend. She was not royalty. Mark refered to her as "royalty in training" I think she did a great job and was there up to 10 or more hours several days this week. Even up at 2am a couple of times. Pretty good for someone not getting any extra recognition for the job.

 

[kaykay]

I really wish we could just move Nationals to summer time so the kids dont have to miss school and/or rush back etc. We wanted to go so bad this year but Kyle could not miss that much school. I know it will never happen but its nice to dream

 

[wpsellwood]

You know I would have to agree on moving it up a bit for the kids. It was always hard for Breanne to miss school. Not a problem for me anymore but still is for others so maybe we could work together to get it changed.

 

[loveminis]

I noticed the flip flops and thought how icky to get that dirt all over her feet. I thought they looked too casual.

 

[LittleRibbie]

Judy, that was the first thing I noticed when watching too...thought it was rather odd only because its a big show...I dont think it sets a good example. Barefoot,flip flops and slippers are worn by me all the time out in the barn because they are so comfortable but I dont think its appropriate in the show ring. Too many youths watching and how do you tell your kids to wear a heavier shoe/boot when in the barn after they just saw a presenter waring flip flops!! JMO! She is Im sure a lovely young lady

 

[ohmt]

I agree that flip flops are not exactly appropriate nor are they safe however, I must admit that I HATE closed toed shoes so pretty much never wear them. I LIVE in flip flops and wear them to everything....including prom the last two years

I do the breeding in flip flops, training, clipping (body and hoof), and just pretty much run around the farm all day in them. I've lost numerous pairs after ditching them to chase after a horse or to get to dinner faster (so it's flip flops or no shoes). I must admit that I HAVE been stepped on and even had a toe broken for it...but I will ALWAYS wear them. I have an addiction...oh and YES I wear them even after it's been raining. I have a specific pair just for rainy days. YES my grandma makes me hose off my feet before coming inside. and YES I DO wear flip flops in the middle of winter.

If it were me....I'd wear flip flops too. She's got to stand there all day....she's not handling the horses. Give the poor girl a break. Let her be comfortable.

 

[minih]

I noticed the flip flops and thought how icky to get that dirt all over her feet. I thought they looked too casual.

I also wear flip flops around the horses and the barn, if dirt is all you get on your feet you are doing great!

I also agree flip flops are a little too casual for center ring, but if they were in a pinch and asked for help......it is understandable.

 

[susanne]

Just a cautionary tale, slightly off-topic...

I have lived most of my life barefoot or in sandals (can't stand thongs between my toes or other places...). Getting stepped on by a mini never bothered me.

However, two years back I ended up in the hospital with a life-threatening infection (cellulitis) -- I spent over a week on IV antibiotics. The cause was most likely my habit of wearing sandals around the horses. The bacteria found a crack in the skin and went to work.

Granted, I'm a type I diabetic, so I was at greater risk, but I know many of you are type II diabetics, and really, anyone can get a bad infection. So, whether or not you get stepped on, it's really not a safe thing to do.