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Post by mf on Aug 23, 2011 12:01:51 GMT
p.s I do agree with the dog poo issues. Whoever was in hook up YELLOW 16 or 17 should be ashamed of the mess they left behind (not sure which one was responsible and apologies to whichever one wasn't) .
I also witnessed an extremely frightening incident with one of the refuse lorries who literally skimmed a horse deliberately at speed and then proceeded to abuse the owner. I believe she is going to complain but the refuse/non horsey officials need warning that horses can be unpredictable and may take offence at being driven into by golf carts/lorries etc
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coco7
Junior Member
Posts: 114
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Post by coco7 on Aug 23, 2011 12:05:10 GMT
My suggestions would be
1) More prize money down the line, The size of the classes warrant more prize money.
2) The arena in the evening is lovely to ride on but the way everyone circulates round it sitting on the edge etc is very scary for the horses, bear and wine cups etc being dropped and spilt when your riding round in there is not great. Maybe make the arena so that it is pushed to one side to allow more seating.
3) I know it is very hard to get different judges but i have been there every year since it started with my horses and have been judges mainly by the same people each year.
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Post by jasper1 on Aug 23, 2011 12:22:18 GMT
First time staying at E fest. Had a very good enjoyable time, great blue stable area kept very clean and tidy by all copmetitors in this area. Great WHP courses , in both rings, seemed to be quite a few ponies in novice classes which I found it hard to belive are still true novices??? Poss hold 4,5,6 year old WHP classes in future? The training class on sunday morn was truely fab, our VERY novice pony learnt a lot, and think that everybody had a great morning helped by a very knowelgable , patient judge.
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Post by cherbellina on Aug 23, 2011 13:00:39 GMT
Thankyou to all the equifest team we had a lovely time! My advice for next year is don't bite off more than you can chew! I understand that you want to include as much as possible but its better that things are done well.
Purple area was lovely however miles away and no tannoy system, if you are going to be such a big show please save peoples feet and install tannoys around the showground, the call ups at the ringside were absolutely brilliant would have been perfect if we could have heard them in all the stable areas.
Ring 6, so small. Please check the rings the night before and make sure they are all ok, i think it was just an accident that it ended up that small as plenty of room either side.
split the M&Ms further as so many in all the classes.
Love WHP ring 1, one of the best rings!
Make more use of the old main arena, I would love to see the workers back in there and this would give you more room down on the bottom row. Otherwise at least can we see different classes in there instead of riding horses/hunters/cobs every day!
Safety regarding bikes and buggies. No children driving buggies.
Think thats it, thanks again for a lovely show and well done xxx
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Post by bungle on Aug 23, 2011 13:28:37 GMT
To add my comments;
we were gutted we were too late to secure indoor stables but after we arrived were so glad we didnt - we were in the red stables and really liked them.
Maybe limit the number of stables allocated to sponsors to 3 or 4 (i think it is about 8??)
It would be a shame to ban the buggies as for those who are parked a far distance from rings (especially for those who are not physically fit) it can be difficult. Maybe each one should be registered to an individual who is responsible for the buggy all week - (whether they drive it or not) The buggy should then be clearly marked so that should it be reported that anyone is misusing the buggy it can be removed.
I found those driving cars round site worse and far more dangerous than the buggies.
Preallocated stables are a must if people cannot be trusted.
Maybe consider banning those who have been causing trouble. It is a shame for a small few to ruin things for everyone else.
A stable manager for each block is probably a good idea, i think i would be good if they could also do a regular 'walk around' just to check up on them.
A large reminder in schedules / entry form / stable form that horses should not be travelled if they are not 100% healthy, i had a horse near me coughing alot. With so many horses in the one place viruses can spread so quickly.
As you are probably already aware the M&Ms inhand and ridden need splitting further - Highlands seem to be super popular at the moment.
The WHP courses looked great.
More seating in the EXCEL indoor please
I suppose it is more of a general society problem but parents need to keep an eye on their kids (we were nearly hit one night by some kids that had taken one of the buggys)
Alot of the judges score the clases it would be nice if we could see these could be available.
I saw a training class on Sun morn - these seem a great idea.
Maybe let the m&ms have the main ring one year
Why is it only the hacks and SHP have the top 10 finals in the evening perf. - Glad to see this year they did not take as much time - personally fine pretty ponies bore me. - Maybe let the coloureds or m&ms have a go (they are both very popular at the moment)
Thank you to you all for what was again a great show.
