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 Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2075
 
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | I have playdayed since the 80's -- from trotting a young horse to winning saddles - sometimes only one or two a year and sometimes help put them on for a club -- can you help me and share your thoughts/opinions? One word or elaborate - I'm Grateful 
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
Edited by txbredbr 2016-02-11 2:38 PM
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
  
| The most successful winter series gymkhana up here charges 10/rider/day
Their turnout is anywhere from 50-100 people per day.
They do 4 events
Under 15 do barrels, poles, stakes, keyhole
Over 15 do barrels poles stakes flags
Classes prepeewee this is lead line
Peewee under 8
Junior 9-14
Intermediate 15-18
Ladies
Men's
Seniors 50+
Novice (cannot run faster then a specific time in any event)
Exhibition for the barrel racers who want to futurity also for the people with multiple horses
These guys do year end awards
I quit going as it is 11/2 hours one way and it became an all day event | |
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Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2075
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | Thank you, cheryl!!! That's helpful. What a drive! That's a good crowd, though.
Edited by txbredbr 2016-02-11 3:01 PM
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas |
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
Exposing a horse to new environments, and if I just want something low-pressure to do for a day. However, if I were competing for year-end awards, attending the qualifying District playdays would be my motivation.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event? $2 for 6 events, $10 flat fee for 4
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday? The District playdays (that count for Finals qualifying and year-end awards) run 6 single events and 3 team events. Regular club playdays usually run either 4 or 6 single events.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards? When I was going regularly, I attended the 4 mandatory District playdays to qualify for year-end awards, but I also liked one-day high-point club playdays too.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some? I was always fine with running all the same events.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event? Yes, I have shown up late to them before. As long as I still ran the majority of events, I was good.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? NO EXHIBITIONS! I hate when playdays have exhibitions because it makes the day drag on even longer. Some people just don't know when to stop and will run 5 exhibitions for each event and it really makes the time add up. I suggest having a limit, like 25 per event, and maybe only 2 per person unless all 25 aren't taken.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? My preference is no exhibitions, but having them before the event is preferred. You definitely get more that way, so will make more money. But it will make your day longer. Sometimes a club will do exhibitions for only barrels and/or poles. No, I don't go just for barrels.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? Definitely drag between events, and as needed during the event. Dragging every five is a little bit of overkill unless the ground is just really terrible.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event? My preference is actually no leadline, LOL, but since that will never happen, I guess I would say get them out of the way at the very beginning of the playday.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? When I was going, I would ride at the District playdays, and occasionally a random club playday. Just depended on where I felt like going :) However, if a club within my district was having an open playday, I would go to that one over another club.
How many people in your family may enter the playday? It used to be me, my mom, my sister, and my niece.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
Edited by Gunner11 2016-02-11 3:11 PM
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Northwest Florida | txbredbr - 2016-02-11 2:28 PM I have playdayed since the 80's -- from trotting a young horse to winning saddles - sometimes only one or two a year and sometimes help put them on for a club -- can you help me and share your thoughts/opinions? One word or elaborate - I'm Grateful
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?) All of the above! I like them because they typically have a little bit of everything and I can get my horse in the arena for ranch riding, hunter, or competitve trail and take their mind off the pattern. I also like it to practice & get the young ones some hauling exposure.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event? I like the ones with $40ish all day fees. You pay one cost to ride all day. If that's not offered I believe $5/class or so is reasonable.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday? Depends on what time you start I guess.. Locally, most clubs start with the rail work stuff around 10am, then speed stuff at 5pm, so if you only want to run you can show up at 5pm and know you wont miss anything.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards? I'd prefer day awards, because I don't like to join the clubs or commit to every show. I never know where I'll run each weekend. Most though are year end to keep your people coming to every show. I think day awards benefit the exhibitor and year end, the club itself.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some? 've only seen ones keep the same show bill all year. I think you would have to if you had year end awards. If doing day awards though, changing it up may help bring people back to every show.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event? I never join or worry about year end awards, so yes.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? Not really, I just don't like it when there are exhibitions that drag out in the middle of a show. I think they should be limited.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? I don't come just to exhibition, but I'd prefer they be prior to the event.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? Yes. I wouldn't run on bad deep ground if it were just a play day. Not worth it.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event? At the beginning of each event. It prevents you from having to set up/take down the same patterns multiple times and saves time.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? I go all over.
