Debriefing for Equifest 2011

[Guestless]

I wonder if it's worth having a thread in the Equifest chat section for people to give constructive criticism/comments on the show - if JonP or Betsy advise accordingly, we can give it a go.

Edited to add - following JonP's approval, please use this thread to offer constructive criticism or comments on this year's show.

[jonp]

By all means start a thread in Equifest Chat with constructive criticism.

As previously posted, our current position is to make all stables duration stables. There will be a price increase to reflect paid resident stable/security managers for each individual stabling area. Stables will be linked to exhibitors, vehicles and their contact telephone numbers. We will expect numbers to be available 24/7 as you expect us to be.
Please consider all cost implications with suggestions. Equifest has to pay the East of England for every single item. This includes full rental for build up, duration and take down of the show, all showground services including cleaning and every breakage throughout the showground. Equifest has to be run as a business and is answerable to the East of England.
You all know how much the other societies charge for what I consider to be a less desirable experience than YOUR Equifest. Please help us improve it for you without trying to lay the blame at each others door.
This show belongs to you. It would not exist without you, your ponies, the stewards, the judges and the level playing field that I believe is the respect we have for each other.
As I said on the opening night. It is each of you who put the I in EquIfest

Jon Phillips

[Karen, garrettponies]

I for one throughly enjoyed it and just have one or two things which I'm sure others will agree with.

1. Health and safety, bikes being ridden at speed around the showground. Buggies being driven recklessly by young kids. BBQ's directly outside the stables where lorries parked (next to no smoking signs!). Stable numbers that make sense, not going from 700's to 1000's to 400's to 1400's! I got soooooooo lost.
2. Could stable numbers be allocated with entries?
3. Is an extra day feasible to cope with additional entries?

[bumblebee]

Definately pre-allocate stables. I like the idea mentioned in the Guests Area about having wristbands with stable numbers etc. Maybe the stable passes which get posted out could have the 'stable number' box filled in so that you then have to attach that pass (with emergency number on) to the door of your allocated stable as evidence that the stable is yours (the wristbands can then be used as extra security incase the passes get removed off doors). That way nobody would be able to steal anyone elses stables.

[Milliesmum]

Brilliant that Jonp and the equifest team are willing to listen to suggestions and address problems for next year.

I've pasted my wristband suggestion in here as I think it would simplify the stabling situation.

Aug 22, 2011 13:40:04 GMT Milliesmum said:

Could I make a suggestion? What about coloured wristbands to be given when you arrive and check in for your stables, with the stable numbers written on the relavent coloured wristband to whichever stable block you are booked into. Then if there's any dispute, you have the appropriate colour and number on your wrist so you have proof that your stable is your stable? Obviously would need stable management/security guys to enforce on the day?

[bumblebee]

Also - Coloured classes.....if they're being run jointly with BSPA then please can you split at the same height as BSPA - my boy spend Thursday and Friday being a Horse and Saturday and Sunday being a Pony!! And if classes have to be split then please don't confuse people too much about how it's being done. The In-hand coloureds were split both days - the first day it was horse and pony which wasn't overly great as the pony class had about 30, and the horse split only had about 8!! The second day it was originally posted online that it would also be split horse and pony, but then the list at secretary said it would be split by competitor number (which seemed a better idea as would give a more even split). However - about 10 mins before the class it was then announced that it was being split horse/pony. It all got very confusing!!

Finalist rosettes - this was something which didnt affect me personally, but I heard a few complaints about - if the schedule states that there will be finalist rosettes to all competitors in the chamionship classes, then people would like to receive them - I know a couple of people who mentioned that they didnt and were quite disappointed. This might have been a mistake by the steward but should be something which they are made aware of.

[snoopyp]

would love the show to be over more days so that the classes can be split in the schedule, so we can try and work out what will clash and what wont.

