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 Scooters Savior
   
Location: "Si Fi" Ville | I suggested to our club that we ask this question to "those in the know".
What one thing that a club event or barrel race offered would persuade you to come?
Feel free to throw in any and all suggestions, ground, parking, concessions, prizes, amount of money offered, fees, fun events, .... anything.
Are there any unique things you have seen at clubs and/or barrel races that you would love to see offered? | |
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 Regular
Posts: 73
Location: Central Texas | I like a short buckle series. Like a 4-5 race series.
fast paced.
good ground.
poles are an extra! | |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
 
| Around here an added money barrel race that is efficiently run and good ground. | |
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 Thick and Wavy
Posts: 6102
Location: Nebraska | right now, I'm trying tp exhibition mine and exhibitions are limited and sell out days before the actual race. I'd be looking for an exhibition friendly 5d race. | |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Well, I can tell you what makes me NOT go. Office fees and late fees at an exponential rate.
A $10-15 office fee per horse, per day, is ridiculous. I don't see how people can afford to run more htna one horse at this type of show. A $15 or more late fee per horse, per day is ridiculous.
Late fees just **** me off no matter how you roll it. Pre entry is not necessarily a reality for those of us with jobs or family. We're lucky to get to go, and shouldn't be punished for it. Entering in the last 25 is a wonderful thing too! Some supershows make you be entered by 10 am, even if you're horse wouldn't be running until 9 pm. Ya, sorry, not going.
I do really enjoy running for buckles or quality tack. I don't mind paying a little extra to be able to run for a good saddle certificate.
For smaller shows, I absolutely love entering for a good flat rate (ex $30.00), no drama, and $5 exhibitions. I can bring the whole barn with me for that price and get exhibitions to match. Usually the payout at a small show is pretty good.
Just my 2 cents. :D | |
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  Independent Cuss
Posts: 3978
Location: Dearing, GA | I look for quality ground, an office that is easy to work with, decent warm up space, and a show that runs efficiently. In that order. | |
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Scooters Savior
Location: "Si Fi" Ville | We are trying to do a little thinking outside the box. We want to put on the best show possible. I will write down every single suggestion and present it to the board. | |
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| A local club does a fundraising barrel race where they sell T-Shirts and if you buy one they waive the dress code which is a pretty neat thing, and a good money raiser.
Good money added, good ground, and plenty of parking are all pluses!
One thing that always turns me off of barrel races is an unfriendly office staff. I know its very hectic putting on shows so it's important that there is extra help and that they are kind to the people who show up to support their shows. | |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| If it says Starts at 1:00.... Figure out how to make sure it starts at 1:00!!
Good added money for a NOT outrageous entry fee. Good Ground, friendly staff, adequate parking is a plus, concessions are good, no late fees. | |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | turnthree - 2016-12-14 1:34 PM A local club does a fundraising barrel race where they sell T-Shirts and if you buy one they waive the dress code which is a pretty neat thing, and a good money raiser. Good money added, good ground, and plenty of parking are all pluses! One thing that always turns me off of barrel races is an unfriendly office staff. I know its very hectic putting on shows so it's important that there is extra help and that they are kind to the people who show up to support their shows.
I agree with friendly office help, that is the biggest turn off when you have someone in a really bad mood working in the office or any where during the barrel race. When you have friendly help people will remember that.  | |
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Scooters Savior
Location: "Si Fi" Ville | How important are the following, please offer comments.
Ground
Exhibitions
Warm up area
Concessions
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount
Fees Late
Entry Fee
Parking
Efficiency of Staff
Courteousness of Staff
Prizes.... preferred
Entertainment
Videography/Photography
Divisional race, 4D or 5D
Payback %
Drag after every 5........
Bathrooms
Other events, poles, quads, etc
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas
Seating
Announcers
Music or Not
Rules
Hookups
Covered or outside pen
Vendors
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ?
