Please no more cheap glasses/mugs and 50 cent picture frames

[Elouise]

Why can't we get get show managers to give out better "trophies"?

Name your nicest and crummiest trophies you have won?

Nicest: A grooming box with a metal plate screwed in with the name and date of the horse show. (I still use it and it is 5 years old.)

Worst: A cheap picture frame that fell apart before I left the show ring.

How can we improve the trophies given out at horse shows?

[Elouise]

Why can't we get get show managers to give out better "trophies"?

Name your nicest and crummiest trophies you have won?

Nicest: A grooming box with a metal plate screwed in with the name and date of the horse show. (I still use it and it is 5 years old.)

Worst: A cheap picture frame that fell apart before I left the show ring.

How can we improve the trophies given out at horse shows?

[Pirateer]

a) Be lucky you are getting anything at all. Show Management doesn't always BUY anything. Most of the times they are donated, or bought at cheap discount prices.

I know we get our Intercollegiate stuff from the dollar store. But they are pretty! And we are infamous for it.

If you want better trophies, get your butt into the community and get somebody to donate something nice.

[Chef Jade]

At the last show we went to, they let us credit our entry fees for each first place. Great! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif So how much did we get per blue? A whopping $8. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif The class itself cost $45 to enter.

Yes, it was better than getting the umpteenth mug of the season but, come on.

Even at Indio one year I won a 3x5 wood picture frame with a brass plate that said "Desert Cicruit" but the plate was screwed on cooked! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

I swear the smaller the circuit the better prizs they give. There are a couple local circuits where you accumulate dollar credit for each year-end prize, and then you tell them what you want to do with that money (tack trunk, cooler, bridle, etc.) Very cool! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Diva98]

I have to say that the Gulf Coast circuit gave out pretty nice prizes this past winter. My mare was circuit champ in the 3'3" pre greens and in the process won a saddle pad and a nice blanket rack and a very odd shoulder bag that I couldn't give away. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif They gave out nice mugs for first place. And for her circuit prize she got a very pretty wool cooler - unfortunatly, it is a size 78 and she is a big girl. But overall I thought it was nice. At most shows I go to you don't get anything - which is frankly better than crap.

I have been to B shows where we got gift certificates for the tack store that was on the grounds, which was pretty useful.

[Jodigurl]

Yeah, you know after spending $1000s of dollars at an "A" show and winning Champion (long time ago), I have a couple of really nice coffee mugs and dessert dishes!

My daughter won some blue ribbons and more coffee mugs at a local show and when we got home we noticed the price tag on the bottom from the "Dollar Store"! LOL The next month we got some "plates", some thing price tag on the bottom from the Dollar Store. I appreciate the people who put these shows on, but you would think they could at least remove the price tags!

My husband told me I better not break any of them cause they were sooooo expensive. *laughs* I guess the bottom line is, we do not go there for the prizes or the ribbons, just to test us and our horses training and do the best we can and try to have lots of fun and not fall off!

[eclipse]

Nicest: (both at our barn's show!)-bridle with brass nameplate (still in use) & just this May a gorgeous Ariat garment bag.

Worst: picture box (the lid & bottom don't even match!!) http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[eclipse]

Ooops forgot to add: At most of the shows I go to, 1st place will usually cover your division fee! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif & there's usually some money too 6th place too!

[War Admiral]

Heh - Quit the hunters, and go to "A" rated Saddlebred shows, instead. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

ASB shows still give out the COOL stuff, like we got in the old days. The 2 ribbons I picked up in qualifiers at my last "A" ASB show (and this is not in stakes or championships, just *qualifiers*) were quality stuff, with the goldtone centers and 16" streamers. And the actual name of the horse show (not just "Ripoff Management Show Series") on the center streamer.

The trophy winners in the qualifiers got TWO trophies per qualifying class: one a very nice cocktail glass with the name of the show *engraved* (not painted) on it, the other a little tiny basket of peppermints for their horse.

And in the championship/stakes classes, they got the cool silver plate trays and julep cups and stuff! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

THAT, O self-styled great show managers, is how to run a horse show that's actually worth spending $3,000 per weekend on. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif And it's probably worth noting that most "A" rated ASB shows are run by volunteer organizations.

[Botticelli Angel]

I just do local shows and have gotten VERY nice prizes. Hand painted glassware for first place. Year end awards are especially nice. One year I was lucky enough to win the Sportsmanship Award which was a Henri Di Rivel (sp?) saddle!

[Giddy-up]

Best: a lamp with a fox statue I have in my living room, small tack trunk (also in house), director's chair, stuffed fox in hunt attire (I was in ss), dress sheets, fuzzy shipping halter (too bad it didn't fit anything)

Useful items: t-shirt, sponge on a rope, seam ripper, small bucket, brushes, key chains

Worst: plastic curry comb (this was for division champion I kid you not http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif)

[Anticipation]

Culpeper always gave out rinky dinky picture frames, candles, and trays. haha. All of mine are discolored now. ewwwwwww. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Once for champion I got a bucket of shampoos and a few tubes of "stress-dex". I liked that prize! It was actually useful!

[Merry]

Frankly, I cannot understand why the first place award shouldn't equal the amount of one entry fee. If I pay $15 to enter, first prize should cost $15. I think that's fair enough.

Please, I beg you, <span class="ev_code_RED">no more coffee mugs!</span>

Worst prizes I've gotten: I have a small collection of purse-sized black plastic flashlights that have "Del Mar Horsepark" stamped on them. In case of a power outage, I think I can illuminate a closet for maybe ten minutes with the combined battery power. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Best prizes: Last weekend's show gave coupons to first and they were redeemable in the show office for horsey decor stuff, like trinket boxes, coasters, beaded coin purses, etc. Then the year-end San Diego county circuit show gives nice monogrammed jackets to first and monogrammed Dover saddle pads to second.

[pinkhorse]

How to get better prizes?

Sponsor a class at a horse show and buy a nice prize.

Otherwise, assume your best prize is riding well on a health horse.

[ShowJumps]

I like the glassware. This year I have collected 12 glass tumblers. Winning each of my two Sport Horse classes with has netted me two of each type. I've also won a plastic curry comb for being Champion of a division. What's the big deal? Many shows give nothing but a ribbon... Maybe I am nuts but I am usually so proud of myself and my horse that I consider the extra stuff as icing on the cake!

That being said the best awards I have recieved were two saddles (different divisions/years), a heavy Triple Crown dress sheet, And some very nice crystal vases.

[noname]

i would have to agree that i am sick of plastic things like brushes and cheap picture frames. i miss the good ole days where you got silver, glassware, and coasters. many of the shows around here if you win your class it barely even covers the entry fees. now that is ridiculous if you ask me!

[Sing Mia Song]

I would rather have nothing than junk. Save the money that you would normally spend at the dollar store, and put it toward a decent series award instead.

We had this topic before and the one story that took the cake was the girl who won the local medal class after being beaten all season long by another girl (the second girl chipped at this last show). The prize was a leather halter with nameplate...with the name of the other girl's horse on it!

