susanne
dB
I've had the last thread on show clipping on my mind continually for the last couple of days, because I truly believe that Each and everyone should feel free to show their horses as they wish.
It bothers me, however, when I hear comments such as: "I hate doing such and such, but I have to do it to be competitive."
It may be just part of my innate obstinance, but I have to be honest: There is no ribbon or trophy in the world worth doing something I hate. Why would I want to be rewarded for going against my own tastes?
As has been pointed out, this is merely a trend, and the exhibitors determine in the end what trends come to pass and what goes by the wayside. If I'm not competitive because of this, then so be it -- I'll continue to have fun at whatever level I can afford to compete (and arrange transportation) and work at perfecting my idea of a beautifully groomed horse, and hope that others will do the same.
So once again, I'm not bashing anyone's tastes so long as that truly is their preference. I just wish more had the gazoongas to trust their own tastes. Someone had to start the close clipping craze...someone will surely start things in the opposite direction (especially, as was pointed out, the miniature horse world can't go much further in the current direction!).
Does anyone remember when all the Miss America contestants HAD to wear beehives, even though they were WAAAAAAAAAY out of fashion? I'm sure they all felt that they HAD to do it to be competitive...
It bothers me, however, when I hear comments such as: "I hate doing such and such, but I have to do it to be competitive."
It may be just part of my innate obstinance, but I have to be honest: There is no ribbon or trophy in the world worth doing something I hate. Why would I want to be rewarded for going against my own tastes?
As has been pointed out, this is merely a trend, and the exhibitors determine in the end what trends come to pass and what goes by the wayside. If I'm not competitive because of this, then so be it -- I'll continue to have fun at whatever level I can afford to compete (and arrange transportation) and work at perfecting my idea of a beautifully groomed horse, and hope that others will do the same.
So once again, I'm not bashing anyone's tastes so long as that truly is their preference. I just wish more had the gazoongas to trust their own tastes. Someone had to start the close clipping craze...someone will surely start things in the opposite direction (especially, as was pointed out, the miniature horse world can't go much further in the current direction!).
Does anyone remember when all the Miss America contestants HAD to wear beehives, even though they were WAAAAAAAAAY out of fashion? I'm sure they all felt that they HAD to do it to be competitive...