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 364
| Really great ground, nice warm up area, added money. In that order. I'm not into prizes. | |
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Scooters Savior
Location: "Si Fi" Ville | What would be an attractive amount of added money? | |
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| Ground – very important
Exhibitions – somewhat for me (but if I had a young horse it would be pretty important. Plus this is a money maker for your club.)
Warm up area - very
Concessions – I can go either way. If there is one I try to support it if food is reasonably priced. If there will be no concession you should probably put this on the flyer so people can plan accordingly.
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount - No more than $5 office and $2 timer. $65 or less for stalls for a weekend show.
Fees Late – If it is a one day barrel race then you should be allowed to enter on site. So, no late fee. If it is multiple days with a pre-entry then $15 to $20 maybe and should be 1 fee for all horses entered.
Entry Fee - Depends on added money. $25 to $55
Parking – very important. I have anxiety about small parking areas.
Efficiency of Staff – important but I do understand it takes time to post the draw and figure money at the end. Draw should be posted at least 30 minutes in advance and not be more than a 30 minute wait on the payout.
Courteousness of Staff – extremely important! I’m supporting your barrel race. Treat me respectfully unless I am disrespectful to you. Then you can tell me to pack my tack and head on down the road!
Prizes.... preferred – I’ll take whatever I can get!
Entertainment – not necessary for me but at the bigger shows it’s nice to get together and socialize.
Videography/Photography – Photography if they are reasonably priced. I’ll bring my own videographer.
Divisional race, 4D or 5D – Depends on entries and added money.
Payback % - open on this as long as it is advertised. I like to be able to go home and double check your figures.
Drag after every 5........ - yes
Bathrooms – I bring my own but others may need.
Other events, poles, quads, etc – poles maybe but I hate sitting through lots of pole benders so have them after the barrel race.
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas – yes but parents should still monitor their kids.
Seating – I can bring my own.
Announcers – professional not needed but please, please, please, announce the number of each person, just not names.
Music or Not – Nice but not necessary.
Rules – very important. You need them and you need to stick to them.
Hookups – not needed for me. I can bring my generator.
Covered or outside pen – covered would be great but outside will do.
Vendors – sure. I’ll do some shopping.
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ? – facebook is easy and updates can be immediately seen.
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Regular
Posts: 82
| treasurehunter - 2016-12-14 2:45 PM
How important are the following, please offer comments.
Ground
Exhibitions
Warm up area
Concessions
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount
Fees Late
Entry Fee
Parking
Efficiency of Staff
Courteousness of Staff
Prizes.... preferred
Entertainment
Videography/Photography
Divisional race, 4D or 5D
Payback %
Drag after every 5........
Bathrooms
Other events, poles, quads, etc
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas
Seating
Announcers
Music or Not
Rules
Hookups
Covered or outside pen
Vendors
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ?
treasurehunter - 2016-12-14 2:45 PM
How important are the following, please offer comments.
Ground- important, safe ground more than fast ground.
Exhibitions- they are nice, but not required by me... A lot of people won't go to something that doesn't have them.
Warm up area- important, larger the better :)
Concessions- nice but not needed, if you don't have concessions make it known a couple days before the race.
Fees/Office- Maybe a small ground fee if it's large/ multi day ...
Fees Late- of it a a big race, maybe a small fee
Entry Fee $20-$30 for a smaller race
Parking- more parking the better!
Efficiency of Staff- not a big deal, I defietly prefer quicker run races but it's not really a deal breaker if there is nothing else going on.
Courteousness of Staff- nice staff, but it's not mandatory for me.
Prizes.... preferred
Entertainment- a good selection of "clean" music
Videography/Photography- added bonus that's nice but not mandatory.
Divisional race, 4D or 5D- eithers nice
Payback %
Drag after every 5........- a good kept ground is important
Bathrooms- nice but not mandatory
Other events, poles, quads, etc- nice but not mandatory
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas- far away from horse areas of there is one :)
Seating- lots of seating is nice but not a deal breaker
Announcers- I like an announcer who says who's in this drag, and the next few following... An exciting one is nice but there's a fine line between that and annoying :)
Music or Not- yes but not mandatory
Rules- FOLLOW YOUR RULES! If you have a rule book follow it no matter what!
