Ribbons: what do you like to receive?

[Night_Flight]

I’ve been asked to look into ordering new ribbons for a horse show next year and while I know my own opinions on the subject, I’d like to find out what others think before I proceed further.

This is for an ‘A’ circuit show with a clientele mostly from within the province.

As a competitor, would you prefer to receive something that looks very standard and almost identical to other shows in the area, or would you rather something that easily identifies the show it came from (aside from a different button and writing) while still making the placing clear?

For a regular class, are you happy with a standard single-pleated rosette with three 9" streamers or would you like something a little bit fancier (and if so, which changes would you prefer?)?

For bigger classes (please specify whether you’re a hunter of a jumper), do you prefer the ribbons to hang from the bridle or to be of the neck ribbon variety?

Do the ribbons offered have any bearing on your choice of shows or classes?

Anything else that you would like to add on the subject would be great to hear as well.

[ChasPonyCat]

[QUOTE=Night Flight;8387685]

For bigger classes (please specify whether you’re a hunter of a jumper), do you prefer the ribbons to hang from the bridle or to be of the neck ribbon variety?

.[/QUOTE]

Disclaimer: I do not show A shows, so I cannot speak for the A-circuit clientele. But I just wanted to say that I have always LOVED neck ribbons. I think they are just so classy and have always loved winning them. Plus, they look great in pictures.

[eclipse]

Types of ribbons do not factor into me entering a show or not… Show costs do that as well as prize money

regular ribbons are are just fine but I do like the ones with 3 streamers over one (I ride mainly hunters but am starting to dabble in the jumpers again). For special classes (mini prix, champion ribbons etc) I LOVED the ones Thunderbird uses… They are styled the same as a regular ribbon but are bigger with lovely long streamers and are slightly differently patterned. They really stand out when they are hung on the barns curtains and are a great keepsake. When I held one up it was around 4 ft in total length wth the actual rosette part being about 6-10" diameter)

Neck sashes are neat but are for the super special classes IMO. Hunter derbies, big Grand Prix class of the show etc

[roamingnome]

Please don’t do anything too crazy… I have a large amount of blue and champion ribbons from Spring Circuit at what used to be Littlewood with BLACK ribbons… Rosette and center streamer are blue, the two on either side are black… they just look, not nice.

Neck ribbons are always nice to win

[Happyhooves]

From what I’ve seen (being older than dirt)–when it comes to ribbon preference, there are just so many types of riders–little kids, juniors or ammies or an older re-rider, if you go show once in a great while or frequently, like you ride on the “A” circuit–and each group’s little dream is different. So that makes it harder for show management to decide how to go about it all, I think. But it might be worth it to mix it up a little and try to appeal to different groups, have a few neck ribbons and a few special classes with their own longer streamers and class names stamped onto them.

*Some riders show frequently simply with the goal of qualifying for things, points, etc, and the ribbons really don’t matter to them. (That’s why they get tossed in the trashcans or left in the warmup area, sad but true).

• That said, even frequent show-ers got VERY excited about the Gucci ribbons presented at the charity show in Sonoma a year or so ago–there was even ribbon stealing (!) and people signed up for the show the following year with the hopes of winning one of those, though Gucci didn’t didn’t end up happening the next year.

*Others, each show is a special deal unto itself and coming home with a special memento of that show is a BIG deal–the name of the show itself on the ribbon says it all.
*Seems like little kids don’t care, it’s just about the color–especially pink. Saw some great rainbow ribbons presented in one leadline/little kids classes and the kids were beyond thrilled.
*The generic shows where the Show Management Company is chintzy and ribbons are small with a show management corporate-looking logo stamped in the center of the rosette with no date are pretty forgettable and nonspecial to everyone.
*Neck ribbons are pretty awesome to most everyone. For some, getting to show only once in a blue moon, having a neck ribbon as incentive in even lesser classes would probably factor in the decision to go to that show.

• It’s fun when the special classes have fringe or a tassel on them–even a special costume class. Maybe for cost-savings, the ribbons could be the same, but a tiny tassel or something could be added on to set it apart.

• For traditionalists, classic colors–standard blue, red, yellow, etc., something with a little metal plate in the center with the name of the show and venue is special.

Though you choose to go to shows for reasons such as footing, distance, cost, footing (!), judging, show management efficiency (and HOSPITALITY!), ribbons can factor into the decision. Those strips of satin are fun mementos of good horses and good times. SO it’s nice when the show management makes them special. If I were trying to attract to people to my show, I’d make a point to make the ribbons special too.

[Night_Flight]

@roamingnome;8387722

I have a large amount of blue and champion ribbons from Spring Circuit at what used to be Littlewood with BLACK ribbons… Rosette and center streamer are blue, the two on either side are black… they just look, not nice.

What do you think about ribbons with the center streamer being the unique colour so that the majority of the ribbon is the placing colour? I’ve seen them done with a black, navy, etc., center streamer which to me can look lovely and really “brand” the ribbons to the show, but I’d like to know if I’m in the minority on that one.

