Speed events

[Boyd R]

I am considering Proposing a three class event at our next region show. 1st a 2 lap, one horse at a time, timed largo race, 2nd a Pole bending class at a Largo, 3rd clover leaf barrels. Gauranteed $1,000 to the top pointe champ of all three classes. If enough entrants possibly money for top three.

Would something like this, if properly advertised, bring in the non show crowd and or add additional entertainment?
Who here would committ to entering? Normal class fees, only one judge.

[CarolU]

Where are Stella and Lynn? There used to be a 'timed' Paso Versatility class where they largoed a pole bending course. Might as well do CPR on what used to be and add it to your show.

Comn' old timers....tell us about it.

[SandyMM]

Must have been while I was 'on vacation'.... ;-)

I like the idea... but gait-judging would be critical to its success....

[motorgypsy]

It would be fun but I have to say it's a lot more fun at a gallop!

Boyd,

The problem would be making sure a horse is penalized EVERY time it breaks gait in the events. Most of the horses at the show did break gait every so often, and I don't mean when you went at a full gallop in the pole bending. Just like most largo races, some competitors break gait and are not penalized, so it doesn't seem fair to the ones who don't. Now if you have a big money pot for the winner, you better have a camera to film the entire class so you can have instant replays and assign penalties or you will have a bunch of very nasty people ranting about why they should have won.

With $1,000 at stake, it isn't a just a fun class anymore. :lol:

[stella]

Here I am, Carol!
Yes Boyd, there used to be an Agility Sweepstakes at Nationals, with $1,000. added to part of the entry fee...it was the very first money class(at that time, Fino was the LEAST popular, and few people showed in it - actually, its STILL the smallest division, it just gets the most marketing!)

You had to do poles timed at the largo...thats all that was timed...then, a figure 8 at the canter or lope, with either a simple or flying lead change, then a jump.

Marelyn, I think Boyd designed the "one at a time" timed largo race, just SO any gait breaks could be caught....kinda the way they used to time Standardbred racers for entering the stud book...

The problem now is, at the regular/National races, some horses arent caught breaking because there's too many to watch, the rider doesnt always hear/see the spotter - how can you watch where you're going with your horse, to ride politely among others, "strategize" your ride, and ALSO see your spotter, midring? Not like they can keep up with you!

An earpiece/walkie talkie thing with spotter would be the only thing that'd work - OR, tape the race as you suggest, and dont declare a winner til the tape is reviewed by the judges....conference style.

[Boyd R]

Yes this would be run like a real class and not a fun class. with a judge. The break in gait and immediate recollection IMO slows a horse down. but yet a 1 second penaltly would still be applied. If a horse broke gait (into a gait above a largo) for more than 3 strides it would be disqualified. Breaking gait in the turn would be allowed but a 1 second penalty again. The problem with judgeing fun events, even the Nationals Largo race, is that it is a fun event and not taken seriously. All the rules in the world won't make it fair as long as it is for fun.

I think advertising the event would be Key. And serious competitors would get their horses ready for it. If we get serious about other disciplines in our shows and people train their horses for them the doors for marketing our horses will open. If our regions offer the classes, Advertise them and get sponsorship to offer Money to the winners. So that it gets serious. The numbers in the classes rise and become a money maker. Then the National Association will want them included.

And Nancy I agree a full run would be best but as a start more participants would be willing to do the Largo. Actual show participants would be willing to bring their show horse into the event at last minute. Plus you don't want someone getting hurt that gets money hungry and never ran barrels before.

Marelyn Now when did I break into a full gallop on the poles? Two and I did not finish because we took down one. I figure Porcy hopped a few times but not sure. My poor memory and all. Now Porcy after a couple arguements in barrels we disqualified ourselves and exited at a full run. Shoot we had to let Alex beat us in something. Didn't want Nito giving her to hard of a time about letting a painted pony beat her. ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)

[cowboy ed]

i think if you are doing speed events, then it should be ok to canter or gallop. after all, we are talking about versatility here, right? if your horse can largo faster than it can gallop, then by all means, largo.
the idea behind speed events is to go fast, so you shouldnt penalize those who want to run.

it would be like saying, "hey, lets all go to the swimming pool, but nobody can get in the water!"

:D

[Heidi]

...it would be like saying, "hey, lets all go to the swimming pool, but nobody can get in the water!"
:D
Nah, I think it would be more like: "Lets all go to the swimming pool, but you can only swim with your feet and must keep your hands clasped behind your back!"

[Fuego]

I feel the same as Ed, personally.

But keeping the speed events at a largo , may be better for getting participation initially. Which is the key to having these events offered at future shows. I doubt it would take long for the speed events to became actual running events if routinely offered. Offering timed largo events would at least be step in the right direction.

Alot of Paso owners simply never canter/gallop their horses for various reasons (especially if they have a fast largo).

Either way, I wish you success Boyd.

[Boyd R]

Fuego, That is absolutly correct. This would be a stepping stone to the future. Get people involved and training their horses into the discipline. when the participants are of sufficient number and skill then Bring the event full circle. But even then I think keeping a class for largo would still be advantages to those that want to keep it Safe, or breed discriptive, or want to have fun with their show horse without breaking normal training regiment.

But As Usual still no one making a commitment to open the door. There is no need to offer this class event without horses and riders committed to it.

[Mellifluous]

Count me and Phoebe in. We would prefer to hit the course wide open, but will do the gait thing too. ;-)