Hookups- nice if offered for a multi day show
Covered or outside pen- either
Vendors- their nice, tell who's coming a couple days before the show.
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ? Both, everything you send in a text put on Facebook so people who don't get texts can see what going on.
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | Importance on a scale of 1-10:
Ground - 10
Exhibitions - 5 only because I'm also ok with an open arena before the start of the show, but exhibitions are just more money for the you guys.
Warm up area - 7
Concessions - 2
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount - this greatly depends on the quality of the facility. If it cost you $100 to rent the venue or $500.
Fees Late - should be non-existant imo
Entry Fee - depends on added money/prizes
Parking - 7
Efficiency of Staff - 8
Courteousness of Staff - 8
Prizes.... preferred - 10
Entertainment - 1
Videography/Photography - 1 not the producers responsbility to provide this
Divisional race, 4D or 5D - I think you will draw more entries with a 5D
Payback % - Should be no less than 75%
Drag after every 5........ - yes
Bathrooms - 6
Other events, poles, quads, etc - 8
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas - 5
Seating - 2, people will bring their own if it's not provided
Announcers - 3 as long as they can read they're find with me
Music or Not - yes
Rules - vary everywhere you go, but whatever they are they should be enforced!
Hookups - 1
Covered or outside pen - covered means less reasons to cancel
Vendors - should be allowed
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ? - I like receiving event info on FB, draw numbers and times via text | |
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 Ms. Marine
Posts: 4641
Location: Texas | Ground - I'm not picky but if there's basketball sized clumps in the arena, count me out.
Exhibitions - Limit the time and amount that one person can purchase.
Warm up area -
Concessions - Like to have them, but not necessary. Typically bring my own food and water.
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount - Don't like these.
Fees Late - Shouldn't exist for a club event or small barrel race
Entry Fee - Anything over $35 and I'm not happy
Parking - Needs to not be a muddy pit.
Efficiency of Staff - VERY important
Courteousness of Staff - Not there to chat with the staff so this doesn't concern me much
Prizes.... preferred - Buckles, t-shirts, jackets, hay bags, buckets, anything practical and useful.
Entertainment - Watching everyone in the arena is entertainment enough for me.
Videography/Photography - Not a huge priority.
Divisional race, 4D or 5D - 4Ds are nice, 5Ds are better.
Payback % - As long as it's fair, I'm happy.
Drag after every 5........ - Very important.
Bathrooms - I pee in my horse trailer if need be, so bathrooms aren't a huge concern.
Other events, poles, quads, etc - Poles, unless the event is being turned into a play day.
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas - Would be nice, but not necessary.
Seating - Meh
Announcers - Need to be clear speakers and easily understood.
Music or Not - No music
Rules -
Hookups - Not for a small race.
Covered or outside pen - Doesn't matter.
Vendors - Why?
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ? - FB
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Expert
Posts: 2122
Location: The Great Northwest | I'll agree with what has been said. However, ground is very important that the ground crew know how to make and keep that ground safe. I too like ground that is fast. It just seems the horse can show more ability and fun to clock. The ground crew need to know that ground and keep it consistant through out the race. Also, a drag is a drag when the tractors have the arena to groom, a set is the group of 5 riders runing now. Don't make it confusing!  | |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | And another thing to talk about with the ground crew is when sitting barrels make darn sure they are set in the very spot that you start the barrel race with after every drag. I have seen new setters that come to take over for the other setters and dont sit the barrels where they are suppose to be, they either put them to the inside of the stake are outside, the opposite of where the barrel is suppose to be. That happens alot. Having a good group of barrels setters is a must..
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2016-12-14 4:44 PM
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | For a small race, $25 entry fee, max $5 arena/office fee, max $10 awards fee.
