I see the discussion about breed shows versus Carriage shows and those saying they don't want to share a ring with big horses. I am wondering for those that may have done open shows what your experiences are?
I decided to try open shows this past summer to try to save some money (closer to home - no 2-3 day weekends). It was an interesting experience but I doubt that I would do it again. We often ended up in arenas that were marginally deep and in driving classes with big horses. The State (Wisconsin) Association tired to encourage classes where minis and ponies would compete against each other but often there were just not enough turn out and we ended up with everyone driving one class.
I remember the first show we attended. It took me back to my youth in that everyone was so layed back (no rush, rush like a breed show). Everyone was very friendly however, the small emineties were missing too, like indoor toilets and a nice packed covered arena. We were lucky enough that there was no rain but I do burn easily and there was also no shade! I spent much of the day hiding in my mini trailer ("oh, look; it looks just like a 'real' trailer"LOL).
The arena didn't look "good" before the show and after a few pleasure riding classes, it was only better (packed) in that tiny narrow track around the rail. The competetors were a Saddlebred type horse and a Fresian. Since there were only 2 others and I needed one 1st or two 2nds to qualify for the Championship show, I decided that I'd let my horse tell me if she could handle it or not. She entered the arena on a big uphill grade doing much better with the incline than the Saddlebred who nearly refused and ended up backing into the side of my trailer. My plan was to try to keep one wheel in the packed narrow track and the other on the slim grassy strip that hugged the fence. This was where I learned that my mare will give me 110%. My gal is only 34" but she threw herself into the harness and away we went. I remember at the extended trot hearing the cart slide sort of sideways around one end curve. The only thing that bothered her was the one time the Fresian passed us as his hooves thundered and his cart jingled - maybe that's why she was moving out so much. The judge was more than fair and let me get out of the cart to back her. We placed 2nd and I was so proud. The downside was that she pulled a neck muscle and it was about two weeks and a chiropracter call to get over it.
We did end up qualifying for the year end show. The classes at it were only mini against pony (however for those that don't know the definition of pony - it's anything under 14.2 hands---ha, pony!). She ended up Wisconsin State Champion mini/pony driving. It was nice but probably, we won't be repeating it.
I decided to try open shows this past summer to try to save some money (closer to home - no 2-3 day weekends). It was an interesting experience but I doubt that I would do it again. We often ended up in arenas that were marginally deep and in driving classes with big horses. The State (Wisconsin) Association tired to encourage classes where minis and ponies would compete against each other but often there were just not enough turn out and we ended up with everyone driving one class.
I remember the first show we attended. It took me back to my youth in that everyone was so layed back (no rush, rush like a breed show). Everyone was very friendly however, the small emineties were missing too, like indoor toilets and a nice packed covered arena. We were lucky enough that there was no rain but I do burn easily and there was also no shade! I spent much of the day hiding in my mini trailer ("oh, look; it looks just like a 'real' trailer"LOL).
The arena didn't look "good" before the show and after a few pleasure riding classes, it was only better (packed) in that tiny narrow track around the rail. The competetors were a Saddlebred type horse and a Fresian. Since there were only 2 others and I needed one 1st or two 2nds to qualify for the Championship show, I decided that I'd let my horse tell me if she could handle it or not. She entered the arena on a big uphill grade doing much better with the incline than the Saddlebred who nearly refused and ended up backing into the side of my trailer. My plan was to try to keep one wheel in the packed narrow track and the other on the slim grassy strip that hugged the fence. This was where I learned that my mare will give me 110%. My gal is only 34" but she threw herself into the harness and away we went. I remember at the extended trot hearing the cart slide sort of sideways around one end curve. The only thing that bothered her was the one time the Fresian passed us as his hooves thundered and his cart jingled - maybe that's why she was moving out so much. The judge was more than fair and let me get out of the cart to back her. We placed 2nd and I was so proud. The downside was that she pulled a neck muscle and it was about two weeks and a chiropracter call to get over it.
We did end up qualifying for the year end show. The classes at it were only mini against pony (however for those that don't know the definition of pony - it's anything under 14.2 hands---ha, pony!). She ended up Wisconsin State Champion mini/pony driving. It was nice but probably, we won't be repeating it.
