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 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
  
| I am looking for some input and advice to rejuvenate my motivation to put on horse shows.
Last year I took on the position to be an NBHA director for my district. I probably shouldn’t post this here, because I am sure someone will see it, but I need a place to get some input and opinions from other directors.
First off, this year was a great year as far as numbers go. Before I took the position our NBHA was kind of dyeing out and a lot of people had a lot of sour feelings. In my ignorance, I took over and decided we were going to put on the largest number of shows that we could sanction-and our district was specifically going to host and “put on” half (so that would be nine shows) of these shows so that our club could make money and have some awards.
Well-we started small with just about 30 riders in our open class-and half way through the season we started pulling fairly large crowds that have started to pull larger crowds than our local IBRA shows. We have had over 70 riders the past six shows we have had. One of them we actually started to run out of parking and ended up having one of the best shows this particular facility had ever had.
So all that sounds great, but here is why I am sour. My husband and I have worked our butts off at all of these shows. First one to get there, last ones to leave-and all the work is almost exhausting. One show we couldn’t even bring our horses because we had to make sure that all jobs were covered from dragging to time keeping and posting draws (my usual job). Heck there were even a few shows where I had my horses at and I was struggling to water my own horses!
And we did all of this-for free as all the money made goes into the club account for awards. Half way through the season my horse got hurt-so there has been nothing fun about these shows that I have to go to-because we are putting them on for the club.
We recently just had our state show, and although I enjoyed myself, there were some people who were rudely talking about how they don’t like my husband and they never have. Now I know that my husband has a pretty blunt personality, but I do not appreciate or enjoy people running their mouths about him as I consider that a personal attack towards me, as I love him, and regardless of his blunt personality he means the world to me and has given away his time so freely for the club-dragging at shows and helping me with anything I need help with for the sake of the dang club.
I am soured out on all the hard work we have done, and having to deal with people who “don’t have time to help” and people who want to talk trash. I simply don’t have time for that. Why would I work my tail off for those kinds of people that don’t appreciate it?
So directors-what do you do to make the job worth your while? Should I stick with it for another year? Or just take a step back and let someone else take the reins? My husband wants me to stick with it-and I did receive one compliment from someone saying our state show was such a success because our particular district was such a success. But I would also be totally happy taking some time to go to bigger shows and doing whatever I want! I hate being sour about it, but I am. |
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 Lived to tell about it and will never do it again
Posts: 5409
 
| You just have to come to the realization that it is a thankless job. If you decide to do it again know that you are just doing it out of the kindness of your heart for the good of the club.
I haven't ever been an NBHA director, nor would I but Hubby and I have lead some other associations. I can guarantee that the onew doing the most complaining will be the ones doing the least amount of help!!!!! Thats just a fact. We did it for our kids because our parents did it for us.
With that said I will be the first to admit that one of the reasons I don't belong to any barrel assoc. anymore is because we put on several team ropings a year and when I go to run barrels I am going to relax and enjoy myself for a change because we work our tails off at the ropings. I wouldn't feel right not helping if I was a member.
Good luck with your decision
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IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| I appreciate all the input thus far. It is very much a thankless job, and I am a teacher too which is also a thankless job. But at least my students are greatful and sweet.
SOme of my members are greatful and sweet...
I had some awesome ideas to put into place too. We have tripled the money in our account, so at this last show we were going to put on I was hoping to find three people to work concessions so that all money raised could go to our Youth for Youth world to help cover the cost for those going.
Needless to say-I couldn't find enough people to commit. I am already time keeping and my husband is already dragging so we can't be in two places at once. Good news is a local 4-H club jumped at the chance to take over the concessions to raise money for their club. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | It's a thankless job. You do it for love of the sport and no other reason, for sure. It probably will not be any easier next year.
We got a new director this year and she has done a great job. I have tried to compliment her and thank her, but the reality is she is working her butt off without a lot of help and is kinda done. She has already told us she is resigning at the end of this year. Can't say that I blame her. I'm one of the moochers these days. My young daughter is usually with me, mostly with her own horse that I have to saddle and supervise her riding, and I feel run ragged just doing what I have to do. I feel guilty, but don't see that changing soon.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Can you ban the negative nellies from the membership? What are the rules regarding disrespectful, abusive people, I would research these rules |
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IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| You guys are so motivating.