How many people in your family may enter the playday? It's only my boyfriend and I.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11493
Location: 31 lengths farms | What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?) Seasoning a horse, having a fun no pressure filled day and still get to work on competing, if my horse has been having issues that we have been working on and it is time to make a run to test our drills not having any entry fee that won't hurt the pocket book too badly if it falls apart.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event? $5-$6
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday? 5-6 depending on the events
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards? Day awards but only because I can't normally get to a series anymore.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some? Switch them up, maybe have 4 events that are standard and 2 rotating ones.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event? Yes.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? No
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? No. and No.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? I think for the safety of all it should at least be drug between events though I've been in situations where I didn't have a rating so ran in the open which was usually the last division run in an event, say barrels, they run Div 1, then Div. 2 etc, thru 7 Divisions and then the Open class. Thankfully my gelding can stand up on just about any type of ground and he also is the kind that I can pull up and cruise thru if the ground is a little sketchy. We know going in that is the situation though and you put up with what you sign up for.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event? I would prefer to do the leadliners either before or after the other events. They usually set them up on a smaller sized pattern and keep it to 3 events for the lead liners.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? Several associations so I can get to any on a weekend that I can actually go.
How many people in your family may enter the playday? Just myself now.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them? Around here the different associations do tend to get a little cliquey shall we say, ie, not very welcoming if you are not a member and there fore do not make it to all the shows. Though the last time I was able to get to a gymkhana on my gelding who is just a fun ride, in the 4d barrel racing world he isn't a super star but he'll do you honest, we had a really good day and he put 6 really goods runs together. He actually tends to like the atmosphere of playdays better anyway but the other the club was very welcoming as a whole too.
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Location: NE Texas | At my stage of getting back into riding I mostly Playday and attend a few local jackpot races as I slowly get better. Here ya go!
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
-The reason I playday over barrel races is the cost and as a general rule barrel races are a bit further than our local playdays so I'd rather enter a playday for $20 and ride in 4-5 events vs spending $40-50 for just one run, plus the cost of gas. However, if my budget allowed I would probably go more. Also, my daughter is newish to riding so we get more bang for our buck at a Playday vs a jackpot. I couldn't imagine paying for an entire family to enter a barrel race every weekend (unless you have a very good chance of winning lol).
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
-This depends. Some clubs have cheaper entry fees, but to be eligible for the year end awards you have to sell $50-$75 in raffle tickets, etc., so their entry fees are lower (usually $3-$5 an event). Also, the $3 to $5 an event clubs usually do not give saddles for high point in each age group. I belong to other clubs where we pay $7-$10 an event, but the year end awards are a lot nicer (usually a saddle and every qualifying member gets a buckle and other goodies). Also to note is that clubs make a lot of money on exhibitions - they usually offer exhibitions in each event for $3 each.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
- 4 to 5 is plenty! especially with exhibitions
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
-Nice year end awards, but a little summin' summin' for high point in each age group is always nice, esp any guests that may come ride that will not be eligible for year end awards...just a little incentive to bring in more riders.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
-Barrels and QH Poles every show, then rotate the other 2 or 3.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
-Possibly, depends on how far away the show is and if I'm trying for points for year end awards like a saddle! :)
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
-No, unless I'm bringing a green horse - otherwise I don't exhibition but a lot of people do and it is gravy $ for the club.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
-Does not matter to me - I've seen both - usually they are before the event though. No I would not come to exhibition unless just to work a horse that was only being patterned for barrels.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
-Yes, of course! Must drag when deep - obviously you don't have to drag during lead-line but as the age groups get more advanced and run harder you have to maintain the ground for safety and fairness for times.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
-I attend a club where they set up all events and do lead-line prior to the start of the Playday for the non-leadline contestants. While I like this so the kids can get home and in bed early, it's difficult to know when to get there if you don't have a leadline - so if you're trying to juggle going to several places in a day (most don't so it's not an issue) it can be frustrating knowing when the actual start time for the "big" kids will be. I will say that after the first show or two I was able to gauge what time the leadline would end so that I could arrive in time to saddle and make the 10 minute open arena time before the big kids started to run - it was just a problem being a new member.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
-Compete or join? Two different things. We joined several last year b/c looking at the schedules at the beginning of the year there were no conflicts. After all the rain and make up dates they were often re-scheduled for the same day for the different clubs so even after paying we didn't meet the criteria for year end awards (so had I known it would of played out like that I would not have wasted the $ to join, my time with work days and selling raffle tickets. Lesson learned. Oftentimes, unless the core members (AKA the club officers) ride in other associations they make very little effort to schedule around one another. I'm now thinking it's easier to just go to the Cowboy Church playdays where you don't have to join, sell raffle tickets or any of that jazz. ;-p
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
-2
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
-Pardon grammatical errors as I made no effort to read back over my rambling thoughts. lol
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Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2075
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | Thank y'all so much for the feedback, so far! It really helps. I am actually asking for a cowboy church -- trying different things each year to get more people to come.
