Alternative to Rated Show - Ribbons, classes, etc

[Bigbutt]

I’m thinking of putting on a series of schooling shows (hack & h/j) through our local riding club. (Money to benefit the club). Something geared towards those that can’t afford the rated shows or those that just do not want to do the rated shows.

Right now if I can fit 2 in this year that would be great, but next year looking for a bigger series with an overall high points awards.

So just some questions to those of you that enjoy these type of shows…

1. Is there anything that you have received for a class prize other then a ribbon - and did you like it or think that’s just garbage.
2. Was there any classes that are not the norm but were either well received or attended. These could be on the flat, or o/f, but should be sticking with the english theme.

Thanks for any opinions or ideas.

[JenEM]

As a competitor, what was a decision maker for me in choosing between two local shows last weekend was the classes being offered, and the heights. I chose the show that offered TIP classes, including a Handy class, which was fun and involved a rollback and a trot fence. There was also an option to actually do 3’ which was something I was considering as a move-up (but opted not to do for reasons unrelated to it being available); not a lot of local shows actually offer or will run something at 3’. Even just offering it as an option on an “Open” division with an option of doing lower (like 2’6/2’9) would be an incentive for some people.

As far as non-ribbon class prizes, the medal class I did over the weekend actually gave us medals with placing-appropriate ribbons (ie, winner’s was blue, second was red, etc) which I thought was neat and a little different without being too off the wall. Honestly just having nicer ribbons than the most basic generic ones is a nice thing–spend the extra $2/class to get ones with an extra ruffle or 2" of streamer or something for some of the “special” classes like a medal or some kind of signature derby or something. If you’re going to give something that’s not a ribbon, like as a champion award, at least make it useful, like a saddle pad or something. Though I was at a dressage show last year that gave out wine glasses…

[Simbalism]

If you came up with a logo for your “series” most embroidery places will enter it into their computer and then whatever prizes you want to give can be embroidered with this. In the past, I have received a nice set of polo wraps, a small framed discipline appropriate art piece, saddle pads( with logo), a decent halter with brass plate on it.

[222orchids]

We have a wonderful local show series in South Florida called Heritage Horse Shows and they run 12-14 shows a year, fully self-contained and not part of any other circuit or ratings system. Great place to start horses and to take riders who cannot or do not want to compete in Wellington. It’s run by a guy who really has his exhibitors’ best interests at heart.

For prizes: Normal ribbons plus for 1st you can take $5 off your show bill; or if you have 5 blues over the weekend you can select a saddle pad with his show logo on it, in lieu of the discount. At the year-end banquet, he has fabulous prizes for division champion and reserve (small tack trunks he makes himself, or saddle stands, embroidered directors’ chairs, etc.). He also recognizes overall placings in the division with elaborate ribbons for 1st-6th.

Classes: The normal stuff; the main hunter ring goes from 2’3" to 3’3" as the day goes on and the “young hunter” ring starts with leadline and runs through crossrails, ponies and novice, which tops out at 2’3". Cards are open so that all classes at any given height can be run simultaneously. He also runs one jumper ring starting with crossrails and going up to about 3’6". A couple of times a year he does a benefit show with fun gymkhana-type games and an exhibitors’ party after regular classes are over. Also since the ring has lights he has a couple of jumper-only summer shows that start at 5 pm; typically on weekends with a full moon.

He also has a “barn challenge” where you nominate your point riders before the show starts and they represent your stables; point riders can change from week to week but those riders’ collective points are accumulated and the barn with the most points wins a prize for that.

And at the final show of the year he runs one equitation class at 2’6" where the trainers all compete against each other in Maclay fashion, with flat and fences phases.

I ride in 4-5 of his shows each year and always enjoy the weekend; it has a real “family feel” to it. Look up the website for more info; you could give Butch or Lauren a call. I’m sure they would share their years of experience to help you get started. Good luck!

[west5]

I attend a show series where you can pay extra and do more than one round.

There is nothing more frustrating to go somewhere and have the experience be mediocre because you are riding poorly, horse is spooky, etc but not be able to end on a more positive note.

It is very hard to replicate the show atmosphere at home for either you or your horse and I think this aspect can really give green riders/horses a true learning experience and confidence for future shows.

