Should there be a rule re # of classes/divisions per show?

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How much is too much?
3 Divisions	1 (14.3%)
4 Divisions	3 (42.9%)
5 Divisions	0 (0%)
Limit # of O/F classes per show	3 (42.9%)
Total Votes: 7

Should there be a rule re # of classes/divisions per show?
Topic Started: Sep 29 2009, 03:17 PM (153 Views)
cindeye	Sep 29 2009, 03:17 PM Post #1
Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back. Posts: 1,024 Group: Moderator Member #21 Joined: January 3, 2007	In the face of disgusting examples of ribbon whoredom, I have been involved in an interesting debate with fellow owners, a rider or two and several trainers over the past week. If individuals cannot be trusted to enter their horse in a reasonable number of classes/divisions per show, should associations create rules to limit the number of classes/divisions a horse can enter per show? By extension, should there be a limit on USEF rated shows one horse can enter a year? It would be nice to think that professionals would advise their clients that 5, 6 and 7 divisions per show is too many for one horse, but sadly we see evidence to the contrary. It would also be nice to think that horses would not be asked to compete more than 25 weeks a year, but sadly we see evidence of heavy campaigning for year-end awards, too. If YOU were crafting a proposed rule, what would YOU recommend in terms of limits (or not)?



OpticalIllusion	Sep 30 2009, 05:31 AM Post #2
Guiding your way to Candy Mountain, since 1873. Posts: 2,705 Group: Members Member #702 Joined: February 1, 2007	I think that there would be so many different circumstances that it would be hard to do a set rule. Height of the fence: Personally, I dont think any horse should jump more then maybe 3 or 4 3' and up courses at a show. (One day show) A lower level school horse could probably do much more 2' courses. However I dont think a horse should be doing 3 and 4 bigger height classes over a period of a week. Rider: If the rider is soft on the horse and rides it properly, its going to make jumping easier. If the rider is not soft, its going to make it more difficult on the horse to jump more courses. Horses enthusiasm: Some horses need more classes to get them to back off some. Some horses barely have the energy to make it through 3 classes and the hack. Is the horse in shape: A very fit horse could go on to do more comfortably then a non fit horse, obviously. So if a horse is prepped to do say 5 divisions, then it might be ok to do it. Just like people, it wouldnt be fair to ask me to go out and run 5 miles a day for the next week but obviously a true runner would not have a problem with this at all. I dont think horse show committees would go for it. Bottom line is they are there to make money, and if classes are limited, they will make less money. Trainers also make more money if their students go in more divisions and/ or are asked to ride clients horse in more classes. I think there are to many 'what if's' to be able to actually do anything about it. Trainers I think should be more cautious about their clients horses as well as their own, and maybe limit within their barn. But again, this limits income.



SnackPack	Sep 30 2009, 08:15 PM Post #3
It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure! Posts: 2,126 Group: Members Member #238 Joined: January 8, 2007	I answered on COTH, but I still think you can't mandate horsemanship/sportsmanship and trying to do so just ends up hurting too many others in the process. If it's such a concern, use the sportmanship/horse welfare thing Janet posted and protest.



Black Tack	Oct 2 2009, 07:24 AM Post #4
You're BANNED! Posts: 4,038 Group: Members Member #269 Joined: January 8, 2007	I can't even fathom that horses are doing 5 or 6 divisions. I don't think there's any reason in the world other than pure greed and a lack of respect for the horse. I don't care how fit they are. And if people are doing that, then yes, apparently there is a need for a rule. I would vote for 3 max even though personally I wouldn't ask my horse to do more than 2. Divisions in a 4/5 day show. Edited by Black Tack, Oct 2 2009, 07:25 AM.



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