There are no exhibtions (except one time I hit a pole and pleaded for an exhbition to tune my horse). I go to playdays nearby and there are tons of exhbitions, so it seems the majority around here like them.
They give year end awards, but there are 8 shows, so I know not everyone can make 8 shows for that to be an incentive.
It is in a city/county where there are a LOT of horse people and horse events.
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?) Lots of fun, minimal stress(if you don't take yourself too seriously) Something different besides running around 3 barrels and exposure for horse and I.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
Depends on if they have a "jackpot" system in play or not for some classes. Max 5 bucks if it's just the "ribbon" system for all of them. Love those shows that have the flat fee for run all day!
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
Enough to fill the day 4-6 hours MAX, but be done at a reasonable time. If you know you have the majority of the show, or minimal show managers to move the show along... lessen your class load... if you know that everyone pretty much works together, stick a few more fun ones in.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Year end, make everyone work hard and come year-round
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Same classes year round. I want to know what to expect (If I am just showing up out of the blue, then I don't personally care)
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
If the club is welcoming enough.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
If they are managed properly, I don't want to sit there for 3 hours because Eddie Expo-a-lot likes to run the same horse through 20 times.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
Before only, then leave the arena open afterward as a practice for others. if it's permitted by the facility obviously.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
Depends on the amount of entries and previous arena conditions, but each show should be treated the same. I'm not a serious competitor so I owuldn't raise a stink about it unless it was dangerous.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
Run Lead-Liners first if you have the people to handle it. Parents want to run too, they have to get on and off and drag their kid through the arena, that makes for an awfully long day for them.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
I bounce around. but will usually stay loyal for the right club. (little drama, welcoming people, I don't have to worry about getting ran over by crazies)
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
1-3 people, that includes two kids that would be lead-liners/13 and under.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
I LOVE the clubs that are fun, welcoming, and are light on the dramatics. I know some clubs can get clicky and member's that are the most senior can tend to drive out the newbs. I HATE that and I won't participate.
Parking is also an issue for me. I will google map until my fingers bleed to find the club that has ADEQUATE trailer parking, not someones pasture swamp that I have to beg someone with chains and the tractor keys to pull me out of, or 10 trailers park like donkeys and nobody else can get in. MAJOR pet peeve!!
I quoted it because I am LAY-ZEE 
Edited by Crowned Image 2016-02-12 12:18 PM
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 Veteran
Posts: 260
Location: Oregon | I'm part of a group who has put on a summer playday series for years and years and years.
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
All of the above - I used to be more of a gamer/playday rider, now im concentrating more on strictly barrels, but I do still sometimes go to playdays to practice, expose/season horses.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
We charge $5 per event or $25 for all day (5 events) and a $10 office fee to help offset our arena rental fees
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
We run Barrels, Key Race, NSCA Flag Race, Poles and Figure 8. If we have time at the end we'll usually do some silly surprise jackpot event. $1 entry fee, winner takes all. Weve done all sorts of things as the jackpot event such as: box race, birangle (team and individual), pairs barrels, twinkie race. This usually just allows us time to get points finalized and awards figured out.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
We try to do both. We give a high point of the day for each division (pee wee, junior, intermediate, senior, super senior, novice and open) and a high point and reserve high point and sometimes a 3rd overall for the series (must attend 2 of 3 playdays to qualify for series high points)
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
We run the same events other than the jackpot/surprise event
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Yeah
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
No
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
personally, no.. but yes, we have had some people come strictly for the barrels
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
we rake every 5 riders, sometimes hand rake, sometimes with a quad and drag. We have the arena owners do a big rake before we start and at lunch. Never had issues with footing
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
We have lead-liners only do barrels and key race.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
Both
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Whoever wants to...
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Veteran
Posts: 227
Location: Heart of Texas | What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
Great for seasoning and super great for younger kids! Loved them growing up!