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Post by horsenest on Aug 23, 2011 13:40:27 GMT
I have posted this in a different location but this was my first year I had judged at Equifest
(someone commented same judges every year) and I have to say it is one of the nicest friendliest shows i have ever judged at.
nothing was too much trouble for Betsy and her team and any hiccups we had were sorted out.
The atmosphere from the competitors was very good obviously most people enjoying themselves.
The bottom WH course no1 I think was the nicest course I have ever judged in and it was nice to see everyone attempting a very different course and enjoying it .
Thanks to everyone for a brilliant few days.
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Post by showingforfun on Aug 23, 2011 13:43:05 GMT
First time at Equifest and can honestly say we thoroughly enjoyed every minute(except the rain).
Arrived around 1pm on Wednesday and drove staight on-stable number allocated and pony in stable by 1.30pm-excellent.
Bedding delivered very promptly-again excellent service.
Never been in indoor stables before but they were great. No problems with people using them when we were in classes.
Ditto what other people have said about kids on bikes-BAN them when classes are on during the day.
M&M ring 6 ridden and ring 10 in-hand on Friday just not big enough. How an accident was avoided in the Equifest C&D's in hand on friday-God only knows-far too many stallions in a very small ring.Either split the classes or for ridden M&M's use the main ring-some small classes in there that did not warrant the ring size.
Not enough seating for the evening performances-maybe these could be in the main ring outside like Ponies UK used to have. Riding down the centre line in the spotlight is everyone's dream and in the Equifest ring there was no spotlight which was a shame.
All said had a FAB time and already planning for next year. Just love the show ground.
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Post by rockafella on Aug 23, 2011 14:29:41 GMT
Was our 3rd equifest and again loved it, i think stable numbers being allocated on entry is a fab idea and also agree with the amature championship (to be entered in true spirit) also maybe move the evening outdoor, the main ring would create a fabulous atmosphere and more people could have a seat whilst watching! i love this show, roll on 2012  |
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Post by ponymum on Aug 23, 2011 14:46:05 GMT
This was our 4th equifest .....
I think the rosettes need to be nicer , as others have said prize money further down the line ....A sash to section champion would be lovely too!
Stables allocated beforehand , and online entries makes life easier for many ...
I agree ring 6 was way to small for the mm ring. We were in the cherif in ring 7 on friday , there was 6 or 7 tops in that ring which was twice the size of ring 6 which appeared to have around 30 fells and dales in!!
On a personal note , please check and recheck your champions before announcing them forward. It happened to my daughter and I do believe a few others too ....
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Post by scotland on Aug 23, 2011 14:54:48 GMT
First timer at Equifest and loved it!! Well done to the Equifest team for putting on a great show!! Just a couple of points I would say, we had travelled down from the far North of Scotland, we left on Monday at 4pm and landed at Equifest at 8.00am with very tired ponies!! The Irish get in a day early, so if it would be possible to let the Scots in early so we can give them a good rest before the show kicks off  We had no issues with the stables, we arrived nice and early and set up 'little Scotland' with no problems, although will say, two security is not enough to break up the fight that happened between the heavy horse folks one night!! Another thing would be to have a ring swap about, being in the same two rings with the same pony gets a bit boring!! But please don't cut the class sizes down, it was like being back in the good old days!! I had a young pony at her 5th show under saddle and being in such big classes has really helped her find her 5th gear ;D ;D |
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Post by kmc on Aug 23, 2011 15:03:38 GMT
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... Have to say i think the toilets were well catered for. I always seen a cleaner in the ladies who did a super job. Stables as said before should be pre-allocated and action should be taken against any competitior wishing to abuse the process Equifest set in place. Ring 6 i agree needed to be much bigger, M&Ms are one of the more popular classes and this needs to considered when planning rings. Other than stabling issues i think all in all the show ran smoothly. I would certainly be happy to accept a slight price increase to cover the cost for each stabling area to have an assigned manager to them, rather than having the stress repeated. |
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Post by welshcob7 on Aug 23, 2011 15:08:36 GMT
This was our 3rd year at Equifest and like always we really enjoyed ourself!! My suggestions would be 1) Online entry, this was so much easier! 2) Some of the rings needed to be bigger as some of the ridden classes had 30+ in them and the go round got very dangerous at times, also for the Equifst in hand section D's there was little space and even when all the barriers were moved back it was still difficult especially with a stallion. 3) Designated horse paths would be good as i did worry about children getting hurt. And maybe limit where bikes and golf buggies can be ridden/driven. 4) More seating for the evening performance would be great, nobody wants to stand after a long day showing! 5) Stable numbers allocated with the entry. 6) A news agent type shop (like NPS have) would be great especially for people camping who can't keep things like butter and milk etc. Thats it, i would just like to say again what a great time we had, the discos were great and we are really looking forward to next year as will be taking two ponies for the duration. This is one of our favorite shows, the Equifest team do a great job. We are so excited for next year we are already looking to qualify!!!  |
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Post by scotland on Aug 23, 2011 15:16:17 GMT
6) A news agent type shop (like NPS have) would be great especially for people camping who can't keep things like butter and milk etc. There is one, behind the grand stand that sells all sorts, including essentials like, milk, butter, red bull and Ciggies!! |
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Post by Helen E on Aug 23, 2011 15:36:54 GMT
1. Anyone found to have "appropriated" stables not booked and paid for to be escorted OFF the show ground, and entries NOT accepted for subsequent Equifest shows.
