It's been a busy couple of days here, so please excuse the tardiness of putting together these notes.
Thank you all for taking the time and coming or sending ideas for this meeting. I think we got a good start and hopefully can keep working on these ideas. For those of you who could not attend, you did miss a great, honest discussion of ApHC show problems and the start of what I hope are some great idea/solution finding discussions.
I think the biggest thing that we all took home was a better understanding of each others concerns, from the person who shows occasionally to the professional who's livelihood depends on these shows. The success of shows depends on both types of exhibitors WANTING to attend a show.
We talked about why people want to attend a show-- fun, the social aspect, bragging rights on Monday morning, points, getting ready for a bigger show-- these were all brought up as reasons people show.
Why people don't show-- shows not fun, too expensive, not enough points, not enough judges, too many judges-- these were all reasons stated that people aren't showing.
Another thing that NW shows lack are new exhibitors, need to find ways for newbie's to feel that they can come and compete.
IDEAS--
More open/breed combination shows.
Mentoring and helping of new people to make them feel more comfortable at our shows.
Need to provide shows at different levels of competition so that people can find their comfort level.
Make people feel welcome at shows thru social activities such as BBQ's and other non show activities.
Work on ways to cut show expenses-- use outdoor arenas when possible, negotiate with judges on fees, cut show staff fees where possible, eliminate extra "use" fees
Specialty shows with basic beginner classes and much mentoring
Quit being the "likes to fight guy" and start being the best promoter of Appaloosas that you can
Perhaps some sort of new show rewards program based on differing levels of competition
More "incentive" type classes or awards for more activities-- jackpots, challenges, circuit awards that use multiple shows
I'm sure I missed some good ideas, so please tell me what I forgot.
We need to keep up this dialogue and not let these ideas just disappear. There was talk of having another informal meeting at the Tall Timber June show. We also thought perhaps with show season around here, both open and breeds starting to get into full swing, perhaps we should just use email. Or both. I just need to know what the group wishes. That said, I will not be available on Tall Timber's weekends in either June nor August, will be gone to work at the National show from June 22-30, our PEA Fist Full of Silver show is July 3-4 and will be working at the Chief Joseph Trail Ride from July 16-26. PEAC would be very happy to host a meeting at their show.
I want to facilitate whatever people want, my goal is simply to help in any way that I can. Please feel free to share this with other Appaloosa people who I may not have on my mailing list.
Lynette