A bit of thought when putting the schedule together that obvious classes dont clash ie cobs clashed a lot.

would love to see a novice working cob class and in hand cobs added to the schedule.

also maybe an amateur championship and supreme, so the highest amateur (wear an armband) goes through to amateur championship

definately a solution to the stabling crisis, as we were involved with the nightmare, and would want to be confident it wouldnt happen again,

definately no bikes during showing hours, maybe security enforcing this during the day.

more grandstand seating round the indoor for the evening performance

would love the judges to use marking sheets, but am sure the judges wouldnt be too keen on that one.

and one final thing sunshine booked for the duration please

[perfect]

came down on sat morninbg to watch a friend compete it took me 1 1/2hrs to locate the stable because of the way the nos ran. I understand and do appreciates the entries

where so large but she was parked at the furthest part of the showground you could be with two ponies, two children(one who is disabled). she ended up with a blister the size of a golf ball on the base of her foot through the distance she had to walk.
But we do love Equifest and the Team do a briloliant job. isn there any way it can be for non producers, they have the HOYS.
People have said that Equifest dosent have to pay for the showground and thats why they can keep prices low..... You put the BSPS to shame because you care about the competitors and are so so so helpful Thankyou(please let us know when we can book stables for next year and dates please.

[perfect]

sorry ment to cvomment on the toilets and showers, i was disgusted at the state that people had left them in. Taps left running water overflowing, toilets not flushed, paper just thrown onto the wet floor, perhaps have an attendant and make a small charge to cover wages...

[09rebel99]

We had a great time and I think its wonderfull that the Equifest organisers are offering to listen to peoples suggestions. It was my first time at equifest, I have been to both ponies uk and bsps when held there and love the showground. I agree with all the points above, we did have someone leave a note on our stable door saying we were in their stable but then we didn't hear anything else, I think pre allocation would be a brilliant idea and maybe even the organisers put a block of ten stables up that they do not sell and keep them padlocked so if there is a mix up or emergancy then only the stable manager can let someone in them. I know it is all a business and the only other thing I would say it the supreme sashes were the same as the championship classes, I thought they would have been a big bigger? The workers ring 2 was absolutly brilliant and wish I could have had a go round it, we had a great time and can't wait for next year and the only way things can get better is to learn from mistakes, nothings perfect and its good that the organisers are willing to listen and try and rectify peoples problems! I was very impressed! :-)

[bumblebee]

Oh yes - knew there was something else I wanted to include - agree with SnoopyP about the in-hand cobs. There appeared to be classes for Hunters and Riding Horses in-hand, but sadly no cobs

[soph]

Our 3rd year there.
Just a few points to help improve the show:

The coloured classes need splitting more consistantly throughout the week, especially with classes with 49 ponies enterted. So maybe if doing the show with BSPA next year splitting the classes as they do.

I agree that the sashes could be more prestigious.

I feel that due to the number of entrants and people at the showground, maybe putting more seats around the indoor arena, as its a long time to be stood watching.

And last but not least using marks for the 'Equifest' final classes.

We absolutely love this show and will be back next year.
Well done to everyone there.

[Deleted]

I loved the show and will definately go again. Betsy and the staff were amazingly polite and helpful to deal with, so my points are purely to help things improve xxx

1. Dressage to Music. Times need to be pre-allocated. I put my time down with the steward and someone....? came and rubbed it off the board and told her I had withdrawn. I therefore, despite doing a really spot on perfomance, could not be judged They apologised and it was all sorted ammicably BUT I had spent months preparing my outfit, music and routine, so not to even have been judged - was extememly dissapointing.

2. Please ensure the loudspeakers reach all areas. The area we were in, directly at the back of the indoor stables, red block, could not hear a single thing. We missed our class, at they had moved the times and had been calling for us, but we couldnt here a single thing. Another tearful moment.

3. A shop that was actually stocked with food etc would be good LOL - We all played a game as to GUESS WHAT THE SHOP DOESNT SELL........ Empty shelves and a uncaring person selling grosely over-inlfated priced nothing much.