[RugBug]

I'm still at the stage of "Oh look, I get a prize too," so anything makes me happy. but one of my favorite prizes was a pair of thick super comfy socks with a picture of a horse and the name of the tack shop who sponsored. I wear those things ALL winter long.

I suppose I'm just grateful for anything other than a ribbon especially after running my own shows. Yeesh, running a show costs a lot...as do decent prizes. I suppose on a larger scale it's not as much of an issue, but for our little schooling shows, it really is.

[Just My Style]

Best: At a local show I won 4 crystal wine glasses and 4 crystal dessert bowls. I also got a crystal serving bowl for champion. It has been at least 20 years and I still use them when guests come over.

Worst: Had to be stuffed animals. This was at a big A show. I was 16 years old and I won three stuffed animals that were all dirty and dusty from being at a horse show all day. Yuck.

[Catwoman]

I guess I'm with Rug Bug---I get so excited that I really don't care what we get But I will admit I would be disappointed with a plastic curry comb.

I tend to knock everybody over on my way to the photographer's anyway. So I guess my biggest disappointment isn't over what I get, but with finding out he wasn't in the ring taking pictures!

[Merry]

Socks? Okay, I'll do socks. Boot socks or horsey socks would be great!

I don't care much about the actual ribbon. But dang it, yes, I want some sort of decent first place award. I have some really nice awards from decades ago: a music box with a brass nameplate noting the medal class, a photo album with a silver cover and engraved, heavy duty glass steins.

Oh! I forgot my other worst first place prize: <span class="ev_code_RED">a little itty bitty miniature tool set. </span>I am not joking. It was like the size for Santa's elves. Like, am I constructing doll houses? Why does the show management even bother handing out prizes like that?

[Elouise]

You guys have me howling with laughter. Your responses are just great.

It seems to me that the bigger the show/circuit (the more it costs to enter) - the cheaper the trophies (except when you get to finals). Price tags still on them? Please.

I have won some great things - lunge lines, gift baskets with shampoo supplies, tote bags, pitchers, silver note pads, saddle pads with the horse shows name on it.

It just seems to me that it would be nice to bring something home that is either useful or proud to show off especially at $35 or $40 a class.

[MistyBlue]

My worst? I was 14 years old and at the barn where I worked, boarded and basically practically lived at. First prize for the classes were a gift certificate for a free trail ride! You know, where you rent the horse for 30 minutes or a half hour and go out on a guided tour? Well, guess what? I WAS THE TRAIL GUIDE FOR THIS BARN! I talked to the BO and still didn't get anything better, he was laughing too hard to hear my request, LOL! I got 3 free trail rides that day...and for champion I got my choice of a free hayride or a free pony party. (both if which I also worked) *snork*
Best...anything else other than mentioned above. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Snowbird]

If you are speaking of the AA Show Marathons then I have no answers because I don't run any and I have no idea the cost ratio. I would guess it costs them a fortune just to service the loans for the properties and facilities that has been invested. And most of them only run 6 or seven shows to a site which means they have to cover a year of costs for maintenance and repairs, taxes and loans for only maybe 30 days of shows. At least one of which is bound to have been rained out.

I can tell you that the normal C/B/A Shows have had booming cost increases for officials, ribbons, maintenance and all the other staff required. Equipment repairs etc. etc etc. and we have tried to hold the line with the cost of entries so there is a very small margin of profit. I do think with imagination there are some worthwhile items but years ago we all did surveys and most people said don't raise the cost of entries and forget the trophies.

I think we need to go back to the idea of volunteers helping with sponsorships and awards.
Personaly I think the losers are the ones who should get the give-a-ways since they paid just as much, worked just as hard and didn't even get the Rayon Ribbon or any points for anything.

I never did understand why someone thought they should win the blue and then get all the points and their money back. Why would anyone in this sport expect to be Horse of the Year and do it for free?

[Racetb*Aefvue Farm*Biziz Ltd.]

Hey all you dinosaurs! Remember when you always got trophies and they were always sterling silver?? Best: A solid sterling engraved yo yo that really works for small pony champion at Fairfield.
Worst: We were Lrg. Jr. Hunter champion years ago at Lake Placid. I was so excited and couldn't wait to show off my Lake Placid bowl and cooler. Instead, the show decided, as a special treat, to give local artists' creations for division champions. I got a stupid ceramic teapot. Curses! Foiled again!

[Megan Story]

Once at CO Springs, the tack shop at my barn actually sponsored my division. I got a bucket with shampoo, conditioner, hairnets, hoof stuff, a sponge, a brush, hoof pick, and some other little things. That was my favorite because it was nice things that were very useful. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Other things that I have gotten that were nice and/or usable were saddle pads, polo wraps, a decent leather halter, and all sorts of grooming stuff!

Some stuff that mainly gathered dust that wasn't too useful were tons of mugs with the sponsor or horse show name on it, placemats (that were..uh..interesting), very cheap candle holders, and plastic sunglasses! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[RugBug]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Merry:
Oh! I forgot my other worst first place prize: <span class="ev_code_RED">a little itty bitty miniature tool set. </span>I am not joking. It was like the size for Santa's elves. Like, am I constructing doll houses? Why does the show management even bother handing out prizes like that? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

OMG, Merry. I know where they are buying these things from. How do I know? Because I've actually bought the exact same thing as a corporate giveaway. My instructions "Something cool for less than $2.00" Not an easy task. but I can tell you that 400 of them went out in less than an hour and a half. People were making their way to our table after seeing other people walking around with the mini tools. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

But as a first place prize at a horse show? Sounds like there were more than just mini tools at that show. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[Just My Style]

Snowbird-
You always gave great stuff. Lots of pewter with the Snowbird crest on it. I have this thing I call the potato dish. I have put jewelry in it for years. You also gave medals for the medal classes. That was nice. Does anyone do that anymore?

[ForaSmallFee11]

Nice topic. my best prize ever was 2 silver dishes and 2 silver candle holders and a silver bowl along with $100 to a local tack shop.
this came out of three firsts and a champion.
Worst prize ever a carrot.

[momofbeast]

Of course if you all really dislike your trophies and prizes so much, you could switch to eventing, where, if you're lucky, you get a ribbon after a $200 entry fee!!! But the best prize is seeing your dressage score just a tad bit better than the last show, and a wonderful xc ride. After all, don't you ride for the joy and personal improvement!?!?!

[Snowbird]

I don't think I'm all that unique and yes we still give out what my exhibitors think is good to win. Not as expensive as the pewter but entries are down and prices are up.

We have a three piece set of ceramic pieces, a latte bowl rather a good size for soup or cereal, a coffee mug and a plate. People generally try to collect enough pieces for a lunch party.

Actually, I've been told that a lot of the employees from out of the country are really thrilled with these pieces and send them home. Because of the gold liner on the top they feel it is fine china. So you may be surprised where you are when someone sets a place for your lunch and it's all snowbird. You could be almost anywhere in the world from what I've been told.

