FEH AREA III who's in??

[Pye]

I stepted up to the plate... We will be holding a FEH III in North Ocala. Thinking Late Aug would be good. Who's in? Stalls provided, night watch too vendors the whole thing:)

[TXnGA]

I would definitely be interested!!! Count me in. What dates are you looking at?

[TrakEventer]

Would love to come too, but have a YEH and an FEH. Any way you'd be interested in hosting both?

[Pye]

I thought holding a FEH would be good to start. But if there is enough intrest to do a Yeh too I would be willing.But if I did that I would need more peeps to help:) I was thinking late Aug first of sept.. What date seems good for everyone ales? It will be fun.. either way;)

[TrakEventer]

Where are you located? Would love to help with organization, etc, to make the YEH happen as we do not have one located within a reasonable distance here in Area III. It's a shame, and I'm trying to organize one in Ga, but if it happens, it'll be later in the season, and potentially after the AECs which may preclude folks from entering. As for your ideal, Labor Day weekend is out for me, but earlier in late August would be fine, or later into September, although then you are competing with Area III HTs gearing back up.

[Pye]

We will have it on Aug 29th. More details after this weekend. :)

[TXnGA]

AWESOME!!! I definitely will come. Just post the details and we'll be there.

[Piney Woods]

I am interested in either participating or helping. Where are you located? Feel free to PM me.

[subk]

It's a shame, and I'm trying to organize one in Ga, but if it happens, it'll be later in the season, and potentially after the AECs which may preclude folks from entering.
Just an FYI--the FEH championship is not at the AECs this year but at the VA H.T. the end of October. Don't know if that makes any difference to your planning.

http://useventing.com/competitions.php?section=feh&id=1972

[Pye]

Ok things are moving:) USEA has put up the first blurb about the show on the Aug 29th. So I am going to break down the fee's for everyone now.

Entry fee $60.00
Grounds fee $20.00
We have 15 stalls available at $25.00 dry stall bag shavings will be offered
Entries close on Aug 14th post entries will be taken at $10.00 per horse.

I have a judge lined up that has gone through the USEA YEH and FEH program. I will be able to let you know her name today she is just double checking her calender.

Any questions please feel free to pm or email me ashley301972@hotmail.com

I really hope we have a nice turn out. This is a great program to get your babies out.:yes:

If you want to map quest the farm the address is 1757 East Hwy 316, Citra Fl 32113

[TrakEventer]

Any chance of hosting a YEH test at the same time? Would love to bring both young ones as it's a bit of a trek for us from Ga.

[maxxtrot]

i have a two year old i would love to bring. anyone know any handlers in my area.
pye, it sounds as though i am right around your same area!

[Pye]

i have a two year old i would love to bring. anyone know any handlers in my area.
pye, it sounds as though i am right around your same area!

We have one that will be on sight and very good;) She charges $30.00. Bring on the babies!!

[Pye]

Aug 29, 2009, 1757 E Hwy 316 citra, Fl 32113

2. Judge -- TBA

3. Nature of judging (See USEA YEH webpage: http://useventing.com/competitions.php?section=feh).

4. Tentative schedule (arrival Noon Friday Aug 28th, departure Noon Aug 30th, classes FEH Horse and Pony Divisions:Yearlings,2 year olds,3 year olds, lunch noon, Horsey yard sale all day, Raffel through out the day, etc.).

5. Classes offered (incl. sportponies welcome, special division if entries warrant)

6. Entry, grounds, stabling and USEA fees (See entry form: http://www.useventing.com/resources/files/docs/2009_feh_entryform_web.pdf)
** NOTICE: Ignore the statement at the top of the form involving the USEA Horse Life Registration Form. The ONLY FEES to participate are listed in item #6 above.

7. handler on site

8. Other possible activities/benefits of participating in this event:

* Published program and website (see Wynn’s post in this thread)
* Photography (such as for sale photos), reasonable rates
* Digital Videography (again, such sale videos) reasonable rates *

[Home Again Farm]

What is entailed in showing a 2year old? Do they just do the triangle in hand?

Could you PM me the name of the handler?

[Pye]

What is entailed in showing a 2year old? Do they just do the triangle in hand?

Could you PM me the name of the handler?

Yes the 2 yr olds will walk the triangle and then trot all in hand.

[foxhavenfarm]

We would LOVE to come! Thanks for hosting!

[Home Again Farm]

Could you PM me the name of the handler?

Please? :winkgrin:

[Pye]

Pm sent;)

[GAEventer]

I don't have a baby to bring this year, but am hoping to come down to watch/audit (and am trying to convince my friends to bring their youngster!). I've been watching to see when we'd get some of these series in our area, and would love to be a part of trying to get some going in GA for our future prospects!

