If you will bear with me…some observations (and reiteration of others points);
Much of the criticism and concern seems to be the result to a belief that the rise in 3 foot and other lower divisions is at the expense of the higher hunter divisions (ie 3 ft 6 and above). That the lower divisions are in fact draining the higher divisions. These opinions are based on a correlation in the timing of these events.
However…other possible causes for this phenomenon (greater attendence in lower divisions during the same period that the higher divisions have shrunk) is that the lower divisions cater to folks that were much less likely to have competed or even participated in this sport 15 - 30 years ago.
If I understand correctly the numbers do say more and more folks are participating in equestrian sports… many, as has been pointed out, are adults that did not participate as juniors. Or they are juniors whose families did not or do not participate., and are part timers. They do not/have not had the opportunities to immerse themselves in the sport, no pony clubs or fox hunting, or growing up riding bare back on fierce ponies. The current economic situation and the societal changes that allow more women to make financial decisions, like buying and maintaining horses, have contributed to this.
It has taken a while but my point is that perhaps these are not the folks that would have participated in the higher levels in the past and are not ‘draining’ those levels but are instead contributing at a different level.
The lack of participation in the higher levels could be perception…ie it has remained the same but appears diminished in comparison to the surge in lower level riders. This perception could be made worse by the fact that those showing at the higher levels are concentrating on the bigger shows and not the one days etc.
Or the riders that traditionally would have participated in the higher levels are being drawn to some of the other disciplines that have grown in popularity over the same period…ie eventing, jumpers and dressage.
And some may be turned off because of the current emphasis on ‘quiet, perfect’ rounds etc etc.
My suggestion would be instead of ‘blaming’ those riding 3 ft and below…and trying to limit their participation…efforts should be made to increase the opportunities outside showing. I would love to see ( and participate in) a real organized effort at Adult Pony Clubs, more opportunity for hunting type experiences, adult riding camps, more clinics at the big show grounds that allow practice at higher heights in those venues in a less stressful atmosphere.
These opportunities might help in addition addition to a return to the more traditional A, B and C shows and more support for B and C venues, and other suggestions that have been made.
[This message has been edited by cbv (edited 10-05-2000).]
