There
appears to be mixed emotions when it comes to trying new show formats at AQHA
shows. I recently judged the second ever AQHA 4 judge/4 sets of points show in
Berrien Springs, Michigan with veteran judges Stephen Stephens, Brent Tincher, and Terry
Cross. The first AQHA show to try this format was in Ohio earlier this year.
AQHA has also tried three judges with three sets of points at the Texas
Classic, Dixie Nationals, and the Sun Country Circuit. The American Paint Horse
Association (APHA) has been using this type of format for years, yet, until
now, AQHA has seemed reluctant to follow suit. (**To find
out more about how the APHA approves their shows, please read information
provided at the bottom of this article)
The
opinions about this new show format appear to differ depending upon the event
and level of exhibitor and horse competing. The greener the horse and rider,
the more likely they like the single or split-combined format.
“I know
for my amateurs and youth kids that have a bad go; it is better for them to be
able to show again that weekend,” AQHA judge and trainer Brent Tincher
explained. “They would just end up stewing over their mistakes and remain upset
the entire weekend or until the next time they get a chance to show–which
maybe a few weeks down the road. It caters to the elite, and I think that
especially our novice and green horses and riders need more chances to show.”
Tincher
adds, “I also think that it cheapens the points somewhat when you can get up to
36 points showing one time. Also, if you make a mistake in the one shot you
have to show, it is expensive to have to pay all the entry fees at once.”
AQHA
judge Stephen Stephens also agrees with Tincher. “I think it intimidates the
novice and new exhibitors in the industry,” he said. “I think this format would
work better at large shows like the Redbud Spectacular where the competition is
very deep and the classes are quite large.”
AQHA
judge and trainer Karen McCuistion from Wilson, Oklahoma also has mixed
emotions about this format. For example at the Texas Classic this year, they
had two shows with three judges each in one day for halter.
“The
halter exhibitors were understandably thrilled to show to six judges in one
day. They were in and out with just a one night stay and had to clean up the
horses only once for the six judges, and I definitely see the benefit to that,”
she said. “On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, is the roping classes.
Showing to three judges at a time is great when things go right, but
considering that even the best ropers don’t catch every time, it’s pretty risky
to have to pay three fees for one run. Most of the ropers I know (including my
family) would prefer separate runs for each judge.”
Becky
Meadows of Hylton Quarter Horses in Virginia, trainer Patty Vatterott
of Sea Ridge Farms in Florida, and Indiana youth exhibitor Codi McConnell, all
love being able to compete at these multiple-judged shows.
“I
think with the economy today that it would be a positive thing,” Meadows said.
“It would cut down the travel expensive going from one show to the other
chasing points. Another positive thing would be less wear and tear on the horse.”
Vatterott
adds, “I think shows with 3 judges and 3 sets of points is brilliant. It saves
everyone time and money, and it just makes sense in these times. You better be
on your game at the show that day. Also, I think it is interesting to see the
difference in opinion three judges can have with the same set of
circumstances.”
Nothing
is ever going to be perfect or make everyone happy, youth exhibitor McConnell
says. “But, I think that the fact that this is going to be easier on my bank
account makes up for any potential frustrations that come with only having one
go per class.”
Cody
Fisher, who manages several shows during the year hopes AQHA will continue to
allow this format at various shows. “In this market, AQHA needs to offer
flexibility to its exhibitors. I love the Introductory show concept and applaud
their ‘Grass Roots’ effort as this will appeal to a certain level of competitor
that is missing from the regular shows. The multiple judge event moves to the
other end of the spectrum. I personally will be looking for the opportunity to
add additional judges to my April show, the Circle G Classic, held in Tunica,
MS, this upcoming year.”
So, we
would like to hear your thoughts. Would you like to see more of these shows
approved next year, or, do you prefer the split-combined format? Let us know which format you prefer by registering your vote below as well as posting your opinions in the comment section at the bottom of this article.
Linda Knowles, the Show Approval Manager for American Paint Horse
Association has kindly provided the information below to explain how they
approve their shows.
“Any person, club, group or
organizer may hold a single or two-judge show and they may have as many of
those as they wish. They are not limited. This year a rule was passed
to allow back to back two-judge shows which means any person, club, group or
organizer may hold a two-judge show on one or more days and follow it with
another two-judge show on one or more days.
Regional clubs (affiliated
with APHA) are the only ones who are allowed more than two
judges. Commonly called PORs (Paint-O-Ramas) may be two, three or four
judges. Each regional club that is the main club in the state are allowed
two PORs each year. All other regional clubs are allowed to hold one POR
each year. Then, we have a Zone show which may be 5 or 6 judges and are
organized by each Zone Coordinating Committee. We currently have 14 Zones
but not all of them have a zone show. There is only one Zone show each
year.”