[Pye]

I don't have a baby to bring this year, but am hoping to come down to watch/audit (and am trying to convince my friends to bring their youngster!). I've been watching to see when we'd get some of these series in our area, and would love to be a part of trying to get some going in GA for our future prospects!

I hope you get to come down and watch/audit. Keep telling your friends about it:) We so need this in Area III there is so many people with great ideas to really kick off the program down here. If there is a nice turn out for this one then we can keep having them and will put the YEH with it next time. :yes:

[pwynnnorman]

Here is what I propose to do to help this opportunity be as attractive as possible. I welcome feedback on these ideas. Obviously, however, if there isn't enough interest, something like this wouldn't be worth starting up...so any help you can provide is ginning this thing up would be appreciated! Personally, I think--especially for Florida breeders--it'd be pretty useful. (Ashley and I talked about this day before yesterday, BTW, but I got distracted and forgot to post it here. Posted it on the Breeders Forum and it dropped like a stone. Hope it doesn't "kill" the thread here, too!)

FEH PROGRAM PROPOSAL

There are two keys to this proposal: 1.) a website based upon the program pages and 2.) layout of all material in such a way that templates for future events is also created. These are key aspects because they will enable the effort to be repeated easily and produce long-term effects.

A. PROGRAM

The actual program will be a single-fold, 5x8, b/w brochure, available in advance online and distributed by the parking attendant or show secretary at the event. It will include the following pages:
* a cover will page feature the last year's winner,
* an inside cover will provide event information (when, where, directions, map, how to enter--including USEA registration, who to contact, stabling and parking information, and for more information URLs),
* page one will be the schedule of events (arrival times to close of stabling, not just class order),
* page two will feature the FEH sponsor (local or national, whatever exists),
* page three will list the entries by class, sire and brochure page number,
* page four through "X" will be the entries' catalog pages--reduced and printed horizontally to save space with pedigree- and owner-only information on the pages of late, missing or last-minute entries,
* the back inside cover will either be the last entries OR a USEA membership form,
* the back cover will feature the farm hosting the event.

B. WEB PAGES

Each entry will have its own page (1/2 page in the printed program, full page online), laid out similar to a Thoroughbred sale catalog page: name, age, breed, size, sire and dam at top; photo; sire, dam and siblings information; individual accomplishments, if any, OR, if none, additional photos (of the individual, or its sire, dam or siblings); URLs to videos (of individual, sire, dam or siblings--or even farm where individual resides); contact information, purchase price (if for sale).

Each entry's page will also be posted online as a PDF that can be printed out for a flyer. Each page will be placed online as soon as all of the information available has been received (by me).

C. POST-EVENT UPDATES

After the event, I will update each page with photos and additional information from the event, if available, and will over-write the URLs in the pdf with links. I will also revise the webpages upon request, at any time up to six months after the event, to include new price (if for sale), "sold" (if sold) or fresh information about individual, sire, dam or siblings.

D. FEH SERIES PROMOTION ON HOMEPAGE

These pages will be placed on a site with its own URL (not a farm name URL, so no one will benefit from the traffic except the FEH series and the participants). The home page for the site will feature the following:
* one or more past winners who have had significant accomplishments,
* information about upcoming FEH competitions,
* links to pages featuring current participants (from the brochure) and also past FEH participants (see item below), and
* links to other relevant websites, such as USEA, USEF, USEA areas, FEH sponsors and hosts.

I will offer to produce the same catalog-styled page for any past FEH participant, too (one-time creation only--no updates) and will post them in a separate section of the website.

E. WHY DO THIS?

The reason I am doing this is because I'm tired of how often horse organizations miss opportunities to be effective in ALL of what they do. I'm also tired of a certain attitude of "what can they do for us" that some decision-makers tend to have when it comes to public relations. This proposal is what I would want an organization to do for me. I may have an entry or two, plus future entries, in this program. I want my entry to make sense for my goals with them, which, of course, include marketing them. I don't need a judge to tell me how good or bad my creature is--why would I breed anything if I didn't have enough judgment of my own to figure that out? I think I'm like many (no, not all): I participate in order to further my business or personal goals. After all, what ONE judge on ONE day is sufficient to provide a breeder or owner with sufficient information to make such participation of value merely for educational purposes?

Instead, IMO, this type of event needs to focus far, far more on long-term benefits...but they almost never do. So here I am, volunteering to do some pretty involved work. Why? Because when it comes to horse organizations and what they do these days, it's never been more true that if you want something done right, you had probably better do it yourself.