4. A few more food stalls. Pizza was great BUT.... after 3 evening of it, we would killed for a chinese, indian or a healthy jacket potato, with a bit of salad !

5. 2 x photographers should be there. They were charging so much and as they had the monoploy on our custom, they were able to threaten higher charges and months of waiting - if we didnt purchase our piccies immediately

[fayeandash]

We loved every minute of Equifest this year, we have been every year since it began, i agree with not allowing children on bikes in the same areas as ponies during show hours - this was a rule from last year that somehow got forgotten about this year
Golf buggies were also a big hazard, quite a few times our pony was almost touched by people trying to get past as we were lining up waiting for the class.
Class wise i would love to see some small height beginners whp classes for young children, and also split the riding club pony class as very small ponies were trying to compete with 14.2 cobs being ridden by teenagers
If there is a conformation and ride judge then i would like to see marks sheets available.
More gates open to reduce queues - green pass green gate, blue pass blue gate etc

[equifest]

Thank you for all of the suggestions so far. As Jon has said, we do try to listen to all comments. Equifest is still an evolving show - and has grown so quickly that at times it has been difficult to keep up with it. Stabling this year was a nightmare - and despite increasing the number of stables we just did not have enough. This was not helped by exhibitors who felt that it was acceptable to take stables that they had not booked, put their horses in stables other than the ones that they were allocated and also not vacating the stables when they should have. The Stable Manager did an excellent job - often under difficult circumstances and with some very aggressive exhibitors. We are looking at improving the stable allocation and will listen to all suggestions. The classes were divided much more this year - and we never expected the huge entries we had in some of the classes. We planned to limit the classes to a maximum of 30 entries - but could not do it as the majority of entries all arrived in the space of 3 days - so it was impossible to take some entries and not others. We will look at the timetable again and put in more classes which will hopefully keep the sizes to a manageable level. We will also look at the size of rings - in particular the In Hand and M&M rings. We plan to get the first draft of the timetable ready for the beginning of November and it will then be posted onto the Equifest website. Please take the time to study this and contact me with suggestions. If we have comments before we go to print, we can try to accommodate as many exhibitors as possible.

Betsy Branyan

[rabbit]

would be helpful if you paid for hook up, as we did, an extra £70, then you were actually allocated stables near the hook up, particularily asked for red stables and hook up, assumed as the hook up was pre allocated, then our stables would be near!! (and pre allocated)NOT, - and we were given stables way over behind the pizza van, beyond sponsors hook up. an awful long way to carry feeds, tack, hay grooming kit for 4 horses for 4 days! had we not forgone the hook up space i reckon i would have had to walk an extra 2 miles a day!! otherwise no complaints!!
ps. and i am very old!!

[katie99]

Having been to Equifest before, hate to say didnt enjoy it at all this year, Please please could we have the pre allocated stables back again, or split the blue stables into two different colour sections, we booked all our classes in ring 8 and 9 and asked or actually begged on entering to be stabled at the bottom end of blue due to a disabled child. We have a 7 hour drive and due to no early passes to purchase cant arrive until lunch time, at which the stable manager said there was nothing she could do regarding stabling allocation, we ended up outside ring 4 at the far perimmiter fence. Lucky to have stables at all i know but completly impossible for my daughter ect . Had to miss classes as was a 25 min walk to ring, just couldnt manage, went home a day early.

my requests would be early passes for the tuesday (like bsps have)
Dont mind paying.
Online entries as last year made life so much easier.
Pre allocation of stable numbers.