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event? $5 per event
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday? Depends. We always had barrels, poles, goats, flags, calf dobbing, sheep and steer riding.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards? Year end awards are way more fun for the youth. Day money is good for the parents only lol
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some? same events for year end awards
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event? absolutely
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? no exhibitions
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? again none
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? mostly for barrels and poles
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event? lead line prior
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? usually one or two
How many people in your family may enter the playday? we had age groups <8, 9-12, 13-18, 19 and over so it could be a family event and usually the kids at these are just starting out so it gives a very level playing field
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them? usually they are a lot more lax than jackpots and such but you know what you're getting when you go. It's about kids. Not parents. And this isn't the NFR. So bring your best attitude and leave the poor sportmanship at home. I think these events make well rounded cowboys and cowgirls. | |
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 Blaines and Beauty
Posts: 1431
| txbredbr - 2016-02-11 2:28 PM
I have playdayed since the 80's -- from trotting a young horse to winning saddles - sometimes only one or two a year and sometimes help put them on for a club -- can you help me and share your thoughts/opinions? One word or elaborate - I'm Grateful What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
We have a lot in our area and I take my colts just to get them exposed if I don't have a jackpot or something else to run at. Our entries are $3 per event. They run about 20 events. They give ribbons to the kids each day and series end awards for all groups. They run same events each time but switch up one "fun event" each time. Definitely need exhibitions before the event, that's where most of you money is made and that's why I go when I take my colts. Drags are a must, you still want it to be safe. Leadliners run between exhb and the aged events of each event. That way you don't have to set up, tear down, them set up again. We actually move barrels in for Leadliners or put pop up barrels in a little pattern to make it move faster. My husband and I both usually ride a colt and our little boy rides his ponies. The main thing is for it not to drag out so lots of volunteers and make it fun and safe for everyone. | |
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Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2075
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | FlyinByU - 2016-02-12 10:36 AM txbredbr - 2016-02-11 2:28 PM I have playdayed since the 80's -- from trotting a young horse to winning saddles - sometimes only one or two a year and sometimes help put them on for a club -- can you help me and
We have a lot in our area and I take my colts just to get them exposed if I don't have a jackpot or something else to run at. Our entries are $3 per event. They run about 20 events. They give ribbons to the kids each day and series end awards for all groups. They run same events each time but switch up one "fun event" each time. Definitely need exhibitions before the event, that's where most of you money is made and that's why I go when I take my colts. Drags are a must, you still want it to be safe. Leadliners run between exhb and the aged events of each event. That way you don't have to set up, tear down, them set up again. We actually move barrels in for Leadliners or put pop up barrels in a little pattern to make it move faster. My husband and I both usually ride a colt and our little boy rides his ponies. The main thing is for it not to drag out so lots of volunteers and make it fun and safe for everyone.
Did you really mean they run 20 events in one day? So $60 entry fee per person?
How do they fit that AND exhbitions? | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1261
| txbredbr - 2016-02-11 12:28 PM
I have playdayed since the 80's -- from trotting a young horse to winning saddles - sometimes only one or two a year and sometimes help put them on for a club -- can you help me and share your thoughts/opinions? One word or elaborate - I'm Grateful What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
Well I have one horse that I just recently decided to not continue to run barrels on anymore that will just be a gaming horse but she is a very talented gaming horse. I will be taking her to play day series that are run well ( keep things moving, fair judging, good ground etc) and have nice prizes. And also one association that you compete to have the top ten average speed in and go to compete with the top ten of another state just because that's pretty cool to make the top ten in the whole state. I am also looking for a barrel horse and since I am looking for something young I will be taking it along for seasoning and practice.
Most places I run are anywhere from $2 per run with pre entry to $5.
I think 4-5 events is good but the one association I run does individual events, team events and 4 speed divins plus open and time onlys and there is probably 10 different events. It makes a long day though!!
I will do both those that have nice day prizes and those that have no day prizes but really nice end of series awards.
I do one that's a series of 5 shows and all 5 have the same four events but we all vote at the begging of the year on what they will be so that's kind of fun. The others are always the same.
If a show is run really well and is fun I would still come if I had to miss one. If it's a long long day and I wouldn't have a chance at any prize or it's pretty speedy I probably wouldn't go if I had to miss one.
I like time onlys to be offered especially if I have a young horse to bring along I don't necessarily want to run them in a class or if my finished horse needs some tuning for some reason in a different environment then home.
I prefer time onlys to be after. I haven't brought a horse just for barrels or exhibitions but all the horses I have had have done all the events this is the first time I will be planning to have a horse that is specifically for barrels so that might be something I start doing. Although I would probably just also run my gaming horse if I am hauling there anyway lol. I do see others do it quite a bit.
Yes good ground is important to me! Usually they go every 5-10 riders! One series I regularly do has a lot of begginers and kids so the judge is very good at keeping the show going by saying no we don't need a rake or making sure it gets raked well in the classes where horses are really running and digging.
As a parent I know kids have a hard time waiting all day, they need naps etc. But I wouldn't think it would make sense to set up every single event and run the lead line and pee weed then start the rest. One I do only does lead line in the first few events and they go the end of one class and the beg of the next event. I think that is nice.
I am part of a few associations that I have done for years.
