COUNTY SHOWS VS A-RATED SHOWS

[ReSomething]

Back in the day with our local circuit, maiden, novice and open, no first place, three or fewer first place and the sky is the limit were the classifications. It was totally up to the entrant to be honest about their skill level.

I used to enter all three and get a low place, which bugged the heck out of me but also said that I was good enough to be in the placing possibly over other horses that had placed first in underpopulated classes. I can see where op is coming from, sort of, but it’s a little sour grapes to be telling someone not to compete here because they might be too good, best to be glad they are supporting the venue and work to improve yourself.

[blondewithchrome]

I show in both rated and non-rated shows. I have won my fair share of blue ribbons at 3’ and 3’3 in my day but I only show at 2’6 now, because I don’t own my own horse now so I take whatever I can get on whoever’s available. Does that make me, a seasoned amateur rider with blues at 3’+, “unfairly” competing in the 2’6” low adults now?

I would be careful how you classify what is fair vs. unfair. If the rules allow it, the rules allow it. So long as there is no maiden/novice blue ribbon status rule, or a cross entry rule (ie: rider cannot cross enter in this class if she has ever shown above 3’), then there’s nothing wrong with them showing at local shows in 2’6. Sometimes the horse needs to go for mileage but no sense in jumping the poor thing 3’3 every weekend if you can avoid it.

Good competition is a good thing. It encourages us to be better, to strive to improve, and learn from those who are better than us. If they are the best horse in the class, they should win, regardless of if they do A shows or not, IMO!

[Pennywell_Bay]

There is a big pony barn near me that requires X amount of rated shows and X amount of locals to be in their program (plus 2 lessons a week etc).

Generally they aren’t bringing their A team ponies but either the lesson types for the newer students or ones on a budget or greenies for the pony jocks to get miles.