You might do some looking around for items and then see how much you can buy them for and bring the idea to your show managers you may be surprised how pleased they would be to make you happy if they can stay on budget.

Believe me it's a tough line, to cut down on the quality of the Ribbons for a nicer trophy or improve the trophies and make the ribbons one streamer and shorter with a smaller rosette.

I'd be curious how you all felt about that choice. We still do the larger ribbons which have doubled in costs and maybe you'd rather have that money in the trophies. Tell me what you think.

[CatchMeIfUCan]

Feel lucky you guys even get prizes. We eventers usually get a 50 cent ribbon and a congratualtions!

[sasa521]

best: ...I'll have to get back on that one

worst (although most of them are on this level): a laundry bag that said champion on it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Peggy]

I walked off with a Fleeceworks pad, a $25 gift certificate, and a baseball hat embroidered with the show name at a recent dressage show. At other shows I have gotten nada.

Mugs and glasses with the name of the show are always nice, but my guests get a bit paranoid when I tell them that they are holding a $200 glass. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Merry and I were at the same show and the prizes were nice altho I ended up giving my certificate to my trainer (who won it on my horse) when she was lusting after something that one of the kids got. There were also options for a photo from the show photographer and and entry (you needed &gt;1 for that). It's great when you get a choice. Our local circuit does kind of the same thing--you get a choice b/w various useable household and horse items as well as trophies. The kids that are starting out do go for the trophies.

A friend who shows on the paint circuit reported that they gave out various shades of vet wrap (blue for first, red for second, and so on) at one of her shows.

[Beezer]

Actually, Snowbird, I'd rather have less of a ribbon and more of a prize. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif My thinking is, I usually toss the ribbon in a box -- I'm long past the age where I hang them on my walls. About the only hanging they do now is on the trainer's wall at the show. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Now, a cute prize, however ... well, that will always make me think of the show and, if my brain isn't too addled, the class. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif It's a much nicer reminder.

But hey, that's just me.

I do think that with relatively minimal effort, horse show managers can find cute, inexpensive "horse crap" -- as one show husband calls it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif -- that will make class winners happy. Target, Wal-Mart, K Mart and the like all have horse socks; you can find really cute little china-type horses; cute horse dishes and a slew of other stuff. It just takes a little investment in wanting to please your clientele. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[2Dogs]

oh such a great topic.
Best: Timonium Maryland Show in the 60's. I got the most beautiful engraved silver cup! Now that did not compare to my mother's win, at Devon in the 30's, where she got a silver - the real thing - horse!!!
Worst: winning a class at Indio where I got a minature bottle of mane and tail detangler.

So. let me think about this - I spend $3,000 a week to show at a Tom Struzzeri show and I get a bottle of mane detangler! The equivalent of a sample of perfume! And at the same show, the exhibitor's party had rot gut wine at $5.00 a glass.

[PalominoMorgan]

This year at a small show I was so excited to win my first championship. I walked down dreaming about my first tri-colored ribbon and the show manager says to me "oh no, we don't give out ribbons." I laughed and said something like , ha ha, that's pretty funny, you're kidding , right? "No mam. We don't do championship ribbons." He then reached behind him into a cardboard box and grabbed a brown (guess what color brown) silk screened hat and started to hand it to me. I was dumbfounded, but said "Can I have the orange one?" LOL. My fiance thought it was hilarous and walked around the house wearing it. The hat is sun-faded, screening was coming off, and had the rope cord across the top of the bill. Needless to say it's sitting in the yard sale pile. Thankfully I won another championship a few weeks ago and actually got a tri-colored ribbon. Friends suggested I order myself a tri-color and I just might. It was my first. Now, they do nice year end jackets for the division champs at the small show, so maybe I'll end up with a jacket.

[*Trinity*]

CatchMeIfYouCan&gt; Really? I'm an eventer also, and we get some pretty decent prizes! Granted, some stuff is really dumb, but usually only for lower placings (6-8th). Above that is baby pads, baseball caps, a bucket with shampoos and stuff, and sometimes a really nice dressage whip or crop. And this is only at Pre-training level! I've never had to nerve to go check out the Prelim prizes, for fear of fealing ripped off. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[CatchMeIfUCan]

Yeah really. I have never been out of the ribbons in my three years of eventing. I think I might have won a comb once. Now the show I am going to in August has cash prize. Lowest score in the division gets like $500. The sad part about it is that people are dropping their prelim horses down to novice to win the money. Oh well, maybe another time.

[Automatic]

The worst was an aluminum sweatscraper. You know, the kind that cost 35 cents, and bend every time you use them. Ughhh.

My absolute favorite prize was given out at a show last year. First place got a $10 gift certificate to a local tack shop. Second place got a $5 gift certificate. I was champion in the division and made out like a bandit. It was the perfect excuse to "celebrate" a win by buying new stuff.

[SoEasy]

So, I am guessing you would all love to show at our series of County Assoc shows .. a win in an o/f class gets you a free class, and Champion is a free division ... just bring the little laminated card to the friendly secretaries, and you could owe NOTHING for your day of showing! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

And the flat classes usually have some sort of 'farm named' glassware or ceramic for the winner (glass/mug/lidded container ..)

[akrogirl]

I can't say I have won an over abundance of prizes, but I have won a few decent ones http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif At one show, I won a couple of denim shirts with the show logo on them - of course, they ended up being more expensive than any of the designer shirts in my wardrobe http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif I also liked getting my name, and that of my horse, engraved on a perpetual trophy - it looked pretty darn good on my wall while I had it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif The Grand Canyon State Games gives out pretty neat medals, and the first year we also got the nicer ribbons that go round the horse's neck for Champion.

Worst - well, count me in the group that is still grateful to win anything http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif However, I have to admit to being less than thrilled with a single, tiny bar of saddle soap.

[Horseymama]

The best and worst prize actually came from the same show: Thunderbird in B.C.

Best was a beautiful pair of embroidered pillows with hunt scenes on them,

and worst was "ack" a fanny pack! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Snowbird]

OK! let's try a little reality check. Whether or not there is a class in any ring all the time the fact is that it costs at a minimum $100.00 and hour for the necessary officials for each ring.

This doesn't include two days to set up, cut the grass, maintenance of the jumps the investment in the jumps. It doesn't include cleaning up after the show dumping the garbage putting away the equipment and restoring the place for regular use.

This doesn't include setting up the judges cards, and paying for them, the course designing, setting the courses and dragging the rings for that perfect footing. It doesn't include the supplements needed to keep that ring with perfect footing maybe about $10,000 over 3 years.

There's the PA System and the communication equipment that's another investment. There's the office staff and recording people, data processors and someone to answer all your questions on the phone for a week before and a week after. It doesn't include all the USEF fees and all the bookkeeping we have to do for them. It doesn't include cancelled lessons or electric and insurance. At a little 3 ring show there are about 20 people that get fed lunch and it doesn't cover that either. There's the Prize List printing and mailing that's not included in that $100.00 an hour. We horse people like to lie to ourselves and think we're making a profit.

