Towerlands Welsh Medal show-My worst experience ever!

DragonSlayer said:


Well flip....

Am I glad I don't dabble in the showing world...

BUT then it would be blinkered of me to say this puts the showing world in a bad light because as we all know, there is good and bad in ALL walks of society.

The bile, hatred and nastiness on this thread has been pretty eye-opening.

I'll stick with what I know, and that's loving my horses for what the are, not what awards they can bring me home.
Click to expand...

TBH I feel I've opened a can of worms and fallen head first into a vipers nest. Only been to 2 shows to give him some experience. Nobody would buy a gelding with the intention of taking inhand showing seriously so awards are to me not what its about. Bought him as a future riding cob for myself & my daughter. To me he is one of those horses of a lifetime. Love him dearly.
 
Mountainview22. I think you are great. You have said what I said back on page 3 of this thread! It should be about people being proud of their horses and enjoying showing them off without being ridiculed.

As for market trader, think you need some anger manegment mate. How about you stop hiding behind your username then? You know the op and her horse. She's never tried to hide who she is has she?

An open forum is just that, why people have been so aggressive on this post is beond me. This forum is always talking about overfeeding horses, the way people show, ride and manage their horses etc it's a blooming forum for gods sake!

As someone who was there myself I know what I saw.
Did I see anyone hitting there pony in the face? No I personally didn't. A few people winding there ponies up in the warm up with whips with plastic bags on the end and rattles? Yes and more than one but they were in the minority from what I saw. Did I say anything to them? no, I was too busy trying to calm my horse down from them winding him up. We have all seen this at welsh shows, not just this one.

As I said before there are good n bad at all shows in all disciplins.
 
Well one positive thing has come out of this. I along with a lot of other people who have probably never watched Welsh showing, will be actively searching out the "Yobs with cobs" this year :D :D :D
 
Can I just say, as an A/A* student myself, and a proud welsh cob owner who also shows them, (and I'm sure I speak for many here) I DO NOT appreciate being referred to as :
> Illiterate
> Yobs with cobs
> Chavs
> Thugs
> Agressive
> Bolshy
> Scum
and other such obscenities.
To those who have taken it upon themselves to become "Grammar Nazis" :
Please stop and think for a minute before you post - you may well be discriminating there - for all anyone knows that person who is "Illiterate" to you may well have learning difficulties (FYI - I'm not saying anyone in this thread does - but it wouldn't hurt to stop and think)
This thread is appalling - the abuse getting hurled in both directions is underhand and downright rude! There are exaggerations flying left, right and centre which are doing nothing in the way of helping the situation. :rolleyes:
 
rockysmum said:
Well one positive thing has come out of this. I along with a lot of other people who have probably never watched Welsh showing, will be actively searching out the "Yobs with cobs" this year :D :D :D
Click to expand...

THIS BEGS THE QUESTION -

If you do not normally watch Welsh Showing - WHAT THE **** ARE YOU COMMENTING ON THIS THREAD FOR?!?!

Just sayin' ;)
 
BossHoss said:
THIS BEGS THE QUESTION -

If you do not normally watch Welsh Showing - WHAT THE **** ARE YOU COMMENTING ON THIS THREAD FOR?!?!

Just sayin' ;)
Click to expand...

Feel free

Dam all else of interest this weekend. In other words I'm bored and you lot are very very funny :D :D :D

I also feel very very sorry for Cambrica and her beautiful lad

No need for this kind of abuse.
 
Last edited:
lledrith said:
I have to admit that my immediate impression from the first picture is that the pony needs his feet trimmed.

I don't think anyone is being horrible to you, I just think it is being pointed out that to avoid being at the end of the line there is a lot more involved than just fattening and scaring the life out of your pony... Production is an art form and something that isn't achieved overnight. There is a reason why people pay for producers to help them achieve what they probably couldn't achieve without them - not because the pony isn't good enough but because production is about knowledge & good judgement. Sarcastic posts and images of your pony do nothing to help your credibility - for the record Parc Welsh Flyer is one of my all time favourite cobs.