Reading all of this makes me think....screw next year!
Anyways, not sure if I could ban them or not...I am really good at keeping all my feelings inside and not really sharing how I feel. Not the best way to go about it. I try to model what I expect and lead by example, and hope that others see that and follow suit. I don't know if banning anyone would really get anything accomplished other than fire a bunch of people up. And then that is one more thing for me to keep track of ;-)
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 Don't Ask Me
Posts: 4077
| i was a state rep of another organization for 8 years..i helped our state grow from 26 members and a few shows to a very large amount of members and arenas
my hubby, son and i put our time in for free-- and lots of added money..
MY POINT...dont prolong it as long as i did to help anyone out..if your not happy.
you will never make everyone happy..
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I have no motivation here...
I went through this for a few years through a different organization. I worked my butt off and never got much thanks. And we started this organization and it became a hit right out of the gate. We have more money than most similar organizations because of the events, prizes, etc we put on which my friend and I did.
I tried posting for help, tries delegating, etc... none of it worked. They constantly talked poorly of others and was such a drama fest. They tried kicking people out that they didnt like but I told them they have to have valid reasons. It was a bunch of guys fighting over the tractor. lol But then I found them all talking trash about me and I just walked away.
I'm not gonna put in hours and hours of my time all year and countless days and money and whatever else to provide for selfish members.
I am sorry you're going through this, it was really hard for me as I felt this organization was my baby but it was the right thing to do. |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | magic gunsmoke - 2014-09-23 8:05 PM
You guys are so motivating.
Reading all of this makes me think....screw next year!
Anyways, not sure if I could ban them or not...I am really good at keeping all my feelings inside and not really sharing how I feel. Not the best way to go about it. I try to model what I expect and lead by example, and hope that others see that and follow suit. I don't know if banning anyone would really get anything accomplished other than fire a bunch of people up. And then that is one more thing for me to keep track of ;-)
A nice throat punch would be very satisfying. |
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IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| So then...how does one step down from this? What is the best way to announce this?
I feel bad, I just had a bunch of people join the club because it was going so well. But then I really just want to puke when I think of putting on another horse show. |
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IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| Three 4 Luck - 2014-09-23 9:30 PM
magic gunsmoke - 2014-09-23 8:05 PM
You guys are so motivating.
Reading all of this makes me think....screw next year!
Anyways, not sure if I could ban them or not...I am really good at keeping all my feelings inside and not really sharing how I feel. Not the best way to go about it. I try to model what I expect and lead by example, and hope that others see that and follow suit. I don't know if banning anyone would really get anything accomplished other than fire a bunch of people up. And then that is one more thing for me to keep track of ;-)
A nice throat punch would be very satisfying.
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 Veteran
Posts: 288
| So i went through similar last year. Had problems due to things out of my control and was trashed and bashed all over. When I handed a gal her check, excitedly thanked her for coming and asked for some constructive criticism to make improvements, she looked me dead in the eye and said it was all great. Then didn't even wait until she got all the way home immediately after saying this to bash me on Facebook. I took this year off and every time someone asked why I told them because of @ssholes like that woman. I also made my disgust very clear about the fact that none of those busy body b!tches stepped up to produce a race or help out. I got an apology from one of them and the rest shut their yappers. I also got folks coming out of the woodwork saying they really wanted me to do them this year. Stand up to those jerk and call them out on their BS! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | It never ceases to amaze me how people will complain about the stupidest things rather then being grateful to those going to so much work to put on a run. I will say though, there are probably more people in your group that are really happy-they just aren't the ones making the noise. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| magic gunsmoke - 2014-09-23 8:32 PM
So then...how does one step down from this? What is the best way to announce this?
I feel bad, I just had a bunch of people join the club because it was going so well. But then I really just want to puke when I think of putting on another horse show.
I wrote a letter of resignation... I am still a "member" but I am not longer involved. My letter was fairly short and sweet but also stated why I left. |
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 Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | If you have a fb page for you district you could put it on there that you are stepping down next year and looking for a replacement or send out a mass email. Our district director did that at the end of this year.