F. INVITATION

Let's do it ourselves, people! I'm willing to put this together so it can become almost template-like, making future versions of both the printed program and the website/webpages easy to produce. If you think it's time for something like this, join us by participating in this event and/or by sending us your past FEH participation material and/or other ideas.

G. OTHER IDEAS

* Free jump phase or separate competition.
* Have FEH event in conjunction with warmblood inspections.
* Promote judging expectations, including Prelim level standard (NOT four-star/international).
* Point out help-you-sell features: stand-up shots, digital video clips.

[foxhavenfarm]

What are the entry numbers looking like for this? I have two yearlings that I would like to bring (a colt and a filly) and was wondering if there were enough entries to warrant a separate colt and filly class.

[Pye]

Hi guys,
I am trying to get some sort of a head count for this show. If you emailed me or Pm me please let me know if you still plan on coming. In order for me to pull this off the right way we have to have enough entries to warrent doing this.

Foxhaven I did not see your post sorry. I have it set up now where there would be a class for each division.

Thanks guys :)

[JWB]

Yay!!! I'll come with a 3-yr old filly!

If you have a free jumping competition I'd love to do that too and infact know other people who might bring some youngstock in for it.

[Piney Woods]

I want to meet fellow COTHers and see the baby event horses. So, who's coming???

[foxhavenfarm]

We *plan* to come with two yearlings (a colt and a filly) if our colt's nasty gash on his nose heals before closing date. :rolleyes:

[pwynnnorman]

We *plan* to come with two yearlings (a colt and a filly) if our colt's nasty gash on his nose heals before closing date. :rolleyes:

I'm in the same boat as you, foxhavenfarm. I've been battling an ulcer on the cornea of the one colt I was really serious about bringing (I'd have planned to bring the other, too, but the only thing he'd be competitive in would be the Ugliest Baby class, alas!).

[pony grandma]

I am soooo jealous - all of you getting together and getting to take your sport horse babies (not feed and leads) out to play!!! I tried to enter mine in a midwestern HT but they cancelled the class. The closest thing to me now is just too far away. No FEHs offered in Area 8, the home of Rolex - go figure!! Only one YEH I can find, 5+ hours away. :(

I would love to support this program but hauling babies across 2 states is too much. What does it take to let them trot a triangle??? If a TD is the judge, they're already there, do they get paid a bunch extra for the class? - are there other expenses to the organizer? What size class do you have to have if you're already running an HT with it? I realize that the YEH takes a course prepared for it and involves more time and resources. But the FEH?

Congrats to you all for being in an area were you can support Pye's efforts. It takes a long time to breed, raise and wait on an event baby. We need to get to go play!!! the eventer mindset :)

[TXnGA]

Pye,

I wanted to come, but unfortunately it is the same weekend as an event that I have entered in Aiken with another horse. there is no way I can get down there to FL for the FEH and still do the event in Aiken. (trust me i've have thought of every possible way to get them both accomplished)

I think it is wonderful that you are putting this together, and I wish you all the best. I'm sorry I couldn't attend, but would be very interested in any other future FEH and YEH that you might host.

Again, very sorry.

[JWB]

How are entry numbers looking???

I sent mine in last week and I really hope this gets off the ground since there is nothing else in the area. My girl will be too old to play next year but I'd love to support this program.

I think some of the earlier ideas mentioned would really benefit it. Also, you should join the FL. Sporthorse Breeders Yahoo group and post it there.... You might get some interest since their shows have also been taking similar hits and not running.

I wonder what it would take to get a "breeders show" off the ground with an FEH and a dressage class.... Maybe if you're feeling VERY ambitious, a future YEH and Materiale class as well? Would be nice to see "one stop" shopping for the breeders out there. I'd probably cross enter if both were available.

I know I'm thinking big but I think combining the shows would save on costs and attract a larger crowd.

[foxhavenfarm]

I think some of the earlier ideas mentioned would really benefit it. Also, you should join the FL. Sporthorse Breeders Yahoo group and post it there.... You might get some interest since their shows have also been taking similar hits and not running.


Hey JWB, I tried looking for the Yahoo group you mentioned, but I couldn't find it. Would really love to join!

[JWB]

Sorry!!!! sunshinesporthorse is the name of the group. It's associated with Sunshine Sport Horse Association but you don't have to be a member to join the Yahoo group. They had a website but it seems to be down right now.

They put on breeding shows (Usually at Canterbury) every now and then but have been slow this year due to the budget (or lack of)
They're also an excellent resource for local inspection/keuring info.