2. Anyone found to be abusive towards other competitors or Equifest staff to be escorted OFF the show ground, and entries NOT accepted for subsequent Equifest shows.
3. Stables allocated with entries, with CLEAR and easily understood numbering.
4. Stable manager for each area.
5. Please don't ever go down the HOYS qualifiers route, it would ruin this show as it has ruined several others.
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Post by redadair on Aug 23, 2011 15:36:55 GMT
We had a great time and no issues with stabling however there were a few things that we thought could be easily changed which would make a big difference.
1. Entrance, 1 entrance gate open for each coloured section, this would mean people wouldn't be queuing for ages to get into the show ground. Everyone entering via one gate caused a bottle neck.
2. Stabling, go back to pre-allocation, it worked well last year. I recieved a map with my stables highlighted, stable numbers on lorry passes so I knew exactly where I was going when i drove in. No bottle neck at the gate getting stables allocated. This would also help to stop people from taking stables which aren't theirs.
3. more seating and less trade stands in the indoor arena, getting a seat was tricky!
Other than that we had a brilliant experience and will definately be back.
Positives
1. showers were always hot
2. could park right next to our stables
3. my rings were all a decent size
4. Toliets were kept clean and were they weren't 100% you could tell it was some dirty oik who needs to get some manners rather than the team not doing their job!
5. good panel judges being booked for all classes
6. stable manager quickly responded and fixed a broken stable
All in all a fab show!
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Post by showing2010 on Aug 23, 2011 15:55:27 GMT
First timer at Equifest and what a show!! THANK YOU!
Me, mum and horse all loved it!! We were in the Purple stables and it was brilliant, we were parked right by the stable, it was quiet so the horses could rest, and the stables were on grass which I was happy about :-) We travelled from the Isle of Man and would like to say a HUGE thank you for letting us in early, we had a four hour ferry trip, an overnight and a 7 hour trip down so it helped enormously!!
Just a couple of things....
1) I know that the show has grown beyond belief and producers have started to come out in force (why wouldn't they come to such a lovely show?! and personally I felt priviliged to be riding in the same ring/getting pulled forward un the same line ups as these top producers) but PLEEEAASSSSSSEEEE can we have more home produced/restricted classes?? I was competing in the Hunter classes and there were 4 open classes I could have entered, yet only ONE restricted and ONE home produced. Would LOVE to be able to compete in more restricted classes.
2) Along that same line, PLEEEAAASSSEEEE could you give the opportunity for home produced/restricted top tens to get in to the Evening Performance. It has been, and always will be, my dream to get in to the evening performance....although I did get in the top ten of the open classes I think overall it would be much nicer if the amateurs were given a chance to live that dream! (Mentioning no names but one well known producer won many championships in the evening spotlight and couldn't crack a smile) I would be OVER the MOON to even be in the ring!
Amazing time had though, thank you so much. Can't wait until next year!!!
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Post by charliefox on Aug 23, 2011 17:02:41 GMT
This was my fourth Equifest and it has grown beyond belief - which can only be a positive but sadly I did not enjoy this year.
The amount of buggies being driven about was dangerous and by some very young drivers
I felt very sorry for the team of ladies trying to keep the toilet and shower blocks clean - as the state some people felt they could leave them in shocked me - reminded me of my days at PUK.
The parking of lorries - we were so boxed in - our neighbour being about 2 inches away from our lorry - not their fault as there was just know no where else - health and safety would have had a field day - we had a lorrry parked directly accross the front of us - if we had wanted to leave we could not have done.
Witnessing a judge in one of the finals standing in the ring in front of a line up of young children having a temper tantrum as he thought one of the mums had said that he had not watched all of their childs show - very bizarre.
Wondering why a judge asked my daughter had she won the class last year???
