We Ask Experts: Why Novice Championships Are Bigger than Ever

Christa Baldwin–I came to the first championship kicking and screaming. I had had a super busy September and Congress was coming up fast. I couldn’t believe I was going 12 hours to a show a few days before leaving for Congress. I thought it was crazy. Then, we got here and the whole atmosphere was great. Positive, fun, rewarding are three words to describe it. It was ‘All about THEM’ – the novices. They got to have a Championship show to showcase them. The spotlight is on them and some will never be able to show at a World Show. Even though this is not a ‘World Show’, it is the Novice Championships, and it has a big feel and great camaraderie about it. Patti, Leman and all the staff run a great show and give it that Championship feel without being intimidating. I think the novices feel comfortable showing where they are all on the same level. It is a fun show that is run very efficiently, with a friendly atmosphere and nice awards. How can they not like this show?

Patti Carter–It is an honor to be able to give the novices a level playing field and give them a show to shine. They have never been given this opportunity to show at a championship show and I think it was needed. The Rookie classes have been a big hit this year and next year we are expecting it to be even bigger and we are splitting the classes into 13&U and 14-18 as well as Select Amateur and Amateur Level 1 classes–with the exception of the halter. I believe the Novice Championship Shows will continue to grow and get bigger every year.

Steve Meadows–Many novices feel intimidated showing at the Congress and the World Shows. The Novice Championship Shows give many of my clients who aren’t ready for places like the Congress to shoot for an ultimate goal for the year. It is the highlight of the year for many and a stepping stone to bigger shows in the regular divisions.

Karen Evans Mundy–I believe the flat fee and the cost of going to a show like this is way more affordable for many exhibitors. It is easier to qualify since you only have to get your 20 judges and the added Rookie classes have helped the show grow. I was quite surprised in the level of competition in the Rookie classes. It is a great show that is very exhibitor friendly and they even have jackpots for some of the classes which is an added incentive.

Jim Becker–I think the atmosphere is a lot less intimidating–less pressure. This show is all about the novice exhibitors whereas places like the Congress have more of a carnival-like atmosphere and is not as conducive for novice and rookie riders to be able to perform their best. The price point at these shows compared to places like the Congress is also way more affordable to everyone not just the top echelons in our industry.

Tommy Sheets–I believe the Tim Kimura trail patterns are a huge plus at these shows and the fact the East Show is centrally located makes it quite attractive. The Ride the Pattern clinics are very helpful and AQHA runs a very family friendly show and have great awards for the exhibitors.

Ryan Cottingim–I think these shows were greatly needed and the increase in entries is evidence of that fact. The novices are our future and we need to help nurture and grow this segment of our industry.

 

Shawn Hays–It gives the novices a place to come and win. It is doing what AQHA is wanting it to do and everyone is enjoying the shows so they are telling more people which causes a chain reaction of more people coming to the show. They have also added more classes this year to cater to more people and more events. Also, spreading out the schedule over a few more days has helped make the show get done earlier which makes for a more pleasant experience. Also, it is centrally located so I believe it is a win-win for everyone.

 

Jeff Greaves–It caters to our future and the exhibitors that are going to hopefully move up and show for many years to come. There needs to be a place where they can show what they have learned throughout the year and these shows give new riders a chance to reach for something and strive to get better in a level playing field.

Shon Gage–For many of our clients–this is the main show they shoot for the entire year. Many are not ready for the Congress and this is their stepping stone to prepare for events like that in the future.

So, we want to know! Why do you attend the Novice Championship Shows? What keeps you coming back? Or, if this is your first year, what have you enjoyed about the show?