I am the only one of my family that enters right now. My hubby doesn't ride and my son just turned two and I don't think he rides well enough on his own to really do lead line without someone next to him yet. | |
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| What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
These shows are where I started out. I still have many friends that only do these, so it's nice to see them and spend time with them. I have began going to more strictly jackpot events now, but I still may go if I have a free weekend and I want to work on some things with my horse or if I have some youngsters that need to get out.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
Up here it is $3/class per horse. Number fee ranges from $3-5 per horse.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
Our group does anywhere from 8-10 events. Personally I didn't do all of them because I could feel my horse getting tired just after the "main" ones we did. Usually I did 4, sometimes 5 if the show wasnt large.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Year end awards
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Same all year
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Yes
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
No - there wouldn't be time for exhibitions at the ones up here. We have PW, Jr, Int. Sr, Sr+ and all these classes can have anywhere from 10-40 riders.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
n/a
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
Between for sure. The ones up here rarely drag after a class has started....so you may be 26th to run, and 26th on the ground lol. Sometimes they will drag if the class is very large.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
I like when they do all their classes at the beginning of the show.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
There is one large association; and then there are "groups" of clubs that from smaller associations so they can do point shows and year end awards. I go to whatever ones are within driving distance.
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
We all used to (3 of us)
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
Dislike some of the lack of knowledge, as it seems a place for beginners to start. Often times you'll see kids thinking it is okay to hit their horses, be overly aggressive, etc. Dislike the lack of drags since it is too large to drag every 5 like you would at a jackpot.
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota |
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
I like playdays because they are FUN, usually low-key, and let me do a variety of events on my horses. I think a lot of the events help keep their mind fresh. I also grew up doing playdays (rather than rodeos) so it's kind of something I've always done.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
Anything more than $5 per event starts to get steep, as I usually end up doing most or all of the events that day.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
I think it really varies on the show and how many entries you have. At one saddle club, they don't have very many events because they have SO many people who come. They just wouldn't get done in time. And I've been to playdays over the year that were completely finished within 3 hours because not many people came.
I would say that 10-15 events is toward the top end of amount of classes.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Personally, I like MONEY. Day awards are nice and all and I won't turn them down (although sometimes I get awards that I won't ever use...), but with cash back from the events, I can actually put some gas in my truck.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
I typically will do the same events year after year. In my area for the playdays, there really isn't anyone that does a "series". More like they do one show a year. And each show will have different events. However, if they did have repeat shows for points, I would still do the same ones each time.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
I assume you are talking about a series. I'll usually still go anyway. Year-end awards are nice, but they aren't the sole reason I go to the events in the first place (FUN).
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
I like it when exhibition rides are allowed. So if I want to run my good horse, but let my inexperienced horse have an exhibition, then I can do both. I sure don't mind paying the full entry fee price for an exhibition, because I understand they need to keep the show moving.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
You could argue this either way depending on how you have the show set up. Some places will NOT let you make a "practice run" with your exhibition and then compete on the same horse. Some only let the exhibition be for a second horse, or if you weren't going to "actually" enter anyway. If they do allow to do an exhibition on the same horse, then it would make sense to do the exhibition before the event. If you can only do an exhibition on a second horse or a horse you are not competing with, then I think it works best to do them at the end, and not "use up" the ground.
Some shows in my arena will only let you run one horse per event. Others will let you enter as many horses as you want.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
YES. YES. YES. That is actually one reason that in the last couple years I don't like the playdays as much. Most of the ones I go to do NOT even drag the arena between events. Maybe I'm "spoiled" after running at places that drag every 5 runners (or whwatever), but I HATE running on ground that hasn't been drug. Especially when there are 40 people in a speed events, and you draw up at the bottom. Not fair to have to run a the bottom of the ground.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
It would not make sense to have the lead-line do all their events at once at the beginning of the show, because you'd waste too much time setting up each event (barrels, poles, keyhole, etc). They should either go at the beginning or the end of the event, when the course is already set up.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
I go to many.
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
My mom and I have been the only horse people in our family, so we're the only ones that go.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
I like it when the rules are read OUT LOUD before each event so everyone is aware of the rules for that event. It is also helpful to have a rulebook that folks can access themselves. And then to enforce those rules.
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Blaines and Beauty
Posts: 1431
| txbredbr - 2016-02-12 10:56 AM
FlyinByU - 2016-02-12 10:36 AM txbredbr - 2016-02-11 2:28 PM I have playdayed since the 80's -- from trotting a young horse to winning saddles - sometimes only one or two a year and sometimes help put them on for a club -- can you help me and
We have a lot in our area and I take my colts just to get them exposed if I don't have a jackpot or something else to run at. Our entries are $3 per event. They run about 20 events. They give ribbons to the kids each day and series end awards for all groups. They run same events each time but switch up one "fun event" each time. Definitely need exhibitions before the event, that's where most of you money is made and that's why I go when I take my colts. Drags are a must, you still want it to be safe. Leadliners run between exhb and the aged events of each event. That way you don't have to set up, tear down, them set up again. We actually move barrels in for Leadliners or put pop up barrels in a little pattern to make it move faster. My husband and I both usually ride a colt and our little boy rides his ponies. The main thing is for it not to drag out so lots of volunteers and make it fun and safe for everyone.
