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Post by sjw87 on Oct 1, 2016 14:51:04 GMT
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed class numbers declining in recent times as more and more people are having to pick and choose shows based on financial restrictions and time off work etc. When picking and choosing shows, what factors are likely to sway you towards a particular show?
Hoping that some show organisers may read and consider what competitors deem to be their 'wish list'.
For me, as a completely home produced amateur from a non-horsey family, I struggle to get help at shows. I don't like leaving a horse unattended in the lorry so a PA system that can be clearly heard in the lorry park is a godsend.
On a similar vein, something I've seen which I thought was fantastic was a board outside each ring with a list of classes in that ring and the steward crossed each class off as it finished. It meant that it was very easy to establish where the ring was up to.
'Not before times' are personally my very biggest wish. If a schedule just states the ring to start at 8:30am and all classes/sections 'to follow on', it is an absolute nightmare to guess timings if you're in a later class. The more NBT's that can be declared, the more prepared competitors can be and if the classes run early, I'm sure the judges would be grateful of an extra break whilst waiting for the next NBT. At shows with limited parking, it can also help parking issues as people don't turn up excessively early. Likewise, declaring when breaks will be taken as I'm sure most of us have been in the situation where the horse is warmed up and the ring is unexpectedly stood down for a lunch break. Of course judges need breaks but these should be scheduled in or at least declared in good time to keep competitors informed (I'm talking about proper breaks here where the ring is stood down, not just a judge nipping to the toilet between classes etc).
What's on your wish list?
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Post by Philippa on Oct 2, 2016 5:53:09 GMT
I'm all for NBT's too. And plaited LR not at 0800 in the morning. That's a nightmare. I have pony to plait, work in, quarter mark, child to dress, self to dress and present ourselves at the ring in good time all without flapping so as not to stress pony, child or myself. It's bad enough being that time at an overnight show but when we have to ad travel into the equation too it's a logistical nightmare. Us mums do need sleep at some point!!
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Post by owston on Oct 2, 2016 7:21:56 GMT
.....you need to come to the NCPA Yorkshire Branch Shows......we can fulfil your wish list!!  |
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Post by Philippa on Oct 2, 2016 7:43:29 GMT
We will be doing. We are having a change next year so we should be seeing more of you next year. Hope the children's show is going ahead again X
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 2, 2016 7:58:13 GMT
Great comments by sjw87 and Philippa; Owston a pity you are too far away for us but I bet you have happy competitors!
Established shows with a historical background should be able to put NBT onto their schedules. A look at the last 3 or 4 shows, at the same time of year, should give a trend that can provide a guide to the NBT. If there should be more entries than the trend shows, a good PA system can alert competitors to revised times and also written up on a board outside the ring. This should be easy to accomplish as most ring stewards need to go back to secretary's tent to collect hand in/collect class sheets at some stage and they can update the board.
sjw87, as the instigator of the thread, if there are enough responses, maybe you could keep a list and when the thread comes to a natural end, put up the full edited list and it could be sent to all the listed show societies that are under 'forthcoming events'?
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Post by janetbushell on Oct 2, 2016 8:55:33 GMT
NCPA Spring Spectacular, Northern Spectacular & POYS have virtually all on the wish list!
I think often shows that are run by people who have a knowledge from "all sides" of showing do realise what helps to make the day go more smoothly, but sometimes costs/manpower mean some of these ideals are not feasible.