[hunterrider23]

I have received saddle pads and some cute horsey blankets all from the same vendor but at a couple different shows and I absolutely love them. The saddle pads are super conservative all white baby pads but with the coolest pop of fun in the terms of an approx. 4"x3" patch of patterned fabric as a place to stick a monogram. I’ve also received fun “boutique” horse treats, like these really cool electrolyte treats and something called a pony pizza which was basically a horse treat made to look like a pizza. One thing I would say to stay away from is glassware. While it feels awesome that I basically have a whole set of horse show glass cups, I don’t use them, and they’re a hassle to find storage for as I’m not going to display nearly 20 small glass cups. Neck ribbons are really fun to get, as are coolers, they make you feel super official

Some cool classes I’ve seen, are the mock baby derbies set at like 2’6" with 2’9" options, and jumper style awards, where you give an award to the most stylish (best composed ride/best turned out) jumper, and best turnout awards are always appreciated.

[red_mares]

The show series my barn went to last summer gave out plastic tumblers with the show logo on it as trophies. Win 4 classes and you have a set! No one was impressed. They were pretty pathetic.

On the plus side, they provide hours of entertainment, as we ribbed the recipients mercilessly about making sure no one stole such a valuable trophy.

[Bigbutt]

Thank you everyone, I’m loving the idea’s your all coming up with… please keep them coming… This year will be tough to fit in as many shows as i would like to do - but I would love to plan for next year while the good dates are still available.

222Orchids - I would love their website that you mentioned. I absolutely LOVE what they are running and would love to be able to do something like that. Of course due to weather, we could likely only do 6-9 shows but still love the ideas that you gave examples of.

I really like the idea of end of the year high points, as someone has mentioned on other threads, some days its just not your day, so if all the really good prizes (halters, chairs, saddle racks, etc) are given away at an individual show, would likely be costly and not a true representation of a show season. But I do like the money off option or turning in your ribbons for a bigger prize like a saddle pad or something.

Thank you everyone, keep the idea’s coming please.

[hunterrider23]

Yeah better than ribbons or prizes is simply prize money. Nothings better than winning a big class and looking to see that your show bill is ten dollars.

[Dewey]

A Pleasure Horse class is always nice. Blue/Red classes to give mielage to the greenies are great as well.

I think ribbons are fine as long as they are handed out. I hate to see them sitting in a box and never pick them up if they are not handed to me at the end of a class.

Our local show circuit has given some nice awards for division champions. Some we appreciated were canvas tote bags, baby pads, fleece blankets, and towels with the circuit logo. Nowadays, a shopping/grocery bag would probably be used often–something you could keep in the car. At a couple of shows, each class winner received a bag of carrots along with a blue ribbon. That was fun.

[RockinHorse]

[QUOTE=hunterrider23;7585300]
Yeah better than ribbons or prizes is simply prize money. Nothings better than winning a big class and looking to see that your show bill is ten dollars.[/QUOTE]

This is great for adults that have been showing a bit, however, kids would probably prefer something more tangible. Beginner adults probably would too.

OP, what is the level of the participants you are aiming to attract? That might have some bearing on the type of awards.

[RugBug]

I’ve been running a schooling show for about 10 years now. With my real jobs, I can only manage 3 a year and really don’t want to do more than that anyway. It’s A LOT of work (she says after just finishing the season opener on Sunday). Easily 15 hour days making sure everything is up to snuff.

At any rate, for prizes, I only give out to our Division champions. I’m sure people would like prizes for classes, but at $8/class, that’s just not in the budget. Their prize is checking out for the day for under $50.

We have ribbons 1st-5th (and I’ve had people complain about the size, but they are as big as many of the big shows give so I don’t feel guilty) and then Ch. and R. Ch. are bigger (three ruffles, 12" streamers). For Ch, I am always looking for different types of items (stuffed animals, travel mugs, water bottles, just bought some re-usable horse themed bags from TOTD…really anything that hits the price point and someone might like) but the main things are gift cards. I do things like iTunes, Sephora, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Gas, etc. I’ve also re-gifted some of my mom’s unfortunate gifts to me (Beach towel with an Arabian on it, Horse-opoly. I’m 42 mom, I really don’t need those types of items. Got to love her. They go pretty fast at the show, though. :lol:

[222orchids]

Sent you a message

[BostonHJ]

For me, it is more about the quality of the footing, availability of a good warm-up area and good jumps with fill. Ideally the atmosphere and jumps resemble a rated show but with less price and stress

[SidesaddleRider]

[QUOTE=BostonHJ;7586213]
For me, it is more about the quality of the footing, availability of a good warm-up area and good jumps with fill. Ideally the atmosphere and jumps resemble a rated show but with less price and stress :)[/QUOTE]

^^ Totally agree with this.