It is obvious that not everyone achieves their success from using unsatisfactory methods, so to say that everyone on this thread is a Welsh yob or doesn't come from a successful stud is complete nonsense.
***end QUOTE*** Sorry deleted that bit

His feet are trimmed I've only owned him 2 mths and that was taken just before I bought him! See even now your finding faults with him!!!! If you read my last post you will understand that success is not what this is about for me.
I have been far less sarcastic than the personal abuse that has been hurled at me. You say nobody is being horrible to me ? WTF
What on earth is the point of complaining, to get a refund - no they can keep my money, to get rid of that particular element - that will never happen and all I can forsee for the future of Welsh showing is that its going to get alot worse before it gets better. Do you honestly think that I am stupid enough to own a horse 2 months and go to a Silver medal show and win it?
So now I've had the p*ss taken out of me for my 1st show, 2nd show, horse laughed at whilst I stood there last week with my family & friends listening to the foulist language, horses whipped on the face, total anti-social behaviour by yes a number of people that do not deserve to own so much as a rocking horse. Again I add this was not the majority.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Well this is all very exciting.

I don't do showing of any kind, so unbiased view? Maybe. I also don't know anyone on here.

There are some people on here-new members most of them, who have some of the worst attitudes I have come across in a long time.

If you are happy with the way these shows are run and you don't see any problems, why the hell are you so damned defensive? The OP made an observation as to what happened at the show she attended, no names were mentioned. She did however, say well done to the organisers and the judge.

I know who's being unreasonable here, and it's not the OP.
 
Bosshoss, I'm afraid I will be underhand and down right rude when "the other side" are jeopardising not just their animals welfare but my animals and handlers.

There is no need to practice any of these underhand measures.to win a class. Simple.

I am niether here more there as to what people do with they're animals. But I'll tell you now, hell will freeze.over before I believe shoving organic.matters up a horses jacksie or waving bags behind them will produce a winning horse.

As a handler yourself (I'm assuming) you will surely realise, this is not how you produce a cob, and I will be very uncomfortable if you believe that I am incorrect.

I am not personally attacking.any of the half whit scum that are rubbing wpcs and the fair playing associates such as myself and yourself in the mud.

I for one will not participate in ANY of the forementioned activities. A cob either has it or it doesn't. No matter what stallion and mare it came from.


Cambrica, as I said before, you walked into the ring, something I won't do. Your a bigger person than me.

You only needed to state that you we're not responsible for the horse when the first photo was taken. The person commenting on foot condition was not to know it was your responsibility at the time.

I stick by the fact we are not all competitive aggressive people. It Is the taking part that counts. The fact you've out your horse in the public eye. The Knowledge and possible constructive criticism you will recieve.

I really do feel ashamed of the reputation we have.
 
lledrith said:
I have to admit that my immediate impression from the first picture is that the pony needs his feet trimmed.

I don't think anyone is being horrible to you, I just think it is being pointed out that to avoid being at the end of the line there is a lot more involved than just fattening and scaring the life out of your pony... Production is an art form and something that isn't achieved overnight. There is a reason why people pay for producers to help them achieve what they probably couldn't achieve without them - not because the pony isn't good enough but because production is about knowledge & good judgement. Sarcastic posts and images of your pony do nothing to help your credibility - for the record Parc Welsh Flyer is one of my all time favourite cobs.

It is obvious that not everyone achieves their success from using unsatisfactory methods, so to say that everyone on this thread is a Welsh yob or doesn't come from a successful stud is complete nonsense.

I am guessing that despite this thread being in place and despite being able to identify the perpetrators of the alleged acts of cruelty that you still haven't made your complaint to the show organiser?
Click to expand...

Really? Have you not read the very personal insults hurled at the OP? Are you reading the right thread?

Yes, showing is an art, been there, that is not the issue being raised, the issue is the behaviour of some of the competitors. Having watched many a WPCA Show (albeit many moons ago) there has always been this element, I found it distasteful then and I still do. There are many many nice people who show welsh cobs, some of them are friends of mine, but there is no doubt that there is also an element who care about nothing but winning at all costs, the horse is secondary to these people, and one who does not win is quickly sold on and replaced by one who will.

Some of the comments from WPCA members on this thread just confirm everything that is bad about the welsh showing fraternity, I KNOW not all are like this but many people reading this will think that they speak for all welsh showing enthusiasts. By denying their bad behaviour, you are condoning it.
 
I think if the WPCS are being made aware of this post then the first questions they will ask is if a complaint was made at the time, who it was made to and was the complaint upheld. The reason why I keep coming back to this is because despite feeling as if nothing will get done correct procedure in these scenarios must be followed - then and only then would you have grounds to shout it from the rooftops that an injustice has been done.