At the most the average ring can take 60 horses doing 3 fence classes and an under saddle class. I think most C-Rated Shows charge $20.00 a class. Mostly it's closer to 45 horses for a normal day per ring. We have to include the schooling break as part of the cost of a division.

When you get done with those calculations then consider this. If your division has only 4 people and it took two hours to run with breaks and holding time for conficts the show collected $320.00 and paid $200.00 for essentials. How much is left for awards and ribbons after all the other expenses are amitized?

My point is that it depends on this cost ratio how much a show should be able to afford for the awards. Yes! some creative imagination would certainly help. But think about this too.

"ADOPT a SHOW" if there is a management you know is trying, then help them and give them some of your wonderful ideas. Make the show your show by pitching in with whatever talent you have to offer.

Unless you prefer the fancy overpriced five day marathons.

[Thoroughbred1201]

A local 'B' show about 10 years ago gave out great useful stuff. I came home with a carload of all kinds of things. 2 sets of polo wraps, a cooler, a certificate to an embrodiery company, a gift certificate to an excellent high end tack store, helmet cover, etc. It was a great weekend.

Another non-rated show gave out the best prizes and prize money - for second place I got $100. The winner got a bridle and a Hermes scarf!

Compared to the inexpensive silver bowls and fox mugs I won at the 'A' shows!

It seems that the smaller shows try harder.

[Patchouli]

I have talked to a local tack shop owner. They have NEVER had anyone from a Hunter/Jumper show come in or call and ask for donations. I don't understand why not.... They donate thousands of dollars of inventory (saddles, bridles, leather halters, coolers, grooming supplies, etc.) and coupons to those who come in and ask... such as the state breed associations and eventing competitions. I have donated massages to a local Event for a prize. I just don't understand why the hunter/jumper community does not seek out donations for prizes? Instead someone can volunteer to sponsor? That is great, but why not seek out donations too?

[Beezer]

Snowbird, it seems you're always wanting everyone to see YOUR side, but you are never willing to see the other person's. So, here's a http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif for you, too.

Since we're plucking examples from each of our own realities, here's one from mine: Huge county-level show; in one hack class there were 27 horses at $20 a pop. I'm no math wiz, but I make that as $540 for that one class. In fact, that whole six class division had been 25 and 30 horses a class, making it about a $3,200 investment by exhibitors.

Out of that $3,200, is it REALLY that much to ask that management give a nice first prize to the six winners? I'm not asking for a $3,200 prize, a $540 prize or even, heck, a $20 prize. I just think that if my skills prove good enough to nab a blue out of 27 horses, I should get something besides a keychain or plastic flashlight or a bar of saddle soap.

And for the record, at the show I cite, management DID do a wonderful job of providing great prizes. It was at the show Peggy and Merry cited. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[OLD A/O]

Best was at a little local schooling show in Binghamton, NY 1964 = Grand hunter champ was a silver plated punch bowl with tray and six cups. Sits on my buffet today.

Next best was in Camden, SC 1971. = every blue ribbon a 12" silver plated tray. I now use them as chargers for dinner parties. Plus candy dishes and pickle dishes. You name it I could open a sliver plated store.

Worst = a sweat scraper.

[GirlNextDoor]

ooh i win for funniest and most embarrassing prize! The year Pony Finals was at Culpeper, there were LOTS of Pony Finals Tshirts left over at the HITS shows weeks after...sooo, HITS thought it would be fun to give the childrens hunter ponies and horses, maiden, novice, and limit eq all these silly tshirts for winning a class. Let me tell you, being on a horse and winning a pony finals shirt is NOT fun lol. It is just uncool! I tried to leave my shirt at the show but it made its way home with me LOL

[gloryboundhj]

The best thing I ever won was a Edgewood bridle, and then a really neat leather/ felt jacket. Worst thing, chafing dishes, okay, who gives chafing dishes to a 9 year old?

[perf]

Wow - your shows give out some really weird stuff!

The shows I go to (jumper classes) tend to have types of return -
first = 4x entry fee (smaller classes), or
first = 10x entry fee (bigger classes)

I have never got any sort of mug, picture frame or coaster. Most every ribbon I've had states the show & year (sometimes class too). And occasionally at those cool local shows I've been able to collect a few gift vouchers for tack shops or feed stores.

You guys should all move to New Zealand http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Dancing Lawn]

If you're running a small show, it's fairly easy to get sponsored prizes. When I was holding shows here, I got prizes donated from just about every business in town, and then some. Things like gift certificates for $50. from both the grocery stores. a huge fire extinguisher from the insurance company. Large bouquets of flowers from both florists, and they delivered, so that they would be fresh!! I tried to get class appropriate items, so that the kids on ponies got buckets of grooming supplies, and all of the winning horses got a basket of carrots and apples, done up in celophane and red ribbon. all three feed mills donated bags of feed, and I got gift certificates from several tack shops. it cost me nothing, except some extra lines in the class list, and I made sure to mention each sponsor several times during the day, while announcing. I was also able to run a class to support a local charity, where all entry fee from that class went directly to the organization. They sent a rep, to make presentations for the class, and to chat with people during the show. It made for some really nice show days.

[OverOxer]

Nicest prize I ever won? I won the biggest class at one of the big, nearing year-end shows and in addition to an enormous, enormous trophy and huge ribbon, I got a cash prize that was seriously 100x more than the entry fee. Now that covered the horses' expenses for one month. I was very happy.http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[War Admiral]

Snowbird - Chill! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Nobody here is talking about YOUR show series. And I think we all know the kinds of shows we ARE talking about.

For me, the final analysis is that as soon as the H/J shows started being run by for-profit corporations, that's when the rot really began to set in.

I do think you are correct that sponsorship is the key. At the ASB "A" show I just mentioned, every single class over a 4-day weekend was sponsored to the tune of $100 each. So that paid for some pretty nice prizes, along with a small margin of profit for the organizers. I myself sponsored two, and most other exhibitors did, as well.

BUT we are talking about non-profit organizations running these shows, not Ripoff Management, LLC. RM, LLC would be VERY hard pressed to get me to fork over *more* cash for a class sponsorship when they are blatantly out to make a profit off my back and are already ripping me off for unnecessary extra fees, and I know that all they are going to give me for the $3-4,000 I've already "invested" in their business is a cheap 50 cent ribbon and a plastic flashlight.

[Joyrider]

We give out chocolate...and not that cheap dollar store stale stuff either. I am talking about quality huge chocolate from Costco! Gourmet truffles from Belgium. Yum~
Good thing we only run shows during the cooler months though! But I hear you...coffee mugs and picture frames should be made illegal!

[hasahorse]

Best: A long time ago when my brother, sister and I were all showing (back in the late 1970's), we won enough standing bandages to wrap our entire barn and have some left over. I always remember that prize because they were so useful. I was still using those bandages in 1988.