Last year was amazing, lets take a step back xxxxx

[sectiondcrazy]

I didnt compete and it was my first time at equifest....I had a fantastic time and will definately be bringing my pony next year
The only thing that I think would improve the show and I dont know whether it would be feasible but.....more chances to get into the evening performance e.g. more top 10 or top 6
A big thanks to all the equifest team though, you were all so helpful and willing and saved our day when you swapped my friends class to another with no grumbles because we were going to clash!!!
See you all next year
xx

[melons]

It was our first time at equifest and thoroughly enjoyed it ... as mentioned in another thread i would be good if hook ups were clearly marked as we honestly did not see them ... need a big reserved sign and also if wagons were parked by marshalls as once we were in we could not have got out again until the end of the show. Agree with comments about bikes and golf buggies.. they need to be kept away from the horse areas during the day, or a horse walk area set up, whilst riding my friends green highland we were faced with a child on a scooter, and a bike coming in opposite directions and to my horror we were passing a baby in a pram... luckily he held it together but dread to think what could have happened! Other than that fantastic clear announcements for classes, brilliant stewards and some very friendly judges -

Also have to say that due to a comment I had made on another thread I have tonight received a pn from Larry saying that he has read our comments and will endeavour to sort out issues raised before next year... how many organisers take the time to do that.?

Well done equifest... fabulous show.. .see you next year x

[bigmama]

Excellent show and here are a few suggestions for 2012:
Working Hunter Clear Round: if you are going to keep to the 'buy a ticket at the ringside' method for 2012, please restrict to one ticket per person as people were buying five or six meaning that the tickets ran out within ten minutes and many disappointed people were turned away ... with so many people wanting to jump the wh clear round, please will you consider having a clear round on Wed evening as well as Thurs morning or, even better, a clear round working hunter ring open Thurs, Fri, Sat with heights varying throughout the day
WH Training: great idea however having these classes in the very testing WH Ring 1 was beyond what many of those entered were anywhere near capable of .. perhaps have it in WH Ring 2 next year
Ring 6: drastically smaller in size than the other rings alongside it yet with some of the largest m&m classes being held in it including novice and 4/5/6yr old classes resulting in many entrants not coming forward for their Ring 6 classes (esp when it became very slippery during Thursday's rain) ... needs to be bigger and wider ring next year
Restricted and Home-Produced: these classes were abused by cheats who didnt meet the criteria .. there must be a way of preventing the ineligibles from entering and i have my thinking cap on! Perhaps an extra box on your entry form directly asking 'When did you and/or your horse/pony last compete at Hoys/RIHS/Olympia' and 'Have you any connection with a producer and do you derive an income from horses and ponies?' to which the entrant has to answer on the form and sign their name to .. also, a list of horses/ponies/riders competing at Hoys/RIHS/Olyympia from their governing bodies would be helpful to Equifest

I like the idea already put forward about a championship in the evening performance for home-produced peeps ~ let's get more grass-roots competitors into the eve performance

Seating around the rings: this is much needed .. bench seats would be ideal and i heard this being mentioned by several people including judges

Hope you find these suggestions constructive and helpful and HUGE CONGRATS on another fantastic Equifest show ~ it was brill

[cayo]

I have to agree with bigmama re the home produced lets keep plenty of classes for these and keep the cheats out somehow why they feel the need to cheat their way in is beyond me i for one would love to see more for ammatuers and hp ,i am confident stables ill be sorted for nextyear but please think about the cost and also try not to go duration only many cannot make it for duration and would miss out and it may also lead to duration stables being sold off for some days ect causing more mix ups ,no one wants to be without a way of selling a stable they cannot use but may be best that equifest resell and refund all stables that are no longer needed.we would love to see classes for hairy traditionals seperate from the hogged cobs please and marks sheets up by each ring for all to see not just for the wh .
fantastic show and team well done love it .

[girly]

Firstly thank you for a fantastic show and for the best WH course I have seen outside the RIHS.

Please send stable numbers out for duration stables
Keep the Day stables but with their own dedicated stable manager.
Some seating round rings would be a godsend.
Limit the classes, one WH class had 45 entries pre show and jumped 60 on the day which was far too many.
Perhaps more class definations are needed. We found the Intermediate M&M WHP class to have HOYS ponies in it and the course was bigger than the open course tthe day before.
Marks sheets were not available for some of the WH classes, don't know if they were taken by competitors. Perhaps photocopies could be availablelike BSPS do.

