|
Post by Laura&&MackyDee on Aug 11, 2012 20:12:46 GMT
Ive been going to PUK since I was little and every year there's been a great atmosphere, grandstands to sit in round the evening performance, plenty of food stands and shops but this year there's been no good food stalls no grandstands and a tiny main ring not to mention the poor entries shocking!! Xx
|
|
|
Post by clifton on Aug 11, 2012 20:21:20 GMT
we have been today and talked to some stall holders and they haven't even covered their costs, so may be even less stalls next year
|
|
janet
Full Member
Posts: 502
|
Post by janet on Aug 12, 2012 8:09:58 GMT
I too was very disappointed, the main ring evening performance were lack lustre, been a few years ago at Peterborough and it was amazing, now entries very poor, you get more entries at a local show! don't think I will go again, I wonder how many other people feel the same, why has it gone so down hill?
|
|
|
Post by jacksprat on Aug 12, 2012 18:02:31 GMT
we didnt go this year as we were so disappointed last year
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Aug 12, 2012 18:36:17 GMT
how sad, used to go there every year from West Wales with ponies and my children, however it did get very expensive and at that time there were a lot of mutterings about the finances of PUK
|
|
|
Post by dungarvin on Aug 12, 2012 18:49:28 GMT
We too have returned from P.UK very disappointed. There was no grand stand in the main arena and no atmosphere whatsoever. So much effort is put into preparing to go away to a show it was extremely disappointing. The cost was also very high and in some classes they were only given rossettes for champ and reserve. You would think they would go to the expense of a sash when the classes are so expensive. Some of the Judges were very poor, they cannot get past the producers and the horses they are showing even when mistakes are made and had faults. The final Judging of the Sherwood in the Brown ring was appalling, when the working hunter jumps were being dismantled the class was still proceeding. The Judge looked as though she couldnt wait to get it over with.
|
|
|
Post by livtom on Aug 12, 2012 18:59:22 GMT
I have to agree with you all! We have done puk for many years and always had a great time, the atmosphere was always buzzing and the evening performances always fantastic to watch in a huge ring with seated grandstand around. I went just for the day this year and our hoys classes where well attended but the rest of the rings only had 2's and 3's in the classes, hardly any stalls to look round and no atmosphere at all! I think there will be even less people there next year and less stalls, puk need to listen to their competitors and try to keep costs down !!!
|
|
|
Post by lpz0489 on Aug 12, 2012 19:38:53 GMT
I also have been attending PUK for a number of years. Stalls less and less. No sashes for classes and yet the entry cost never lowers so you expect more for your money.The home produced always seem to be the ones that loss out and we pay extra for 'A' membership. Championships taken away and not even put through to the evening performance. Definitely agree with the judges not being able to get pass the producers. They do have some lovely ponies and do a good job but there are other people out there (home produced) with better ponies at times. We have been showing in the inhand classes and they have been disgraceful results. Not just my opinion, strangers at the side of the ring making same comments and coming over saying ' your pony should of walked that class' but we all know the reason PRODUCERS. Very disappointed with the main ring for Evening Performance, size and no grandstand etc. Will need to improve and take everyone's views on board.
|
|
|
Post by pimms'o'clock (Jess) on Aug 12, 2012 19:56:08 GMT
Oh no! Gutted to read these comments, we didn't do PUK this year as last year we found the atmosphere very flat and it seems things have continued to go downhill, can't believe there wasn't even a grandstand for the evening! Come on PUK pull your socks up, we all want it back to how it was 4 or more years ago!!
Sent from my LT26i using proboards
|
|
|
Post by dungarvin on Aug 12, 2012 20:04:27 GMT
It was also very disappointing when competitors were in the wrong class ie isrt instead of ish but despite the Judge pointing this out was still placed lst and made a mistake in the show!! When the Judge gave the person the first rossette said to her "I thought it was you, how is your mother, you must come for a chat and a drink" Guess what she also got Champion, I wonder why. The horse even had hunter markings on in the isrt class. The lady in the Secretaries building writing the cheques was also extremely rude and grumpy and she would frighten anybody, she was not welcoming at all.
|
|
hanhan
Newbie
Darcy at bsps champs! :)
Posts: 3
|
Post by hanhan on Aug 12, 2012 20:22:54 GMT
we have also been to puk for many years and this year is the first year we have not gone. Feels wierd not to attend but last year had felt it had lost most of the atmosphere like puk used to have. equifest is the new puk
|
|
|
Post by Laura&&MackyDee on Aug 12, 2012 20:30:01 GMT
It's such ashame it's gone so downhill it's just seemed to be the same people winning in the evenings...the producers.. The only ones who can afford £40 a class in my opinion I think equifest is going to take over PUK as a few people I've spoke. To have said they will be attending equifest instead next year instead of PUK. Its so sad if it's going to end up getting fewer and fewer entries xxx
|
|
|
Post by mcw on Aug 12, 2012 20:35:12 GMT
equifest is the new puk It definatley is! Only difference is that, the Equifest show organisers are prepared to listen to the competitors!
