The 'proposal' was that 'small' breeders should exhibit in one ring to win the honour of competing in the other ring where the 'big' breeders would be showing. In effect a qualifying round. Sure rosettes would be given in the 'small' breeders ring but the 'real' rosettes would be awarded to the alpacas in the 'big' breeders ring.
As far as I know there was no criteria agreed on as to what constituted a 'small' breeder. Anyone under 4 foot six perhaps? Perhaps there was a weight cut off point....8 stone soaking wet maybe?
In either case I am a mighty large breeder!
Anyway when I read the proposal I was to say the least a little bit incensed. In fact I was fuming, you may have noticed if you read this drivel.
I might also point out at this point that the SWAG spring show is not really a 'little' local show for us numpties in the south west. No siree, the SWAG spring show is one of the largest shows in Europe. Someone will probably correct me but I'm sure there were over 400 entries in this years show. In fact I know there were because the mighty Patou were there.. Not only there but winning rosettes.............in the main ring...........in the same ring as the big breeders..........well bugger me.........we are small breeders and we can do it....................... and we didn't do as well as the mighty Amiryck Alpacas and they are smaller than us, just!
Anyway the point of this blog is to say that I have received news from Di Davies who works endlessly for the cause down here in the SWAG area, organising not only the SWAG show but the Royal Bath and West Show as well. I really don't know how she does it. She is a superstar around these parts, no question. I don't know if either show would ever happen without Di. I doubt it. In fact they wouldn't happen that is how important Di is, she makes it all happen.
Anyway, I sent an e-mail to Di expressing my views and those of the blog readers. The result is that the proposal came from one or more 'small' breeders and that the proposal has now been removed from the agenda. In other words we will all compete on a level playing field at the SWAG show.
Fantastic news and many, many thanks to all those who commented about the 'proposal'.
People power and common sense strikes!
3 comments:
It is very frustrating, but no matter which country you are in, there is always politics in the show ring.
Good luck with your shows
Sounds like a good idea....Im pleased that there is a little bit of normality shining through...why cant we all be treated the same no matter what size !.......maybe the Mighty Patou is just TOO Mighty !!...... Jayne
Well done Mark, for making them see sense.
At the end of the day it is not the size of the herd it is the quality of the animals that matter.
Sarah and Perry
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