[chloesmum]

Our 4th year and for us it gets better and better - had a great time so thank to such a hard working team.
Constructive feedback I hope:
Stables - we had no issues but reading other's comments then this would be an area that perhaps could be improved.
Restricted classes - there was considerable confusion over these. We took a very novice pony and entered this class - could I stress to bigmama and cayo we are not CHEATS. Entered in good faith as it reads pony and rider not to have qualified and as per BSPS and PUK rules we would be restricted. Hearing all the announcements before our class we checked with judge (who was also very confused and told us we could compete) we then felt we couldn't so withdrew from class before judging started.
However in the championship in the evening (and I will not name names) there were a couple of competitors who have definately ridden at HOYS for several years. It seemed to us that the M&M classes were made aware of the ruling but not the plaited classes. The wording needs to be much clearer and if it is to be horse; pony and/or rider all individually and not the combination then another class for restricted ponies would be appreciated.
Class/ring sizes - great that entries are so good but realistically the timetable should reflect the size of the classes and be amended accordingly. Also some lovely large rings and some like ring 6 which were positively dangerous for size of entries.
Thought the opportunity to swop classes/change entries was wonderful and thanks to the girls in the office for their patience.
PA system for us was wonderful and effecient and again a real help when trying to make it from one end of showground to other.
Not really a fan of the points system and it would delay the classes due to checking etc. and possibly need more stewards, personally preferred the fact that judges could choose to use or not BUT do wonder how they remember when they haven't pulled in.
Thank you again for such a great show.

[Deleted]

I think its just amazing that the EQUIFEST team are still coming on here and reading all these points - wanting to get it even better next year!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Modified to say.... This was not meant as a DIG or COMPLAINT at other societies! What I mean is - we dont often get to communicate so freely with the other societies, as they are in a more professional league - where equifest is for us grass routes riders.

Apologies to anyone offended

[Deleted]

This was my first year at equifest, i was horseless as there was not enough stabling for me and my dartmoor but i came anyway.
I really liked the show just a few points, there should be more designated horse walks, i nearly got trampled by a few rude horse riders (jumpers) who thought they owned the walkways, i saw a kiddy nearly get trampled too.

I was down with the virbac weighing station most of the day as i offered to help a friend and it was happy to see a lot of people bringing their horses down for weighing, i think this was a good idea for the show and a lot of people were shocked to hear their horses actual weight, it opened a few peoples eyes. some lovely horses brought forward for this.

Shops were easily accessible, toilets always had loo roll (A* for that)
some rings were crowded but i didnt see any major problems with this only with stallions.
I loved the saddlebred classes shame they were so far away from main classes as these horses were beautiful and gave a different show to the norm especially the 5 gated with the slow pace and the rack.

All in all i found it very enjoyable, just a shame i couldnt bring iggy. looking forward to next year.

[thecremellosociety]

I cant even begin to think how Jon & Betsy and Co cope with the sheer numbers of people, ponies, health and safety, sadly i cant get over to equifest being a non driver and partner working, I am so glad that both shows i am involved with do not offer the stabling, its such a nightmare keeping all people happy, but by the sounds of it you pleased a high volume of competitors.

What annoys me, is the distint lack of just general care by "some" competitors, Not all by no means, but againit comes down to the few ruining it for the many and generally lacking in basic common sense and ouzing rudeness.

With a show of this calibre and quantity, it is IMPOSSIBLE to play big brother and baby sit all competitors, The things im hearing about people padlocking stables, taking whats not theres, not having the basic ability to flush a toilet, clear up dog mess (Not heard this one yet from this show but happens at others !), control your children, quite honestly makes me wonder if shows like this will be able to run in the future.

