Search For A Star ... More like Search for a disappointment!

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FREDDIEWOOF

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Don't bother wasting your time or money!!!! They will hand pick and chose who they want to win and if your not up to their standard to be seen at hoys, even if your horse performed the best, they won't award you a hoys ticket... even if you are placed... Shameful!

The shows strap line: Search for a Star was designed to give amateur riders and owners an opportunity to compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show. Rubbish.

So why are Producers allowed in the ROR classes?
So why are the rules unclear who can and cannot enter or go forward? Read the rules everyone... And even if you do, don't be surprised if they decide to change them to suit their opinion and then hide behind their other rule: 'Its our decision to change the rules at any time we like'.

Snooty, mean spirited, shambles of an event that plays on people opportunity at a chance at hoys that isn't Producer saturated.

This is my personal opinion.

Anyone else experienced this?


 
Well so far we have had a fair few amateurs go to hoys on this forum through SFAS, I can think of at least 4 off the top of my head from completely different areas of the country. All owner riders.
 
FREDDIEWOOF said:
Don't bother wasting your time or money!!!! They will hand pick and chose who they want to win
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Yes, thats how showing works - personal opinion :)

and if your not up to their standard to be seen at hoys, even if your horse performed the best, they won't award you a hoys ticket... even if you are placed... Shameful!
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Who said your horse performed the best? The judge, ringside wanna-be judges or you?

No amount of going well, will for example cover poor conformation or movement. The marks are split accordingly.
You cannot make a silk purse out of a pigs ear.

I have not awarded tickets or indeed a 1st place rosette in the past, as nothing there met the std required, common practice if competitors forwards are not good enough.

Its NOT a 'right' to either win, nor to be awarded qualifying tickets. The sooner people realise that, then they might look into why they were not awarded things, instead of posting on the internet.....

Showing: Personal opinion, take it up on the day if you really have an issue.
 
There is no doubt that sadly a great many owners see their horses through rose tinted specs and the reality is very different.

There is a reason why you will not have been placed, it may be conformation, it may be presentation, it may be production. My advice would be to find someone local to you who judges to a reasonable level and ask their opinion of you, your presentation and your horse.

I know the SFAS judges and they are extremely good, know their stuff and are actually very unbiased.
 
The ROR classes are not just restricted to Amateurs! they are an Open class for ex-racers. If you are lucky enough to win come second you are "invited" to compete at HOYS! Its not a given that you will go.
 
Quite I thought they were ROR classes held in conjunction with but not SFAS classes? Just using same show dates? and as such are open to all riders, including producers so long as the horse is eligible.
The two competitions have completely separate rules?
 
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Who said your horse performed the best? If it was the judge did they then explain why you didn't get the place and invitation you obviously think you deserved?
 
It's no more expensive to enter a SFAS class as it is to enter a normal HOYS qualifier, where in my class there can be 30 out of 40 ponies good enough to go to HOYS, only 1 winner so 39 'disappointed' entries.

My NF is more than nice enough to compete at HOYS conformation wise, but the highest i've been placed so far is 3rd because his way of going is unpredictable. I know that, i'm working on it. But i don't start raving on line that the set up is rigged etc. I have also seen classes judged where no ticket (not hoys, other quals) has been handed out due to low quality. It happens.
 
FREDDIEWOOF said:
Don't bother wasting your time or money!!!! They will hand pick and chose who they want to win and if your not up to their standard to be seen at hoys, even if your horse performed the best, they won't award you a hoys ticket... even if you are placed... Shameful!

The shows strap line: Search for a Star was designed to give amateur riders and owners an opportunity to compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show. Rubbish.

So why are Producers allowed in the ROR classes?
So why are the rules unclear who can and cannot enter or go forward? Read the rules everyone... And even if you do, don't be surprised if they decide to change them to suit their opinion and then hide behind their other rule: 'Its our decision to change the rules at any time we like'.

Snooty, mean spirited, shambles of an event that plays on people opportunity at a chance at hoys that isn't Producer saturated.

This is my personal opinion.

