Royal Guernsey Agricultural and Horticultural Show 2010

[Mourant]

Hi All,
Just in case anyone needs to book time off work thought I would let you know this years show will take place on 29th July 2010 at Sausmarez Park.
This year we are thinking of re-vamping the schedule and introducing a few extra classes. I would welcome any ideas as to the sort of thing competitors
would like to take part in, feel free to let me know your opinions either by P.M or via this thread. Next committee meeting early March, I will put all new ideas forward then.

Thanks Georgie.

[dressagemad]

Can you split the Mountain and Moorland, Also add a youngstock class.

[Mourant]

add a coloured class please mother.

[Classique]

Split the Veteran ages:p

[Topgroom]

The veteran needs to be split properly so that its pre veteran, veteran and pre historic!! and ponies and horses seperate.

There should also be a best ridden and turnout for people who dont compete competitively.

And dont put a break in between classes while the leadrein is on its wastes so much time!

Oh and can we have judges that knows what they are doing instead of putting lame horses first and basing the winners on horses/ponies that they would take home!!

Last years event was such a joke and a waste of time!

We will look out for new exciting classes that are fair.

Thanks

[dressagemad]

I think last years event was really well run and was a great day for all. Need more shows like it.

Another thought for a class is "Pony judge would most like to take home" for all those that dont have many classes to enter and may even attract more competitors. :)

[..vhs..]

The veteran needs to be split properly so that its pre veteran, veteran and pre historic!! and ponies and horses seperate.

There should also be a best ridden and turnout for people who dont compete competitively.

And dont put a break in between classes while the leadrein is on its wastes so much time!

Oh and can we have judges that knows what they are doing instead of putting lame horses first and basing the winners on horses/ponies that they would take home!!

Last years event was such a joke and a waste of time!

We will look out for new exciting classes that are fair.

Thanks



I couldn't agree more with this post. I was trying to work out how to put but I think TopGroom covered everything I wanted to say.

[Trixie]

I think these negative comments are rather nasty given the fact that this was the first time Georgie Mourant had organised such an event, which I believe is an extremely difficult task for even the most experienced of show organiser. I think she should be commended for taking on the task again for 2010 and for asking nice and early for suggestions. Well done Georgie.

The only classes I would like is an in hand / ridden foreign breed.

Thanks

[Topgroom]

Trixie,

At no point have i been nasty to Georgie about how she conducted the organisation of the show. Granted alot of time was taken up behind the scenes accepting entries and chasing trophies to be returned etc as well as the work put in at the show ground itself.

My critism was with the prro judging on the day, i was not the only one who thought this and as you will see that VHS agrees completely.

If such thoughts are not welcome then no suggestions should have been asked for.

There are some mere time saving suggestions about not having a break when the leadrein classes are on or we could say that we do not want the driving classes on in the areana next to the ridden horse classes. This would be tit for tat.

It was a very long day for all concerned last year and alot of preperation goes into getting our horses ready for shows such as this well supported event. We feel that with poor judging our entries were a complete waste of money.

Why would you put someone with a grass stained jacked and golf ball plaits that are almost falling out above someone with a freshly dry cleaned jacket and immaculate turnout of both horse and rider? Who knows?

I think you will find the only people i critisised was the judges on the day and not the organisers!

You also seem to forget that along with Georgie there are alot of older people and farmers who put hours into getting the venue ready for the event who have done so for many many years.

I dont compete personally but it is very dissapointing for supporters to see that the prizes do not go to those who deserve them, and very disheartening for those who put hours of time into preparing for a show day.

We will wait to see what happens at the 2010 Royal Guernsey Agricultural and Horticultural Show.

[Trixie]

Topgroom

I appreciate your comments regarding the judges but you did say in your first message that the whole show was "a waste of time", so you can understand why I felt you were disappointed with the organisation of the show.

I recall one young girl who must have been no older than 5 won her first rosette at the Royal Show and had the biggest smile on her face all day. Isnt that what its all about, having a good time!