How do they fit that AND exhbitions?
It's not just speed events here. They do pleasure classes, Reining, hunter under saddle, etc in the first half of show and speed events during the last half. Speed events here are barrels, poles, keyhole, barrel pick up, flags, speed, etc. My husband and I just exhibition colts on barrels and our little boy likes to do a few of the fun events. And I didn't clarify, but they just do exhibition poles and barrels, but it brings in alot of money. We usually spend about $40-$50 for all of us. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1280
Location: Texas |
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
I do it to expose my young horse to the events, the other horses, the chaos. It is a low pressure, and a long day, so its great for a young horse. My old “good” horse loves to playday, but I try to only run 2 events, maybe 3 on him so that he doesn’t get sore. It keeps me in touch with old friends and the family atmosphere is very uplifting.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
we pay $10-$15 for all day (not per event); some playdays have 4 events, some have 6; very few have more than that.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
I like no more than 5 due to the fact that the crowds are large in my area (usually), and it turns into a marathon if there are too many events.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
It doesn’t much matter to me. I don’t do it for the awards per se.
It is hard to give decent day awards and make enough money for
Really nice year end awards. One thing our club tries to do is make sure we give year end awards as far down the line as we can afford to do. We want everyone who qualified (by number of rides) to get a little something, even if they came in 8th place or whatever.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
switch it up; we always run barrels and poles, but we change up the other 2-3 events.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
yes
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? Yes, I want to exhibition a young horse and run the older one in the class. As someone that has organized playdays, I will tell you that the exhibitions pay for the arena rental fee, or those nice year end awards. And yes, it does make for a long day, so we often limit exhibitions to 25 riders or something like that.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after?
We have done it both ways, and people always prefer before the event
Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
yes, these days (since my kids are grown and don’t come to the playdays) I often leave early when I have done just some of the events;
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
drag at the beginning of each event and as needed between classes; we try not to drag in the middle of a class.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
Doesn’t matter to me, but I will tell you that when you run them all together at the beginning of the playday, families with only leadliners will load up and go home after the lead line class. You will lose some of your workers as a result.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
focus on one, but visit other clubs from time to time
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
when my kids were little, 3 of us would enter. My husband was the helper. Now its just me.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
I like it when clubs adjust start times to work around extremely hot days (for example, start at 6pm & ride in the evening, late into the night).
Also, I don’t like if there are more than 6 dates in a series. That’s just me. | |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
I go to expose young horses but also because I like the different events. I also go because it is family oriented and loser cost. Here in MN there are a lot of these events and usually close by.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
we pay $2.50-$5.00 per event plus office fee which is usually $3 to $5.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
We run usually 10 events broken into 5 to 7 age groups. Some classes are open.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
I like both. Its hard to make it to all events so year-end awars can be difficult but I have enjoyed both.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
I usually run the same 2 or 3 but then maybe add another here and there.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
I do my best and dont focus too much on what I have missed. But I am more inclined to plan them if I am able to make them all.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? No.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? At our playdays people can pay the entry fee and choose to exhbition (not get a time) in their same age group/class. There isnt a separate exhibition opporunity.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? Yes.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
I prefer beginning of each event because so they can be apart of the whole show. That was one of my favorite things growing up.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? I compete in mnay.
How many people in your family may enter the playday? Unlimited but each person must ride their own horse. Same horse can only enter each class once regardless of age group.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
I love these organizations. I love to barrel race but I also enjoy a stress-free, inexpensive weekend with my niece who is just getting into it. It is a lot less demanding than taking her to a barrel race and less stressful.
Edited by stayceem 2016-02-12 1:46 PM
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 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV | I have been lucky enough to be part of a very successful small show series for many years.
There is three shows in the series- June, July & Aug. Riders can sign up for end of the series awards in their age division- Jr. (12 & under) Sr. (13-18) Adult (19 & over). However every show has payback in classes of 8 or more.
The show starts at 10 with pee-wee riders (10 & under). 5 classes: 2-contest (any gait), 2 pleasure (walk trot only) and leadline for 5 & under. All kids receive ribbons and a small trophy for first. Entry fee is $3 per class. This is almost always over before 11:30.