|
|
|
Post by mustangsally on Aug 12, 2012 20:47:42 GMT
It's such ashame it's gone so downhill it's just seemed to be the same people winning in the evenings...the producers.. The only ones who can afford £40 a class in my opinion I think equifest is going to take over PUK as a few people I've spoke. To have said they will be attending equifest instead next year instead of PUK. Its so sad if it's going to end up getting fewer and fewer entries xxx I agree to an extent. Something should be done about the people that do home produced classes who are riding ponies for others in HOYs classes. Also producers in restricted classes is a joke. That's not PUK fault though, same goes on at Equifest so don't think it doesn't.
|
|
|
Post by lollypop1478 on Aug 12, 2012 20:56:55 GMT
Puk very expensive! went to equifest last year and had a great time, great atmosphere and far cheaper hope they keep it like this:-)
|
|
|
Post by oakley2012 on Aug 12, 2012 20:59:54 GMT
To be honest, don't you think that classes are down EVERYWHERE, due to the rising cost of the hobby and fuel etc, so yes the classes were down on previous years, but I thought that BSPS classes were also down last summer, so I don't think its PUK in particular.
I think that it was a very well ran show, and it wasn't their fault that the main ring was previously flooded I believe, you could see that the ground was not good enough, and that is why they could not use a grandstand!!
|
|
|
Post by showingforfun on Aug 12, 2012 21:03:56 GMT
Attended PUK for over 10 years and saw a steady decline in the quality, numbers and atmosphere. Made the change to Equifest last year and had a fab time-just like PUK used to be when at EofE. Going back to Equifest this year and expect it to be bigger and better than last time
|
|
|
Post by toomanyhorses on Aug 12, 2012 21:05:49 GMT
I too was disappointed with the judging. One class had three 138 ponies in when it clearly stated in the schedule that the class was for animals exceeding 148cm. They were placed too, one in top three! The winner in one class was dreadful. It was naughty on the go round, ran into canter every time asked and wrong legged it, and did the wrong set show! Felt sorry for the others in the class that did foot perfect shows and were on better quality animals.
Evenings lacked atmosphere and competitors, 3 in one section out of a potential 10!
Must add that all the stewards in our rings were fantastic. Helpful, approachable and professional. They really are the unsung heroes at shows and really are the glue that holds it all together. Shame the same can't be said about all the judges!!! One or two to be added to the black book ;0)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2012 21:42:47 GMT
We migrated to Equifest in 2009, leaving PUK behind for one reason - Equifest was cheaper. This year we decided to try PUK again, as there was more WHP classes for us at PUK than Equifest. We do enjoy Equifest, and were sad not to be going, however we found that they were very, very long days due to the sheer amount of entries! I know it's good that they're doing so well, but it got them really far behind, and as we had a baby with us, he was getting increasingly bored/frustrated waiting for his turn in around the jumps! We thought that they had cut down on the workers dramatically, which would result in even bigger numbers in the few workers there were/are. We thoroughly enjoyed PUK, everybody was pleasant, and there was 20 + in our M&M workers, although the riddens were admittedly down. Although the evening performance wasn't quite what it used to be, we had a lovely, stress-free time, with no running about or needing to be in two rings at once because of over-running classes! The stewards were pleasant and only too willing to help. I did witness some 'dodgy' judging, but don't you get that everywhere?!?! I think people slate PUK too much, admittedly it maybe should cut costs slightly, but these things get greedy with success!
|
|
|
Post by GaynorStones on Aug 12, 2012 23:49:57 GMT
I too enjoyed PUK this year and found most of the stewards lovely especially in brown ring. Unfortunately we did miss the Kingsford as our hoys whp class took 3 hrs as there were so many entries and the ridden classes went through very quickly. We were 2nd whp class and 8th ridden class and they clashed!! Did feel there was no atmosphere in evening performance and nowhere to sit down! We did have to wait nearly an hour to get our duration indoor stable sorted though which was a bit of a shame. Will I go next year - not sure
|
|
|
Post by mirejaal on Aug 13, 2012 0:04:29 GMT
Puk was like a local show, just a few people dotted around, even in the evening performance. We late entered, paid £60 for Hoys and £25 for CONCORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The show was on, all booked etc, why not encourage the late entries??? Why slaughter us financially??? Suddenly we had a bit of money left over, we could join you, delighted but £145 for 3 classes and £100 in diesel? ? PUK we loved the years with you, but our money has run out....... HELP US SUPPORT YOUR SHOW KEEP PRICES REALISTIC!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
fmdh1
Junior Member
Posts: 65
|
Post by fmdh1 on Aug 13, 2012 9:28:03 GMT
We have been to Ponies UK for the last 5 years and we really enjoy our week. This year we were in the WHP rings and the Brown ring stewards were fantastic. The Park ring WHP course was fantastic with really interesting fences and great use of the ground.
