bicky
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If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
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Post by bicky on May 31, 2006 9:15:08 GMT 1
Recently I went to a local riding club showing day and entered an in-hand class with my traditional coloured cob mare for a bit of fun and experience for her.
Also in this class was a stallion and I am wondering what others people's views are on this. I feel that it is unfair to compete against a stallion and although this one was very well behaved they do have a certain presence about them. This also happened to me last year at another show.
But I also understand it would be difficult to show stallions together in a class of their own. Your views please.......
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Post by Donnalex on May 31, 2006 9:47:32 GMT 1
I think it is perfectly fair. Put yourself in the stallion owners place. Every mare owner that wants to use a stallion should accept that people who go to the trouble of keeping one need somewhere to show them off. How are people going to know that they are available if they are kept at home? Also if you are considering using a stallion it would be nice to see him out showing so that you know how he behaves in company.
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Post by Karon on May 31, 2006 9:50:52 GMT 1
Why should it be difficult to show stallions in a class of their own? A well behaved stallion should behave himself even in a ring with others - mares, stallions or geldings. If he won't behave he shouldn't be at the show! But yes, I can see your point that most sttallions, even the quieter ones, generally have more "look at me" to them than other horses. Except the sire of one of mine who I saw dozing off quite happily at the only show I saw him at (in the stallion class!) But I've seen geldings beat stallions at open shows too. The main consideration should really be safety of the horses and handlers - if the stallion is well behaved there shouldn't be a problem. Maybe it's different for me as I've really only competed in endurance where you do get stallions competing with others and often it's not at all obvious they are stallions when they are out. You get some of them showing off near the vet areas but otherwise they are just the same as the other endurance horses, usually.
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on May 31, 2006 10:02:44 GMT 1
Hi Dona,
Like I said, I was impressed with the stallions behaviour and like the idea that they are not stuck in a stable all day long (like some are) but they do have an unfair advantage for showing. Good job I just do it for fun.
Also, many stallions around my area are advertised for people to take their mares to them and word of mouth is a wonderful thing. You don't always have to show you stallion for him to be in demand.
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Post by magicgirl on May 31, 2006 10:16:21 GMT 1
I always used to show our stallions in hand and ridden. They do not automatically win and can be beaten by mares or geldings. Stallions are shown in classes of their own if the show is big enough and has enough classes.
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Post by bhpride on May 31, 2006 10:26:51 GMT 1
Don't think that's a problem, nothing wrong with some healthy competition - which funnily enough it is a competition! stallion or not
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Post by Mariaana on May 31, 2006 10:28:55 GMT 1
The judges will know a stallion is a stallion and judge it accordingly.
Mares are entire as well, so if entires need to be separated to their own class, you then should show mares separate from the poor geldings!
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varkie
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Post by varkie on May 31, 2006 11:06:40 GMT 1
I don't generally have a problem with having stallions in a class with mares or geldings, though I have in the past had the same problem - my mare always did well, but struggled when up against good stallions.
I guess it's down to the individual show really - if they're going to have a lot of stallions in the class, then perhaps the class should be split.
Although I agree that a good mare/gelding should beat an average stallion, if you get stallions & mares & geldings all equally good I do believe that the stallions will come out first & the geldings last.
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Post by jor on May 31, 2006 11:27:58 GMT 1
What I can say is lucky you to have had such a wonderfully behaved stallion in the class with you and no, I dont believe its unfair to show stallions in with mares/geldings where the show isnt big enough, they will be judged according to breed/type standard, whichever horse/pony matches the breed/type standard most closely will win (or should win) regardless of sex. Although it can help to have a flashy horse and stallions do certainly have presence if the stallion is not of good quality he wont win regardless of how flashy he looks.
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Post by Native Ponies on May 31, 2006 11:38:25 GMT 1
I dont think its unfair. If someone's gelding is of better quality than someone's stallion then a knowledgeable judge will place them accordingly.
A big crest and a big mane can look impressive but there is a lot more to it than that!
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
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Post by bicky on May 31, 2006 11:47:19 GMT 1
Thanks I appreciate your comments, I am a novice at this game and intend to stay that way.
It was a very low key event, which is great for me and my mare.
Maybe if things had been more serious and professional with an experienced judge, the comments you have all made would come into play.
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Oopz
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Post by Oopz on May 31, 2006 12:04:14 GMT 1
If a stallion is to be kept entire then he should be a very good example of his breed/type, so going by that he should do well in a mixed class regardless of his sex & status!
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bertie
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Post by bertie on May 31, 2006 12:18:15 GMT 1
I too have seen a mare and a gelding beat a stallion! Stallions do 'show off' more than geldings (well... we have whipped of the reason why they behave like they do), but at a show last year, it was a mare in the ring that was causing more upset than my young entire! He was minding his own business, but it was the mare who was prancing about with her tail in the air, 'winking' at him (if you catch my drift )! It all depends on the Judge on the day.... 'cause that's the nature of showing!
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Post by (\^/) Lotuspoint Joe (\^/) on May 31, 2006 12:39:18 GMT 1
Maybe if things had been more serious and professional with an experienced judge, the comments you have all made would come into play. If any stallion looks the part, moves well and behaves its the key role in the game these days and deserves to win. If they wern't no stallions around no one would have any of these beautiful horses. So a good behaved stallion deserves to win its class. Stallions take the key role in horses these days. Sorry bicky but i do disagree with you ive been owning horses/ponies all my life of 21yrs and know a good horse
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bicky
Grand Prix Poster
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got!
Posts: 1,905
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Post by bicky on May 31, 2006 15:40:48 GMT 1
I agree the best horse deserves to win but as judge maybe you should of been aware of what you were judging. The class in question was for coloured horses and not spotted.
The SHAPS event coming up has seperate classes for both spotted and broken coloured. There is obviously a good reason for that. It's make me and many others I have spoken to wonder why an appaloosa should win or be placed in a coloured class.
As for experience, I am sure you do think you are knowledgable but it is a rocky road to go down when you start thinking there is nothing else to learn. Not very long ago you were asking why your horse was smelling of garlic after you fed it garlic. Need I say more.................
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