As to classes, I love going to a schooling series here that has a (mini) Hunter Derby. They run it twice, once for the low/medium height divisions at 2’6" with high options at 2’9"-3’ (after the derby they have those height divisions) and then for the medium/high height divisions at 3’ with high options at 3’3"-3’6" (followed by the 2’9"-3’+ divisions). It is a two-round format, with the first round being a hunter course w/2 height option jumps, and the second a (very) handy course w/the 2 height option jumps and a trot jump.

I have also seen some of the lower level schooling shows have success with a Hunter Hack division. One W-T-C class, one W-T-C class with a x-rail line, and one W-T-C class with a 2’3"-2’6" line and hand gallop-halt.

The TIP TB-only classes are also popular.

I appreciate a decent ribbon, preferably just normal colored w/o stars, flags, etc., on them. For division champion, usable gifts are nice: a pack of polos, halter, small bucket, brush, etc. At an Adult-only show I did once, they gave out wine glasses, and had a cheese/wine party after the show was finished - THAT I really appreciated! For end-of year awards, nice stuff such as an embroidered scrim, cooler, halter w/name plate, etc are much appreciated. However, I LOVE to get “silver” to put in the display case. Just the cheaper silver-plated stuff, if engraved, looks really nice and is something that will last.

[GaMare]

If you can get a photographer to come in for the show, I’d make prizes discounts off photos with champion & reserve getting free prints in different sizes. Since it is a schooling show, which will likely draw more green horses and riders, it would be nice to include a few judges awards for sportsmanship, best groomed, etc.

[Marcella]

As a show mgr for some open shows, the most appreciated prize was the option instead of a trophy for 1st was to have $8 taken off your bill. The $8 was the cost of the trophy. The kids usually liked to have the trophies, but the adults preferred the discount. We saved the trophies from year to year, and would order a new kind the next year. We would usually have 3 different kinds of trophies to pick from. Again, a big hit because then you weren’t stuck with 4 of the same. You could do 3 different trophies, and then get $8 off your bill.

[gottagrey]

I love the idea of a “barn team challenge” and wanted to do something similar for the show series i’m involved in. I was thinking to do it similar to Nations Cup where you have say 4 riders on a team. could be from barn, a couple of barns as long as they made up a team; could be adults or jr riders. No pros. Riders can enter any division and like Nations Cup w/ the lowest rider score being dropped. But alas, no one around here shared my 'vision" so the idea never took off. It’s funny exhibitors want something different, something fun yet show organizers, especially it seems when there’s a committee, seem hesitant to do something outside the box - it’s even more important now to think outside the box a little when smaller schooling shows have to compete w/ the larger rated shows.

Another crowd pleaser for our shows has always been the bareback dollar - no shorts or chaps allowed, winners gets the pot.

[ParadoxFarm]

Many of the schooling shows offered near me do not offer any jumper classes. My horse doesn’t do hunters, so that leaves me out completely. I hate that. You don’t need a lot of them, but some classes would be good for riders like me.

I did attend a series that also offered a combined test which was fun for me (dressage then jumping).

Good luck!

[Wonderwall]

As a rider that is new to the hunter/jumper world, I can sometimes have a hard time finding classes that allow someone older than 13 to do cross rails. Adding a class like that may increase the number of people that attend the show.

At one show I went to they had a “trail” class, which was basically a small obstacle course in the ring. It had trot/walk poles, corners, weaving between poles and a small cross rail or just another pole. A lot of the younger kids enjoyed it, and it was changed up a bit to allow for more advanced riders to compete.

That show was also giving out Likits as first prize (which are always used :winkgrin:)