Please dont get discouraged about showing etc

[user 488]

I just don't get why someone would have an interest in showing, but make these decisions based on posts on a bulletin board. Get out there and experience it for yourself before you make decisions like that. Live life...it is yours to do, not someone else's to dictate how you should.

Liz

AMEN LIZ! If I were to buy into all the garbage on the Arab boards I wouldn't leave the farm. I am not saying that we don't have problems......no breed is without problems......but I have spent 37 years now doing what I love to do best and I wouldn't let anything like this stop me. The fun and the friends I have made all over the World is an experience next to none. If I was only smart enough to have written a book.

I do go to a show to win. Too expensive not too. But that doesn't mean we win every time. No matter what......YOU MAKE YOUR OWN FUN.........and if you choose to fill you life with all the excess garbage then you are missing out on some of the most wonderful experiences that life has to offer in the horse World.

Please people....don't buy into all the gossip. Most of it is totally contorted. And I have to say after showing all these years we fluff off the c r a p because that is what most of it is. It can turn into a real circus. And some people really get into it because they think they are in the know

......mostly the novice show people who quickly learn or quickly leave.

 

[Jill]

I just don't get why someone would have an interest in showing, but make these decisions based on posts on a bulletin board. Get out there and experience it for yourself before you make decisions like that. Live life...it is yours to do, not someone else's to dictate how you should.

Well...

I think the people saying they're not going to show now because of things they've read probably were not honestly planning to show in the first place

Kind of like those who've never seen anything like "this" that's going on at the mini shows compared to other breed shows (and they haven't honestly SEEN what they claim to be upset about regarding miniature shows)

 

[kaykay]

PLEASE please lets keep this an encouraging thread

 

[nootka]

I think that you're right, Jill, but to go and make a statement like that is like saying they're gonna go eat worms because nobody likes 'em. The intent is for attention, but the effect is much different.

Still, those that might have been worried about how all of this will affect you and your showing career, if you've never been, just go and give it a try. You will very likely not regret it one bit.

There's so much more to the show experience than the little bits of drama that get blown up over someone's childish agenda. Yes, I realize there's money at stake, and "careers" but IME, those with the hype to hold up are sooner or later exposed for what they are, and though they may well have the most beautiful horse anyone's ever seen, will find themselves hard-pressed to sell one based on their dishonesty and stupid behavior.

However, if they could see their way fit to be honest and forthright, I believe they would find the path to their door beaten. I could be wrong, I am surprised all the time at the lengths people will go to in order to win and get attention, but it's ridiculous when you see how it only feeds the upper level of the food chain, and those on the bottom level will NOT thrive on your crumbs when they are tainted with the poison of your lies and rude behavior. They will, instead, find other places to buy.

If you want to show, show! What you learn is far more valuable than any frustration you might experience (plus, you just NEED to know for yourself who these people are, and all the gossip in the world won't give you the experience and real-life knowledge of who they are more than seeing them in action. They know who they are, and you will, too, when you get out and see a show. Hearsay is only that. Hear and see it for your self and then make your decisions).

Liz

 

[Jill]

Think we're on the same page regarding some of this stuff, Liz. Go figure

Everyone should just realize that a lot of what people go on about being upset about when it comes to shows (or anything where there's competetion and some do better than others) can have so many different motivators as to why they say what they say.

There wouldn't be so many people showing year after year and day dreaming of their 2008 show season right now if it isn't a lot of fun

 

[minie812]

Actually my plans were to show (very bad accident crushed alot of bones in my feet & hands so it is a tad diffucult to run around the ring, but I'm healing)at one of the local shows several years ago I was able to watch a certain well known trainer & judge talk alot off to the side(no harm in that) & when they were in the ring I was down front & heard the trainer as he walked up to the judge say "Are we gonna have a GOOD day and wink

GUESS WHO WON? mmmmmmmmmmmm-course I might have been jumping to conclusions & this was not this years shows. And I am well aware of politics in any show be it dogs-rabbits-or whatever! By the way I do have a question on attire in the halter classes-is it appropriate to wear blue jeans?

 

[Jill]

I wouldn't personally wear blue jeans (black jeans, though, I have). I think maybe it would look better on a man (blue jeans) than a woman... but I'm think most people will wear black or khaki type pants.

BTW, just from the picture I can see in your avatar, that looks like a show horse to me

 

[runamuk]

Actually my plans were to show (very bad accident crushed alot of bones in my feet & hands so it is a tad diffucult to run around the ring, but I'm healing)at one of the local shows several years ago I was able to watch a certain well known trainer & judge talk alot off to the side(no harm in that) & when they were in the ring I was down front & heard the trainer as he walked up to the judge say "Are we gonna have a GOOD day and wink

GUESS WHO WON? mmmmmmmmmmmm-course I might have been jumping to conclusions & this was not this years shows. And I am well aware of politics in any show be it dogs-rabbits-or whatever! By the way I do have a question on attire in the halter classes-is it appropriate to wear blue jeans?