Anyone else experienced this?
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I must admit I don't like the sound of Search for a Star... I think if you've got a top quality animal why not dabble in the actual HOY's quals? I bet you've got more chance of qualifying than what you do SFAS. Or even just try RI qualifiers, I personally am not a massive fan of HOY's, you put all the money and effort, miles up and down the m6 and m1, to then when and if you do qualify you got into a piddly little arena (for us it would be the caldene), its over priced for everything, its usually freezing in October as well!

I would rather go down to RI spend the week there (hopefully nice weather) and enjoy the week chilling out! (sorry Ive gone offtrack now!).

Also the ROR series is for anyone not just restricted for amateurs.

As I say, if your horse is quality put your money where your mouth is and get it in the proper qualifiers!

Out of interest what is it that you have??
 
As someone said above - get some good advice as it is invaluable! Either find a local producer (a good one who specialises in your horse's type) and or go to some of The Showing Register training events. Horse Gossip tends to be frequented by knowledgeable showing people so perhaps they could help if you are willing to post pictures. The rules are very clear - you are not guaranteed a qualification to HOYS. This is to prevent 6 donkeys turning up to a SFAS class and the best donkey qualifying by default.
 
On doing a little searching I found that at Osbaldeston some people were found to be in breech of the rules and have lost their qualification, it ties in with the OP,s post in tack room where they state they have been fighting for 2 months, I originally thought it must have been something that happened yesterday at Stretcholt.

Part of the statement following whatever went wrong at the earlier qualifier, unfortunately if rules, even minor ones, are broken then they can withdraw your ticket, I am sure they want full entries at HOYS so will not do it lightly or for no reason, if the passport is not correct in some way you will not be allowed to go forward to HOYS and I guess they only check after the class, maybe they should all be checked before but that adds time and stress for all competitors that should be capable of doing their own checks and complying with the rules .



Sadly, the day was marred for some as a number of prize winners were found not to meet the strict eligibility criteria of Search for a Star and as such they have not qualified for HOYS. The organisers have issued a separate statement reiterating that the rules will be enforced and urging competitors to read the rules and comply.

“It is very sad when we have to tell people they have not qualified, mostly regarding our passport rule, but rules are rules and any breach will not be tolerated. If you are a true amateur and fall within the rules we will bend over backwards to help you fulfil your dream, so please do not let these comments put you off. The SEIB Search for a Star competition is here to provide a level playing field”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, SEIB Insurance Brokers Marketing Manager.

RESULTS

These are the class results on the day, but they may not all qualify for HOYS due to passport irregularities or at the judge’s discretion or where the same rider has qualified twice or where the horse or rider do not meet all eligibility requirements.

Working Hunter
 
spottybotty said:
The ROR classes are not just restricted to Amateurs! they are an Open class for ex-racers. If you are lucky enough to win come second you are "invited" to compete at HOYS! Its not a given that you will go.
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This.

Its a lot of wasted time and effort not to read the rules before paying your money!
 
I've found this all very interesting.. Can't help the OP but it's illuminating to someone about to do their first attempt at a show. I did go and watch a local show last weekend and there was such a range of types, turnout, tack and performance. I apparently have a terrible eye as the true to type hunters who did a nice clear, a decent show and had good paces were placed below the not true to types, but not quite sure why.

The overall champion (working hunter) was a diddy (and v cute) light boned arab with flicky toes who didn't look anything like what I thought a hunter was, although he did do a nice forward jump round and was well behaved, which I now realise must have been what won it.

So at least I can go this weekend with no expectations whatsoever as who knows what will win on the day !
 
be positive said:
On doing a little searching I found that at Osbaldeston some people were found to be in breech of the rules and have lost their qualification, it ties in with the OP,s post in tack room where they state they have been fighting for 2 months, I originally thought it must have been something that happened yesterday at Stretcholt.

Part of the statement following whatever went wrong at the earlier qualifier, unfortunately if rules, even minor ones, are broken then they can withdraw your ticket, I am sure they want full entries at HOYS so will not do it lightly or for no reason, if the passport is not correct in some way you will not be allowed to go forward to HOYS and I guess they only check after the class, maybe they should all be checked before but that adds time and stress for all competitors that should be capable of doing their own checks and complying with the rules .