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 2, 2016 9:27:28 GMT
NCPA Spring Spectacular, Northern Spectacular & POYS have virtually all on the wish list! I think often shows that are run by people who have a knowledge from "all sides" of showing do realise what helps to make the day go more smoothly, but sometimes costs/manpower mean some of these ideals are not feasible. Hi Janet I agree, most shows are run by people that have experience of all sides of showing but if virtually all points mentioned so far are already implemented at the named shows, would it be possible to implement the rest? I don't think any of the suggestions made so far would take extra manpower or cots? Competitors are really thinking about and verbalising suggestions that would make their showing days much better and less stressed. For societies to listen and hopefully implement viable suggestions would be a bonus for everyone on show days. |
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Post by janetbushell on Oct 2, 2016 9:34:14 GMT
NCPA Spring Spectacular, Northern Spectacular & POYS have virtually all on the wish list! I think often shows that are run by people who have a knowledge from "all sides" of showing do realise what helps to make the day go more smoothly, but sometimes costs/manpower mean some of these ideals are not feasible. Hi Janet I agree, most shows are run by people that have experience of all sides of showing but if virtually all points mentioned so far are already implemented at the named shows, would it be possible to implement the rest? I don't think any of the suggestions made so far would take extra manpower or cots? Competitors are really thinking about and verbalising suggestions that would make their showing days much better and less stressed. For societies to listen and hopefully implement viable suggestions would be a bonus for everyone on show days. Actually they could require extra manpower re the boards outside the ring - possible of course if plenty of help but often there is only 1 steward, who is very time pressed & only has 1 pair of hands - IMO an out of date board would be worse than no board as would mean competitors may miss their class. Tannoy systems all have to be paid for/hired hence the cost element. Boards, marker pens etc may have to be purchased (& the biggest problem usually - stored somewhere for the rest of the year) I wasn't disagreeing with any of the suggestions, just pointing out that sometimes they are not always feasible. |
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 2, 2016 9:56:30 GMT
I wasn't criticising your post Janet, just throwing in probably what everyone else is thinking. I have attended many NCPA shows and the majority are well run. IMO for any shows with multiple rings a tannoy system that can be heard in all parking and/or stabling areas is a huge benefit to competitors and an absolute essential thus no need for boards. I guess that competitors are just looking for the societies to show interest and listen to their suggested needs |
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sarahp
Happy to help
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Post by sarahp on Oct 2, 2016 10:35:14 GMT
IMO the most important of these is NBT. I gave up going to one serious of shows locally when I went for the 14th class of the day, thought it might be about 4pm so arrived at 1pm - to find it already going into the ring! It could, on the other hand have ended up being at 8pm depending on number of entrants. Even a NBT for am and pm is a great help.
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Post by silvester on Oct 2, 2016 11:57:14 GMT
I used to attend a show which had a laminated 'flick' sheet book of numbers at the entrance to the ring. As the steward opened and closed the rope gate she'd only need to flick a page over. It was amazingly helpful!!
My bug bear at local shows are the schedule running order - one local show here puts in hand coloured first thing at 8am then in hand ex racers, etc then the equivalent ridden classes on last thing. It forces you to choose one or the other whereas good planning would result in competitors doing both. Also annoying is when the ridden follows the in hand leaving no time to tack up or get changed or work in.
I've also been taking kids out doing lead rein this year and am amazed that some shows schedule tiny tots lead rein in one ring and carriage driving for example in the next door ring!!!
That's not rocket science lol
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Post by hazeysunshine on Oct 2, 2016 19:05:23 GMT
.....you need to come to the NCPA Yorkshire Branch Shows......we can fulfil your wish list!! I'll be joining you guys next year I think, only hear good things and all looks super organised. Wish list wise.... Good pa system Toilet in the parking area Decent size rings Not before times Welsh split out from mountain and moorland class wise. Smooth running Judges and stewards that know what they are doing Pre entry numbers being announced. |
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Post by livamino on Oct 3, 2016 19:09:50 GMT
Much of my list wish has been posted above;
Ditto NBT, I'm put off travelling to shows where it's just running order, do I need to get there at say 12noon or 3pm +
Announce break times at least 30 mins beforehand so competitors can plan ahead.
Love the idea of flick sheets outside rings, so easy to administer as open rope.
Allowing time for same horse in similar classes (riden & in hand) but not either end of the day.
Putting general 'fit for all' type of classes in middle of day to allow entry in multiple classes without long waits. Such as best conditioned, junior in hand / ridden, riding club pony / horse.