I put on barrel races as well and I took this year off to focus on myself and my horses. I told people that if I put these barrel races on I wanted it to be a group effort. We were all to work together so we could have a place to run since there are not many local barrel races. Well that turned into me, my husband, and my intern doing it all. We could hardly find someone to run out and put a darn barrel up even if someone was sitting right there! Or parents, boyfriends, etc just sitting around doing absolutely nothing. Now I would say that is fine at most barrel races but I specifically told people the only way I would put the runs on was if everyone helped out because I had horses to run too and the reason I was doing this was to have a local place to haul to. Well no one did so I stopped putting them on this year. I was the same as you and many times hauled my horses in but never did even enter them because I was just too busy putting the run on.
Edited by Just Bring It 2014-09-24 8:07 AM
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  Desert Diva
Posts: 4946
Location: The birthplace of Honest Abe | I never made to any of your shows as I destroyed my knee this summer, but I followed your progress and saw how you brought more and more people to them. I thought you were doing an awesome job. AS for getting help, when I belonged to NBHA else where we had a rule that in order to get awards, you must work the shows. If that doesnt work, we also had one that paid people to set barrels and what not. Maybe offer one free entry to work the show or something like that. |
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | I personally don't volunteer unless I know and like the people. My family and I would go to saddle club shows and would work all day, the only time I didn't work was during the games so I could show my horse. By the time games came around I was so done with everyone I scratched half of my classes. It's 100% thankless and nevermind the fact that my parents (that don't ride and don't owe anything to those clubs) would work their tails off all day and get screamed at for crap that didn't matter. People would gripe and moan about the work we or any other volunteers did while they sat in their lawn chairs and drank all day. It was so stupid and still frustrates me to this day.
Something our NBHA did back home was requiring volunteering for members. during the course of the show year everyone who was a member they had to volunteer for one whole show, whether they volunteered for a whole one right away, or for a divided show. Unfortunately some got away with lying and some whined the whole time about how stupid it was and they were pretty pointless, but it forced everyone to come together as a group and get shows done. They weren't strict about it in the beginning and people got away with not doing it, but the point was if you didn't volunteer, you didn't get your awards and wouldn't qualify to go to the state show. I think it's a great idea! But I also understand if you want to say screw it and do your own thing next year!
ETA: Could you give away a free entry to the people who work extra shows?
Edited by Crowned Image 2014-09-24 8:46 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 432
| I am lucky to get to a barrel race in time to get signed up and make my run. I wish I could help more at my local races, but I have limited time and just want to hang out with my friends that I only see at races, make my run and go home. While I hate extra fees, I think directors should look into the possibility of requiring participates to sign up to work for an hour (or have someone work in their place) or pay a $3 fee or something at each race. Then if there are not enough people signed up use that $3 fee to pay people to work. Or just use club funds to pay people and when everyone asks why there are no year end awards, tell them because no one would help and their award money went to running shows.
Just some thoughts
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| To all of you who put on shows a big THANK YOU!   |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 667
| I put on some shows. Everyone wants you to do all the work and they want to come run and then complain. I firmly believe that until each person tried to put on a show (large or small) they have no idea all the stress, work, and emotions that go into it. I will not complain at a barrel race ever again because I personally know the struggles that it takes to put on one. I tried free training and free gate entry to the people that help but you have to understand that they are there to run their horses too so they may not be able to help the whole time. Most barrel races are social events so people come to hang out and enjoy the race, not work. Its unfortunate. I know that it is a thankless job but I personally want to thank all the producers and anyone else who helps put them on. |
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Veteran
Posts: 238
| This is why you often see grounds fees. I'm not going to complain about a $5 grounds fee if it means I don't have to help. I would charge the grounds fee and then pay a 4H club to do the work, not people who want to barrel race. They can set barrels, run the gate, take entries and even announce. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
| Didn't read all the replies but it is EXACTLY the same in my district.
The director and her husband DO EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. Neither of them ride anymore but couldn't even if they wanted to, they are chained to their desks/mics the whole runs. first to arrive and last to leave. a handful of people help. a larger handful b*tch at every single thing but won't lift a finger to help. It is a thankless job without question. |
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Expert
Posts: 5321
Location: Texas | I put on shows for another organization for 10 years while my kids were small and things were the same. A handful of people doing all the work! I like the idea of members having to work a certain amount of hours to qualify for awards. I thank all the producers out there who are putting on these shows so we have somewhere to run!! It is a lot of thankless work for sure!! Hope you do what is best for you and don't let the negative people decide for you.