Worst: Gift certificate to tack store that had gone out of business. Umm, thanks. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[monalisa]

Received an umbrella for being Circuit Champion in VT a few years back.

HITS is very guilty of bad prizes - silver plated boxes with a candle in it!

Some of the nicer stuff - coolers are always nice especially when monogrammed with the show name/event.

Nice halter from the zone finals.

Nicest is the wooden tack box with a large and heavy (put on straight) name of the show. It is so nice I am afraid to use it.

Received a really nice and heavy silver pitcher with the horse show name and date when winning a class at a big show a few years ago.

[Nickelodian]

Hmm, I've gotten a lot of good prizes...

250 dollar gift certificate to a tack shop for a year end medal final, saddle pads, polo wraps, engraved name plate keychains, and vases for champion, and cute dog bowls, 10 dollar gift certificates to a tack shop, horse treats, boot socks, and buckets for first places.


I've also gotten a bunch of awful prizes as well. Mugs, more mugs, and a few more mugs for 1st places, Trophies with a horse jumping on top, or 1 carrot for champion.

[Merry]

When we discussed this topic a long time ago, wasn't there some poor child who won barbecue utensils? And another pony kid who won shot glasses? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

As for the "horse crap" comment: All of us women folk were ga-ga over the horsey notepads, pewter horsey candle holders, beaded horsehead change purses, etc. offered as first place awards at the show. But our husbands? They decided that they'd form a corporation called Horse Crap Inc. just to gather up horse-themed junk and supply it to horse shows for awards. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

By the way, with regards to sponsorships, I've volunteered to round up donated prizes. It's amazing how generous restaurants, feed store and tack stores usually are.

[Madison]

I've received some things I really liked from Rush Management shows, but I have to say I never ceased to be amazed at how random the assortment can be. In one show I received:
- A handpainted grooming brush
- A clock
- A pretty engraved silver tray
- A pocketknife (confiscated by the Atlanta airport shortly therafter, of course) and
- A folding chair with a cooler attached to it

It just cracked me up every time I got something else b/c there was just no telling what it would be! But I do really appreciate it when a show gives you something useful for winning a class or being champion.

[Darkstar]

These all have me laughing - I am glad that I am not the only one dissapointed with our prize system.

Best Prizes: A lightweight sheet that I was allowed to pick the color of (green, blue, or maroon) and a matching blanket bag with the show and class embroidered on it. Let me tell you - that sheet has been on my pony a ton, and the blanket bag is at my barn 24/7.

Useful Prizes: A complete vet kit, in a nice container. I got this for the Sportsmanship award.

Bad prizes: Like everyone else I have my share of tacky picture frames, little vases, and other interesting stuff. The worst has got to be a paper computer printed certificate W/out my name on it and all it has is a picture of a horse and the name of the class and first place. That sucked.

Hey but I really want to win an embroidered saddle pad. Our shows never give them out, and I think they look really nice - sadly I mentioned it to our show management and they thought it cost to much.

[Chef Jade]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by GirlNextDoor:
ooh i win for funniest and most embarrassing prize! The year Pony Finals was at Culpeper, there were LOTS of Pony Finals Tshirts left over at the HITS shows weeks after...sooo, HITS thought it would be fun to give the childrens hunter ponies and horses, maiden, novice, and limit eq all these silly tshirts for winning a class. Let me tell you, being on a horse and winning a pony finals shirt is NOT fun lol. It is just uncool! I tried to leave my shirt at the show but it made its way home with me LOL <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll add to Merry and your stories about inappropriate prizes...

I was at a show at the Oaks, and won the ADULT equitation. My prized was a tiny stuffed pony. Ummm, hello? I am about 18 years past the age of playing with stuffed animals?

The most embarassing part was I asked the person at he announcer's booth if I could trade in my prize. The person (whom I assumed was the announcer) turned around, and to my horror, I saw it was the JUDGE! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
I must have seemed so ungrateful. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Oh - and just for the record, I don't mind cheapo (but useful) prizes at the smaller shows. But when HITS is raking in $1 Million + for Indio each year (and I am being conservative because I believe he brings in $1mm/week!) the least they can do is give something more than a thrift store reject. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[Snowbird]

Point made and accepted. You need to forgive me for being defensive as a show manager I take personally comments that are intended to say ALL show management is cheap and money grubbing.

I appreciate that most of the comments indicate that the smaller shows are more generous. Hereabouts our average shows, not the AA spectaculars celebrate a bonanza if we gross $10,000 for the whole day. I can't imagine why there wouldn't be great trophies if the gross income from a class is over $2,500. Even if the class took 5 hours there's surely enough net for a return to the exhibitors. Unless it was a total surprise and not a normal entry.

We try to make up for the good shows with our end of the year awards for our series. But, I can feel your pain and for my part apologize to you for those managers who do take advantage of you.

I might suggest to you that your either do not pick up your trophies or return them to the Secretaries stand before you leave and that might be a pretty big hint that you're not pleased.

[Irish Ei's]

Should I be jealous, or just stare dreamily at my local long stirrup eq walk/trot RED ribbon that reminds me that I spent nearly 12 hours in a non-stop panic attack, in 95 degree heat, but stayed on the grounds, got dressed ,actually got on MY horse, got into the ring and EARNED my bright shiney RED ribbon?

[War Admiral]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I might suggest to you that your either do not pick up your trophies or return them to the Secretaries stand before you leave and that might be a pretty big hint that you're not pleased. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Heh - I'm afraid they would interpret that as "Gee, nobody wants these, maybe we can save some more money by not giving out trophies AT ALL..." http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Me - I just want ribbons that say the actual name of the show on them. That's my little pet peeve. And here's why: I still have some of my great aunt's from like the 1920s/30s and they have these amazing horse show names on them! (There was a horse show at Boston Garden??!! Who knew?? It must have been amazing...) It's like a little piece of history to have these treasures from long ago, and I would hope that my future progeny wouldn't have to look at my ribbon collection and say "Well gee, I wonder where she won that? Somewhere up or down the Eastern Seaboard, I guess..."

[larosa90]

Worst: One (yes just one) napkin ring for winning the 11 & under equitation on the flat. If I had also won the OF I would have had a set of 2. To get enough for dinner for 6 I would have had to win the 12-14 eqs and the 15-17s too!

Best: in the Ribbon category it would have to be the two firsts I won in AZ at one of the Stirrup Cup shows (would have been about 1980 or 1981). They have tiles in them depict hunt scenes. Very cool!

In the trophy category: I once won a directors chair for winning a real classic (you know, back before the "pay twice for one class" classics) and have a few nice coolers from classic wins too. I prefer usable things, like trivits, cookware (yes! Silver holders with pyrex baking dishes in them!), very nice crops, nice picture frames, etc. I don't care whether the trophies are engraved, but prefer good quality or useful things. The treats for the horses are both nice and inexpensive.