If have jumping & WH courses also have clear round available early afternoon in one of the rings, maybe slightly larger height? Allows practice for those only competing later in the day and allows riders to 'have a go' if early morning clashes with other classes.
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Post by lucynlizzysmum on Oct 3, 2016 19:26:04 GMT
I've read this with interest - I don't use not before times, but I do ask our show secretary to post all numbers entered which gives competitors an idea. (We don't take entries on the day). We try to provide decent size rings and a decent PA. We try not to have classes clash where they are similar types, but I am afraid that if there is a slow judge in one ring and a fast in the other sometimes it cannot be helped. Now my wish list as an organiser - great judges (I hope we usually manage that) fabulous stewards (we have a great team) smiley competitors who make a show a pleasure to run!!
Also and probably MOST IMPORTANT - people to give us a hand setting up and taking down.
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Post by Toaster on Oct 3, 2016 20:51:36 GMT
I'm another that doesnt understand why so many LR classes are on so early, particularly at shows with evening performances
I only show at local level but my biggest bugbear is where a show is very hard to find but no help is given on the schedule, for example one local show venue has one access road that is terribly narrow and another thats wide and a much easier way in - it would be good to see soem detail of that on the schedule. Another show venue has a livery yard attached and its their postcode thats on the schedule however they dont like lorries coming through so the 'proper' entry to the show is a couple of miles more drive and is not publicised so you get a telling off before you even park up! its little things that stress me out
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Post by owston on Oct 4, 2016 5:55:11 GMT
We will be doing. We are having a change next year so we should be seeing more of you next year. Hope the children's show is going ahead again X Yes Phillipa the Children's Show is 2nd April. Be nice to see you 👍😀 |
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Post by Philippa on Oct 4, 2016 7:14:52 GMT
Fab can't wait xx
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Post by ponymum on Oct 4, 2016 8:02:09 GMT
Although i'm well out of lr classes , it seems that all lr classes seem to be on at the same time , and this often means classes end up being held up as the jockey / pony are in another ring . Surely it makes sense to run the lr sp / mm / shp and equitation at different times through the day to accomodate them?
Big Fan of NBT!
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Post by 5874julie on Oct 4, 2016 10:42:00 GMT
I'm all for NBT's too. And plaited LR not at 0800 in the morning. That's a nightmare. I have pony to plait, work in, quarter mark, child to dress, self to dress and present ourselves at the ring in good time all without flapping so as not to stress pony, child or myself. It's bad enough being that time at an overnight show but when we have to ad travel into the equation too it's a logistical nightmare. Us mums do need sleep at some point!! am now way beyond lead rein classes but i used to complain about this too, but another friend used to view it in a more positive light - they were always home for lunch! |
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Post by Philippa on Oct 4, 2016 13:40:12 GMT
Although i'm well out of lr classes , it seems that all lr classes seem to be on at the same time , and this often means classes end up being held up as the jockey / pony are in another ring . Surely it makes sense to run the lr sp / mm / shp and equitation at different times through the day to accomodate them? Big Fan of NBT! I have this problem at the Great Yorkshire. Our M&M LR class is at 0830 and our SP HOYS LR class at 1000, in different rings. Im sure im not the only person with 1 jockey and 2 ponies. I had a different handler lined up for my M&M this year but didnt dare risk taking both as I would still need my jockeys main attire changing before the SP class and from previous years its often virtually 1000 before the M&M class is finished!!!! |
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Post by catkin on Oct 4, 2016 14:09:29 GMT
Not before times are my most favoured suggestion. With knowledgable help at shows sometimes hard to come by, I have sympathy and admiration for anyone who runs shows for us all to enjoy. NBF times help competitors, judges and organisers alike.
A few more from me:
*if applicable, sufficient passes for each horse. Some shows (well documented already) do not give enough. Two is not sufficient for each animal, particularly when young riders are involved.
* Somewhere safe for everyone to be able to work in. It doesn't have to be a roped off area, just sufficient space.