When the entry fee is $40, the office fee is $10 and the awards fee is $20, it makes it way too expensive for me, regardless of the amount of added money. Of course the awards fee is optional, but I would hate to actually win an award but not be able to get it because I didn't want to pay the fee.
For me personally, I'll choose a race with good awards over added money, but that's because I want to win a buckle with my horse really bad 
If you want to keep everyone happy, you must have a well-run race. Start ON TIME and keep things moving, which includes having a good, fast tractor for dragging. | |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Just Let Me Run - 2016-12-14 1:27 PM I look for quality ground, an office that is easy to work with, decent warm up space, and a show that runs efficiently. In that order.
This plus the ability to pre enter and pay the day of the race. | |
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 Straight Shooter
Posts: 5725
Location: SW North Dakota | Thank you for caring!! Here are my OPINIONS...
Ground... crucial/dealbreaker
Exhibitions... plenty of time, run efficiently (we've had good luck pre- selling 15 in a 20 minute block, leaving 3-5 open in each slot for "day-of" people. That way people know what time they need to be there for their time block/exhibition)
Warm up area... ample space, decent ground. As long as I have the space, even grass is good with me!
Concessions
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount- BBR has a good fee/payout schedule, I use this for even the little races. for no added money, I don't think fees should be higher than $25-$30 with only a $5 office fee. 80% payout. I agree that FRIENDLY staff is SOOO important and welcome- sets the mood for the whole race.
Fees Late- none if there is no added money. Not more than $10/RIDER per, IMO. This is just a fee for the hassle of paperwork on show day. If it's not much hassle, DON'T charge much!
Entry Fee- Use a % of added money to determine fee. I think Payout % is equally important- or more. What % of my fees to I have a chance to win back?
Parking- VERY important. There are some races that have great qualities that I might not enter because the parking sucks... especially if it's a 2 day deal where I want to take my LQ.
Efficiency of Staff- SUCH an important peice of the puzzle. If your staff doesn't want to be there, why would the contestants. This is your first impression most of the time. If it's awesome, usually people have a good time and want to come back.
Courteousness of Staff- see above. Pick people who WANT to be there. Keep the crabby staff away from people!
Prizes.... preferred- Any, as long as they are QUALITY for the budget.
Entertainment- don't we make our own? I'd trade a FAST paced barrel race over a dog and pony show anyday. Get us in and out quick! :)
Videography/Photography- A good photographer is fun, but doesn't make or break my decision on whether to go to the race or not. Don't hire a crazy one!
Divisional race, 4D or 5D- Depends on entries. Money gets too watered down with a low-number 5D. Figure it out so the smallest check still wins their EF back (or close)
Payback %- 75% at the lowest (just my opinion)
Drag after every 5........ depends on the ground. Usually yes, but some arenas stay consistant after 7 or 8 runs and makes the barrel race go WAY faster.
Bathrooms- No biggie. I can 1,2 or 3 in my trailer in an emergency.
Other events, poles, quads, etc
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas- a kid corral would have been a big bonus when my kids were little, but again, not a make-or-break deal.
Seating- Not a biggie to me
Announcers- money well spent. High energy, list the draw OFTEN to keep the race moving along fast. Another thing that leaves a lasting impression on the overall experience of the event.
Music or Not- ABSOLUTELY! High energy at the right volume. You'll see people dancing in the stands!
Rules- BBR has a good set of rules. Make sure they are followed exactly the same for everyone!
Hookups- nice, but not a dealbreaker
Covered or outside pen- covered is good as long as it's great ground, dust is under control and big enough. I love outside, but it makes scheduling harder.
Vendors- fun, but not needed.
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or Text is great, but more labor intensive. FB works as long as there is service and everyone knows where to find the latest updates! | |
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Scooters Savior
Location: "Si Fi" Ville | I appreciate you guys so much! This is very very important to us! We want to provide a top notch experience and the board wants to see what is important to you and matters most and adjust their priorities according to what you desire. | |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| skye - 2016-12-14 3:14 PM
I'll agree with what has been said. However, ground is very important that the ground crew know how to make and keep that ground safe. I too like ground that is fast. It just seems the horse can show more ability and fun to clock. The ground crew need to know that ground and keep it consistant through out the race. Also, a drag is a drag when the tractors have the arena to groom, a set is the group of 5 riders runing now. Don't make it confusing!
