Present horse producer Simon Reynolds shares his views on too many reveals and complicated guidelines that hinder the job
Negotiating present dates, entry time limits and timetables has change into an more and more troublesome juggling act. It may be a logistical nightmare when so many reveals are held on the identical day. Maybe that is a part of the explanation why class numbers are dwindling?
My concern is that the growing quantity and frequency of reveals and lessons on provide is diluting the usual and status of county-level displaying. We will all hark again to the great outdated days, however again then reveals had been scarcer, due to this fact the competitors was stiffer and the general normal of the animals was increased.
Working a present is hard, and I can respect the logistical difficulties organisers face, however with numbers quickly declining, maybe they need to re-evaluate. Perhaps they may use a wider pool of judges, choosing different dates and timetables, and listening to competitor suggestions.
I’ve mentioned this earlier than, however with out constructive suggestions delivered in the precise means, how can enhancements be made?
“Discovering an answer is difficult”
It’s a disgrace that a number of the fundamental societies have main reveals which are instantly clashing this 12 months. The British Present Pony Society Summer time Championships and the Sports activities Horse Breeding of Nice Britain Nationwide Hunter Championships, for one instance, are each holding Horse of the 12 months Present (HOYS) qualifiers on the identical day.
Some judges have reported that they aren’t requested to evaluate, but suggestions from organisers is that some judges is not going to settle for appointments. My suggestion can be for judges to supply their availability firstly of the season and provides these dates to the present committees, so {that a} wider internet may be forged to seize as a lot selection as potential.
One other grumbling from members is the constraints of sure guidelines, notably for the amateurs. Sadly, I worry it is a no-win scenario in the intervening time. Whereas some members have referred to as for firmer guidelines, others are discovering themselves restricted.
I’d love nothing greater than for the principles to be easier, however discovering an answer that everybody can agree on is extraordinarily difficult. Whereas one rule could appear honest to at least one competitor, it may well appear unjust to a different. Total, I simply wish to deliver again some equity, equality, and most of all, simplicity.
Let the horses do the speaking, so to talk, as a substitute of being caught up in purple tape. We spend a lot time analysing guidelines and complicating the job – I’m certain it by no means was once this troublesome!
I typically say to folks, for those who’re having to query and ask recommendation on whether or not try to be doing one thing, simply ask your self, is it proper? Am I comfy with this? Chances are high, in case you are having to persuade your self, you shouldn’t be doing it. There must be some accountability from members.
To protect and promote
On a constructive be aware, the numbers within the new British Horse Feeds Irish Draught Royal Worldwide qualifiers have been very encouraging. These lessons are sometimes a number of the largest at reveals. I feel the sequence is so standard as a result of the Irish Draught is such a flexible animal that so many individuals can take pleasure in.
These horses are famend for his or her fantastic temperaments and it’s so vital to protect and promote the breed, whereas future-proofing conventional bloodlines. The combo of execs and amateurs competing collectively is fantastic to see too. I’d wish to take this opportunity to say good luck to everyone collaborating on this thrilling remaining at Hickstead in July.
As an in depth, I wish to pay tribute after two large losses I suffered this week: the passing of my mum, Doris, who was my greatest supporter, and my maxi cob Correl Wooden, whom we misplaced to colic. I’ll miss them terribly. God bless.
● How can present organisers repair the displaying diary to maintain potential clashes to a minimal? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and nation, for the prospect on your letter to seem in a forthcoming challenge of the journal
This unique column will even be obtainable to learn in Horse & Hound journal, on sale Thursday 13 June
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