tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post6554214628751997860..comments2024-01-06T02:00:05.220-07:00Comments on SprinklerBandits: Horse Show Numbers are (gasp!) DecliningSprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-46251911794102972222020-01-30T09:24:04.325-07:002020-01-30T09:24:04.325-07:00You make me wish I had the drive for endurance. You make me wish I had the drive for endurance. SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-54072194252299705842020-01-30T09:23:38.141-07:002020-01-30T09:23:38.141-07:00I'm glad your experience has been very differe...I'm glad your experience has been very different from mine! SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-88056889793720556332020-01-30T09:16:55.185-07:002020-01-30T09:16:55.185-07:00I definitely keep an eye on your progress, since y...I definitely keep an eye on your progress, since you basically have zb's big brother. Keep at it!SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-67540004377317272162020-01-30T09:14:56.425-07:002020-01-30T09:14:56.425-07:00You are definitely an equestrian role model to me ...You are definitely an equestrian role model to me and I'm Hampy's biggest fan. <3SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-30054986843288745062020-01-30T09:14:21.504-07:002020-01-30T09:14:21.504-07:00I'd like to get my bronze medal, but until I&#...I'd like to get my bronze medal, but until I'm reliably riding at 3rd at home and at schooling shows, I don't see the point in paying $$$ to put miles on my horse at rated shows. YMMV.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-54629186382663871952020-01-30T09:04:18.178-07:002020-01-30T09:04:18.178-07:00There are lots of less expensive opportunities if ...There are lots of less expensive opportunities if you look, for sure. Just depends on what you're trying to get out of it.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-65980828254664313432020-01-30T09:01:10.242-07:002020-01-30T09:01:10.242-07:00Haha that "ammys like us" article series...Haha that "ammys like us" article series on COTH makes me die inside. Ah yes. All I need is 3 horses in full pro training at WEF so I can fly in on the weekends and they cart me around the 2'6". HADNT THOUGHT OF THAT, THANKS.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-74813251342714693262020-01-30T09:00:04.028-07:002020-01-30T09:00:04.028-07:00Oh totally. To me, dropping $500-1000 on a weekend...Oh totally. To me, dropping $500-1000 on a weekend is a big damn deal. If that's more pocket change to you, then I see why you'd be more inclined to participate.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-66942315966580502342020-01-30T08:57:05.605-07:002020-01-30T08:57:05.605-07:00The time thing is so real.The time thing is so real.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-7052000175139484282020-01-30T08:56:34.198-07:002020-01-30T08:56:34.198-07:00I know if I'm paying that much for an experien...I know if I'm paying that much for an experience, it has to be like. The thrill of a lifetime. Or why bother. I could be a disneyland.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-52492652816760975192020-01-30T08:56:04.237-07:002020-01-30T08:56:04.237-07:00Sounds like fun!Sounds like fun!SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-42720472404417933192020-01-30T08:40:18.932-07:002020-01-30T08:40:18.932-07:00Oh yeah, kids are a whole 'nother layer of com...Oh yeah, kids are a whole 'nother layer of complication. SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-38836408310621819602020-01-30T08:38:38.168-07:002020-01-30T08:38:38.168-07:00I hear you. In the west, just the time/cost of get...I hear you. In the west, just the time/cost of getting to the rated shows can actually take up the PTO and money that's supposed to go towards doing things with my SO. That's not a trade I'm willing to make.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-69348999655899768302020-01-30T08:36:52.249-07:002020-01-30T08:36:52.249-07:00Right? I definitely have my dream horse but living...Right? I definitely have my dream horse but living the dream doesn't look like what I expected at 20.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-46899664468776243452020-01-30T08:36:25.131-07:002020-01-30T08:36:25.131-07:00Yup, exactly. I value activities that allow active...Yup, exactly. I value activities that allow active, outdoors people to be involved. SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-90642278700041458732020-01-30T08:35:17.656-07:002020-01-30T08:35:17.656-07:00Anymore, something has to be actively fun or I'...Anymore, something has to be actively fun or I'm just not going to do it. I have real life to be stressed out about. Hard pass on stressful hobbies.SprinklerBandithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-45562796619435556702020-01-29T02:01:16.423-07:002020-01-29T02:01:16.423-07:00Amen to that!Amen to that!Cut-N-Jumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10355349642284506192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-80139214845132945432020-01-27T20:17:10.925-07:002020-01-27T20:17:10.925-07:00And THIS is wjy I ride endurance. No uniform (all ...And THIS is wjy I ride endurance. No uniform (all we care about is that your horse is sound, you have control, and you're wearing a helmet). And it doesn't matter HOW MUCH you paid for your horse, if he's not correclty trained and managed he isn't going to beat my $500 unregistered pony.Anna Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14241906889324970417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-47299027914524512132020-01-27T10:41:13.545-07:002020-01-27T10:41:13.545-07:00I actually disagree with this entire blog post. I ...I actually disagree with this entire blog post. I don’t think any of my family members