I am sure the next show will be an even better success for 2010!

[bouldo'donoghue]

Having been lucky enough to have had a very successful day at the Royal Ag last year I'm not quite sure if Topgroom is having a pop at me and Baldrick or not!! I don't recall Baldrick being lame and I don't remember having grass stains on my jacket, If I did I have no idea how they got there but I could be guilty of the golf ball plaits!!
I was the first person to say my horse didn't deserve the placings he got, especially given the fact he decided it would be great fun to go hooning around the showground loose scattering people,children and pushchairs everywhere only to stop at the duck pond and he also behaved like an idiot being trotted up!!
Having shown locally and at County level in the UK with my beastie I have had the experience of placing first in a County level show one day to being last in the local (UK) show the next day!!
Judging is subjective, always has been , always will be. It is what the judge feels on the day and if you have a dedicated pony judge asked to judge horse classes , chances are he/she will place pony type horses before the full up animals. Dressage can be the same too, one judge may give you a 8 for a walk on a loose rein, do the same test with a different judge and you may get a 5!! The only truly fair judging is at showjumping....it's fairly obvious if you knock a pole down or have a stop!!
I certainly agree that veteran classes should be split and that there was a lot of time wated but given that Georgie stepped in quite late on in the organisation I think she did a good job and wish her good luck for this year and I will be entering again this year and NOT to try and win the trophies back but purely because I enjoy showing even if it takes hours to get a grey horse ready and he looks like you haven't bothered!!

[Topgroom]

bouldo'donoghue this certainly wasnt a pop at you at all.

It was the general feeling outside of the show ring. I am not the only one who had feelings like this about the day, i think perhaps i am the only one who is willing to be honest.

Like i have said previously my post wasnt to be nasty or malicious towards anyone. If i had something to say to individuals i would do so to their face and not over a forum that was for constructive ideas and suggestions towards the event.

[..vhs..]

I think Georgie did a fantastic job at the organisation of the show last year too I honestly don't think anyone is questioning that. I am sure it wasn't a easy task at all. I think its also fantastic that she is opening this up for suggestions, enabling us to point views across.

I am aslo completely aware that showing is hugely subjective. Having done a fair amount of showing on the circuit in the UK last year one thing is very obvious though, lame/unlevel horses are not shown or if people are unable to reconise this they are politely and quietly asked to leave the ring. (Please also be aware this is not aimed at anyone in particular either!) Not left in to be placed above sound, confirmationally better animals.

I also agree it is fantastic to see children winning their first rossettes and mostly importantly having fun and enjoying themselves, a class as Dressagemad suggested like 'Pony judge would most like to take home' or even prettiest mare and most handsome gelding would be good for confidence building (if there was time to do this).

[Mourant]

Thank you all for your responses, unfortunately vhs has hit the nail on the head... if there is enough time. Hopefully we shall get a few new classes and if there are any more ideas or if any of you would like to present a trophy for the aforesaid, I will put it to the commitee.
May I also add that I welcome any critisism however harsh it may appear, as last year was my first year, as Trixie kindly pointed out, and improvements can't take place if we don't know of any problems.
Please keep showing you guys! It's hard work but such good fun(win or lose) but above all remember final placings are only someones opinion and i'm sure are never intended to offend.

[Carolyn]

Well said Georgie - it is only someone's opinion on the day! There is nothing more disappointing than seeing your child's face when they have worked really hard at getting their pony/horse ready themselves, they go into the ring and the judge barely looks at them because they are showing a grey/bay and the judge only likes bay/grey! My child placed well down the line, asked the judge what was needed to do better next time and was told her stirrups were too long! Edit: apparently the judge said her legs were too long (not a lot we can do about that)!!!

Hopefully the views put forward by all will be viewed constructively and we can look forward to a Royal with a bit of healthy competition, sportsmanship and hopefully weather good enough for a picnic!

