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Post by just4fun on Jan 14, 2007 22:08:01 GMT
after reading the pony club thread i thought we could do with a thread about peoples experiences on loacl showing? i'mnot degrading it, it has its value but you do see some entertaining sights there, so share your stories. wE could all do with a few laughs on these wet winter evenings.
xxx
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Post by Grockle on Jan 15, 2007 16:44:42 GMT
The kids that go in the jumping classes and yell "hup" everytime the pony goes to take off. The saddlepads (velvet with binding) complete with the pony's name on it. Rings with the ropes sagging around them. Dodgy burgers and overpriced coffee. One local show in Dorset (sadly no more) where you had to cross a stream from the lorry park to get to the rings. The best "bay, black or brown" class. The winner of which can go into the championship. At some local riding club shows in Dorset, you can find 2 "A" panel judges who have not forgotten their roots, so good to them. Sadly, many of these shows have now gone, and it seems that even riding club show classes can have many county standard ponies in them, that said for some people it is the one show a year that they attend.
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Post by armada on Jan 15, 2007 19:14:35 GMT
I've had some startling experiences whilst judging at some local shows, one inhand class where a rather well built (understatement) lady came forward with her rather small (about 15hh) lightweight youngster. Usual judges 'put them at ease chat' and then "and what do you intend to do with her once she is broken?' Answer 'I want her for side saddle'. My incredulous reply 'FOR YOURSELF???' A mother once who thought the "Best Thelwell type' was in the bag. 'Can you tell me why you placed my daughter down?' My reply 'Madam, I did'nt place her down, I just did'nt place her up' ( she was pulled in second of two and remained there). And once, I very nearly came unstuck in the Foreign breeds class. I had grave concerns of my ability to judge it fairly as apart from the Arab, I know very little, if nothing about Haflingers and Fjords or for that matter - Spanish horses. One competitor had a very nice - in my untutored opinion - but badly blemished mare, it also dished quite badly. At the end of the class I drew it to her attention, she said 'Yes, they are supposed to.' Considering their front action, this makes perfect sense. Rather quicky I said 'Yes, thats all well and good, but I am afraid I could not overlook that blemish'. I told the organiser NEVER to put me in that position again. I still laugh about it now. And I will never judge a Foreign breeds class again as long as I live!!!! Another favourite is when someone in a ridden class on a not particularly well schooled or responsive horse, tries to do a fancy move - fails miserably and finishes their show with a flourish and large 'what d'ya think of that then? grin. I think you are probably going to hold up the bottom of the line actually. I think the simple show I asked you to perform was far more within your capabilities. Long live the local show, it reminds us of what it could be like but for the grace of god!!
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