Please dont get discouraged about showing etc

[kaykay]

I see so many people posting "i was going to try showing and after reading all this forget it"

Do not let these threads discourage you!

There is a lot more to showing then winning a ribbon. I would have never learned as much as I have (and thats only a tiny bit) about breeding, feeding, conditioning, training if I had never shown.

And I would not have met some awesome people that I call friend.

There are some politics in everything we do everyday in each of our lives be it work, social circles etc.

I have never shown AMHA so cant comment there. But in the years I have shown ASPC/AMHR we have done very well for ourselves being a little tiny no name farm that does it all ourselves. (Except for the 2006 Nationals where laura Ten L helped show our stallion)

We just go to the shows to have fun, see our friends, talk non stop about horses (where else can you do that? LOL) learn and hopefully win a ribbon or two

Do I think things could be a lot better in both registries DEFINITELY YES. Will I give up and throw in the towel NO.

 

[ClickMini]

Me too, Kay. I love showing and I love working with and training my little guys myself. I am so proud of them and what they can do and I love going to where they can show their stuff to the world. I love visiting with my buddies and bunking in the hotel with the rest of the gals. Win, lose, or draw, I wouldn't have any other hobby.

 

[Jill]

I'm sorry to hear some people feel discouraged to try their hand at showing!

One of the best parts of being at a show is the socializing! So much fun!!! PLUS, there is a big variety of classes to participate in and most horses would be "good" at some kind of class and have a nice chance to get a pretty ribbon.

I think some people feel that if they don't show their horses or don't have show type horses, that they are looked down on, etc. Only can speak for myself, but I had horses and minis for years before I had any desire to show and had as much fun back then as I do now

Showing is just one of the many fun things to do with a mini.

 

[Erica]

I think most people if they just try it before throwing the towel in and saying oh I guess I won't even attempt to would find out just how much FUN it is and how much you can learn, how many friends you make, meet and keep in touch with.

If anyone thinks showing horses can't be fun, come see us............just don't come see on the day I'm clipping and washing all 10 of my horses (that day I'd be telling a little white lie on "how much fun" I'm having

 

[alongman]

I'm going with the group on this one - although there are times when it seems like extreme frustration has set in, we go out to dinner, sit and talk and laugh with some of the greatest people I've met. My horse friends.

Also, from a judging perspective, there are so many things that can be learned by just watching and asking questions - a ribbon is a ribbon. A lesson learned is something that will be valuable forever.

 

[Kendra]

To anyone considering showing their horses, please give it a try! If it's not for you, fine, but you'll never know unless you try!

I've been showing at AMHA shows since I was 6, which is over 20 years now. I love going to the shows to spend time with my "horse show family", and to hear all their horses stories, and see what horses they're showing this year.

I really enjoy working with my horses to prepare for the show. Going out and driving my horse every day is truly what I love most, but it's the goal of having him as ready as I can for the show that keeps me doing it!

 

[Field-of-Dreams]

Yes, please try. It's a blast!

We are a "little" farm that shows about once a month, we do all the chores/training ourselves. And we hold our own, got out first Reserves at Nationals this year. Yeah, we've been frustrated, too, sometimes it feels very infair, but sometimes things DO swing YOUR way!!

You can't win if you don't try!

Lucy

 

[Loess Hills]

Showing can be fun, it can be discouraging....................it can be emotional, but most of all it can be rewarding!

Rewarding in the sense that you'll learn as much in a show season as taking a college course. You'll learn from the other participants who are so willing to help, lend you a halter if yours breaks, offer encouragement when you so desperately need it, and most of all you will learn from your mistakes.

You get a chance to see and compare your horse with some of the best out there. You'll learn tips on grooming. The first amateur show we went to years ago.......we didn't know you were supposed to clip the inside of the ear. Our little bay mare with fuzzy ears won first place at her first show, and went into the championship class. She didn't win, but it was one of the biggest thrills for our 7-year old grandaughter and for us, and we've never forgotten that moment. Still a highlight on the old videotape!