* Rubbish bins (that are not attached to ring ropes etc) aplenty to help us all keep showgrounds tidy
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Post by bigmama on Oct 4, 2016 15:36:37 GMT
1. Good sportsmanship and camaraderie
2. A return to the old, pre-Hoys madness days
3. Stewarded working-in rings
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Post by oldschooler on Oct 4, 2016 17:09:44 GMT
I'm all for NBT's too. And plaited LR not at 0800 in the morning. That's a nightmare. I have pony to plait, work in, quarter mark, child to dress, self to dress and present ourselves at the ring in good time all without flapping so as not to stress pony, child or myself. It's bad enough being that time at an overnight show but when we have to ad travel into the equation too it's a logistical nightmare. Us mums do need sleep at some point!! am now way beyond lead rein classes but i used to complain about this too, but another friend used to view it in a more positive light - they were always home for lunch! Sorry you have all missed the most vital wish. Coloureds and especially traditionals, should be not before 12noon - to save me getting up at 5am to clean the mucky s**t again. And definitely not after 1:30pm so I can get home at a reasonable time and watch the telly. Very reasonable from my point of view!!!!! |
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Post by lucynlizzysmum on Oct 4, 2016 18:36:00 GMT
am now way beyond lead rein classes but i used to complain about this too, but another friend used to view it in a more positive light - they were always home for lunch! Sorry you have all missed the most vital wish. Coloureds and especially traditionals, should be not before 12noon - to save me getting up at 5am to clean the mucky s**t again. And definitely not after 1:30pm so I can get home at a reasonable time and watch the telly. Very reasonable from my point of view!!!!! Ha ha - yup! And all shows should be on a day following a day off to ensure that I am in bed a reasonable time before I have to get up at some ungodly hour to wash the stable stains off the monster! |
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Post by gillwales on Oct 4, 2016 18:51:51 GMT
When we showed locally: Good toilets with hand washing facilities... no blue boxes. Friendly and efficient Secretaries and Stewards, Adequate parkin and working in. NO PARADES flat rings no scary displays next to the ring decent rosettes apart from what I have already read. Nice ice cream stall for after the classes At county shows good showers and stabbling |
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Post by oldschooler on Oct 5, 2016 16:59:07 GMT
Sorry you have all missed the most vital wish. Coloureds and especially traditionals, should be not before 12noon - to save me getting up at 5am to clean the mucky s**t again. And definitely not after 1:30pm so I can get home at a reasonable time and watch the telly. Very reasonable from my point of view!!!!! Ha ha - yup! And all shows should be on a day following a day off to ensure that I am in bed a reasonable time before I have to get up at some ungodly hour to wash the stable stains off the monster! You are on my wave length I see. Totally agree. |
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Post by maxandpaddy on Oct 5, 2016 17:30:35 GMT
All the above...plus:
Polite friendly folk
Unbiased judging
Decent coffee for sale somewhere
Smiling should be mandatory
Nice weather
Good parking ....where people who cant reverse a trailer DONT NEED TO
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Post by kateanne0 on Oct 6, 2016 8:08:08 GMT
All the above...plus: Good parking ....where people who cant reverse a trailer DONT NEED TO Aah those were the days! I never managed to fully be in control of the trailer in tight spaces or when watched! Whenever I was asked to park, in what I thought was a ridiculously small space, I always gave fair warning to the parking steward 'I will get it iin but getting it out will be your problem' This nearly always raised a laugh and eyebrows together with an 'ok'  I always tried to get to the show ground early so I could do a sweeping turn and place the trailer where I could just drive forward to get out  |
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Oct 6, 2016 8:36:51 GMT
Now I could always put my LR and trailer anywhere with no problem, as long as onlookers didn't try unnecessarily to direct me. The lorry, though, was a different matter!
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Post by gillwales on Oct 6, 2016 10:02:54 GMT
when My Dad took me to shows when I was a child he spent most of his time parking trailers and lorries for people who couldn't do it for themselves
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