Depends what region you're from I guess. I've never heard it called a set. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 285
Location: Murphy NC | I prioritize races based on added money first, friendliness of staff second, facilities and concessions third. If it is a series I will try to run the whole series if the prizes are tack or saddles. A plus for me is being able to pre enter exhibitions and roll times. I like the buy backs that some races offer too. This is a draw for me.
How important are the following, please offer comments.
Ground I'm not super picky...but prefer medium depth and I despise a hard pan underneath the dirt
Exhibitions I like to run exhibitions...It's a bummer for me if I get there and they are all sold out as soon as the books open. If I can preenter exhibitions this is a BIG draw for me.
Warm up area Of course I like a warm up area...but I can make do with most anything...this isn't a deal breaker for me.
Concessions If there are good concessions at a particular race this will attract me even if the added money isnt great lol
Fees/Office .... please suggest amount $10 or less
Fees Late I hate late fees...but under $15 won't turn me away if the added money is good
Entry Fee EF should be under $60 IMO, but should never be more than about 6-7% of the guaranteed added money
Parking Not a priority for me as long as there is enough
Efficiency of Staff Important, I like a fast moving race
Courteousness of Staff VERY IMPORTANT!!
Prizes.... preferred I prefer tack, but most importantly QUALITY is the key for whatever you award
Entertainment I've never been to a race with any entertainment, but that would be a draw for me.
Videography/Photography I've been known to follow photographers lol. If T&Z photography (Georgia) is going to be at a race I will prioritize that race over others.
Divisional race, 4D or 5D I prefer 5D, but am not turned off by 4D
Payback % 75% or more
Drag after every 5........ As long as its at least every ten or so I'm OK with it.
Bathrooms I prefer real bathrooms with running water, but not above using a port a potty
Other events, poles, quads, etc What is quads? Not important to me as long as they run after barrels
Kid friendly playgrounds away from horse areas This is a HUGE draw for me as the mother of a 5 year old
Seating We carry chairs in our trailer in case of no seating
Announcers I think it is important that they announce the rider name & draw number when calling out the riders, this helps me keep up with where the show is at and when I need to get on my horse. I find that a lot of places just call names only.
Music or Not YES!! VERY IMPORTANT!!
Rules Should be posted at the show office.
Hookups Preferred. I will buy stalls even if its not an overnight race, just for the day if they are offered.
Covered or outside pen. I like both, this isn’t a deal breaker for me
Vendors love shows with vendors
How you would prefer to receive info, text, FB or both or ? FB, BHW event postings, where2barrelrace postings
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Veteran
Posts: 276
| Added money and if you do prizes, make them unique and useful.
Run exhibitions for a certain amount of time, but post your start time and don't back off of it.
Do a real draw. It drives me crazy when its basically whoever shows up first, gets to run first.
Either charge an arena fee/office fee separately and pay 100% of entry fee or payback on 70-80% of fees and no extra fees.
Don't pay too many holes. Last hole in the 4D should get your entry fee back. If not, IMO you're paying too many holes. It seems like around my area, it doesn't matter how much added money or how many entries, races pay the same amount because they just keep paying more holes. | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| Be transparent about your rules and put them on the flyer. How points are accumulated, earning points on more than 1 per division, do points follow the horse the rider or the combo and how you will break ties.
I won't go back somewhere if things just feel inconsistent or made up as they go along.
If you're looking at a series at the same arena or doing multiple day weekends consider some smaller fun awards like most consistent or most inconsistent. | |
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My mind still works
Posts: 8912
| Added money and home cooked food.
I never say ground because what's good for one may suck for another. I've drawn out of one race in 15 years. They learn to stand up. | |
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Calling all BHW! Need your suggestions!