Thanks again for all your hard work!! |
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 Popped
Posts: 20421
Location: LuluLand~along I64 Indiana | if the club is making the money off these shows then designate jobs for the club members at each show.
or if there are a small few who are helping then it is completely in your right to make it worth your while and theirs.
also next year cut the number of shows you put on in half. sanction the rest.
being a producer/director is a thankless job. do it because you like to do it and you know you can do a good job at it. |
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Location: not settling | Kudos to you for all of your hard work! Been on the same boat as you. Like everyone else said, thankless job, majority of volunteer positions regarding shows and associations are. The way I see it, you could have stayed on and been unhappy or in a negative situation, or you could pick up and move on to a more positive light- you don't need negativity or unthoughtful people surrounding you! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
| We have an association here that requires each member to volunteer 20 hrs per season to qualify for year end awards. 20 hrs seems like alot to me but maybe you can do something like that at each race? Members need to volunteer 5 hrs per year? You can have sign up sheets for each job.
I give people credit who put on races. I see that its not easy and im not one to complain but it does drive me nuts to hear barrel racers scream at barrel setters, gate people, or announcers. |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | I don't have any advice for you, but that makes me angry that people are saying negative things about your husband. You guys are such great people, it's infuritating when there are some bad apples that have to make every situation as miserable as they are. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| magic gunsmoke - 2014-09-23 6:05 PM
You guys are so motivating.
Reading all of this makes me think....screw next year!
Anyways, not sure if I could ban them or not...I am really good at keeping all my feelings inside and not really sharing how I feel. Not the best way to go about it. I try to model what I expect and lead by example, and hope that others see that and follow suit. I don't know if banning anyone would really get anything accomplished other than fire a bunch of people up. And then that is one more thing for me to keep track of ;-)
Our district makes us all sign up to volunteer for something or we have to pay an extra $5 that day. (It goes into the awards fund- so if I don't want to participate that day, no big deal.) And the volunteer doesn't have to be the member- it can be your S/O, your kids, your friends that tag along, etc. My husband likes to be our gate man and I usually help out with the T/O monies...our director makes cookies as a thank-you for all of the volunteers and hands them out at the end of the race.
I love our director, she is very positive and upbeat- but she is resigning at the end of this year because she has been director for 5 years and is very burnt out about all the complaining, as well. The way I figure it...if people don't like the ground, the tractor guys, the way it's run, etc...then DON'T GO. Complaining doesn't help anything. Bless you for trying to do a good job. Those of us that are just there to have fun really DO appreciate all the work that is put into it. |
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 Regular
Posts: 65
Location: south GA | You will find people with this problem everywhere. I'm one of them. I am secretary of a saddle club, my fiance is president, and friends of ours are VP and treasurer. It's mainly us 4 plus a few board members that keep the show running. We did finally require work hours for those who want their awards. It's definitely helped. We may have three guys swap out dragging at a show and I will have extra help with paperwork in the booth. And those people who bad mouth your show, you can't let the bad seeds bug you, I just shrug them off, because 9 times out of 10 they will cause you a headache all season. Some of them you couldn't make happy no matter how hard you try. |
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IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| Thanks guys for listening to my rant! I do something where people who do work get a ticket, and that ticket equals a free warm up.
Four tickets at a show equal your lowest entry fee dropped. So those that help out a lot really get a lot of benefits! Still-doesn't always work as it is the same people that help.
I like the idea of having people pay a fee for each show they don't want to help at. The problem is if I don't get the help and I have to pay the help, we might as well just not put on any shows and simply sanction them all where someone else makes the money, but that happened last year and our club couldn't afford awards for the second year in a row. We make about $200 to $300 a show when we put them on...our best was $400.
I really do have a lot of people say positive things overall, it just really struck a cord with me to hear people say bad things about my husband. They don't have to like him, but at least keep your mouth shut about it.
I am going to take a step back from it, life is simply too short to dedicate it to others who do not appreciate it and to be near people who don't even like my husband (thats dumb why would I surround myself around people like that every weekend?), especially when there is literally nothing in it for me. I will never go to Open World to show. I can't get the time off work.
I guess for whatever reason, I just thought it would be better than this when I took over. |
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I need an attitude adjustment :( Or motivation?