I entered my very first driving class at a 3 day AMHA sanctioned show. I have only ever entered one other show but only had halter horses. The driving is completely new to me - I have never driven my Morgans so have absolutely no experience. I borrowed a "show cart" from someone - which was very nice of them - but the cart was an easy entry cart and really looked out of place in the ring with very seasoned driving horses and drivers.
I made it through each class (Country Pleasure - amateur and open) without making a complete fool of myself. Several exhibitors offered some helpful tips - and that was so much appreciated. I am a complete and total novice and it was very obvious - but how else can a person learn.
The first day the judge came over to me before the placements were announced - now I knew that I was going to place last and that was perfectly fine to me - I didn't deserve anything other - the judge was so pleasant and offered some suggestions and was very encouraging.
However - the second day their were two judges judging at the same time. Again - I expected last place - no problem - but the judges completely ignored me in the ring. I was obviously wasting their time - how discouraging to a beginner. This was a small show - only around 40 horses entered totally - and only 4 in my driving classes. But it was so obvious to myself and spectators that the judges just ignored me - now that is just not right. Neither one took even offered a suggestion or word of encouragment. I don't have anyone to teach me - I am completely on my own - but now I am so discouraged that I don't know that I will continue with the driving. I really enjoy it and am proud that my horse did as I asked and wasn't unruly or unsafe in any way. I know that I have a whole lot to learn - but when judges are like that how can a total novice feel encouraged to keep trying.
The club advertised a "driving clinic" to be held after judging was complete. I thought that would be a great thing to attend. Well - again - I was ignored. The judge was chatting with others - obviously some of the exhibitors were friends with the judge and whatever they were talking about could not be heard by people sitting in carts. It was even more discouraging than the show.
How are novice people supposed to learn how to drive?????????????????????
I made it through each class (Country Pleasure - amateur and open) without making a complete fool of myself. Several exhibitors offered some helpful tips - and that was so much appreciated. I am a complete and total novice and it was very obvious - but how else can a person learn.
The first day the judge came over to me before the placements were announced - now I knew that I was going to place last and that was perfectly fine to me - I didn't deserve anything other - the judge was so pleasant and offered some suggestions and was very encouraging.
However - the second day their were two judges judging at the same time. Again - I expected last place - no problem - but the judges completely ignored me in the ring. I was obviously wasting their time - how discouraging to a beginner. This was a small show - only around 40 horses entered totally - and only 4 in my driving classes. But it was so obvious to myself and spectators that the judges just ignored me - now that is just not right. Neither one took even offered a suggestion or word of encouragment. I don't have anyone to teach me - I am completely on my own - but now I am so discouraged that I don't know that I will continue with the driving. I really enjoy it and am proud that my horse did as I asked and wasn't unruly or unsafe in any way. I know that I have a whole lot to learn - but when judges are like that how can a total novice feel encouraged to keep trying.
The club advertised a "driving clinic" to be held after judging was complete. I thought that would be a great thing to attend. Well - again - I was ignored. The judge was chatting with others - obviously some of the exhibitors were friends with the judge and whatever they were talking about could not be heard by people sitting in carts. It was even more discouraging than the show.
How are novice people supposed to learn how to drive?????????????????????