[Night_Flight]

[QUOTE=eclipse;8387709]
I LOVED the ones Thunderbird uses… They are styled the same as a regular ribbon but are bigger with lovely long streamers and are slightly differently patterned. They really stand out when they are hung on the barns curtains and are a great keepsake. When I held one up it was around 4 ft in total length wth the actual rosette part being about 6-10" diameter)[/QUOTE]

Would you happen to know which company they use? I can only find photos showing them from afar but they look more European-styled, which is interesting.

[Night_Flight]

[QUOTE=Happyhooves;8387781]
From what I’ve seen (being older than dirt)–when it comes to ribbon preference, there are just so many types of riders–little kids, juniors or ammies or an older re-rider, if you go show once in a great while or frequently, like you ride on the “A” circuit–and each group’s little dream is different. So that makes it harder for show management to decide how to go about it all, I think.

Though you choose to go to shows for reasons such as footing, distance, cost, footing (!), judging, show management efficiency (and HOSPITALITY!), ribbons can factor into the decision. Those strips of satin are fun mementos of good horses and good times. SO it’s nice when the show management makes them special. If I were trying to attract to people to my show, I’d make a point to make the ribbons special too.[/QUOTE]

I think that’s part of the struggle I’m having in which direction to go here. Last year I didn’t order the ribbons but I was in charge of them at the show itself, and I noticed so many ribbons being left behind in the professional classes, especially those that weren’t first or second. While I suspect they just don’t want to display ribbons below those placings and the others are meaningless to them, I want to make sure that there’s nothing we could be doing differently to make those riders more interested in the award-giving.

This will also be the second year of the show under new ownership, and the management is making a big effort to improve things over previous years. To me, making the ribbons a little bit different would be one way of showing that we’re trying to give them a more special and competitor-focused experience, but I’m also the type who has always taken home my ribbons and been excited to win the more special-looking ones. Do the majority of other riders feel the same? That’s why I’m asking!

[Backstage]

[QUOTE=Night Flight;8387810]
I think that’s part of the struggle I’m having in which direction to go here. Last year I didn’t order the ribbons but I was in charge of them at the show itself, and I noticed so many ribbons being left behind in the professional classes, especially those that weren’t first or second. While I suspect they just don’t want to display ribbons below those placings and the others are meaningless to them, I want to make sure that there’s nothing we could be doing differently to make those riders more interested in the award-giving.

This will also be the second year of the show under new ownership, and the management is making a big effort to improve things over previous years. To me, making the ribbons a little bit different would be one way of showing that we’re trying to give them a more special and competitor-focused experience, but I’m also the type who has always taken home my ribbons and been excited to win the more special-looking ones. Do the majority of other riders feel the same? That’s why I’m asking![/QUOTE]

There are always going to be some riders (many of them professionals) that simply receive so many ribbons every show that there is little desire to keep them, especially the lower placings. Different ribbons might change that for some, but I wouldn’t bet the farm on it!

That doesn’t mean, however, that many, many other riders don’t appreciate really nice ribbons. And I think if the show is under new management, it is a great way to spread the word/create some buzz. You’ll have lots of people posting pictures that include the ribbons to instagram/facebook/etc.

For big classes, I think neck ribbons are a good choice. People seem to get pretty excited about those.

[Rescuer]

Just don’t use crazy neon colours. One show I went to (schooling series) used neon and they stand out in a bad way when hung next to ribbons from other shows.

[woodhillsmanhattan]

I may be in the minority but I actually really DISLIKE ribbons that aren’t a uniform color (besides the champion and reserve ribbons obviously). I would keep the 1st-8th ribbons traditional but maybe spice up the center of the rosette (an engraved brass or silver plate would be pretty!).

For the special classes/classics I like ribbons with a longer sash and larger rosette that say the class and year on them. If you have a special class that is unique to your particular show neck ribbons would be nice, but don’t think they are necessary to your normal NAL or MS hunter or jumper classics.

To me, what’s more important that unique ribbons is unique prizes. Consider a towel, plate, or something small for all first place ribbons. Nicer prizes for your champion and reserve such as a saddle pad, back pack, picture frame, grooming box, etc. Same for the classics.

[hunterrider23]

I love my Germantown Charity Horse Show ribbons. The plate center is metal (I don’t like the plastic ones much at all), I think gulfport does the same sort of center, but I’m just going on memory. I like the three streamers for regular classes and then slightly smaller two streamer ribbons for blue/red classes. Neck ribbons for stand alone classics (derbies or featured classes like a welcome stake, gamblers choice, grand/mini prix). Then larger and long streamered ribbons for division classics and the same size for champions. I like traditional colors though. I absolutely love that on those big classic ribbons and the neck ribbons there are little gold tassels and fringe. It makes them seem so special. I don’t keep most of my ribbons on display but I do keep those tasseled ones. However, I really would rather get a nice cooler or scrim or something like brownland does for champion/classic wins than a very nice ribbon. Or both, both is good. Saddle pads are nice, as are towels, groom boxes, bags, backpacks, t-shirts, jackets. But I beg of you, stray away from glasswear unless it’s like a big class and says the specific class name like a trophy. I literally have a whole set of glasses from gulfport and it just takes up space in our cabinets.

