Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Jane Alone and her trusty steed, One & Only


Why do some shows hold classes with one entry? Why don't all shows combine classes with less than 3 entries? Holding a class for one entry is a waste of time. Their performance shouldn't count for year end points and barring a DQ, they're going to get a blue ribbon. Some shows will combine and just about all of them have that clause on the prizelist "...management reserves the right to cancel, combine or split....". Unfortunately some of them with their 'own' set of rules a mile long and members who constantly check points, don't exercise that option.
If Children's hunter is 2'6" and has 5 entries and Adult Amateur is 2'6" and has 1 entry, how many entries should be in the amateur hunter class? If you picked six, you're correct! If you asked which amateur class, you need to focus more on your riding skills so you don't fear competition.
Most of the classes are the same. The courses are probably the same. The criteria to enter the divisions are basically the same other than age. The judging criteria will be the same. Just combine them. If the AA pins last in all the classes for that division and whines about not getting separate pinnings, then explain to them that competeing with themselves is not a show....... that is called schooling at home. If a class consistantly has less than 3 entries in your series, then it is not a popular class for your area and I suggest you drop it from future shows. It's a waste of time & money for the show although I consider it break time for the judge. I either practice holding my breath for the big blue closet or draw pictures on my cards. I hardly ever watch Jane Alone mounted on her trusty steed, One & Only. Jane is nuts for ribbons if she rides it. The only place I understand showing in a single entry class is rated and breed shows where points really mean alot more than just a ribbon.

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I am just one judge with one judge's opinion. Almost all of the classes I judge are based on the rules of USEF & AQHA. Judging a horse show is very subjective to the interpretation of the rules. Please keep this in mind when commenting.