I'd say in a pinch nice jeans would be ok...but I usually see slacks. If I think I may be going in the ring I will wear slacks. If I really do not want to go in the ring....I wear sweats...

I say go... show..... have fun....

 

[minie812]

I wouldn't personally wear blue jeans (black jeans, though, I have). I think maybe it would look better on a man (blue jeans) than a woman... but I'm think most people will wear black or khaki type pants.

BTW, just from the picture I can see in your avatar, that looks like a show horse to me

Thank You on the info...I hope to have a custom shoe inserts before nx year so I will be able to RUN with my horses...YAHOO

 

[nootka]

Yes, get some black jeans, or black slacks, or even some nice tan pants (but everything will look dirty one way or the other, just that those choices look better than even new blue jeans) and go show.

If you overheard that, I would report your concerns to the show office/staff.

Fill out an evaluation form, make a note of the judge and avoid showing under them in the future. Make the show staff aware of your decision. I've seen similar things and so far, the one judge I saw it happening around here hasn't been back.

Makes one sick, and I tend to blame the trainer, too, for eating it right up. They are as guilty as the judge, IMO, for not winning fair and square.

Gross! Sorry you had that experience, but it's not as prevalent as you might think, and you CAN do things about it.

Liz

 

[Leeana]

Even the big trainers in the ring are there having fun! Of course everyone wants to win, i dont see to many people trying for last lol. You just have to go into it understanding that your horse just might not be the most correct, most colorful ext.

To me, every show is almost like a family reunion. Once you get to know most of the people in your area and you know what horses they show and you get to know all the horses, its even more fun! 2006 was my first year on the amhr/aspc curcuit and i introduced myself to nearly everyone in Area II I believe. Showing is what we are all there for obviously, but i could personally sit around the barn and visit people and chat and catch up with friends the whole time and not show a horse and have as much fun as showing.

Showing really is almost a 'fine art'. All the show prep and grooming and handling in the ring just gives me such a good feeling, i love it! Although like Erica, if you find me the day im clipping horses and dripping with sweat, i might answer differently as well lol.

PS: Dont know how we got on the topic but i wear black boots, black slacks (more like stretchy shiny jean material) and i just bought a silky creme colored jacket and white tank underneath.

 

[Marty]

I think it's sad that sometimes bad things have to happen at shows that's all, so yes it is discouraging.

I don't like anyone to be hurt.

I wish the whole world could just be happy.

I guess I'm still trying to find that perfect world where everything is fair and there is no harm.

Horse shows should = Fun = Good sportsmanship for all

 

[HGFarm]

I'm with you kaykay!! Well said!!

 

[minie812]

Yes, get some black jeans, or black slacks, or even some nice tan pants (but everything will look dirty one way or the other, just that those choices look better than even new blue jeans) and go show.

If you overheard that, I would report your concerns to the show office/staff.

Fill out an evaluation form, make a note of the judge and avoid showing under them in the future. Make the show staff aware of your decision. I've seen similar things and so far, the one judge I saw it happening around here hasn't been back.

Makes one sick, and I tend to blame the trainer, too, for eating it right up. They are as guilty as the judge, IMO, for not winning fair and square.

Gross! Sorry you had that experience, but it's not as prevalent as you might think, and you CAN do things about it.

Liz

Thank You...It was my first year to go to a show, so like I said I might have been overreacting because I was wanting to study what was going on IN the shows as well as talking with the people showing (which by the way made me want to get into minis even more) I hope to phsically be able to show some nx year despite all the BREW-HA-HA going on if not me my grandkids can show!

 

[Miniequine]

Marty, were you at Worlds? What happened there that you are referring to? Some of what happened was blown out of proportion in the re-telling, I will just say that.Don't believe everything you read.

Liz, I like you and the way you take your responsibilites as a horse breeder/owner, but

I really disagree here.

I want to point out that:

I WAS there, and did witness some REAL UGLY, including a FURIOUS person, with

bugged out eyes, telling me to deliver the message that "IT IS ON".... and I'm a nobody.

These were all adults,,,, acting like spoiled children with their hands caught in the cookie jar.

and

Marty may not have been there, but she does have friends that were, and one

of them was Royally treated bad. If "MY" association treated me like that, and didn't make SURE

that my rights as a good standing member weren't upheld, I don't know that I could EVER forgive and forget.

Most of you have spent the last couple days discussing how AMHA needs to change,

rallying behind the Big Guys and such, (and some of them SURE did bash AMHA!!)

Saying that members were walking away, throwing in the towel, and that things had better change....

What changed today?? Why today, do you all want to pretend that it is all blown out of porportion???

I don't get it.

and YES, my horse was in a class of GIANTS again, and YES, I was angry for days when I got home.

