Showing - Pros, Cons, and Other Aspects
The Brayer, May-June 1997
We are always receiving calls and letters at the ADMS on various
aspects of shows and showing. Although most of us who work here
have all shown and/or are judges, the ADMS itself is not a showing
organization. We are not involved with the shows, rules, committees,
or complaints about procedures at shows.
If you intend to show your animal, there are several things
that should be kept in mind. First, is your animal ready to go
to a major show, or has he/she never even been in the ring at
a schooling show? If your animal is not yet broke to lead at
halter, he is certainly not ready for the Nationals. Do you have
proper tack and show attire? Most schooling shows are casual
in dress code, but longer owners in particular have enough prejudice
working against them. Presenting the less than professional picture
at any show does not help our image in general.
Know the class list and show rules before you go. If it is an
AQHA rulebook show, borrow a copy of their book or call AQHA
and request one. The same for NASMA, AMA, or any other organization.
The ADMS has no show rule book and we do not distribute the rulebooks
from the showing organizations. Being familiar with the most
commonly used books will help you in the long run, as at this
time many are in use around the country.
Know the procedure for logging protest. Every rulebook should
have some provision for making a protest or complaint. This usually
involves a meeting of the show committee while the show is in
session and before award placings are announced. Carrying on
after the show about a true injustice, whether in a gripe session
or anonymous letters to people not even involved with shows does
no good for the future.
Find out who the judge is, and his or her preferences. If you
know for a fact that the judge favors Palominos and will not
use a mule in the placings at all, unless you understand that
the only purpose for you to show anyway would be to let your
animal gain experience, you are probably better off staying at
home. Showing under a judge you do not like or who is not of
an open enough mind to look past the long ears will only end
in frustration and bitterness.
Remember that if a show vet is on hand for certain duties, such
as mouthing animals for an age class, his word is usually final.
Keep copies of your records with you, but this will probably
only be used as reference. Author and Vet James Herriot used
to recount a tale of measuring horses at a show. Although he
put the stick on a pony at 14.3, the owner insisted that the
pony was only 14.2. If your on-site inspector 5 evaluation of
an animal greatly differs with known records (such as birth dates)
- discuss it right then and there with him. He will usually explain
why, and confusion can be avoided.
Showing can and should be fun - if you know ahead of time
what to expect. Take your good sportsmanship with. You - it's
your most valuable asset. Good luck to everyone in the ring. |