Description
Sunshine Sport Horse Association is a group of sport horse breeders, owners, and enthusiasts, located in Florida. We exchange breeding information and ideas to support the production of athletic, noble sporthorses, as well as exchange information on showing, presentation, registries, and general welfare of sporthorses. Membership in the Association is encouraged.

[foxhavenfarm]

:)Thanks! Found it!

[Home Again Farm]

Sorry!!!! sunshinesporthorse is the name of the group. It's associated with Sunshine Sport Horse Association but you don't have to be a member to join the Yahoo group. They had a website but it seems to be down right now.

They put on breeding shows (Usually at Canterbury) every now and then but have been slow this year due to the budget (or lack of)
They're also an excellent resource for local inspection/keuring info.

Description
Sunshine Sport Horse Association is a group of sport horse breeders, owners, and enthusiasts, located in Florida. We exchange breeding information and ideas to support the production of athletic, noble sporthorses, as well as exchange information on showing, presentation, registries, and general welfare of sporthorses. Membership in the Association is encouraged.


The website is up.

http://www.sunshinesporthorses.org

They are doing a two day DSHB show 9/19-20 in Ocala at Post Time Farm. That show will also have the regional DSHB finals on the afternoon of the 20th.

[ponygirl]

Does the 2 yr old class require them to wear a bit & bridle or are they in a halter? I have a 2 yr old I'd be interested in taking. Also who is the handler?

[JWB]

Yes, 2-year olds show in a bridle w/ a bit.

August 29 (Area 3)
Magnolia FEH Area III Competition
VJ Arabians, Citra, FL
Ashley Williams
Phone (904) 803-4846
Ashley301972@hotmail.com
NOTE Separate divisions for horses and ponies. We hope to have enough entries to warrant class divisions by fillies, colts, and geldings. Judge: Kathy Daly - Crawfordville, FL Start Time: 9 a.m. office will open at 7:30 a.m. Limited stabling of 21 stalls - no tack stalls Trailer Parking 2 RV Spaces Available: Water/Electric only $25 per night Handler: Lisa Shelbourne available at $30 per horse Current Coggins Required Fees: Entry $60, USEA $10, Grounds Fee $20 per horse, Stall Fee $25 (21 stall limit, no tack stalls), Pre-Order Shavings $8 per bag Checks Payable to: Merri Murdock-Krehl (PayPal also available)

[JWB]

So I know the date for final decisions on whether to go forward with the show or cancel it was yesterday. Any update on the status of this??

[Piney Woods]

I want to watch if it is on. My 2 yo gelding has cut a quarter of his hoof off and is nqr so he has to wait until next year but I want to see what the others look like. Let us know. Tx

[Pye]

Hi Guys sorry I have been Mia on here. My dad had a major heart attack so I have been driving back and forth to Jax to help and be with him.

Yes we are still having the show. We went from no entries to a small show so With that said it should be fun and laid back witch it fine with me. I am super tired..

My thinking is even if this show turns out to be small at least we started the ball on it. If anyone would like to help with the show that would be great too. Please email me and let me know:)

Thanks everyone;)

[JWB]

If anyone is on the fence about going, try to get out there. We need to support FEH shows in Florida or we won't have any in the future!!!!

[Piney Woods]

Sorry about your Dad. I hope he'll be OK. I will PM you about helping.

[Piney Woods]

What is the schedule? I need to plan my day and don't want to miss the classes. Please.

[Piney Woods]

Bump!

[JWB]

It was canceled. In the end there were only four entries. It's a shame that everyone says they want these but no one will actually enter when someone does take the initiative to schedule one.

[Piney Woods]

Oh bummer! I agree about Fl. I would have entered my 2 yo except he cut a quarter of his hoof and heel off and is still not quite sound. I did want to volunteer and watch to prepare for next year though.

[TrakEventer]

We have had the same issue with the Ga FEH/YEH. It is the ONLY one in Area III all year long, and are having a hard time attracting entries. Perhaps it's a scheduling issue, but this venue is fantastic, offers on grounds stabling, is affordable, and promises to be a fantastic experience for all young horses. I wonder if there is a better method of advertising in order to attract more individuals. The USEA site is a great resource, as is the Area III site, but I wonder how many people actually reference them.

[FlightCheck]

I really think that unless they are offered at a show venue, it is very difficult to make them work.

