What is one thing you would like to change about our industry? We asked that thought-provoking question to several high-profile individuals involved in all aspects of the horse industry. GoHorseShow received some great answers from trainers and exhibitors who compete on the AQHA, APHA, and ApHC show circuits. Please let us know if you agree with any of these desired changes or whether you have other suggestions you would like to share with our readers. Thanks to everyone for sharing their
opinions–let’s find out what everyone has to say!
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/88a67aea-155d-40cf-9c01ea9cf3288cdb.jpg[/NPI]Debbie
Kail–The one thing I would like to see is there to be more respect
shown to the aging horsemen and women in the industry. I was so lucky to
have been raised around some of the legends in our industry. I always
have really looked up to those folks. Sometime in conversation, you’ll
mention one of them and people say who? It makes me feel sad that all of
their hard work, dedication and knowledge doesn’t mean much to those
showing now.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/8/55b6ffa4-155d-40dd-bc5653a9ba9c8768.jpg[/NPI]Kathy
Tobin–I’d like to see the industry have harsher punishment for people
caught red handed doing something very wrong or for repeat offenses. It
seems some rather egregious and or repeat offenders never get
permanently suspended from an association.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/88b07a6b-155d-40dd-bcd338cc2eb52ca2.jpg[/NPI]Sandy
Campbell Jirkovsky–Being in the horse industry for so many years, I
have witnessed great changes. Our horses, trainers, exhibitors have all
improved so much that it is amazing to think what the future holds. Will
a plus one and a half be enough to reward a maneuver? The horses are
incredible! With all of the positive changes, I would like to see a
couple of things changed that would help our industry. I feel the
almighty point has taken over, and we have lost recognition for our
owners. We need to give the owners of these great horses more
recognition for their investment in the business. With multiple judges
in the pen, sometimes the owner doesn’t even know his actual placings.
Awards are minimal at most horse shows, so, we have to get back to
selling the feeling. People spend a lot of money on their entertainment,
but they want that thrill in return, and we need to think of ways to
rectify that situation–a victory lap, the owner introduced to the
crowd, anything to put that owner in the spotlight. Without the owners,
trainers would have a rough road to hoe!
The other thing I think we
are missing is a better social network for the youth showing. We have
taken a lot of the fun out of the show ring and need to put that back. I
remember showing as a kid, and I looked forward to getting a chance to
reconnect with all my horse show friends in different parts of the
country. Many of them have become lifelong friends that I cherish. We
had a lot of fun during and after the shows. Many trainers do not
encourage their youth to socialize with the other kids showing, but I
feel we need to try to give them that opportunity. If they are having
fun, they will encourage their friends to come join the horse show
industry. We need to remember that showing is more than the blue ribbon!
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2011/12/b14a9fba-dd16-fad1-4fac6b692cefcef0.jpg[/NPI]Gerri
Leigh-Pratt–I would change the way trainers and owners think and judge
other horses–a great horse is a great horse, no matter who owns,
trains or judges the horse.
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2011/11/0c3f8f01-b98a-6880-55e288ad3fd7620b.jpg[/NPI]Adam
Wainscott–There are so many great things about or industry, and I try
to focus on the things that are good. However, if I were to pick one
thing I’d like to see change, I would have to say I wish more of us were
true horsemen. By that, I mean if we strived less to put horses in the
show arena and more on what’s best for the horse, I think our industry
would improve some. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of what we do so
that is a necessary driving force to what we do. I just think if we took
a step back sometimes, and, evaluated the path we are on in the
process, and, look at our motives–it might change the outcome a little.
I think we would see sounder, happier and overall healthier horses. I
think we are a pretty lucky group of people–we love horses; get to be
around great people, and, what better way to make a living than that?
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/889db7ab-155d-40dd-bccdf376da7f2fb5.jpg[/NPI]Debbi
Trubee–If I could change one thing about our industry, it would be the
perception that all horse trainers are bad apples. There are so many
hard working, genuinely good people in this business that get little
recognition for their efforts. We only hear about the few bad examples
that are out there who tarnish the whole industry. Let’s face it, if a
person worked as hard in any other business as a horse person does at
the daily care and training of their horses, they would be very wealthy!
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2012/7/2b2c0b4d-155d-40d6-81436b4d7f462b17.jpg[/NPI]Reid
Thomas–I would like to see AQHA start a program for youth exhibitors
where each point earns them similar money to the AQHA Incentive Fund.