And YES, there IS A LOT OF CHEATING. That is NOT an exaggeration.

~Sandy

 

[kaykay]

You guys have very valid points. And I agree with Marty and Sandy

But my intent with this post was to have an uplifting thread to encourage people new to our industry. And once again we are rehashing what was done to who and who is right and who is not.

I am all for voicing opinions and voice mine regularly as you all know LOL

But I do worry about the constant negativity lately on the forum. What are we showing people new to our wonderful horses?? Now please dont take me wrong! Changes need to be made and nothing is perfect and it needs to be talked about but does it need to be talked about on every thread?

we also need to show people the positive aspects of owning and loving these horses.

 

[nootka]

I do agree that people's behavior was out of control, just from what I heard from my own friends that saw it. I myself did NOT see it, though I have seen other similar behavior.

There were other aspects that were blown out of proportion and made up such as death threats and snipers and things (to the point that noone really knows what happened except those that were there. The rest of us are all left wondering which ones are true and which ones aren't, and in the end, afraid to brave the unknown because it sounds outlandish. Surely there MUST be truth in there somewhere, but what of it? It is the perpetuation of unfounded rumors that bother me, we have no idea of what really happened. I have to believe the ones that were really there, yet I keep hearing similar stories happening to more than one horse, more than one person, or same horse, same person and a variety of methods of damage or threats...what is a newbie to think, let alone those of us that know there IS a grain of truth (I am NOT calling anyone a liar, merely saying that all of the variations can't possibly be true and we know the nature of "pass it on"), yet are left to watch people give up before they try?), and that is what I was mostly referring to, as well as another event where someone was caught beating a horse, etc.

These things happen often, and I DO AGREE it needs to change. We do have some power to change it, even the newest of us can ask for judge evaluation cards, can make formal complaints to show committees/staff, and as well cc our registry offices when we witness something that is not right.

We can't really do anything about the things we don't see, but we can sure stand behind the things we believe in.

I honestly am sorry that you were in a class of unfairly made horses. I saw one horse winning in the driving classes that was very surely over, and even if not, was clearly very artificial in his movement. I know I would have been disappointed to lose to him, not because of sour grapes, but because they should not have been IN the class because he was so much bigger.

I am not standing behind ANY big names. I think we all need to play honestly and fairly, regardless of the size of our operation. I DO want an enforceable height restriction. I am not even worried about 1/4" here or there, but those that are really having to work to get a 36" horse down to the 34" classes and a 34" horse to the 32" and under. THAT is just plain ridiculous and very obviously against the rules.

I am frustrated in that I don't know where to start. It seems every avenue I look down is already overloaded with "been there done that" attitude and shot down in flames.

I don't think the answer is for those who want to try showing to instead stay home in defeat before even stepping in the ring, nor to let the rest of us leave in disgust.

The more of us that there are, the less likely those others will keep winning everything, even when they cheat. Strength in numbers, you know?

Liz

 

[The Simple Life Farm]

I love showing my minis. I do all the training, grooming and showing myself. It is very rewarding when you place, especially over a well known trainer!!!

But... that said, that is not the only reason I show. We have a small group that shows together, have horses that show in the same classes. We usually make a friendly wager of whose horse will place higher. Prize: king size Snickers bar!!!!!

The friendly competetion, friends, and learning is why I go. We were at Area 5 this year waiting for liberty to start. There were about 10 of us sitting around waiting for the announcement that is was getting close. All of a sudden, we heard the liberty music start!!!!!! We had 8 horses to show, and none of us or the horses were ready. We all ran into stalls, stripping our clothes and brushing out horses. Thank goodness none of our horses were 1st or 2nd on the order of go!!! LOL One of the very modest young girls changed her clothes in her horses stall!!! That is one of the fondest memories I have.

It not if you win or lose, its how you played the game.

If you are nervous about showing, I encourage you to go to a show, find an exhibitor you admire, and watch their every move in the ring. You can learn alot just by watching.

 

[Sandee]

How many of us have been to little league games and said gee the kids aren't even allowed to have "fun" because the adults take things too seriously.

Same idea people.

Ok some of the trainers (or long time breeders) may get down and possible dirty but they're not at every show and many many of the trainers are actually very nice people.

I work with my horses and make every effort to spruce them up. Then my expectation is for them and me to "do our best". If my horses work for me and I've tried my best (that means I didn't skip some of the cleaning or touch up or whatever), then I'm happy - ribbon or not!

Go - have fun!

Showing to me is such a "high" and it's perfectly legal!

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

IThere were other aspects that were blown out of proportion and made up such as death threats and snipers and things, and that is what I was mostly referring to, as well as another event where someone was caught beating a horse, etc.

Liz

Actually someone who had a horse recieve death threats actually posted just that here on this forum so there is I am sure at least to that person very well tons of truth and nothing blown out of proportion about that anyway