The food stands that were shutting early - thank goodness for the pizza place.
No finallist Rosettes.
Agree totally with the comments regarding the clear round whp - we arrived at 8.40 for all tickets to have been sold (opened 8.30!!!)
the few Competitiors that seemed unable to clear up after their dogs and ended up ruining it for all of us when dogs were then banned from the indoor arena.
The fact that ring 6 for the ridden mountain and moorlands was so small - it was dangerous and frightened me silly watching the classes in there.
The past equifest shows it has always stood out that Equifest truely listened to the competitors and was competitor friendly - I feel that due to perhaps management changes at East of England rather then the Equifest organisers - this is changing as perhaps the EOE are now realising how much potential money there is to be made out of us. Whilst I acknowledge Jon Phillips has commented on here and the Equifest Team are listening to peoples ideas and suggestions - Their hands are slightly tied by EOE and as Jon stated everything has to be paid for.
Will I be there next year competing and sponsoring - probably not - sad but true.
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Post by ponyfun on Aug 23, 2011 17:11:32 GMT
Yes why did the outdoor food shut so early??
Why did riders/ponies compete in restricted classes when they rode at rihs this and last year?!
Had a great time there regardless x
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Post by thatboythatgirl on Aug 23, 2011 18:14:04 GMT
tannoys in the purple area would have been nice as we had no idea our ring was running 2hours late but by the time you'd walked down you didn't really want to have to walk all the way back to the stables as it was so far
people clearing there dog mess up would be nice, we cleared all out dogs mess up yet other people seemed to think it ok to let there dogs mess by our lorry and leave it
working show cob/maxi cob class?
can we have amateur classes? HP classes are open to so much rule breaking
I think FR classes should be in snaffles, I hate seeing kids with awful hands riding in doubles/pelhams in FR classes
More spooks/fillers in WH ring 2 would be nice as this years course was very poley when the jumps got bigger
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Post by colouredmad on Aug 23, 2011 18:50:54 GMT
I had a fantastic time at Equifest. Thankyou and well done to all who orrganise it.
A few suggestions for next year.
Please keep the day stables as duration stables makes it quite expensive for people coming for just 1 night.
A stable manager for each colour block would be good and a better number system especially on blue stables.
Chairs or some seating out side rings as some classes take a long time.
Someone has already said about horse walks I think this would be a very good idea as trying to lead a stallion to the rings past lead rein ponies was a little bit hairy at times.
The coloured in hand classes need to be split better as the pony section was still very large and even resulted in a stallion (not mine) mounting the stallion in front on the go round and then again trying to mount a shetland pony in the line up.
The tannoy system was difficult to hear on Saturday and Sunday as we were near the BSPA rings and when both systems were in use at the same time it was confusing as to which one was for which show.
Thanks for a fantastic show and hopefully we will be back again next year!
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Post by girly on Aug 23, 2011 20:00:36 GMT
I have already put forward some comments but would like to add ,have clear rules about not using stables you havn't been allocated and not parking on the hook up area unless it is the one you have been allocated. Clearly marked hook up areas would help as people didn.t realise what they were. Give us a telephone number on the stable passes so that the relevant people can be quickly contacted and can then quickly attend in the case of unautorised occupation of stables or hook ups.
Ban persistant offenders and rude and abusive people from any futher participation.
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cchinn
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by cchinn on Aug 23, 2011 20:27:06 GMT
I would like to thank equifest for a great show. My daughter and I have been coming for 3 years and have seen the show grow and grow. The level of competition in the mini M&M sections was staggering and generally the judging and consideration for small children excellent.
I have a few comments:
1. I would like to see online entries again as I find this easier and quicker.
2. Pre allocation of stable would be nice but I was allocated two ideally stables at the front of the purple area.
3. Tannoys in the purple area would be great as Ring 8 was running 2 hours behind and you had to rely on other people to find out what class the ring was on.
4. When the updated timestable was published it would be nice to give more accurate start times but I understand this is very difficult.
5. If you are going to ask FR children to do a set show, then please explain to all of them and make sure they complete this to make a fair playing field.
6. I would like to see some marking in the Equifest Finals as it is very difficult to distingush between 15+ grey section A ponies and remember which child and pony went on the wrong leg, as in my opinion they should drop down the line after people who have done a clean show. In addition they should hand out the Finalist rosettes in the ring.
These are little things and in general the show was very well organised and supported. I will be booking my stables early for next year and would like to thank the whole team for all their hard work and dedication.
Well done.