[bouldo'donoghue]

Exactly Carolyn, as I said showing is subjective! I would add though, as a matter of safety and due to the fact that my horse caused mayhem at one point, Could we possibly try and keep the general public out of the collecting ring/horsebox enclosure. It was only pure luck that my beastie didn't hurt anyone or himself and as much as we try, our animals are unpredicable no matter how well you know them!! I would of been unable to forgive myself or him had he injured someone. If he'd injured himself then that's hhis own fault for being an idiot....at his age he should know better.

Topgroom, my remark about having a pop was tongue in cheek, knowing you as I do I have no illusions that you would tell me straight!! LOL!!

Again, well done Georgie....you did a great job given the short period of time you were given to get into organising it.

Roll on the good weather and the picnic!!

[pricklyflower]

The one thing that I like more than anything else about the Royal Show is the grounds, it's lovely to be able to do something at a different venue. I didn't go last year so can't comment but am sure Georgie did a great job, the comments of the judge last year were out of her control so I'm sure she won't be asking that one back if there was bad feedback.

One thing that would be really useful, if the judges wouldn't mind, is to give constructive feedback, especially to the children as it is a learning curve for them and it gives them something to work on, especially for the little lead rein riders.

I can remember one judge telling my friend her horse didn't place higher was because she put her ears back in the run up!

bouldo'donoghue - Badlrick's allowed to be a loon as he gets older, apparently it's an unwritten rule in the equine world that's supposed to be kept a secret but we're not supposed to know. I found that out with Teasel!

[Chris]

Having helped out with the Royal Ag for a couples years with Kelly before she left, i can honestly say that the long hours we spent chasing either entries, trophies, judges etc was rediculous! Trying to find a judge that could do what they were supposed to be doing is limited on this small island of ours, as getting judges over from some where else occurs expense which is pretty much a no no.

I cant say too much on how things should be judged or what to look for as not having any four legged friends other than a cat, rules out most comments.

All i can say to every one is that, if you are unhappy with the way that things have turned out, make it known but in a polite manner, maybe a letter or an email. If you are upset about a judge and the way that things were judged, make it known, again in either mail or email form. If there is enough comments about a judge, then that particular judge wont be asked back.

Feedback is good, it helps to make things better. If things are better, then every one is happy or at least happier!! remember, no one can please every one all of the time, there is bound to be some one upset because of a ruling etc, but that ruling has to be fair.

In short, if you're happy with the way things went, a little thank you to the organisers goes a long way. it makes them feel that all the long hours have been worth it. If you are unhappy about the way certain things went, just a polite note to say so. if nobody says anything then the same can happy again next time.

Right, having said all that, I'm heading on off back to my little corner and hide again until next time. :D

Chris

[specaloo]

Hi, will the inhand Cob class just be for show cobs or can Traditionals enter too? Last yr the judge mentioned she could only place show cobs???:confused:

[Mourant]

Well last year a welsh D cob with full mane (definitely not a show cob) won, so yes this class is open to traditional cobs, show cobs and welsh cobs. Hope this helps.

[specaloo]

Well last year a welsh D cob with full mane (definitely not a show cob) won, so yes this class is open to traditional cobs, show cobs and welsh cobs. Hope this helps.

Hahaaaaaa...oh yeah!!:rolleyes: that was yours wasn`t it??? he`s lush!! :)

[Mourant]

Not mine but my sisters and thank you. He is a rather gorgeous chap.
Would be nice to see some more traditional cobs enter the cob class though.

[specaloo]

Not mine but my sisters and thank you. He is a rather gorgeous chap.
Would be nice to see some more traditional cobs enter the cob class though.

I know, people like them SHAVED over here! :rolleyes: The hairier the better for me!! :) don`t think there`s many traditionals over here though??

[Mourant]

I think there are a few but don't compete because like you say people prefer show cobs.

[specaloo]

oh well.....:(:(

[Mourant]

It's a shame really, because it's pushing them away because people don't think they are allowed to compete in such open cob classes.