Funds are placed in a college fund with trustee/fund administration, and
the money can be used for housing, books, and tuition. Even if it’s a
separate organization that starts the program with stallion owners and
associations. The youth are the future!
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2012/11/6756a345-155d-40d3-47c9158b8f26b473.jpg[/NPI]Liz
Barnard Hay–I would like to see horse prices more reasonable. I think
the prices for horses have gotten way out of control. It is scary to
think that people are paying more for one horse than a house. I
understand that the huge purses in the past drove a lot of the futurity
horse prices up, but those big purses are not there any more. I think if
the prices of horses were more reasonable there would be more people in
our industry. I find it very intimidating to show against $100,000
horses, and, I have shown my entire life. I could not imagine what
people think just getting into showing!
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2012/5/d7498d8d-155d-40e1-950fe52e864b6635.jpg[/NPI]Kaleena
Katz Weakly–It’s becoming very irritating and disrespectful how some,
not all, but some of the official show photographers are treating us
exhibitors, spectators and the parents at the shows. I’ve heard stories
about how parents are getting chased away with their cameras at the show
pen while just trying to capture the great memories they are paying a
hefty price for. We all have a right to carry our cameras around the
show grounds and take pictures of what ever we want to, showing horses
is our hobby after all.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/88c611f6-155d-40dd-bc429fbfde51cbbe.jpg[/NPI]Ann
Jones–It would be the perception that politics control so much of the
horse show world. Reality is that we as judges do the best we can with
what we are presented to judge. If exhibitors realize how hard we work
to be fair and honest, they would be pleasantly surprised. On another
note, I would speed up the the changes being made to improve the natural
movement of pleasure horses.
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2010/11/2bb62363-9d43-b3b6-44cb430d507dbb0d.jpg[/NPI]Charlie
Cole–if I could change one thing about the horse industry, I would
figure out how to get more kids into showing horses. It seems less and
less kids are getting into horses. Everyone wants to blame the economy
and the cost of showing, but I believe there’s just so many more choices
for kids to do these days. There’s so many more sports and activities,
not to mention video games and television. I don’t think there’s a
better way to grow up, than on the back of a horse. We used to start
several kids each year and have a lesson program, but we are guilty of
no longer doing our part to start kids, and, so are many of today’s
trainers.
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/8a165de9-155d-40dd-bcbcc0912a8b6c77.jpg[/NPI]Brandy
Baldwin Bunting– I would like to see World Show entry fees reduced.
Although I understand the prestige and awards given make the experience
priceless, I know many amateurs who are good enough to compete there but
who just can’t afford it.
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/2cc0a876-155d-40dd-bc4fd51e16417f81.jpg[/NPI]Ashley
Lakins–I wish that exhibitors would be more positive about others
exhibitors’ horses–tell each other that their horse looks good. Not
very many trainers do that for one another. I love when a peer tells me
that my horse looks good. So, I try to tell others when I think their
horse looks good. I know how good it makes me feel so I try to do that
for others. Just be more positive.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/52845d71-155d-40cf-9c4ce2bc7f1b07e3.jpg[/NPI]Cynthia
Cantleberry–I would have hoped that the pleasure horses would have
never gotten to the point where they are performing at such an
artificial gate. It is bad for the horses as many of them can’t take the
training it takes to create that gate, and, ultimately, it has damaged
our industry. I used to show pleasure horses, and, I don’t like seeing
what has happened. I know the show organizations are working to change
things, but it is a slow process.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/2d26052d-155d-40cf-9ceaba3d8555a3c0.jpg[/NPI]Carli
Pitts–If I could change one thing about the industry it would be the
re-novicing rule. Since my parents are trainers, I see many new people
brought into the industry all the time. The novice classes are great for
them to start out with an experienced and safe horse. But, the
exhibitors that have never shown don’t really have a place in the show
arena anymore–they have to compete against experienced riders, and, it
just doesn’t seem fair. Even the rookie classes require a green horse,
and most novice riders would prefer a finished and solid show horse.?