There is some open ring time, then we run exhibition at $3 a run. The show starts at 1:00. All, but 2 events, are broken down Jr, Sr, adult & open. We run Texas keyhole (open only), down & back, barrels, poles and stakes (open only).
The barrels and poles are ran in all the divisions then open for both is $50 added + 70% of enteries fees. Stakes is open only and payback is $25 + 70%. We payback all three of these classes regardless of how many run but it is usually 20 or more horses in barrels and poles. Stakes varies in number. $50 added is $10 to enter and $25 added is $8.00 entry.
For the non-added money classes, if there are 8 or more entries the payback is 70% of fees divided by 5 places. Entery fee is $5 for each class.
To enter the series it is $15 and the Res & Champion recieves gifts in the Jr., Sr. and Adult divisions. Belt buckles, halters, blankets and breastcollars are some of the gifts I can think of.
Sadly the tractor at the ring is very old so we usually only drag before the added money classes.
I feel we get a really nice variety of riders. Youth is our foundation but most are tough and it is compitetive especially in the senior division. Adults running sometimes varies but the skill level in all divisions run from the newbies to seasoned riders that just wanted to make some weekend money without hauling far. Same with the horses, all levels. Not your high caliber 1D horses but some nice ones that do well at 4D shows. For the longest time we had sisters that had some very nice horses that would pull in, run the added money classes and leave with some good money. It was close for them.
I grew-up running in this series and now my daughter & son does. She does high school rodeo and some occassional youth D's but Camp Aura will always be home truff to us.
Best part is the food stand too!!!
edited to say...
That is where I am at in my avatar 
Edited by Rolling J 2016-02-12 2:03 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?) I do it to keep my seasaoned horses listening to me (ie: don't turn cause there's a barrel there...listen to my cues) to sason my colt, and for my kids to learn how to handle a speed horse at their level of skill and still have a chance to win something
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event? our associations charge about $30-$40 total for a complete day of events (6-7 total)
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday? We do 6-8...I prefer 6 max
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards? Nice year end awards, little but useful day awards/raffle prizes
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some? We switch them up but always do certain patterns each time (barrels and poles 1 or 2)
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event? not if I was going for year end awards, but for seasoning...sure
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? Depends on what horse I bring
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? we run exhibitions after each level while that pattern is still set
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? for those of use that go fast...yes
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event? we run leadliners before t/o and after the AAA, AA, A, FC, LFC...then leadline, then t/o then pattern change
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? I will compete in as many as I have $$ and time for
How many people in your family may enter the playday? all of us except my husband...except on the Father's Day barrel race. Then he's in with all the other dads.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them? I hate when associations have rules and then don't stick to them or change them in the middle to benefit the board members...like if you bump up out of your time bracket they still place you in the lower division. I am trying to teach my children about rules, their horse's speed, and rate. | |
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Regular
Posts: 51
Location: CA | All of the info I give about the prices, events, ect. is what the association I ride at does, they're the most popular in our area.
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
I do it because it's fun, but the year end awards are a great plus.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
$4.95 for regular, $3.50 for leadline, $3.00 for time only.
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
6-7 events with one fun class where you win a gift card instead of points.
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
I prefer year end, they are always really nice tack and buckles, while the day awards are a nice ribbon w/ a gift card.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Barrels and poles are run at every show, and the other four are mixed up.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Yes.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
No, but sometimes if people have a bad run, they do a time only afterwards.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
Time only runs are at the end of each event before the leadlines.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
I think it would be nice to have it drug in the middle of the day at lunch or something.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
The lead liners are run at the end of each event, they can take a long time, so their pattern is shortened quit a bit I.E. poles is shortened to 4 poles.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
Only one.
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Just me.
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
Having a photographer is really nice.
There's a chinese raffle at every show.
Edited by CHLOE21 2016-02-12 6:31 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 915
Location: SE KS | We have an Association locally in our area, that has Horsemanship, WP, Reining, Goats, Poles, Barrels & Pickup Race. They give out "awards" on fun shows (mainly for the Peewee class) & a small pay back on the other shows, entry fees are anywhere from .50 to a couple of $'s. Classes start with Peewee, Junior, Intermediate, & Senior. There are exhibitions, limit one exhibition per person per class.
What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
I enter as somewhere to go & to take my young horses.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
Depending on the events, probably not more than $5 an event
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
I don't have an opinion of this one, as it varies too greatly!!
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Nice year end awards.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Basically i run the same events
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Yes!
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
I like exhibitions, however I want a limit on them!!
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
Prefer exhibitions before event, I usually come for the whole show.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
At our playdays the arena is drug before the show and that is all, so it doesn't matter either way to me.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
Our playday has leadline at the beginning of each class, but it would probably be considered the Peewee class.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
I do whatever ones are close.