[pony grandma]

No one has ever directly answered a question that I asked once -- why -- 'if' a FEH is offered in conjunction with an HT, and an official is hired and paid to be there already can judge - why cannot a small entry to possible?? What other cost is there (for FEH, I recognize that a course needs to be set for YEH) for a few jump rails laid down for a triangle and a potted plant if you want it look pretty? If you are given a national score and an evaluation -- who even cares about a 10 cent ribbon, I would be there for my horse, not the competition based on who shows up that day.

I understand if this is set-up as a stand alone function then it is necessary to have entries to pay it's way, but if it is in conjunction -- why not??

I ask this b/c I tried to enter an FEH at a HT and it got cancelled out and it is super disappointing when you want to support this and can't. Can they not try to get this off the ground better. Especially with youngsters, hauling huge distances. Let them try to make this more accessable please!

I'm in Area 8 home of Rolex -- why no KY venues??? supporting this???

[TrakEventer]

After speaking with several Area III organizers, they just don't have the knowledge on how the format works, and they don't have the interest in adding to what is already an organizational nightmare. I participated at River Glen several years ago and it was held the night before the competition, and many of the young horses did both, the YEH on Friday, and then the HT over the weekend. It worked well, and was well received, but tough on the organizers to get things rolling pre-event.

I also participated in the FEH at Sporting Days and while executed the day before a horse trial, it was run poorly, not on time, and a less than positive experience overall. As a result, the management is unwilling to offer the classes again as they didn't garner the support required to break even, much less turn any profit.

In additioan, so many of the organizers are focused on running the HT well that they are afraid to add anything to the HT as it might diminish the quality of the event. They are already fully subscribed, and have plenty on their plates without adding 2 additional courses in the XC field and dealing with 2 other divisions of YEHs. As for the FEH's, they would take up additional stabling that the event may or may not have to offer (would rather have a HT competitor in that stall for the weekend than a young non-compete so to speak, think profit margin) and many judges are not willing to judge the young horse competition. Furthermore, if you have D and SJ on the same day, it's already a long day, and adding an additional class would only add to the day's length and stress.

Unfortunately, I can see both sides of the issue, but when it's offered at a great facility with professionally built jumps and professionally designed courses that is central within the Area, I have a hard time imagining that people really want the format. If they really wanted it, then they would do what those of us competing are doing and give up other things to support what is potentially our only opportunity at qualifying for any of the championships.

I will carefully climb down from my soapbox now...

[FlightCheck]

Trak,
You have hit several nails on the head.

First, the day before the HT everone is running around nailing down last minute details.

Secondly, the judge(s) need(s) to be paid for that day, as does/do the course designer(s).

Someone has to set up and take down the course.

Thirdly, you need the volunteers for in gate, scoring, etc.

Fourth, you need medical and vet there.

All of this co$ts money......

[lecoeurtriste]

No one has ever directly answered a question that I asked once -- why -- 'if' a FEH is offered in conjunction with an HT, and an official is hired and paid to be there already can judge - why cannot a small entry to possible?? What other cost is there (for FEH, I recognize that a course needs to be set for YEH) for a few jump rails laid down for a triangle and a potted plant if you want it look pretty? If you are given a national score and an evaluation -- who even cares about a 10 cent ribbon, I would be there for my horse, not the competition based on who shows up that day.

I understand if this is set-up as a stand alone function then it is necessary to have entries to pay it's way, but if it is in conjunction -- why not??

We're preparing to hold our 4th FEH/YEH on Sunday, October 11th (Area2--NC)--all of which have been run in conjunction with a recognized HT. When we use one of the HT judges to do the classes on Friday, they have to come in another day early (Wed or Thurs) to do the course checks so everything can be done by the time we begin the FEH/YEH on Friday (or else the xc course wouldn't open on time for the HT). That of course means that we have to have EVERYTHING done on Wednesday and hope we don't get storms that blow over jumps or brush or wash away footing.

We've also found that it takes a minimum of 3 volunteers to scribe, run the in-gate, and run scores to the office...not to mention another 2 days for me to not be at the job that pays my bills and the time/labor to set up the jumping course (show standards are heavy and are usually scattered around the xc course for realism!) This October, however, we are running the HT on Saturday and the FEH/YEH on Sunday...we still have to pay the judge for an extra day and find volunteers, but hope more folks will come out since it's on the weekend. We've also not raised our entry fees in 3 years, which means we need to reach 75% capacity just to break even (and that doesn't include buying prizes--just ribbons).

While we're probably too far away from the canceled event in FL or the poster in KY to be of any use to those posters, we run a laid-back, but well-organized and professional event. We pride ourselves on running on time every time and helping riders have a good experience. And if you're looking for a venue that will give your youngster "experience", we've found that if you can "get 'er done" at the farm where I organize shows, you can compete anywhere!