Is it to much to ask to behave like people and not wild animals ?? Would you not fluch the loo, or leave your shower in such a disgrace at home ? Do you allow your children to run riot on bicycles in areas where animals should be taking priority, its a horse show not a play ground .....

All it takes is a little respect for others health, safety & hygiene.

Long live Equifest and all other horse shows and for those who dont think they can behave i have a couple of non publishable words for you ...............

[ssm]

Had a fantastic time, thank you.

However third year of inhand hunters following on from the coloured inhand classes and third year of the classes running over an hour and a half behind time - can you plan for this please?

Thought the prejudging in the main arena rather than on the slopey hill was lovely (not that I had a horse old enough to ride there!)

Dog poo - I would hate to see dogs banned as we bring ours, but there seemed to be so many roaming and pooing and owners not clearing up.

Grass roots working hunter was fantastic, Rob deserves a medal he must have run around that course a hundred times! Just gutted we were not able to do it

Thank you

Oh and PLEASE keep the Cleveland Bay classes!!!

[bowditchblobs]

Hi, im only a local competitor and dont spen d the money there big show people do, but as im from peterborough i consider equifest to be my "local" and have supported it from the first year, but i didnt enjoy this years show at all, it was too much!!!! My suggestions would be:

Please please please more seating in the indoor arena, i cannot stand for long and found the evening performances impossable, if you didnt get there at 6ish you stood no chance of getting a seat!!!! People were standing 6 deep around the outside of the ring and we couldnt see at all. People were also taking the chairs from the food place to stand on so i couldnt go there to have a sit either!!!!! I missed saturdays evening performance as i couldnt stand up any more!!!! And it was so hot it was awful!!! There is plenty of room for more seating just put the indoor stalls out side. And before any one mentions health and safety its un safe to be stood up on folding metal chairs!!!!!

Do we have to have children on bikes every where? Ban them if necesssary and the golf buggies were dangerous too!!! The dog poo was disgusting fine people or just ban dogs? I see they werent allowed indoors- good!!!

Ring 6 was tiny it was dangerous, i couldnt watch all those m@ms thundering round!!!! Yikees

More affordable catering would be nice?

I cant comment on stabling but duration only sounds like a good idea?

And PLEASE dont out price us little local people and try to remember us??? My pony looked so out of place this year other years she didnt, may be some classes for local people??? With no affilated animals in??? I have enjoyed your show every other year, can we turn the clock back please? Many thanks!!!! Susan Bowditch

[qbc]

I totally agree with Emma Jane, people should be able to behave with control and respect for others.

I was a bit upset on arrival at having booked my stable and had it confirmed in the blue/heavy horse area back in May, was put in the pink area. This meant a long trek to the ring and hard to keep an eye on how classes were running. It then took a couple of attempts to be given an empty stable as each time I went to the stable I was given, it was occupied. I was very impressed with how quickly my bedding was delivered.

I spent a good two hours walking back and forth on Saturday which not only knackered me, but meant that Stinky did as well as his classes, an hours hack for the time he went down to the rings. I had another hours walking on Sunday so if nothing else I must have lost some weight.

I think preallocated stables, numbers given out with the passes is the way to go. That way if you don't have the correct number pass for the stable, you don't go in it. The wristband idea is also a good idea.

More stable managers to police the stables and remove those with no thought for others. People who padlock stables they are not entitled to should have one chance to remove it, and then a fine of £50. If they don't pay it, they don't come back again.

Aggressive people putting horses in stables they were not entitled to should be asked to move once and then told to leave the showground and their entries removed from classes. Physical violence, banned from the EoE for life.

Finally, walkways were crowed, buggies were driven fast. I am lucky that my lad does not mind, but there could have been a few nasty moments. Rings at the BSPA were very crowded outside at times as only one working in area and no collecting rings, hence the overspill onto the road at times.

Where I was the camping was good, but horses were warming up in the middle and there could have been problems if a horse had spooked. More warming up areas is called for. In many areas, had there been a fire, it could have been a disaster as people were so close together. The Caravan & Camping Club would freak to see how we were camped. Perhaps more space to camp, but then I see you would get complaints about getting to stables and rings.