[specaloo]

Ha...well hopefully they`ll read this & realise...THEY CAN!!!!! woohoo!!!:D
C`mon hairy horse owners...you know you want to!! Lol!!:p

[Jo--77]

Organising any show is very hard work and perhaps a few more people should attempt it to discover the time and effort needed. At the end of the day you can't expect the organisers to guide the judges and the judges decision is always final albeit not necessarily right in everyones eyes!

I would rather it be another date tho as I am away - what about the following week!!

Good luck Georgie.

[pricklyflower]

Regarding the "Show Cob" class I think show organisers need to change the title of the class (I'm talking about all shows, not just the Royal) if they want to make sure it's judged fairly and open to more people.

A "Show Cob" is split into 2 categories - Lightweights and Heavyweights. Lightweights should not exceed 15.1hh and have at least 8" of bone below the knee, while a heavyweight is classified to carry 14 stone or over at 15.1hh. The HW should have at least 9" of bone, with powerful hindquarters, but also a quality shoulder and head. The old saying that a show cob should have 'a head like a lady and a backside like a cook' is still an apt description of what one should look like! All Show Cobs should be hogged with no feathers.

If the cob classes were "Open Cobs" then it opens it up for the traditional types (ie the gypsy vanner type horses or the "hairies" as has been described on here!).

In the UK it's easy to know which class to go into as they are always split but unfortunately in Guernsey there's not enough horses to compete in two different classes. In the UK you'd also get a seperate class for the Welsh Section D's (you generally wouldn't find those being competed against either Show or Traditional cobs).

As long as he's sound this year, my old boy will be coming out of retirement to make an appearance in the in-hand "Open Cob" class (if you do one!) as a "hairy". We'll also try the veteran too whilst we're there, I just hope he behaves himself (another one here who's behaviour has got worse with age!)

[specaloo]

Regarding the "Show Cob" class I think show organisers need to change the title of the class (I'm talking about all shows, not just the Royal) if they want to make sure it's judged fairly and open to more people.

A "Show Cob" is split into 2 categories - Lightweights and Heavyweights. Lightweights should not exceed 15.1hh and have at least 8" of bone below the knee, while a heavyweight is classified to carry 14 stone or over at 15.1hh. The HW should have at least 9" of bone, with powerful hindquarters, but also a quality shoulder and head. The old saying that a show cob should have 'a head like a lady and a backside like a cook' is still an apt description of what one should look like! All Show Cobs should be hogged with no feathers.

If the cob classes were "Open Cobs" then it opens it up for the traditional types (ie the gypsy vanner type horses or the "hairies" as has been described on here!).

In the UK it's easy to know which class to go into as they are always split but unfortunately in Guernsey there's not enough horses to compete in two different classes. In the UK you'd also get a seperate class for the Welsh Section D's (you generally wouldn't find those being competed against either Show or Traditional cobs).

As long as he's sound this year, my old boy will be coming out of retirement to make an appearance in the in-hand "Open Cob" class (if you do one!) as a "hairy". We'll also try the veteran too whilst we're there, I just hope he behaves himself (another one here who's behaviour has got worse with age!)

I`ll 2nd the bit about about the welshies being shown in a cob class, I don`t think it`s right either, like you say, you would not get that in the UK, Surely thats what the M & M class is for? Hmmm....yes no doubt my young traditional will show me up with his behaviour this year too, :o

[..vhs..]

Yep Specaloo thats exactly what the M + M classes are for...not quite sure what a judge is suppose to make of it in a Cob class to be honest. Most certainly does not happen in the UK.

[dressagemad]

When it comes to welsh sections Ds taking part in cob classes. they are Welsh COBS and also the trophy for the cob class and working hunter cob at the south show are Llanerth Llewellyn trophies who is a Welsh cob (section D).

[pricklyflower]

I think this was the point I was trying to make when I said the classes should be renamed "Open Cobs". A Welsh Section D is not a "Show Cob" and nor is a hairy "Traditional".