And the people we have met and friends made over the years are priceless. So nothing ventured........nothing gained. Showing is worth every effort you are willing to make.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

I never ever go to a show to win. If I wanted to win my horses would be with a trainer. I go with no expectations other then seeing old friends and making new ones. That way.. things go as planned

I see to many who say I go to win and guess what... they sure dont look like they are having fun as soon as they are not winning. I ahve seen people say stupid judge (couldnt be there horse isnt great) or get mad when others outside the area come and win (couldnt be there horses didnt measure up to competition) and really become something that is not very nice all for the sake of a stupid 50 cent ribbon.

I have seen friendships ruined , people manipulated, thousands of dollars spent, classes stacked for those few extra points..

Now do I say those things will never make me show again? Nope no way cause those type of people are in the minority and no way no how are they going to keep me from something I enjoy.

Just like anything in life there are the few bad apples whose ego is all that matters to them at any cost- they do pay a heavy price for that - they get "found out" for who they really are and that is there own issue.

I can say Raven has learned alot from showing as have I we have made some good friends and learned some harsh lessons on "friendships" I have seen some amazing horses and cheap 50 cent ribbon or not always walk away knowing more then I did before I got there, more about horses, myself, other people

and I always have fun.

Seeing Raven go from being a toddler with her horse to a 11 year old who works so hard every day with horses from daily care to grooming to getting out there in the show ring. Seeing her happy when she gets a 5th place or a 1st place just getting any recognition for her hard work, seeing her find those mentors she wants to emulate seeing how far she has come and grown as a horsewoman and a human being- seeing the bond with her and her horses as they do the best they can for her in the ring (or act as bratty as kids can at the worst of times lol) all the memories we have- PRICELESS

Now dont get me wrong when I am lucky enough to get that 50 cent ribbon I take it AND RUN with a BIG SMILE ON MY FACE but it really doesnt make or break my entire life it is just a horse show after all.

I wont lie and say there is no bad but I will say without a doubt the good always outweighs the bad and fun always prevails!

 

[Katiean]

As I explained it to my 10 year old niece, You go out and do your best. It doesn't matter if you win first place. Most of the kids have been showing since they were very small. Also there is no shame in even taking last place. What is important is that you did your best to get your animal to do it's best. After all, it took me about 5 years to get my first 1st. It was in Hunter Hack and it was sidesaddle to boot. Just go out and have fun and enjoy your horse.

 

[nootka]

After ten years of showing Miniature Horses, I will say that there are very few, and far-between things that really stick in my memory that truly rankle. Often, these are the same person over and over, and it's just a fact of life that they are a part of my region, which is somewhat embarassing in how they purport themselves. I just don't feel they are good advocates for the breed no matter if it's a professional or an amateur or total novice.

That said, I have endless memories of the fun we have at shows, no matter what ribbons we bring home, even if we bring NONE home. There is an unmatchable pride at watching the horse you bred, trained and groomed standing in the ring with the other beautifully groomed animals. You will learn far more being in the ring with the other exhibitors than you will reading these threads or watching videos or even attending clinics.

Go to a show and give it a try. I just know you'll find someone to mentor you, and make great friends in the process.

I also don't like all the "not going to even try" comments because it seems it wasn't much of a goal for someone if they decided not to even before putting one foot in the ring. It is daunting, and intimidating, but these height things really only affect a fairly small percentage. If we let them win, then they will eventually outnumber us who are trying to play BY the rules.

They should be ashamed that the ultimate result of their rule-bending and strong-arm tactics with stewards and show officials is that we will have fewer novices want to attempt showing. It hurts everyone, including the big farms because we need new members to buy these high-quality beauties no matter what size they end up at. Knock it off, already! Guess you can't see the forest for the greed... errr trees, right?

Liz

 

[Marty]

I showed since I was a kid. The show ring was always a huge part of my life.