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Just myself
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them? | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 725
| What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?)
Mostly for fun, or if I was working with a young horse that needed to see the sights.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
$5
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
No more then 10
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
Day awards
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Same events, maybe a mystery event that is different at every show.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Yes.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
I would prefer no exhibitions at a play day, Exhibitions are for barrel races imo lol
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels?
I would prefer all the exhibitions at the beginning.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
Depends on how many people, if over 20 yes.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
No preference
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
Many, I would come to an occasional playday, but probably not devote my time to come to the whole series.
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
3-4
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them?
I went to a playday and it was $10/person for 5 events, with 25+ people. All they gave out for awards was ribbons, which was alright, but it would be nice to see some cute awards!
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  Ms. Marine
Posts: 4627
Location: Texas | What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event?
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday?
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards?
- Year end awards for sure. Saddles, buckles, headstalls, breastcollars.
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some?
Poles and barrels every time, and a few others mixed in and rotated.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event?
Yes.
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not?
Only for barrels and poles.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after?
Before.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events?
During. It's a safety hazard for horse and rider otherwise.
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event?
At the beginning of each. Gives me extra time to get ready.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others?
Sometimes go to others.
How many people in your family may enter the playday?
Just myself normally. | |
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Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 2075
Location: Fort Worth / Springtown | Y'all are awesome! Thank you. I see the that the prices and # of events (and kinds) vary greatly across the nation!
The cost around here is around $2 - $5 an event , 5-7 events, some just ribbons for kids and some give hi-point awards for the day.
Someone had a great point about the leadliners giving time to get ready -- and if no exhibitions are offered, either, you don't really have time to get off your horse at some I've been to.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| What reason/s might you enter a playday? (i.e. practicing for your own district or finals? awards? Exposing a horse to something different? Another place to go to season a horse on barrels/poles?) We have a local open show association that has a variety of events (english/wester/games/halter) all year and 2-4 times/year puts on a fun show as a fundraiser. They have about 14 of the open shows each year for points. I have joined and helped run that club in a variety of capacities over the last 10 or so years. It worked for me because at the time I didn't have the time, money or horse to compete at higher levels like rodeos and NBHA. It was the perfect place to teach youngsters and I think it was a great foundation for my barrel horses because they didn't go run 1 barrel pattern and be done. They got in the ring and did something other than run, and I think that's gone a long way with keeping them from being hot. (I did western and english walk/jog classes with all my greenies) Also, i stayed with that association for a while even after my horses were more finished because it was close, it was affordable, and they STILL give out better awards than all other barrel associations around me. The fun shows had about 30 classes. Not split up into all the age groups, but still a BIG variety of classes. Something for everyone, fast or slow.
What do you consider a reasonable entry fee per event? $5-8
How many events do you think should be ran at one playday? The open point shows had 35 classes, 4 being "gaming" events. Barrels, poles, speed barrel and egg and spoon. I think as a regular show 4 for each "discipline" is sufficient (They had 4 disciplines, 3 age groups per class offered and 3-4 classes each)
Would you rather see decent day awards or nice year end awards? Year end awards
Do you like to run the same events all year, or switch up some? The same. Its great to compare where you started and how you improved.
Would you still try to come even if a prior obligation prevented you from missing the first event? Definitely
Does it matter to you if exhibitions are offered or not? With greenies, I prefer they are, and its a free money maker for the association. It's time consuming, but also provides a good break for the horses that run multiple events.
Do you have a preference if exhibitions are before the event or after? Do you ever come just for barrels/exhibition barrels? I prefer before. I've only ever been to ones that had them before, so its part of my routine. I wouldn't be opposed to before AND after so that maybe people that don't NEED them before the show can hold off until the end. Or, there is an opportunity to correct something that went wrong.
Does it matter to you if the arena is drug between or during events? ABSOLUTELY! At our shows we had some people that really dig in, and some events patterns lay over top of each other (Ex: Speed barrel pattern is set up in the same place as the pole pattern, so really dragging that end pole is very important.)
Do you have a preference if the lead-liners run all their events at once at the beginning of the playday, or have the lead-line class at the beginning of each event? Before. Again, gives the horses that are really working a nice little break.
Do you compete in only one association/club or do you sometimes go to others? I usually pick one that is my "main" association, and will hit others if I feel like running when my main association is off or canceled, if available.
How many people in your family may enter the playday? Just me
Any other comments of things you like/dislike about them? I really really love fun shows and wish there was an association just for them near me! | |
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Playday/Gymkhana'ers- or if you ever have (even for just barrels) question/answer