As it stands, there is no evidence and no official complaint has been made in any capacity...

I was not finding fault in your pony, but his feet do look long and unbalanced in the first picture, yes. Did I know that you didn't own him then, no I didn't, it was merely an observation.

I understand that you love your pony, we all do, which is why people feel so strongly in circumstances such as these. Enjoy your pony, if you feel that breed shows aren't for you there are plenty of other shows that you can go to where you won't encounter the atmosphere that has put you off in the first place, but if you do decide to persevere, there are several WPCS Associations surrounding you that are run by dedicated members who are approachable and helpful and who I am sure would be happy to assist & encourage you at any of their shows.
 
lledrith said:
I think if the WPCS are being made aware of this post then the first questions they will ask is if a complaint was made at the time, who it was made to and was the complaint upheld. The reason why I keep coming back to this is because despite feeling as if nothing will get done correct procedure in these scenarios must be followed - then and only then would you have grounds to shout it from the rooftops that an injustice has been done.

As it stands, there is no evidence and no official complaint has been made in any capacity...

.
Click to expand...

If everyone has seen these practices I find it hard to believe the authorities have not. One would assume they actually attend these shows.

A decent society will take action even if an official complaint is not made at the time.

I actually wrote to CHAPS about something I witnessed at the championships, which was not against the rules at the time, but I thought was wrong. They agreed and re-wrote the rules for the following year.
 
Ceris Comet said:
I believe that op hasn't made an official complaint due to the fact that there would be no point as officials where turning a blind eye
Click to expand...

Oh dear, they wont like reading this thread then. I hadn't realised she meant the officials of the society. I thought it was just the organisors of the shows.
 
rockysmum said:
If everyone has seen these practices I find it hard to believe the authorities have not. One would assume they actually attend these shows.

A decent society will take action even if an official complaint is not made at the time.

I actually wrote to CHAPS about something I witnessed at the championships, which was not against the rules at the time, but I thought was wrong. They agreed and re-wrote the rules for the following year.
Click to expand...

Quite, by doing nothing the officials/stewards are giving it the green light, it should not be based purely on official complaints as other competitors, quite rightly, feel intimidated by those acting in this way. The welsh showing world is very small and anyone complaining would be ostracised.
 
rockysmum said:
If everyone has seen these practices I find it hard to believe the authorities have not. One would assume they actually attend these shows.

A decent society will take action even if an official complaint is not made at the time.

I actually wrote to CHAPS about something I witnessed at the championships, which was not against the rules at the time, but I thought was wrong. They agreed and re-wrote the rules for the following year.
Click to expand...

This. There have been a few eyebrow raising statments made from some of the newer members on here about certain showing practices that I'm sure the wpcs would not be best pleased with.
 
mountainview22 said:
Bosshoss, I'm afraid I will be underhand and down right rude when "the other side" are jeopardising not just their animals welfare but my animals and handlers.

There is no need to practice any of these underhand measures.to win a class. Simple.

I am niether here more there as to what people do with they're animals. But I'll tell you now, hell will freeze.over before I believe shoving organic.matters up a horses jacksie or waving bags behind them will produce a winning horse.

As a handler yourself (I'm assuming) you will surely realise, this is not how you produce a cob, and I will be very uncomfortable if you believe that I am incorrect.

I am not personally attacking.any of the half whit scum that are rubbing wpcs and the fair playing associates such as myself and yourself in the mud.

I for one will not participate in ANY of the forementioned activities. A cob either has it or it doesn't. No matter what stallion and mare it came from.


Cambrica, as I said before, you walked into the ring, something I won't do. Your a bigger person than me.

You only needed to state that you we're not responsible for the horse when the first photo was taken. The person commenting on foot condition was not to know it was your responsibility at the time.

I stick by the fact we are not all competitive aggressive people. It Is the taking part that counts. The fact you've out your horse in the public eye. The Knowledge and possible constructive criticism you will recieve.

I really do feel ashamed of the reputation we have.
Click to expand...

Immature much? - "the other side" - what are we, 5?? :rolleyes:
"Half whit scum" - Wow! How prejudiced, stereotyping and completely uncalled for? :eek:
However I agree that a cob either has it or doesn't - the problem arises when people get "stars in their eyes" and jump in out of their depth, with a horse that is (to the trained eye) quite unready for a show of such calibre!