But - I could not believe there were no grandstands this year. This completely ruined the evening performance atmosphere. And I do agree class entry fees are very high. £45 to do a class when you are at the show was just too much - we would have entered lots more as our new pony went better than expected but he was left in the stable.
Please Ponies UK - bring back the grandstands!
|
|
|
Post by oakley2012 on Aug 13, 2012 10:22:47 GMT
fmdh1 Dont you know that the reason they could not have grandstands was because they could not use the usual ring for the evening performances, as it was flooded recently and the ground you could see was dreadful. They had barriers around the worst part, but they obviously just abandoned the idea of using it altogether.
The Blue ring could not have grandstands put around it, due to access and adjacent rings, so don't blame them it was not their fault it was the wet weather in July.
I enjoyed the show as it was not stressful, and the first time we have not missed or had a clash of classes. Thanks to all at PUK for an enjoyable show, and hopefully next year the main ring can be used again and the grandstands return.
|
|
|
Post by ticketyboo on Aug 13, 2012 11:30:12 GMT
PUK need to slash their prices!!!!, there is a depression in the country have they not noticed??? and the price of diesel has rocketed over the last 2 years, people are looking for value for money and that's why they have voted with their feet and gone to Equifest,End of!!
I know alot of people used puk as their annual holiday with their horses and im sure they would get competitors back again if they listened to people regarding pricing, a lot of people loved equifest last year but did say it was a bit too busy i.e being stuck in the ring for a couple of hours due to class numbers and not much room etc, stabling full very early , fighting for hook ups etc..... so im sure there is enough room for both events, as owning a young novice pony i would not chose equifest as its to busy but wouldn't want to compete at puk as it stand s now as whats the achievement of winning at a champs with hardly any competition?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2012 11:58:32 GMT
ticketyboo you do make a valid point - however, there was, most definitely competition! The M&M classes had 20+ in ALL of mine, and between me and my sister over 2 days we did 6 classes! In some we watched there was only 7/8, but the quality of the ponies definitely wasn't down! Just because there wasn't 45+ entries, doesn't mean you're not competing against good competition. My sister was 3rd to a beautiful connemara, and we couldn't have been more pleased, as she also beat some lovely animals.
The amount of entries doesn't make a quality class, it's those that you're competing against.
|
|
fmdh1
Junior Member
Posts: 65
|
Post by fmdh1 on Aug 13, 2012 12:53:36 GMT
For the past 4 years the main ('Gold') ring has been where it was held this year and there were grandstand seats provided, so I am not sure I understand the post about not being able to use the main ring which is why there was no seating. I am aware that the original intention for 2012 was to use the 'Blue ring' and make spectators sit on the grass banks - what would have happened if it had rained?! But regardless of which ring it is - please bring back the grandstands!
|
|
wh321
Junior Member
Posts: 72
|
Post by wh321 on Aug 13, 2012 13:26:09 GMT
we had a fab time at PUK, and in all of my m&m working hunter classes there was always good entries, but i did notice that the flat entries wasnt as good. The working hunter courses were very good and i thought the show had a very good and friendly atmosphere and the weather being kind to us so overall we had a great show
|
|
bullyboy10
Full Member
Live life as it comes!
Posts: 279
|
Post by bullyboy10 on Aug 13, 2012 13:49:16 GMT
We had a really good time at PUK this year! Shame about the evening's but tbh I didn't really mind as my pony probably would have gone a little crazy and not stood a chance! But I was a little disappointed about the lake of sashes!!! We were thrilled when I got my 2 champions but it would have made it a little more special to have won a sash, just as we paid quite a lot for these finals. But overall it was good I thought, not stressful at all like all other years we have been!
|
|
|
Post by Summertime on Aug 13, 2012 14:12:37 GMT
Had a great time at Ponies UK, and our M&M flat ridden classes were full of competition, even the Sherwoods which incidently were FREE to enter so next year get your qualifications and buy a stable and then do the Sherwoods and really cut your costs.
|
|
|
Post by midummer on Aug 13, 2012 18:57:15 GMT
P uk was very disappointing, returning after a 3year absence, such a decline in entries, hideously expensive and such biased judging towards the producers and sponsors very "us and them" Shame as some really fab ponies in some classes which never even made the evening performance Lack of toilets in the lorry parks, Rude obnoxious campers [including an admitted commitee member] with threatening behaviour all screeching and screaming like hags at 2.30 in the morning...3 nights running and no you werent celebrating your "wins" not on tuesday night! Puk you really need to seperate those that wish to stagger round drunkedly from those that dont! Selling defrosted bread at £1.50 Disgruntled stall owners Fab ice cream tho!!!!!!!!
|
|