Live Show Breed Classification Lists

I need to whine about live showing. And I have a hunch I'm not the only one that both loves showing and dislikes disagreements, especially about the Breed Classification List.

What am I talking about? Some shows post a list of what breeds go in what classes, ie. a Breed Classification List. North American Nationals has an example: https://namhsa.org/content/uploads/NAN2021/NAMHSA-Breed-Cross-Ref-Feb-2021.pdf. These lists often clear up questions like "do Friesians belong in the Carriage Breed class?"

Like most hobbyists, I put a lot of effort into my show string. This includes breed choice, documentation, and selecting the class for each horse.

With many class lists, some of my show horses stay home simply because there aren't enough classes. This happens with a class limit of three models per shower, and especially when there's a limit of two models per class.

So here's where I disagreed with a judge about the Breed Classification List at a recent show. (Whining will commence in three, two, one...) I placed my model in a class according to this show's unique and unusual Breed Classification List. I had documentation using the exact wording. Was my model a perfect fit for this? Maybe. Maybe not. That was up to the judge.

But my model did not get judged.

She wrote post it note asking me to move it to a different class.

Ingrid, Knabstrupper Filly

A class where I already had two models. So I could not move it.

In this instance, I chose not to speak with the judge. Why? I could see where she was coming from. Maybe she thought it would place better in the other class. Maybe she was being kind. Also, the class had been judged. There wasn't an opportunity to go back. And I don't like disagreements. I'd rather move on.

As a shower (and occasional show host) I feel that Breed Classification Lists are a useful tool, but only when everyone is on the same page. They should be printed out and available at the show for everyone to refer to.

And if my choice of a breed is a poor one? If my foal is too dainty in bone to grow into the breed type? That's okay. Let me know by judging it. I'm good with that. That's why I'm here.

For all of you who donate your time to hosting and judging live shows, a huge thank you! For all of you who look out for us showers, thank you!

The whining will stop now.

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