It really gets me that not only do they not put the actual show names and dates on the ribbons, but many of the ribbons are so poorly made that they start to fall apart before you get back to the barn to hang them up. I haven't won a class in a long time so any trophy would be welcome, but hey, I can't even enjoy my pretty purple and green ribbons because they fall apart.

[Snowbird]

Check the backs on those ribbons and PT me privately so I know which company to avoid PLEASE!

[Diva98]

A little off topic, but what do you adults do with your ribbons now? When I was a kid, I had them lining my bedroom, but now as a 28 year old single woman, I can't bring myself to hang them over my bed. So I have a large basket full of ribbons that I do nothing with. I would love to hear what any of you guys do.

[Madison]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Diva98:
A little off topic, but what do you adults do with your ribbons now? When I was a kid, I had them lining my bedroom, but now as a 28 year old single woman, I can't bring myself to hang them over my bed. So I have a large basket full of ribbons that I do nothing with. I would love to hear what any of you guys do. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good question - and I haven't yet come up with a good answer. Last year I did string up all my firsts, seconds and Ch/Res. ribbons in my home office, but this year I haven't put up a single one. They are all in a huge pile in the corner of my home office. I just haven't been able to think of any way to put them up in a way that doesn't look sloppy/messy. So if someone has any great creative ideas, I'd love to hear it too!

[Snowbird]

Well if it's not an apartment but your house I can suggest what we did. I took all the ribbons and laminated them with wall varnish to the wall like wall paper. If it's temporary then get a piece of plywood fasten it to the wall and do your laminating so that it's removable to go with you.

I included covers from the Chronicle and some favorite show pictures to make a whole collage.Makes a great conversation piece and not nearly as tacky as pulling out the Album.

One of the disappointments of my life was I wanted to make a wall in our viewing room of all ribbons won. Unfortunately when we had our barn fire we lost all the blues and Champion Ribbons and all the trophies. Well you just can't make much of a show wall without any blue or champions so they sit in the attic in boxes.

[Nickelodian]

I still hang all of my year ends and ch/res ribbons in my home office. It's pretty much the horse room though, b/c it also has all of my jumping pictures up on a bookshelf. The class ribbons go in a box.

[Other]

Snowbird-that sounds really fabulous but I'm having a hard time picturing what it actually looks like (or how the ribbons stay up!). Any chance you could be conned into taking a picture??

For the rest of you...ribbon quilts are always a classy way to go. You get to use all your favorite ribbons/ones with the best memories attached to them and you can work with the quilter to make a color scheme that matches your living room...and then have a throw you can be proud to drape on your couch! Great conversation pieces, too.

[Merry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by larosa90:
Worst: One (yes just one) napkin ring for winning the 11 & under equitation on the flat. If I had also won the OF I would have had a set of 2. To get enough for dinner for 6 I would have had to win the 12-14 eqs and the 15-17s too!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif
My, how quaint! Ah, "Table for one, right this way..."

<span class="ev_code_RED">Chef:</span> a couple of years back a rather large local show gave out Beanie Babies to first. Fortunately, Halloween was just around the corner, so I plunked them into the bags of worthy trick-or-treaters. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Remember the tale about the lady assigned to get monogrammed "coolers" for the show champions? A non-horsey person, she literally went out and bought COOLERS-- as in Igloo ice chest coolers-- and then stenciled the horse show name on the front! Ya' know, if it was stocked with beer, wine coolers or Coca-Cola, it's not such a bad idea!

[Diva98]

Thanks for the ideas of what to do with the ribbons. I love winning them, but then I just feel bad for doing nothing with them. Some are still all scrunched up in the back of my car!

Snowbird, I too would love to see what your wall of ribbons looks like - sounds cool.

[Snowbird]

Unfortunately, I had to leave my wall behind in my house in West Orange because I wasn't smart enough then to put it on plywood.

But if you use wet varnish (like the stuff they use to finish wood furniture) the ribbons stick and then when you're done you varnish over the top so it sort of like a laminating in 3D. How you put the wall together is where your artistic expression comes in.

I thought of those wonderful fences in old sections of Europe where they have posters for all sorts of events glued to the fences. Some very old behind and others in the front and sometimes just pieces and parts visible.

The varnish makes a good finish for dusting because it's slick.

[Magnolia]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>One (yes just one) napkin ring for winning the 11 & under equitation on the flat. If I had also won the OF I would have had a set of 2. To get enough for dinner for 6 I would have had to win the 12-14 eqs and the 15-17s too!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif We could match it with my dessert plate and make a ribbon napkin.

[Magnolia]

Honestly, a cool prize would be a photo from the show of me riding (well, not me in particular, but the winner could get a pic of themself). Perhaps a certificate to redeem with the photographer. I'm sure they could get a discount and everyone seems to like a nice pic. And you could put it in all the frames you won earlier!

[KC]

At the shows run by volunteers or private barns (not big horse show corporations), I take a picture of the ribbons on my horse and then quietly return them to the secretary's stand so they may be re-used. I have the picture as a memory and hope I help keep some costs down for the show management.

With the ribbons I did have, I gave them to some horse-crazy little girls to play with.
-------------------

[Magnolia]

KC-
How about the prize being a pro-shot of your horse with ribbons? Maybe a nice 8x10?

[PlusTax]

Worst- I got a luggage tag for getting champion in the junior hunters. Now if I lose my luggage at least everyone in the lost luggage department will know that I'm a member of WTHJA http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

best- gift certificates to the tack store. I spent them all that day! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif
At my first real horse show ever I was champion in the cross rails division and I got a giant stuffed Eeyore that was seriously bigger than me at the time. I still have it!

[Diva98]

KC - I have been known to return my ribbons at smaller schooling shows as well. I know that they can be pretty pricey!

Okay, off topic again, but I want to tell a really funny story about the first ribbon I got on the horse I own know. I got her as a 2 year old and did all of the riding and training myself, with the help of my wonderful trainer. The first show I took her to as a 3 year old was a local B show and I was able to enter in the short stirrup warmup, because it was open to all ages. So, my mare and I trot nicely around the tiny cross rail course and we end up 2nd in the class. So exciting! I run up to the ribbons stand where a little girl, probably 8, is trying to claim my ribbon. Mind you, I was 25 at the time. Before I can stop myself, I exclaim, "No! That's my ribbon!" Both the ribbon lady, kid and her mother look at me like I am an insane, ribbon crazy lady and I leave the tent in shame.

Of course, I sent one of the kids from my barn to pick up my red ribbon later. I wanted that ribbon!

I guess to take this back on topic ... it just goes to show that getting shiny ribbons never gets old. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sorry for the rambling, it's been a long day at the office.