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igloo
Junior Member
Posts: 121 
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Post by igloo on Aug 23, 2011 20:53:32 GMT
As a spectator i thought health and safety was neglected.Horses dogs children and bikes do not mix. As for the muck around the food vans why were horses allowed in that area ? It was a sad sight to see people struggle across the car park with sticks and wheelchairs caused by the lack of disabled parking facilities. On a good note all my friends who competed had a great time.
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Post by ferret on Aug 23, 2011 23:33:42 GMT
Fab show! but a few suggestions ...
Better signs and maps up for ring layouts as we struggled to find our rings
Later last orders at the bar and disco as it was shut after the eve perf on sat night
A healthy option snack bar e.g - fresh sandwiches , pasta , salad etc .... Chips toasties and pizza is a bit yuk after a few days !
At least one food stand to stay open late till after bar and disco shut , like the toast van does at BSPS and PUK
Horses NOT to be allowed in the food / seating areas ... It was an accident waiting to happen
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Post by mayhem on Aug 23, 2011 23:59:25 GMT
How about booking stables on line and chose them like booking tickets for theater, also put the hook up on.
I know its a computer system but should pay for itself by putting the money on deposit (in the long run), put stables up say in january on a first come first served basis
You would also get an idea how many days to run i think you add another day on at least going by this years entries and also pay extra to arrive a day early.
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Tywood
Full Member
"Great ponies are never forgotten, just locked away in our hearts"
Posts: 482
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Post by Tywood on Aug 24, 2011 0:50:24 GMT
Although I was entered for one class on thursday, due to transport problems ended up just as a spectator, this was my third time here and I thoroughly enjoyed it, apart from the rain that first day.
I agree with almost all that has been said above, dog fouling, stables, online entries, ring and class sizes and seating indoors etc. one thing i would like to suggest for the class I was entered for (120), because of the large entry (38) it was split into small and large, but there were only 7-8 in the large, still leaving a big 'small' class, could this class next year perhaps be split into 3 sections, 13.2hh and under / 13.2hh - 15hh / over 15hh!!!, these coloured classes especially the native/traditional ones are so popular now.
Roll on next year ;D
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Post by cayo on Aug 24, 2011 7:43:55 GMT
I would love to see marks sheets with so many in classes it is immpossible to tell how you did if not in top ten so it would be great to see marks for all classes .
we had some of the same judges for our classes as last year would love to see some new faces
also if there is a ride judge ones who gives the whole class a fair shake we fond one of ours very non caring that said we saw some super fair ride judges .
The on line entries were great and a return would be welcome
Please dont go to duration only stables so unfair to those who need a couple of days not everyone can manage the whole week ,we do but others i know will struggle.
lots more amateur and hp classes to support the r/c people who hand out all the qualifiers for the show not enough seperate classes for them .
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Post by jpojl20 on Aug 24, 2011 8:03:07 GMT
It would be nice to have a stable plan on entering so you can pick your stable before you arrive on a first come bases.If the stable you pick has allready gone then to get as close as poss. It would take the worry out of getting there early to get together with friends.
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Post by baileybob on Aug 24, 2011 9:06:00 GMT
I had a lovely show, thank you. Just a couple of points from me:
1) Sashes to section champions.
2) Rings signed more clearly - I too struggled to find them.
3) Ring 6 was tiny - I am so glad I only had to ride my maxi in there with 5 others - I dread to think what it would be like with hundreds of M&M's - it was a shame even for us not to have more space to ride them forward, at the time our class was in, the lovely big ring 7 next door had in hand classes with 1 or 2 competitiors in?
4) Whilst I am on rings....ring 4 was GLORIOUS to ride in, thank you!
5) More seating inside
6) Location signs/maps around the ground might help.
7) The tannoy announcements were excellent.
I think pretty much everything else has been covered...
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Post by hursty100 on Aug 24, 2011 11:57:43 GMT
First time staying at E fest. Had a very good enjoyable time, great blue stable area kept very clean and tidy by all copmetitors in this area. Great WHP courses , in both rings, seemed to be quite a few ponies in novice classes which I found it hard to belive are still true novices??? Poss hold 4,5,6 year old WHP classes in future? The training class on sunday morn was truely fab, our VERY novice pony learnt a lot, and think that everybody had a great morning helped by a very knowelgable , patient judge. Yeah i agree with the novice pony. There where many in there that looked very experianced- so maybe define what a novice pony should be or restrict it? Just love this show and i'm counting down the days for next year. BAN DOGS- Great yorkshire does. No problem there now. There was some very excellent judges and some very patient one's. So thank you equifest- just loved it!!! ;D |
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