Also I know we’re all going to want to see what you eventually pick!

[Foxtrot_s]

Ribbons can get expensive for show managers - less profit or higher fees.
When I go to the bigger shows here it is disheartening to see a barrel full of
discarded 4th - 8th ribbons. Perhaps it could be that the competitor had somewhere to return the unwanted ribbons…others, OTOH are thrilled to get any ribbon.

[Albertabound]

If the ribbon is a bit unique it makes a nice momento from the show. The quality of the ribbon fabric makes a difference. Traditional colours are appreciated because everyone knows what they mean. One time we won an enormous champion ribbon in a huge class at a prestigious venue. It was very exciting to win, but the ribbon was cotton candy pink and blue, so it didn’t look like a champion ribbon.

Classy logos on the button, high quality ribbon and a little pattern make really nice prizes.

At my house we have too many ribbons to display, so we display the favourites. We are always glad we went to a certain venue if we get a special ribbon. I’ll be honest; we make sure to go to the venues that have our favourite ribbons.

[ybiaw]

[QUOTE=roamingnome;8387722]
Please don’t do anything too crazy… I have a large amount of blue and champion ribbons from Spring Circuit at what used to be Littlewood with BLACK ribbons… Rosette and center streamer are blue, the two on either side are black… they just look, not nice.

Neck ribbons are always nice to win :)[/QUOTE]

Agreed. This farm I know back up in IL decided one year for their “home show” that they’d do ribbons with hot pink as the “outside” ribbons (so center ribbon would be blue, red, yellow, etc) and it looked so stupid. And it was just because the trainers girlfriend really likes hot pink? I would have been so pissed to get one of those ribbons.

Last year, WEF was doing this weird thing where first place ribbons were blue and red and 2nd place were red and yellow and it just looked so odd.

OP, just do a classic rosette with 3 9" streamers in standard colors with the writing in gold. Keep the button classy and simple.

For bigger classes (classics, derbies, etc) and champs/reserves, I’d just do the regular ribbons with the longer streamers. Neck ribbons would be ok, too, but I actually think that if neck ribbons are given they should be given WITH a regular ribbon to hang on the bridle. No?

[Ready_To_Riot]

I like the classic ribbons, but I really don’t have much input on it other than if the venue does a schooling show series as well as Ashows, please order different ribbons. A farm here does both and the ribbons are the exact same. I haven’t done their A shows yet, but I plan on it next year and I’m going to be pretty annoyed that upon sight, you can’t tell which is the schooling show and which is the A show.

[BostonHJ]

[QUOTE=ybiaw;8387989]
Last year, WEF was doing this weird thing where first place ribbons were blue and red and 2nd place were red and yellow and it just looked so odd.[/QUOTE]

I actually liked the two-toned WEF ribbons for a few reasons - one, it differentiated a first place ride from a clear-round ride, and two, it makes them stand out from my other ribbons. That said, getting those ribbons at WEF is a different animal than getting them at another show, so I’m not sure I would want another show’s ribbons to stand out that much. In general, I like simple rosettes with the classic three matching streamers.

[ybiaw]

[QUOTE=BostonHJ;8388044]
I actually liked the two-toned WEF ribbons for a few reasons - one, it differentiated a first place ride from a clear-round ride, and two, it makes them stand out from my other ribbons. That said, getting those ribbons at WEF is a different animal than getting them at another show, so I’m not sure I would want another show’s ribbons to stand out that much. In general, I like simple rosettes with the classic three matching streamers.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I get that. I just thought it was a little odd. But I definitely agree that you’d want a WEF 1st or 2nd to stand out more than a “regular” show.

[SolarFlare]

I don’t do A shows either, but I do like ribbons that are a bit different, but in a classy way (ditto on the “no neon colours”).

Some of my favourites were from a fall fair I did a few years ago, that COTHer Small Change used to run. The ribbons were “standard” colours but in deeper jewel tones - so the blue was navy, the red was wine, the white was silver, etc. They were gorgeous! For the stakes class, the ribbon was larger and had a double rosette.

I ended up division champion, bought a lovely collage of photos, and took the ribbons apart to wrap around a frame (streamers around the frame, and rosettes on the frame). It looks great and I get compliments on it.

[EmilyM]

I like a traditional ribbon with the show logo. For classics, i like a longer one. For big classes with significant prize money, neck ribbons for top two.

I really like to win stemless wine glasses if your responsibilities go beyond ribbons into prizes.

:lol::lol::lol: