Thank you to "An Exhibitor"

[horsefeather]

I received a card the other day signed 'An Exhibitor.'

I would like to thank that person for this hand written card!! Too many times we share 'bad' experiences with either the judges or stewards. I am guilty of this also. But because of this card I received, I am going to try and send cards with kudos to judges or stewards that go beyond their 'job.' I am a steward and it felt so good to read the nice words on this card. I know there are judges and stewards that you wouldn't want to show under, but I hope there are many more who you look forward to going to shows featuring certain judges and/or stewards.

I took on the job of steward in hopes that I could help clubs if they needed a price break. But, I also wanted to help the exhibitors, both the 'old hands at showing' and the 'newbies.' I try my best to do both. Do I make mistakes? You bet. Do I know the rule book by heart? No, but I do try and remember where certain rules are located. Do I have all the answers? Nope, but I will try my best to find one for you. Do I measure as honestly as I can? You bet! It doesn't matter to me who you are, whether you are big, well known trainers, or someone who just got their new mini. I can honestly say that I can sleep at night with my decisions. If you attend a show where I am stewarding, please feel free to come to me with any questions, complaints, etc.

Thanks again 'Exhibitor' for the card!!

Pam

 

[GeorgeandHumble]

It's so nice that you acknowledge the note. It gives someone wanting to get into showing that there are decent people involved inside the ring as well as outside the ring.

I went to a show a couple years ago years ago. My hope was to see how a horse show went because I had intentions of getting into showing. I left the show saying there'd be no way I would go through that humiliation.

At the miniature horse show held at Hopkington Fair in New Hampshire, a woman was in a driving class, while leaving the ring her horse balked a little bit. There was a man in the ring (I believe the judge) and a lady (Helper?). The lady started screaming to the exhibitor to get out of the cart. The problem was the exhibitor had gotten the horse under control almost instantly and couldn't hear the lady anyway since the show was at the fair with the sounds of the fair in the background. For the next few minutes I listened to the woman and the man in the ring walk around telling each other how stupid people are, what idiots they are, how some people shouldn't go in the ring with a horse etc... I was going to tell them what I thought of how they were handling the situation but my partner saw the look on my face and told me to calm down and please don't make a scene. It took all I could to hold my words but I managed. I think about that day often and how little the horse balked and at how the lady in the ring made a much bigger issue of it than it had to be and how the man went along with her even though he appeared to not have seen the balking as much of an issue. I told my partner that if that's how the people judging handled themselves that there'd be no way I'd go into a ring and so I gave up on any thoughts of showing. It would be nice to know that what I experienced that day was rare instead of common.

I am under the impression that those involved with showing for years assume that every exhibitor knows every move to make and exactly what to do in every situation. Heck, I don't have so much as a clue what to do when showing a horse and never will unless I feel comfortable knowing that as an exibitor I wouldn't be considered the idot who doesn't belong in the ring. So, your post gives me a little hope in knowing that someone involved in the showring is there to help the exhibitor and not treat the exhibitor as an unwanted participant.

 

[Genie]

Nice

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Oh Pam, we all need a nice pat on the back at times..you earn all of em!

 

[Anne ABC]

[SIZE=12pt]Pam, I have been in the ring with you and the crew you work with and I have to say it's a great team. I didn't write the note (should have, shame on me) just let me go on record here saying "thanks" to you and your team mates for the work you do. You all put on a good show.[/SIZE]

 

[Make A Wish Miniatures]

I just want to add my thanks to Pam. She does a great job and here in Texas it is so hot but she still manages to stay nice to everyone and I know it must be really dificult sometimes with people complaining about measuring and rules.

 

[JWC sr.]

Ditto on the Pam trying hard part. She was just recently the Steward at the San Antonio Family Fiesta and did a good job. The show management in David and Kim were easy to work with also. Makes it a lot more fun to spend your money and attend these shows when you have pleasant people to work with.

There are always a few problems, but that just comes with the organized Chinese fire drill known as a "Horse Show". Thanks for your hard work and let us know if we can do anything in the future.

 

[The Simple Life Farm]

I also have to agree with the others Pam. I have always found you and you team to be very pleasant. The Conroe shows are always my favorite. The show runs smoothly, and the personel are ALWAYS very friendly and helpful.

I remember my first first time in the ring, I was so very nervous. I almost scratched my class because of it. As I was going in, the gate person could see it all over my face, and made such a comforting remark to me. I always think of that EVERY time I go through the gate now... amazing how somethings stick with you for so long.

 

[~Lisa~]

I remember my first first time in the ring, I was so very nervous. I almost scratched my class because of it. As I was going in, the gate person could see it all over my face, and made such a comforting remark to me. I always think of that EVERY time I go through the gate now... amazing how somethings stick with you for so long.

I think sometimes judges forget this. There are some of us that are class fillers- that are not going to place above the many trainers in there classes but like to go and learn and have fun anyway. I know many trainers and serious ammys choose shows by judges who like their horses and will pin them high

For me as backwards as this sounds if I enjoy a class and feel the judge was at least even pretending to look at my horse with a kind smile or good morning well that is the judge I want to show under even if I get placed lower under them or get the gate-

In fact one of my favorite judges really does not place me at the top of the classes he does not like my horses (with the exception of 2)but he always makes showing such a fun experience I love to show under him.