This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] RE: Carol's Comments Horse Shows.
I have just completed an article for the Fjord Hearld on the Libby Show. It will be appearing in the next issue of the magazine. As I prepared the article I could not help but compare the 1998 show to the Libby show I judged in 1994. I was very impressed with the very significant improvement in the manner the owners presented their horses in the breeding and performance classes. It is a tremendous change for the best. And yet, underneath this improvement are the same smiling and cheerful people who enjoy their horses above all else. The show was a wonderful, positive experience. The show organizers need to be congratulated on their desire to keep Libby a friendly environment. I did not judge nor view any of the classes at the Blue Earth show as reference in Carol's commentary. So, I cannot comment on the activities at this event. However, I would like to offer an observation on the transition of other breeds and how the Fjord tends to fit the pattern. In it's infancy, a breed show starts as a fun show with friendly competition and togetherness. Eventually, as human nature takes hold, the sense of competition starts to interfer with the concept of having fun and doing it for the sake of doing it. The sense of competition influences one to think, well if we are going to do this then we should be getting something in return, more ribbons, a trophy, a bigger trophy, prize money, more prize money, more championship classes, more individual recognition classes, different classes, etc. The keen sense of competition creates an entirely different atmosphere at the shows. And soonthe fun days are lost and the feelings forgotten about why everyone got to together in the first place. Remember, the defining word for the original concept of the show was FUN. Yet, the evolution of competition is the typical path followed by many other breeds. And as this evolution takes place the word FUN is forgotten, ignored or laughed at as a reason for the gathering of horses. At least from my point of view, the folks at Libby have kept fun in their show. But, there are things they can do to satisfy more exhibitors while maintaining the image the Pacific Northwest Promotional Group has created. For example: 1. Due to the level of competition offer ribbons to 6th place instead of 4 places. An insignificant economic impact. 2. Continue to establish classes for the novice, maiden, beginner, youth, amateur owner to ride/drive, walk-trot, etc. [Libby has some of these classes now] 3. Encourage the judges of the show to assist exhibitors with POSITIVE comments on their performance. These turn into words of encouragement. Make it a learning experience. 4. Provide particpation ribbons for the classes open to children under 7[or whatever age group] and beginners. Give them a POSITIVE memory. 5. Give a ribbon to the person[s] who travel the longest distance to the show, the person with the most horses, the most entries, etc. Find ways to recognize everyone. Make it POSITIVE. 6. Add some more game classes, where percision of riding and driving do not matter. Keep the FUN obvious. Libby has proven the fun classes are entertaining. If anyone thinks I am thinking or writing in the negative about Libby, STOP. I think they have a great event. My thoughts may add to their finesse of making an even better event, while hopefully offering the initial ideas to other Fjord shows. Libby should be a role model for Fjord shows. Advancement of Competition - The evolutionary pattern of shows creates a 'rub' between the person who wants to advance to a higher level of competition and those who are beginners or those who are happy with their current station in life and the show ring. Thus, when this distinction of competition becomes apparent, the simple way to solve the matter is create a different level of competition for the less experienced and thereby exclude the advanced exhibitor still giving the less experienced the same opportunity for competition. In the Arabians, Morgans, Quarter Horse, Paint Horse and many more, the title of the show classes reflect this distinction of abilities and status. Most of these breeds could be heard hollering about the professional trainer always beating them in the shows. Well, the response was to create an amateur owned trained and ridden/driven class. Today, there are shows exclusively for the amateur shown horses. And, then the breeds have gone further to create other classes for youth, ladies, non-pro, novices, beginners, etc. Something for everyone. On the performance side the same has occurred. English pleasure became something it was not intended. Only the fancy horses would win. The response was to create Country English Pleasure or Country Pleasure Driving for the less formal horse. There are solutions at hand you must just look around. I would like to repeat one comment made by Carol. I, Wayne Hipsley, do like the Fjord horse and have enjoyed working with the breeders/owners. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from helping breeders and exhibitors, and this is primary reason for my past involvement with the breed. Carol many thanks for your positive comments. They mean a great deal coming from you.
