how do you choose

[cayo]

I am interested to know how you guys all choose which shows to attend what is the critera in order of immportance to you that helps you decide where to go to compete
1/ how near venue is to your yard
2/ how good then venue is
3/ bigger the better or smaller shows
4/ which qualifiers they are holding say which you prefer
5/ entry fees at affordable prices showing good value for money
6/ the prize money
7/whos judgeing


my preferances are as follows

5/has to be the main one
2/ also a real deal breaker
1/with fuel prices as they are we alsways try to do as little travelling as poss
3/pleanty of classes and a good overall schedule
4/ not really an issue at all to us unless for equifest lol
6/ last on list as we wouldnt expect to win it lol

lets see what you think thanks for taking part x

[Wishiwasrich]

cost of getting there is now at the top!!!!! entry fees are small fry compared with deisel costs. Suitability of classes and if there is more than one class for us to do will also come into it. xxx

[Snowy]

I was like that last year! This year I have show every week of the season, some weeks even have 3, on my calander. But luckily my dad (who is my driver and groom) has a new job where he has to work away quite a bit so thats the only way I have been able to choose my shows this year LOL!
Otherwise i'd be in a right pickle

[bryn]

A very useful thread - particulary for show organisers. Most of what you have posted up to now are top listed categories when we design our schedules. Thanks Cayo for posting.

;D

[cayo]

Thanks Bryn i am supprised that more people havent added their thoughts as you say it will help show organisers put on the type of shows people are looking for ,come on guys take the time to let us know how you choose .

[Deleted]

At the moment i have been going to local (to me) shows just to get my youngster out. But when he is ridden (next year), it will depend on distance, how well it is organised as i have been to a few terribly disorganised shows. Facilites such as parking, working in etc. Probably for me would be qualifiers. I dont so much mind about entry fees as long as the judges are good and know their stuff, i very much research judges before hand. Prize money doesnt bother me now and i dont suspect it will in the future, ive always gone to shows and come away happy and proud however well my horse had done. Its nice thought when you do have decent rosettes and sashes just to make you feel that extra bit proud for your efforts.

[pencaedu]

I would have thought that one of the major decision points is who the judges are. The rest is insignificant if you know the judge doesn't like your horse/pony

[Deleted]

pencaedu i have had that before, she told me in my first class with her my horse is not what she wants to see today, so the other 3 classes i paid for i ditched as unfortunately she was the judge in them also.

[iluvmyponies]

There is a lot to think about when we go to shows, having so many ponies & riders, we have to choose carefully. We usually think about...
How far the venue is.
The venue itself.
Entry fees.
Judges.
Qualifiers.
Who else will be competing there.
Trying to guess how big the classes will be. (Coloured pony doesn't like standing around.)
What classes are on the schedule & are available for us.
When it is held & what the weather is usually/probably like.
What time the classes are.
Prizes (Are we getting good value for money.)
Is the pony/ponies ready.
What time will we get home (My 3 year old sister is always pooped when we get home late.)
There is probably loads of other things that we think about too, but all are equally important! UK Showing is our favourite show, followed by St Helens. They both have amazing atmospheres when you arrive, you just have to smile! ;D

[fairleykismet]

Have you heard Hannah that St Helens isnt running this year?

[iluvmyponies]

Mar 11, 2011 10:49:47 GMT fairleykismet said:

Have you heard Hannah that St Helens isnt running this year?

Really!? Why not?

[fairleykismet]

Ive put a topic on NWR, because the council have made cut backs and decided not to run it :/

[iluvmyponies]

Mar 11, 2011 11:39:37 GMT fairleykismet said:

Ive put a topic on NWR, because the council have made cut backs and decided not to run it :/

Awww no Love St Helens! Do you know if it is running next year? Or has it been cancelled all together?

[cayo]

Mar 11, 2011 9:00:40 GMT pencaedu said:

I would have thought that one of the major decision points is who the judges are. The rest is insignificant if you know the judge doesn't like your horse/pony

of course you are quite right i will add that one too ,we all have judges we wouldnt show under no matter wher ethe show was lol

[alinmeg]

For me it has to be who's' judging, if the judges don't like my breeds then it's a waste of money, entry fees and especially fuel costs that are going up and up and up!!!!!!!!
Do enjoy the atmoshere of going to SWPA champs at Crick, Wales. Entries are reasonable so are stables and the judging is fair and friendly we all have a good time most importantly.
I think when we spend a lot of money like you do at puk and nps champs you almost feel a pressure to do well due to the costs involved, or i do rather than enjoying it as much as you should.....or is this just me?

[cayo]

When we go to riding club shows i do find it annoying that many charge non members double for entry fees i feel this is too much and clubs would get more people coming for the odd show if they didnt have to pay through the nose ,we often visit a club only once a season due to other commitments and its simply not worth paying for membership at our club we only charge non members £1 extra per class ,perhaps the offer of a day membership at say £5 would encourge more non members to attend club shows .