If you look on the HOYS website at the horses that compete in the Show Cob classes you will see that they are the hogged and trimmed up horses (under 15.1hh with a certain amount of bone, shorted legged stocky, etc) and, for example, the Welsh Section D's would also have their own class. This is why it makes more sense for us in Guernsey who have not got enough of either Show Cobs, Traditional Cobs or the Welsh Sections to re-name the classes to open them up to more entrants.

I donated a trophy in memory of an old horse of mine, the Mill Hazel Memorial Trophy, which was donated to a Junior class. Does that mean that only horses (as she was a horse) can enter that class then?

My point being, just because a trophy is for a particular class, doesn't mean to say that class is for those type of horses. If this is the case then the Bottle and Ted Trophy for the Working Cob class at the Annual Show should only be open to Show and Traditional Cobs??

[specaloo]

sorry guys but i completely agree with pricklyflower, nowhere in the uk would you find welsh D`s in a cob class,regardless of what it says on the trophy! Although having it as an "Open Cob" class makes for a broader spectrum of cobs, putting shows & hairy traditionals with welshies just doesn`t seem right.:rolleyes:

[Mourant]

Having looked at last years schedule, class 4 did in fact read, cobs in hand,not exceeding 15.1 hh. NOT show cob. To save any confusion this year shall read ' Cobs in hand, show,native or traditional type.' not sure about open height?

I think that as M&M classes have only been introduced to Guernsey in recent years this is why some of the cob class trophies have been donated by Llanarth Llewellyn etc; I can remember watching this particular Welsh D amongst others regularly take part (and often win) cob classes.

Maybe Welsh Ds should only do M&Ms. I will leave it up to whoever is judging to decide, after all they can only ask you to retire from class or maybe politely put you at end of line up!

Without wishing to offend all those that are upset by this; maybe if your own cobs were well schooled, mannered and turned out ( not my own words but that of West Show judge a couple of years back, where we show in cob class as M&Ms are only open to juniors riding ponies...although if we want use u.k ruling Glynn would be classed as a pony at 15hh!.....) we wouldnt be having this bought up at all!!!!!!!

[pricklyflower]

I think that would be a good idea and other shows should lead by that example, that way there is no confusion at all to who can and can't go in that class. All of us with these type of horses don't have enough to show in as it is so it would be such a shame to miss out on a show just because of how the class is stipulated in the schedule.

Erm.... can quite honestly say Georgie that both mine were always well turned out! As for the schooling aspect one maybe not but the other was very well schooled. Not sure if that is a dig at me or not!!

[specaloo]

Well i can almost guarantee that Toby will be bad mannered & show me up as much as humanly possible but he`s an adolescent youngster & I only do it for fun so nevermind! :p Hahaha!! :rolleyes:

[Thehorsefinder]

Hi guys this makes interesting reading :)

I am hoping to attend some showing shows in Guernsey this season and most certainly next year with my 'Hairy' can I just say a MASSIVE thank you to all the show organisers for even having a section/class/etc for a traditional, here we have (Jersey) a cob class about 3 times a year with poor judges and hardly any entries that im told 'You cant enter this class unless you hog!'
Its nice to know that one of these islands still enjoys showing and is not restrictive on the 'Type' of horse thats allowed to enter!

Jo

[specaloo]

YAY!!! more hairies!! :) the more the merrier!!!

[Thehorsefinder]

Ive also managed to convince my friend to bring her youngster for the in hand he is also a hairy! your going to be over run with feathers and tails :D

[Mourant]

Hi All,
Wouldn't it be great to see some fresh new faces this year! The schedule will be put on here nearer the time.
If anybody would like to present a trophy for any newly proposed classes that would be fantastic, also if any of you have a bit of spare time to help with stewarding on the day i would be eternally grateful.

Thanks, Georgie

[specaloo]

WOOHOO!!! can`t wait to see all these lovely hairy beasts!!:D:)

[JennieN]

Hi, have you a schedule for the Royal show please and if so could you please email to newy@cwgsy.net. Thanks Jenny.