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KC:
With the ribbons I did have, I gave them to some horse-crazy little girls to play with. [QUOTE]

i've done that, too! reminded me of how wide-eyed and proud i know i was when i won them...glad i am not so cynnical that i don't appreciate them...hell, i <span class="ev_code_RED">revere</span> the two red, single cut ribbons from my first "horse show" where i took lessons as a kid http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Teach]

Magnolia, Our hunt club does a variaton of the photo award. We happen to have on our Board of Directors a man who owns a chain of very successful photo/camera stores, including one in the town where our big rated show is held. When we know who's going to be recieving the Ch. prizes, he goes out & gets a nice shot of them with his digital (pro-quality, of course), whips over to his store & prints the picture out in an appropriate size. The photo is then put into a nice engraved frame for presentation, so that when the winner gets their tricolor, they also get a frame plus a picture of them riding their horse on the day. I think it's a nice thing, especially as I never remember to bring a camera or take pictures when we're showing!

[Release First]

Anyone remember the FABULOUS trophies that Dick Collins used to give out at the Pebble Beach Summer Show. Some of those were antique silver. Ah, for the old days.

One of our favorite shows to laugh over was the Santa Barbara Turkey show where they gave out huge, glass objects (fish etc.) Not only were they not very attractive but they were big, heavy, and fragile. The turkey show has also given out some great gear bags, coat bags, boot bags, and saddle pads etc.

[Xanthoria]

I won a Dick Collins $10,000 solid silver trophy this year! OK, I don't get to keep it, not even for a year, but my name's on it. Verrrry nice. Weee!

[findeight]

Time to remind everyone of the glorious prizes at a Regional Arabian Championship show at Pomona fairgrounds circa '74 or so.

We pulled in...pouring rain and cold..and saw the trophy display and KNEW we were doomed to win...and we did...KING TUT TRIVETS http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Merry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by findeight:
We pulled in...pouring rain and cold..and saw the trophy display and KNEW we were doomed to win...and we did...KING TUT TRIVETS <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif
Oh, how glorious!

Speaking of turkey shows... At one of the big wingding local shows at our equestrian park in November, they literally give a TURKEY (frozen, of course)to the winner of each class. Nice thing is, if you win several, you can donate them to the local senior citizen food bank.

[findeight]

And put the gravy ladle on a King Tut Trivet.

[Tollriffic]

Best was probably the hand made saddle pad.

Worst was a tie between the 20 picture frames I won one weekend or the little key chains that neighed.

[Bumpkin]

This is indeed very sad.
Coming back into the horse thing, I was shocked and amazed at the tacky ugly prizes I have seen at the local big A shows.
And just to put the money where my mouth is, I would gladly volunteer to shop for some decent prizes for these shows.
I have no money to donate, but I am great at finding tasteful prizes at a good price.

[Coreene]

Geez, remember when you'd do a local or county show and they'd have a trailer as "high point"??? Or saddles? Dang.

[findeight]

Crappy little show I was Champion at..you know, no shade, dust, heat, flys, stinky rent a johns, bad food, 50 in your class, 40 of whom could not find the gate much less a distance...nicest silver plates I ever got.
Come to think of it, I have 3 sets of nice silver and a framed photo of moi with the class sponser in a silver frame from 3 God awful shows.

Couple of 6 inch tri colors and UGLY pottery or a "gift certificate" which means bucks off the bill from fancy AA rateds..where the photographer doesn't even do the Classic.

What's wrong with this picture????????????????

[Foxygrl516]

I usually post on the eventing or hunting forums, but I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. At our horse trials, they usually give like a 50lb bag of feed and a groom kit to first place, and a saddle pad and a groom kit to 2nd place. (atleast at the shows I've been to.) That's really nice.

I grew up showing ASB's, and (like was mentioned on the first page of this thread) they gave GREAT prizes!!! In the Academy (non-horseowners) Divisions, every winner got either a show t-shirt, a duffle bag, really nice pic frame with engraved plate, etc. In the "suit" divisions (performance classes, etc) They gave saddle pads, coolers, trophies, LOTS of silver tea sets, etc. They had great prizes. Oh, and Embroidered Director's chairs seemed to be the favorite winner's prize. Those were always nice.

[Jodigurl]

What a crack up!!! I am really enjoying reading all your posts.

About the ribbons - I finally tossed mine out! *gasp* My mom threw away all the ones I earned in the 70's *another gasp*. Since then they really haven't had the names of the shows put on them and I miss that.

How come I can have a visor embroidered with my daughter's horses name and picture on it for less than $15.00 but they can't silk screen (or whatever they do) the name of the show on a ribbon?

The picture idea is really great too! Especially if you are Champion that day or High point. Then we would have something to put into all the silly picture frames we already have!!! LOL

Keep posting, this is very entertaining.

[findeight]

But the solid sterling champagne bucket I won for Younger Ammie (boy that was a long time ago)Champion Trail at a Santa Barbara still graces my china cabinet with Mom's china..as do those 3 silver trays and a few Mint Julip cups from the late Cincy show. I lost the win pic from the Santa Barbara show over the years..with Caroline Vogt (Les's ex) in a beautiful skirt and jacket presenting..WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WIN PICTURES? I'd buy every one of them. I have exactly four for to show for 37 years. One from the crappy show with the sponser in a nice silver frame..that was the show in Mass. at Myopia where the hurricane blew the sponser's tent over during my round. We are drenched but, by God, it's the ONLY win picture I have ever gotten from H/J.
I still have the Texas State Champ pic in Western Riding, and the buckle. Win pic from the San Antonio and Houston Stock shows.
Somehow I thought the rarefied world of the H/J would yield better....NOT.

I have, like, 10 saddle pads, assorted grooming halters(those were year end awards)and even 2 sweat scapers-the good kind with the handle and rubber edge- and a lead rope, and leave them at the trainer's..certainly not fit to display on the wall at home. From A and AA shows.

You think a grand a week to show against some of the best in the nation would get you something better then ugly pottery.
I WANT SILVER...and a POSED win picture.

[Merry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Coreene:
Geez, remember when you'd do a local or county show and they'd have a trailer as "high point"??? Or saddles? Dang. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
No kidding! At our town's non-rated charity show there were Pessoa bridles for division high points and yes, a two-horse trailer for the high point horse/rider of both days.

At an annual non-rated show north of L.A. it's a tradition for the winner of western pleasure, ladies to ride, to win a pair of diamond stud earrings!

Of course, if we're talking about large, multi-day shows, then I realize how difficult it'd be to get 120 pair of diamond earrings. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

You know, at the county show at the Oaks last weekend, where we all loved the horsey-themed prizes, I mentioned to the management how thrilled everyone was with the awards. The response?

<span class="ev_code_RED">"Don't expect them next time. The only reason we have those awards is because OUR MUGS didn't arrive in time."</span>

Oh, the horrors! I would've ended up with 4 coffee mugs! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Just My Style]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WIN PICTURES? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't know. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I remember getting a win picture from being champion at Monmouth in Short Stirrup in 1983.

[Sing Mia Song]

Yeah, I've got a ton of ribbons from my ventures as a junior, but now, as an older amateur, every ribbon is precious!

I went to my first show in 6 or 7 years last month and Stanley got a 6th in the crossrails. I've never been so pleased over a green ribbon!

