Heads up on Performance All Star contenders

[txminipinto]

Question: Did you know that Performance Horse of the Year is only tabulated on the driving classes. All other performance classes aren't considered for this honor. Something to think about.

 

[LaVern]

I didn't know that. I guess I figured every type of performance would count.

 

[txminipinto]

No unfortunately they don't. I just learned this. It's really too bad as I would have had a contender for it. I believe I will add this to my potential list of proposals for the next convention.

 

[My-Lil-Pony]

That makes no sense. It does explain however how some horses have won those awards over those all around performance horses.

 

[LaVern]

Surely versatility should count, or does that not either? I would think the winner of that would be one of the true performance horses.

 

[JMS Miniatures]

I think, and I could be wrong, that they only accept driving because driving has your championship class (aka: Stakes).

According to AMHR Rulebook:

Method: All-Star points divided by number of shows shown at times, number of different judges divided by number of shows shown at times, number of horses/ponies beat divided by number of shows shown at times, number of Grand Champions divided by number of shows shown at.

So if thats the case they would only consider the driving portion because they are the only performance classes that has championship classes.

I thought they would include everything performance wise for your performance horse of the year, but guess not. Not according to the rulebook anyways.

 

[Echo Acres]

Yep, that is the case. There have been horses that are just driving horses that have won over some horses that really deserve to get it. My opinion is that it should consider ALL performance classes being it is PERFORMANCE horse of the year. To me this would truely show the horse best suited for winning this award. Maybe there should be a seperate award for driving horse of the year.

I think Sanny and Yaddax from the forum have inquired on this before with AMHR, maybe they will post.

 

[Keri]

Yeah, that's not fair. Why consider the other classes performance if they horse can't even be considered in Performance Horse of the Year. I drive, but I know people who don't. But their horses jump, do in-hand obstacle, and liberty.

 

[Echo Acres]

Does anyone know when they announce who won?

 

[ckmini]

I'm also very curious to find out who was selected, I have my guesses though.

 

[LaVern]

I would think that being able to use more than driving to help win Performance Horse-Pony of the year would encourage exhibitors to train for and enter more classes. Especially with the ponies. Some complain that the ponies don't enter more than one class at a show.

Right now, it seems that perfomance means going around in a circle hitting their eyeball with their knees. That is really fun to watch, but I don't think it is everything.

 

[LaVern]

After I posted that last thread I got to thinking that it sounded like I don't appreciate the work and talent it takes on both trainers and horses to become a top driving horse. Those that can do it are amazing in my opinion.

I just feel that those who do the other performance classes should be considered for the Performance Horse of the year also.

 

[txminipinto]

And LaVern, I agree with you!!

 

[My-Lil-Pony]

I find it a bit sad that this breed tends to dismiss the ability and training it takes to have a Halter Obstacle horse or a Hunter-Jumper Horse. Seems many trainers and exhibitors tend to feel this is a class for horses who can not cut it elsewhere. I am sure that is part of the reason points are not figured in as they should be.

Minis and Shetlands have always tended to be pretty close minded when it comes to anything other then halter and driving.

 

[LaVern]

Another thought. Performance Horse or Pony of the Year. It is problably one of the most prestigious awards we have in AMHR/ASPC. If all the Performance classes were counted-towards this award, it would perhaps go to one of the kids or moms and pops of our organization.

I can not imagine most professional trainers having the time to train for some of those other events.

 

[muffntuf]

Or switch it up and just have a driving pony/horse of the year and a true performance horse/pony of the year where they have to choose 3 performance classes they have to compete in all year to qualify for Performance Pony of the Year.

 

[Belinda]

[SIZE=14pt]Ok , can I put a little of what I know and it is very little I feel at times

LOL!! They do take into consideration the other performance classes, but if you look at the points on the All Stars , they do not come close to what the Driving horses earn.. Ok before you start screaming , also when this very very prestigious award started. Folk we DID NOT OFFER all these classes as Jumping , obstacle , Hunter, or liberty , Personally I do not think Liberty should be a part of a Performance award, and wait before you say I am dogging liberty NO I am not, I have had Many National Champion and Congress Champion Liberty horses, I just think it takes a lot more time and effort to make a National Champion quality Driving horse !! [/SIZE]

But as I always say it only takes a group putting a proposal together to get it changed..

Take to Convention and see where it goes.

.

 

[Sandee]

Just one comment. I know what it takes to get a "real winner" in driving (the work etc); on the other hand I've seen horses [SIZE=14pt]win [/SIZE]versatility after knocking over all the jumps. Somehow that makes the whole class, and I include this performance award, as just not worth the effort!

This really frustrates me. I have a driving horse that won a national championship and he's a looker in halter but he hates jumping and forget obstacle (the boy steps on his own feet). On the other hand I have a wonderful filly that has done obstacle halter since she was a yearling; she now jumps (I've seen her do 36" with only 2 trot strides before hand); and I think she'll be a good or fare driving horse. (should I add that she placed top ten in All Stars in 4 performance classes -just not driving yet). I just hate the seeming indifference to the training and ablility of these horses that are good at so many other things than driving. Her knees will never kiss her eyeballs but her heart will always touch mine!

 

[LaVern]

I agree that there are very few that can DO IT ALL but, the Perfomance Horse-Pony of the Year should be, in my opinion be the one that comes closest.

I don't think that we shoud separate the driving as that certainly is performance.

 

[My-Lil-Pony]

I agree that there are very few that can DO IT ALL but, the Perfomance Horse-Pony of the Year should be, in my opinion be the one that comes closest.

Everyone can now make their own mind up about that Performance Horse/Pony of the year. It might be a wonderful driving horse but up to everyone to decide for themselves if that makes them a true Performance Horse it sure would not in any other breed. Why not just call them Driving Horse of the year?