Just the idea of getting out there and having fun showing off my horses and being proud of a good ride and seeing my buddies was awesome. We had our rivals that we wanted to cream but only in a good healthy competitive way where we would wish each other luck before our classes together. Friends before our class and after our class no matter who got what. Never out for blood, ever.

Sure there was some politics here but I always blew it off and carried on because it was never that big of a deal to me. As I got older it did become a business to me showing horses for clients and still it remained fun despite a little bit of dirty politicking thrown in on occasion, but again, never out for blood.

But in all my showing years, I have never in my life encountered anything like the goings on that happened at worlds this year and also things at nationals and worlds in previous years. What some people will do to their own horses and other people for the sake of a ribbon is beyond my comprehension. Discouraged? Disillusioned? You betcha. That is not what showing is supposed to be about in my book and I do not accept that kind of behavior. I'm staying on the mountain where the air is clean.

 

[runamuk]

I don't breed and I don't show BUT I try to go to as many shows as possible

it is a great place to see old friends, see lots of beeeutiful horses, lend a hand, and every once in a while be thrust into the ring OH! OH! I have spent much of my adult life behind the scenes at several types of horse venues, I go for the fun and to support others.

I have gone from horse showing to dog showing....and the politics in dogs...oiy.......but I love showing dogs......I am completely hooked and I am a very profient loser

I also used to show rabbits and loved it, there were politics there as well........and in rabbits at least we did some winning

 

[nootka]

Liz M.

 

[mininik]

Marty, you say you showed Quarter Horses for years, even professionally, and are dismayed and disillusioned over what's allegedly going on in Miniature Horses? You haven't even attended AMHA Worlds or AMHR Nationals, correct?

Wow.

To anyone thinking of showing, please do. You don't have to go just to win to have a great time and gain valuable insight.

 

[cowgurl_up]

I for one got into miniatures so I could show, and what a blast I have been having! I love every minute of it, whether I do well in the ring or not!! I have met some very nice people and seen some very awesome horses! I guess you just have to realize that there are politics with just about everything that we do and that people will not always get along, but you can't let that ruin your good times!

Overall, I have had so much fun learning what to do when, and how to make a horse look good in the ring. And now I am starting my boy driving.......I just know that I want to be able to do it all!!!

 

[SHANA]

I have yet to show my miniatures at breed specific shows. Though do show at local fairs and local shows. I also have shown my arabians at breed shows and met many new people. The first year I showed Phancy I came home with 5 firsts and 1 second out of 7 classes. I did not go to win as my motto is, "Participation is the prize, winning is the bonus." I still go by that today. I ride my arabian mare, Phancy in Gymkhana and have never won or even placed yet but my mare and I have fun and that is all that matters. If I don't have fun then what is the point in going and I always have fun. At one show I took 10 of my miniature horses and my 2 arabians and the crowd was so awed with the minis and thought I was great for bringing so many. A lot of other competitors thought I was nuts for bringing 12 horses but hey if the shoe fits why change it.

 

[minie812]

Alright guys, I guess I am getting a little ahead of myself in saying that I won't bother to show (competitive me) I just am frustrated to think that SOMETHING can't be done to put a stop to this kind of OPEN & blatant behavior just to get a ribbon. (money...money...MONEY)

I was at the World show and saw some AWESOME horses & told myself SOMEDAY....

 

[nootka]

Kudos to those that are saying they're going to show anyway, and do their best.

What you need to remember is the people that ARE making it unpleasant. Make your voice known in a calm and collected manner, and let the show staff know just what you saw/experienced and how you feel about it. Let them know that if they don't change things, you will not be returning to their show.

Hopefully, soon enough, people will get the picture that their antics won't be tolerated. The registry is just one part of the picture. Don't buy their horses! Don't use the trainer! (the ones you see doing this)

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

 

[Marty]

Hopefully, soon enough, people will get the picture that their antics won't be tolerated. The registry is just one part of the picture. Don't buy their horses! Don't use the trainer! (the ones you see doing this)

Good advice Liz and 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.

I didn't base my decision from what I heard on this board.

I was closer to the situation than you know way before it touched here.