The WH2 ring was fantastic, and if I could have two wishes, how about a workers for the hairy traditional cobs and hairy cobs and show cobs split in the coloureds.

Please keep the heavy horse classes, and if you can put in a Clydesdale or a general pure bred in hand, as some of the HH classes were not big, that would make me very happy as I intend to be back with my two next year.

I had a great time apart from all the walking and intial stress at getting my stable and can I give a huge thank you to the Equifest team, you did an amazing job and such a pity that a few thoughtless and selfish people spolit things.

[mf]

Aug 22, 2011 19:43:42 GMT @lovepink said:

I loved the show and will definately go again. Betsy and the staff were amazingly polite and helpful to deal with, so my points are purely to help things improve xxx

1. Dressage to Music. Times need to be pre-allocated. I put my time down with the steward and someone....? came and rubbed it off the board and told her I had withdrawn. I therefore, despite doing a really spot on perfomance, could not be judged They apologised and it was all sorted ammicably BUT I had spent months preparing my outfit, music and routine, so not to even have been judged - was extememly dissapointing.

2. Please ensure the loudspeakers reach all areas. The area we were in, directly at the back of the indoor stables, red block, could not hear a single thing. We missed our class, at they had moved the times and had been calling for us, but we couldnt here a single thing. Another tearful moment.

3. A shop that was actually stocked with food etc would be good LOL - We all played a game as to GUESS WHAT THE SHOP DOESNT SELL........ Empty shelves and a uncaring person selling grosely over-inlfated priced nothing much.

4. A few more food stalls. Pizza was great BUT.... after 3 evening of it, we would killed for a chinese, indian or a healthy jacket potato, with a bit of salad !

5. 2 x photographers should be there. They were charging so much and as they had the monoploy on our custom, they were able to threaten higher charges and months of waiting - if we didnt purchase our piccies immediately

absolutely ditto that - please take note of the above points equifest.

The photographers were taking advantage and hiking prices. If they made the prices reasonable they'd sell twice as much.


I would like to ask why stabling was not preallocated as in previous years? We waited over an hour to get in at 0930 in the morning. I had a very distressed youngster on board who damaged the lorry as a result. the 'official' was unhelpful and told me there was nothing they could do and made us wait in queue. The queue was caused entirely by the stable allocations 'system' being overwhelmed. Equifest knew they had huge entries and therefore must have known 1000 lorries would descend all at once on weds morning?

I'd also like to make the point that whilst equifest don't wish to 'clash' with other societies who have 'piggy backed' the show perhaps they would like to consider their supporters who have paid a lot of money for stabling etc and then find there are no classes on the sat and sunday. Not every competitor can afford to join NPS/BSPA etc etc as well. Those shows doing the piggy backing do CHOOSE to do so and therefore shouldn't expect to have classes completely removed for their benefit.

the feedback from the coloured horse rings was that there were a lot of people with coloureds complaining that there were no classes for them on sat and sunday. There were 8 coloured classes I could have done last year, these were cut to 4 this year and these all clashed due to the large numbers of entries taken and the poor timetabling so actually we did two costing £70 an entry (when you take into account stabling) - not a cheap show. We also won't bring any coloured youngsters next year if equifest are only doing duration stabling but only provide one class and the equifest final for them to do. Its simply too expensive.

We did have a fantastic show and a great time. We found the majority of staff very helpful esp the lady on the late entries desk who appreciated the timetabling problems and tried to help though there were no classes made available for us to swap to but at least she tried. The feed lady was very helpful and nothing was too much bother. I am well aware of the amount of time, effort, blood, sweat and tears which goes into producing an event of this size and nature and am grateful for all your efforts. The above is not a moan but is meant to be feedback. i hope equifest can continue to improve the show and look forward to next year.