have EVER been looked down upon or spoken to rudely just for attending a horse show?? In fact, they’ve been asked to help out, or other riders have asked “Hey can you hand me that whip there”. <br /><br />The no cash value and $2 ribbon thing I don’t really get. The medals you receive for completing a 5K run or whatever are very similar in value, so it’s kind of funny you strike that comparison when the two are quite literally the same. <br /><br />“If you say there isn't a divide here, I don't know what to tell you. It's a money sport. The people who can afford top of the line horses, get more show ring experience, and ride with better pros are not less motivated than you are and yup, they're going to beat you every out. » <br /><br />Well, yeah… I mean, thats kind of the way life goes?? Some people are able to travel all over the country and attend runs and even compete in an Olympic capacity (500m dash, sprints, etc). The elite amongst the running circles are those who are training with the best trainers, going all over the world competing, and winning at the Olympics. And some people, Heaven Forbid, are just naturally gifted in marathons/ running in general? <br /><br /><br />And yeah, there is a "type" of horse that is preferred for Dressage. Bouncy, athletic movers are preferred over shuffling and ambling Quarter Horses or Drafts. It's kinda like... you wouldn't wear hiking boots to run a marathon now would you?? It can be done, but it is often more difficult and may be harder for the boots to do their job. <br /><br /><br />I also know of someone personally who has a very average horse that absolutely dominates in Dressage, including over the “fancy” horses. She works hard with him and it shows. <br /><br />If competing isn’t your thing and you want to be bitter about it, I mean, go ahead? But I know of several people who have done WELL at these rated shows with “average” horses against professionals and other “elite” members of society. <br />Cathrynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15652933884652697666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-75844542035107558932020-01-24T18:02:07.530-07:002020-01-24T18:02:07.530-07:00As I did a lot of rated showing this summer, yeah,...As I did a lot of rated showing this summer, yeah, money counts. I got a lot of yellow ribbons this year. Why? Because my horse is a very good boy and marches about and looks very pleasant to ride. He's also a heavy, earth bound horse that averages a 6.5 in gaits. That will beat horses having melt downs, tests with errors, and plain old bad tests. We are always beat by the import WBs with amazing movement. In my region at Second Level, being consistent and correct but not flashy lands you mid-pack. Low to mid 60's and a lot of yellow ribbons.<br /><br />I have my own goals and really don't ride for the ribbons. I'm riding for my Bronze. The subjective judges kill me and paying that much money to have someone declare that your horse is completely inappropriate (and then have a more senior judge give you a 62% on the same day) is crushing. This year I will be doing a lot of schooling shows because I need miles and don't want to pay hundreds of dollars to have someone tell me I suck.<br /><br />I will still show rated because I want those senior judges. As I move up and show with more senior judges, I find myself wanting my score sheets more. The comments are more useful, the scoring more consistent, and the whole experience more gratifying. But I can see why a lot of riders don't want to fight through Training/First/Second to get to the senior judges. And some of the senior judges will skewer you just as hard. Multi-day shows are not for us. Smaller, local rated shows are where we've found our sweet spot. The higher end schooling shows will be getting the bulk of our show budget this year.Catiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04116622774529856827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-37345289828369049992020-01-23T13:13:37.029-07:002020-01-23T13:13:37.029-07:00You're not wrong.
I just had to accept that ...You're not wrong. <br /><br />I just had to accept that I am not going to be beat the 6 figure warmbloods with 8 or 9 gaits. That's ok with me really. I mean, that would be like trying to make me a WNBA player. I could get technically good at basketball, but would I EVER beat the top WNBA players? Hell no. So I don't expect that of Hampton.<br /><br />He HAS however scored better than MANY fancier horses because I have had to work harder at test riding. He also has a good brain and works his ass off for me. So we have seen much success in dressage, in spite of his average gaits and conformation. BUT I'm also not a weekend warrior. I ride daily and take weekly lessons, and sometimes clinics. This I do by working at the farm and working 2 other jobs. I think every AA has a different situation. And its up to you to define what success is for you. If I defined success by how many blue ribbons or top horses and riders I beat, I would have quit showing rated a long time ago.<br /><br />sorry for the ramble. You're not wrong for sure. It IS a money sport, I'm guessing Hunters is worse than dressage though.