Sadly, the day was marred for some as a number of prize winners were found not to meet the strict eligibility criteria of Search for a Star and as such they have not qualified for HOYS. The organisers have issued a separate statement reiterating that the rules will be enforced and urging competitors to read the rules and comply.

“It is very sad when we have to tell people they have not qualified, mostly regarding our passport rule, but rules are rules and any breach will not be tolerated. If you are a true amateur and fall within the rules we will bend over backwards to help you fulfil your dream, so please do not let these comments put you off. The SEIB Search for a Star competition is here to provide a level playing field”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, SEIB Insurance Brokers Marketing Manager.

RESULTS

These are the class results on the day, but they may not all qualify for HOYS due to passport irregularities or at the judge’s discretion or where the same rider has qualified twice or where the horse or rider do not meet all eligibility requirements.

Working Hunter
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I think the person that came fourth in one of the classes affected at Osbadeston got the HOYS ticket, they obviously abided by the rules!
 
be positive said:
On doing a little searching I found that at Osbaldeston some people were found to be in breech of the rules and have lost their qualification, it ties in with the OP,s post in tack room where they state they have been fighting for 2 months, I originally thought it must have been something that happened yesterday at Stretcholt.

Part of the statement following whatever went wrong at the earlier qualifier, unfortunately if rules, even minor ones, are broken then they can withdraw your ticket, I am sure they want full entries at HOYS so will not do it lightly or for no reason, if the passport is not correct in some way you will not be allowed to go forward to HOYS and I guess they only check after the class, maybe they should all be checked before but that adds time and stress for all competitors that should be capable of doing their own checks and complying with the rules .



Sadly, the day was marred for some as a number of prize winners were found not to meet the strict eligibility criteria of Search for a Star and as such they have not qualified for HOYS. The organisers have issued a separate statement reiterating that the rules will be enforced and urging competitors to read the rules and comply.

“It is very sad when we have to tell people they have not qualified, mostly regarding our passport rule, but rules are rules and any breach will not be tolerated. If you are a true amateur and fall within the rules we will bend over backwards to help you fulfil your dream, so please do not let these comments put you off. The SEIB Search for a Star competition is here to provide a level playing field”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, SEIB Insurance Brokers Marketing Manager.

RESULTS

These are the class results on the day, but they may not all qualify for HOYS due to passport irregularities or at the judge’s discretion or where the same rider has qualified twice or where the horse or rider do not meet all eligibility requirements.

Working Hunter
Click to expand...

I'm a HHO girl who went to HOYS via SFAS. I am a genuine owner rider who produced him all by myself from a foal (still got him now at 24yrs :) ), without lessons or even a school! i got my ticket because the person above me was disqualified. I am afraid the rules are very clear & you do need to read them through thoroughly, make sure your paperwork is in place & correct and be very careful that where you livery or have lessons with does not exclude you.
 
spottybotty said:
I think the person that came fourth in one of the classes affected at Osbadeston got the HOYS ticket, they obviously abided by the rules!
Click to expand...

That seems fair enough, normally the ticket will not go that far down the line but if the others should not even have been taking part, rather than already qualified, it seems fair to let the first with the correct credentials to qualify.
 
be positive said:
That seems fair enough, normally the ticket will not go that far down the line but if the others should not even have been taking part, rather than already qualified, it seems fair to let the first with the correct credentials to qualify.
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I was told that they can pass it as far down the line as they want but the horse MUST be of HOYS quality- in my case the two above me, one was disqualified & the other won it at HOYS so it was a strong class :)
 
RORs do have to have raced - you cannot just take any TB and show it. I would assume then that the people who were disqualified were either producers themselves or were being produced. The is a huge and very heated discussion on Horse Gossip about home produced and pretty polly classes and people blatantly cheating but then saying the rules are too complicated. Somebody earlier asked OP why, if she thought she had a good enough animal, she wasnt just entering the HOYS qualifiers themselves. Well she can but the whole point of HP, PP and search for a star is that producers cannot do both! Same with amateur classes - they are kept separate to give the home produced amateur their own class away from the producers. Unfortunately, people try to cheat or 'bend the rules' and they do get found out - good!!
 
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