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2012/9/bac55e24-155d-40d5-6471179243c48ec8.jpg[/NPI]Jenna
Dempze– I wish people would step back and appreciate the pleasure
horse of today. I think the industry has improved and changed as
requested. We are very quick to point out the negatives; we need to get
excited about western pleasure again and bring to the forefront all the
positives of the discipline.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/2/ed665f43-155d-40d6-96edab061a48a2ae.jpg[/NPI]Erin
Bradshaw–If I could change one thing about the APHA industry, it would
be to add a performance halter class. I don’t see why APHA doesn’t add
classes such as these to peak numbers, and they are great classes that a
lot of owners/trainers would participate. They add bareback
horsemanship and shankless showmansihp to the Youth World, but have not
added big classes like performance halter to the open world show. I
think it’s my halter roots coming out when I say this, but I just feel
that classes like this are great for our industry and World Show.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/2cb48107-155d-40cf-9cfc5a00f9bfa22b.jpg[/NPI]Tammy
Dyer–I would change the dates so that the Congress and AQHA World Show
are not on top of each other.
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Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2009/9/7655e613-1ec9-b7d0-76878b6fc80c21a9.jpg[/NPI]Maggie
Bellville–I would like to see all the AQHA World Championship Shows to
be held in Oklahoma City– saving a lot of money for AQHA and
competitors, getting more participation, and the Select World Show
feeling more like a world championship event.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2012/11/6726e34b-155d-40d0-8477f743f410f035.jpg[/NPI]Sarah
Elder Chabot–I wish people would let a horse tell them what they are
good at doing rather than forcing them to do classes that they simply
aren’t talented enough to do. If you have to be that hard on a horse to
make them do their job…it is probably not the job they were made for.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/2cdb7bf1-155d-40dd-bccda126cdf26960.jpg[/NPI]Blake
Carney–For me, the biggest change I would like to see in our industry
is the APHA World Shows combining back together. For those of us who
travel from further away, it’s not easy to get groups to go twice, and
it’s hard for me to have horses to show in the open that may have
already been out for the Youth World, etc. I feel like it has excluded a
large group of horses and exhibitors who are in college and have jobs
that do not allow them to get away outside of summer months. It has
certainly excluded customers in my program.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2011/7/bc78075c-fd1a-1b78-f75da1d92e79b710.jpg[/NPI]Kim
Reynolds–Our feeling is for the horse shows to be more exhibitor
friendly. People spend a lot of money, and it needs to be fun!
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/2cf6186c-155d-40dd-bcd1c7282a6ec2c7.jpg[/NPI]Meghan
Murphy–I think the industry and the American Quarter Horse Association
is already doing a lot to reach out to new members and riders of all
levels. However, I would like to see this effort pushed even more and
the programs that have recently been established to continue to grow. It
can be difficult or intimidating for the average quarter horse
enthusiast who keeps their horse at home to be competitive in our
industry against the riders who are able to have trainers year round. A
rider may not have the means to keep their horse with a trainer all of
the time but very well may have the talent to compete at the AQHA level.
In my opinion, we want to make every effort possible to encourage more
riders to compete at AQHA shows.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/97d100be-155d-40cf-9cf98d76e1ea326a.jpg[/NPI]Tara
Lombardo Anderson–I would like to see the 25 points for novice
eligibility be raised so that novice riders have the opportunity to show
longer in the novice division. A novice rider needs time in the show
pen to gain experience and improve their skill set. The opportunity to
show at the bigger circuits and with five to six judges in a short
period of time is great, especially if the novice rider has a good week,
but they will point out of the novice division without being prepared
to move up to the next level.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/88b88b1b-155d-40dd-bcdcec9e49150bf6.jpg[/NPI]Kyle
Brenner–Well, my thoughts immediately go to politics/hype and being
judged by our peers are things that I believe need change or reform, but
I believe a better answer is to change the numbers of participants at
our events. I believe keeping new membership/interest levels growing is
the key to a successful industry or organization.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2012/11/910b5ede-155d-40d5-645932afb4081443.jpg[/NPI]Cheryl
Hawkins–I would like to see the junior horses receive trophies and an
article in the Journal for the year end high point horses. It cost the
owners just as much time and money to haul a junior horse for a title. I
think they need to be honored just as much.
[NPI
Float=”left”]/Media/2/jpg/2013/9/527e0f6c-155d-40dd-bc8604b6da1d7800.jpg[/NPI]Michelle
Tidwell–I think the negative press we have been getting lately really
hurts our industry. While many follow the rules, the few that bend them
leave a general appearance of the entire group being guilty. Also, I
think with the newcomers like the novices that professional horsemen and
exhibitors need to set a good example to follow. It is not about who
has the win, but did you learn something and have a better run than you
had in the last class.