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11609268980526224486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-26865310893893548822020-01-23T11:45:56.373-07:002020-01-23T11:45:56.373-07:00A.M.E.N! The driving club in AZ had a whopping tot...A.M.E.N! The driving club in AZ had a whopping total of 1 ADS sanctioned show/CDE per year. I could pay the ADS membership of $75 or skip it and still show as a non-member for like $30. If I had managed to make Two shows, I would still save $15 showing as a non-member. Still have the same experience, same amount of Fun, same ribbons, see the same people- just less cost. <br /><br />Since showing the filly in dressage and hitting up a couple schooling shows, same thing- all the same fun, people, tests, etc. without the sky high prices. With the club membership comes the GMO with USDF. I can transition over and do A Rated shows when we're ready for it and the budget allows. <br /><br />I see things a little differently though. I don't think purchase price or breed papers makes a lick of difference in the driving or dressage ring. My low cost (under $600) grade pony turns a lot of heads at the show's and holds her own alongside the others that came from breeders and have had pro training. I have also done all the things on my own with no 'team' to back me up or help me out. Again- we have held our own against those who have trainers, lessons, breed papers and people helping to back and support their efforts. I am proof that it really can be done! And when the Have Not's ribbon well against the Have's- it makes those scores all the sweeter.<br /><br />As it was said upwards in the comments- the horses may cost more, they may have more free time and money for lessons, but they still have to ride the test and get the scores. Doesn't mean they will do it well or better than the rest of us, they just paid more in the process to get there. <br /><br />USEF,USDF and other organizations may see the decline in membership and entries as they continue to price themselves out of existence and necessity. The true Adult Ammy's will still show when, where and as our budgets allow. We will speak with our $$$ and support those who listen. Cut-N-Jumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10355349642284506192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-79491628126847586452020-01-23T09:52:45.505-07:002020-01-23T09:52:45.505-07:00I've been climbing into the saddle since I was...I've been climbing into the saddle since I was five years old, did horse shows the whole time I was a kid and off and on as an adult, and in all that time I have showed in exactly one (1) rated CLASS, let alone show. I think I was around nine years old and my barn hosted an A show. I didn't pin but was pretty excited to just be in the ring on a school pony. And you know what? That is FINE. Sure, I've always been jealous of those who have fistfuls of $$ and the time to do this sport. I greatly admire most of them because when it comes down it they still have to RIDE the horse. Mainly, I remain extremely grateful to have had a riding career at all (still) and am extremely excited to, for the first time EVER, experience a fraction of owning my own horse by half-leasing this year. We will be showing on a popular, ammy-friendly local circuit for $7.00/class (with minimal stall and show fees) and that is A-okay with me. I love to go watch rated shows, but my nervous system alone couldn't handle them, let alone my wallet! Thank God for non-rated shows and their increasing popularity. It's a shame there is such a divide in horse sports and that USEF/other rated shows are getting more expensive all the time. I don't know why anyone would be surprised attendance is down. Duhhhh.. But thankfully, at least where I live, there are still opportunities for everyone!RiderWriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11288703755895013635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-78210221629902120512020-01-22T08:11:49.236-07:002020-01-22T08:11:49.236-07:00Also, just for flame fodder. An "adult amateu...Also, just for flame fodder. An "adult amateur" is NOT a wealthy heir/ess who "runs their own company" and "still makes time to ride." An Adult Amateur is a person who works a 9-5 job, has a boss, doesn't set their hours, and depends on that paycheck to eat and pay bills. End of story. Highlighting the first type is a complete affront to the second. The quality of the riding aside.Austenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13004088333430762406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-71823961142598925802020-01-22T08:09:51.655-07:002020-01-22T08:09:51.655-07:00I do take some offense at the idea that I need to ...I do take some offense at the idea that I need to evaluate my riding. Mostly because I DO evaluate my riding, and work very hard to continue to improve it. However, the fact that the horses I can afford are solid "6" movers cannot be discounted. The best I could ever expect to achieve at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, was a 60. I did better than that often, because I rode the shit out of the test where I knew we could get extra scores regardless of gait quality (ex: walk pirouettes and halts). We still weren't in the same category of the other horses competing at the level, but we were "successful" for how I defined "success" with MY horse and MY riding and MY budget limitations.<br />All that said. The USEF (and USDF for that matter) would do well to remember that a large number of their show competitors are WORKING adult amateurs, who are WOEFULLY underrepresented in the organizations structure. The org values people who have the time and substantial money to invest, with very little consideration for those who have tighter schedules, tighter budgets, but still the drive to get out and ride and train and lesson. I want to see more representation in the committees and panels and member highlights from those adult amateurs struggling, both with time and budgets. We are just as important to this sport, if not more important. We're the ambassadors beyond the "rarified circle". We bring in those who aren't born into that world. We make it seem accessible, even though it's a hell of a lot of work and an incredible drain on willpower and resources. Yet, the organization does not seem to value our contributions.Austenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13004088333430762406noreply@blogger.com