If you won't go in the ring - why is it your reputation? :confused:

For the record I am:
An owner
Rider
Occasional handler (I'd rather pay the "Yobs with Cobs" to run mine - they're faster than me ;) )
Riding Instructor
& Groom
I have shown all manner from Veterans to Cobs to Working Hunters with much success - don't tell me how to suck eggs m'dear, it doesn't go down too well :D
 
BossHoss said:
Immature much? - "the other side" - what are we, 5?? :rolleyes:
"Half whit scum" - Wow! How prejudiced, stereotyping and completely uncalled for? :eek:
However I agree that a cob either has it or doesn't - the problem arises when people get "stars in their eyes" and jump in out of their depth, with a horse that is (to the trained eye) quite unready for a show of such calibre!

If you won't go in the ring - why is it your reputation? :confused:

For the record I am:
An owner
Rider
Occasional handler (I'd rather pay the "Yobs with Cobs" to run mine - they're faster than me ;) )
Riding Instructor
& Groom
I have shown all manner from Veterans to Cobs to Working Hunters with much success - don't tell me how to suck eggs m'dear, it doesn't go down too well :D
Click to expand...

TBF Bosshoss some of the new posters have really let the side down, now, both you and I know that not all welsh producers are like these people but, sadly, they did nothing to dispel any allegations that were made, on the contrary they confirmed that it went on and that it was 'normal practice'.

Do you really think it is OK to 'ginger' a horse?
 
BossHoss said:
Immature much? - "the other side" - what are we, 5?? :rolleyes:
"Half whit scum" - Wow! How prejudiced, stereotyping and completely uncalled for? :eek:
However I agree that a cob either has it or doesn't - the problem arises when people get "stars in their eyes" and jump in out of their depth, with a horse that is (to the trained eye) quite unready for a show of such calibre!

If you won't go in the ring - why is it your reputation? :confused:

For the record I am:
An owner
Rider
Occasional handler (I'd rather pay the "Yobs with Cobs" to run mine - they're faster than me ;) )
Riding Instructor
& Groom
I have shown all manner from Veterans to Cobs to Working Hunters with much success - don't tell me how to suck eggs m'dear, it doesn't go down too well :D
Click to expand...

Well if your a spokeman/woman for the attitude of the Welsh community I sincerely hope that the organisers of any silver medal shows in future put on the front of their schedule:

'PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ANY COMPETITOR WHO DOES NOT HAVE A COB OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE IS NOT WELCOME AT A SHOW OF THIS STATURE. PLEASE ALSO BE AWARE THAT IF YOU FIND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFENSIVE OUR ADVISE WOULD BE TO STAY AWAY: WHIPPING OF HORSES, GINGERING UP, BAGS, RATTLES AND THE FOULEST LANGUAGE'.

That way people like myself with my perfectly well behaved cob will never make the same mistake again.

Highlands, Dartmoors, Exmoors, New Forest, Fell, Dales, Shetlands and any other native breed - Think yourselves very fortunate indeed !
 
cambrica said:
Well if your a spokeman/woman for the attitude of the Welsh community I sincerely hope that the organisers of any silver medal shows in future put on the front of their schedule:

'PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ANY COMPETITOR WHO DOES NOT HAVE A COB OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE IS NOT WELCOME AT A SHOW OF THIS STATURE. PLEASE ALSO BE AWARE THAT IF YOU FIND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFENSIVE OUR ADVISE WOULD BE TO STAY AWAY: WHIPPING OF HORSES, GINGERING UP, BAGS, RATTLES AND THE FOULEST LANGUAGE'.

That way people like myself with my perfectly well behaved cob will never make the same mistake again.

Highlands, Dartmoors, Exmoors, New Forest, Fell, Dales, Shetlands and any other native breed - Think yourselves very fortunate indeed !
Click to expand...