[Magnolia]

I remember meeting a QH girl in college. She had those nice arial half chaps - she said she won them for like, 3rd or 4th place. She had also won saddles and other things. I figured she must have been the "top" person out there. Turns out she just did local stuff - no Congress or what not! And was disappointed she didn't win the trailer for the year end awards!

Then, we had team pennings at our barn - $1000's in prize money! And just local people competed.

Of course, our barn's best rider's big prize was to win a cooler and big ribbon for 40 weekends of showing..... really sad, eh?

But at least we never saw a king tut trivet

[VivaDusty]

I was national champion in the Marshall and Sterling a couple of years ago and they gave me a rain jacket monogrammed, which is pretty nice and comes in handy and i am greatful for, but for all the money in show fees, they could award something much nicer.

There is a show in Canada, Collingwood, which for the children jumpers alone gives out for the high point rider in two weeks a roots varsity leather jacket, bags, ect. Canada, from my expirence, seems to award better prizes. Come on Americans, STEP UP! lol jkjk http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Dancing Lawn]

And Collingwood is just coming up, in another couple of weeks!!! See you all there! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

At a small western show held at the barn I boarded at, oh, maybe 20 years ago now, they gave out really cheesy lamps, with ceramic horses on the base. The same rider kept winning everything, ended up with several horse lamps, no two the same.

[gillenwaterfarm]

Regarding the mugs...

I still have my first blue ribbon with the horse I delivered, raised, started and finished.

I also still have the first mug that went with that ribbon. And use it every day with my morning coffee. If that mug ever broke, I'd be heartbroken.

But that said, I've recieved some great wine glasses from dinky local shows. The best were these engraved, delicate champaigne flutes...I won two of those, and later used them as the bride and groom champaigne flutes in my wedding.

[Snowbird]

I'm so glad you posted that because we have been considering adding glass to our luncheon sets and I couldn't make up my mind between wine glasses or beer mugs.

[Ensigne]

Nice glassware (we give different styles every year--this year was foots pilsners with etched logo/show on it--$13 each) is better than silver stuff!

I'd rather throw the dusty glasses into the dishwasher than have to spend hours polishing silver!

[blaze2882]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by momofbeast:
Of course if you all really dislike your trophies and prizes so much, you could switch to eventing, where, if you're lucky, you get a ribbon after a $200 entry fee!!! But the best prize is seeing your dressage score just a tad bit better than the last show, and a wonderful xc ride. After all, don't you ride for the joy and personal improvement!?!?! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No.

I ride for prizes, money, and points.

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[runspotrun]

Best: An hermes saddle. I won a year-end regional medal finals during my junior years, and the prixe was a saddle. That saddle is hard and flat as a pancake, but I still have it. I have a few coolers and dress sheets, which are nice. Also, nice monogramed baby pads or gift certificates are nice.

One of the most fun was a huge bag of treats. While my horses couldn't eat them all, they were a big hit back at the barn.

An ammy at our barn also got a really nice wood grooming box filled with grooming stuff.

Worst: George W Bush bumperstickers. Enough said. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[squeezix]

I have noticed an increase in our "barware" with stable logos on it...but I think its fine. Really, does it matter? I guess if the show is well endowed, it would be nice to see more sterling again...ah, those were the days. Still, my daughter won a leadline "classic" last year and got a huge ribbon, a stuffed horse and a saddle pad. Now, her expectations are a bit skewed.

Snowbird...I used to love all your pewter...still have tons of it. I remember you used to give out little medals for your "mini-medal" class...I think it was a 2'3 medal class and I thought I was COOL!!

[Snowbird]

Thank you for the kind words we do try hard and I must say I am extremely depressed and feel rather like I am under siege where I always enjoyed giving my shows.

The company that made those medals went out of business and we have been looking for a new interesting source. I think it's important and while it isn't always easy we have never given up having something worthwhile for our blue ribbons. The man I got the pewter from had a serious auto accident and went out of the business. I've lost track of him but he was very ill from the accident.

I am grateful for ll the kind people who have gone out of their way to help us. That's why I suggested that many of these complaints could be easily solved with some volunteerism. As to the AA Shows I have no excuse for them but maybe there is one.

[Beezer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by runspotrun:
Worst: George W Bush bumperstickers. Enough said. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh. My. God. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Game over. You win, hands down. I simply don't think I could have ... contained ... myself. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[hippofile]

Best prizes: saddles, bridles, coolers, shirts, grooming supplies, nice ribbons, money (even if I've only won like $3), mugs...I've been pretty fortunate over all.

Best of the best: a Passier Young Champ dressage saddle at a youth competition. It actually fit me! and the horse!

Worst: the flat, non-rosetted ribbons, irritating trinkets that fall apart, nothing.


I don't really mind winning mugs or tshirts. Besides, if I get several of them over the day I try to give them away, usually to my mom and dad or just to the general barn collection. I wish some shows would spend just a little more on the ribbons and upgrade to a nicer product so that it's something that I want to hang onto.

[hoopoe]

runspotrun I agree a totally tacky inappropriate prize.

Snowbird, for a different kind of "medal" consider pottery or ceramic medals.

A local potter made some for our EQ Medal class and they were a real hit. The disc was about the size of an olympic medal and had a small figure of a horse jumping glazed on. It had the show name and year and was representive of her art style, which is now a successful line of pottery.

I treasure mine. It is framed on the wall and the only show ribbon / prize I ever kept.

[Tollriffic]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Worst: George W Bush bumperstickers. Enough said. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats definitely the worse http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Snowbird]

Hey now Tollrific in New Jersey that might be a collectors item and very valuable. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth to see if his teeth are rotten. I'll bet you could sell it on Ebay.

Hoopee if you would PT me with the name of the Manufacturer I would appreciate the information, that sounds really very nice.

[Zig]

i love the 1,000 dollar saddle pad.... ha

[pinkhorse]

My favorite was the watch I bought myself as a gift for having won an event (I'd been drooling over it all weekend). It just needs a battery every so often as opposed to the silver polish for the plate that came free on the same day. (I did the same thing with a t-shirt at another event.)

I have 4 identical lead shanks won at the same event 3 years in a row. (I think the next year they gave out a halter the next year.)

I still use the Thelwell glass mug and ceramic plate I won at a show and an event as a kid.

And what would our househole be without recent horse show glasses and mugs of all shapes and sizes...?

[HuntJumpSC]

Hehe! That's why we started our own little circuit last year and man, is it growing by leaps & bounds! Especially now that word's getting out about the nice year end stuff we gave out (and we're just a schooling circuit!) We had a catered BBQ buffet on the riverbank here at my farm for the awards party. BaileyBFF should really post pics for ya...division Champions got embroidered directors chairs & saddle pads, plus a really nice ribbon, reserve Champions got embroidered saddle pads and ribbons as well! And we gave out a wooden groom tote for the hunter hack winner....
"If you give out nice stuff, they will come" http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif