Hi Dave,
First, thank you for the work you do and the visible presence you bring to the shows.
We are happy to know that the sport we have come to embrace with our horses is showing a lot of growth here in the Northwest. With that also comes some long show days. Working for companies that need us back on Monday morning can make for late nights, if not early mornings.
In looking over the schedule we are wondering if it would be possible to run the 5K Limited, Non-Pro Limited, and Beginning Boxing after the first herd of fresh cows are worked; on Sunday only.We noticed the afternoon Open classes were run and the cattle were kept for the last classes of the day. Meaning that the re-run cattle that the 5K Limited, Non-Pro Limited, and Beginning Boxing use do not need to have been rested or watered before being run again.
Looking at the business end of things (money), we lost a lot of that due to scratches in those classes on both Saturday and Sunday.
We feel that a personal thought of change also needs to come with a workable plan (idea). Wondering what your thoughts are and the logistics of implementing this idea at the Lynden show?
Offering a compromise of some kind may be a boost for those classes that see a lot of late nights.
Sincerely,
Mike and Teresa Thompson
Goldendale, WA
Thanks for the kind words first of all.
ReplyDeleteAs for the late nights and need to get home for work. Your telling Noah about the flood. We could use the cattle as you suggest but in the end someone still has to go last. Putting the limited in the middle would push the open to the end. Some of the horses exhibited by the open riders belong to non riding members who only come to watch. In my opinion making these folks stay till the end would be worse as they dont get the adrenalin rush that we as riders do and we cant forget them as they contribute to the industry and the club as much as any. Also with my business hat on we find that the entry fees for the classes that go prior to the limited or boxing classes is higher therefor costing the club more for scratches when you look at it that way. really it comes down to this. The limited and boxing classes are entry level classes. Riders are encouraged to ride up. Obviously there are rewards for dedication, hard work and success or (paying your dues). The people that pay the most and have been at it the longest or are willing to risk it and move up are rewarded with conveniance and oppurtunities for financial gain above the others. This is not to down play the importance or disrespect the entry level folks in any way. They are a major factor in the success of the association. This is just what seems to be the most equitable situation. I will discuss your suggestions with the board at the next meeting
Thanks guys for being involved and giving input.