Are you insinuating that my cobs are not well behaved? I find that a little rude - especially as you do not know me!:mad:

And my advice would be to start at the bottom like the rest of us - I started out just doing local club shows until the horse had perfected them, then went to County level and on to National Level. :eek:
I always ask the opinions of other producers as to my horses before they leave the yard and even then they don't go anywhere unless I am 100% happy that they can stand up with the best of them. :)
I don't agree with some practices in showing - but each to their own - I find it quite satisfying knowing I do things by the book and am still able to win hands down :cool:
I have a 30yrold gelding who wins every time, I am constantly met with disbelief that he is so old, and frequently asked what his stud fee is, or how he's bred! He is proof to me that with proper care and practice you can still win. (I have owned him for 14 years and known him all my life) :D
 
Cambrica, I can't understand how you are still complaining about animal abuse at the show but STILL havent lodged an official complaint?
For the record, the chief show official is a 5ft nothing, well spoken lady who would of taken any complaint seriously. To say they are not impartial is just an excuse, and not a good one at that. Also, if you felt intimidated at the show why did you not email, ring or write a letter to the show officials?
I also like the way you have stated on here that you won't be taking your "perfectly well behaved cob" to welsh shows but on another forum you have stated that your cob at hcwpca was badly behaved? Is someone playing to a audience??
 
BossHoss said:
Are you insinuating that my cobs are not well behaved? I find that a little rude - especially as you do not know me!:mad:

And my advice would be to start at the bottom like the rest of us - I started out just doing local club shows until the horse had perfected them, then went to County level and on to National Level. :eek:
I always ask the opinions of other producers as to my horses before they leave the yard and even then they don't go anywhere unless I am 100% happy that they can stand up with the best of them. :)
I don't agree with some practices in showing - but each to their own - I find it quite satisfying knowing I do things by the book and am still able to win hands down :cool:
I have a 30yrold gelding who wins every time, I am constantly met with disbelief that he is so old, and frequently asked what his stud fee is, or how he's bred! He is proof to me that with proper care and practice you can still win. (I have owned him for 14 years and known him all my life) :D
Click to expand...

Bosshoss. I am insinauting nothing of the kind. I don't know you from Adam and don't know your horses. Congratulations on your 30yr old, please don't take that the wrong way - I mean it sincerely. It was the part you said novices shouldn't attend. I went as it is on my doorstep, literally.

YODA. At HWPCA he behaved badly, but by no means out of hand, it was his first show and unfortunately the only one in his class. In the championship he was fine.

Now I am saying to everybody that this is my last post on this thread. Today I had a very long conversation with a lady from a welsh stud. I had offended her for which I was sorry and sincerely she apologised equally. Matters are getting way out of hand and for personal reasons I hope that she saw me for who I really am as I did her. Thanks again - you know who you are :)

It seems having started this thread that there are far too many people that have taken personally comments I have made. If you are one of the majority of responsible cob owners who have taken offence I apologise to you also. If you are part of the minority who act in the manner I have been offended by then all I hope is that you look inside and somehow acknowledge this.
 
I attended Towerlands and thoroughly enjoyed it so was intrigued by the thread. Having read through and deliberated on it, I feel I have to post even though I don’t usually like doing so.
Firstly, let us get out of the way the matter of the music playing. Personally, I liked it. I feel it added to the atmosphere at the show. I have ridden ponies as well as a few breeding animals and have always really enjoyed music at, for example PUK, NPS or even HOYS. I have one especially sharp Section D and have had to work hard to overcome problems at first encountered with sound at shows – he loves to use it as an excuse to lift his tail and shine: a reaction to excitement frowned upon in the ridden. So if I can do it, so should anyone else in their preparation.
Secondly, I am a self-confessed ‘softie’ and am abhorred by any actual act of cruelty. However, such an act I did not witness at this show. If such an act did happen, and the original poster was that upset by what she saw, she should have reported it to the show organizer or committee. I know that the organizer is an extremely approachable, business-like and efficient lady, and would thus have dealt with such a complaint discreetly. It is too late now for the original poster, but in future, let all those offended by apparent acts of cruelty at shows learn from this and have faith in show organizers – they want their show to be regarded a success for all, not just those fortunate enough to be winners. The organizers would also have been able to discreetly deal with the issue of children roaming around: a simple announcement may have been sufficient to promote a safer environment.
More importantly, hardly anyone I know in showing doesn’t love their ponies dearly. Their ponies have brought them, pleasure, joy, and pride as well as heartache and anguish. Therefore acts of genuinely cruelty must be slim. I know there are a few who act inappropriately, but delve a little deeper into their showing community and you find most are not respected and few are liked. Personally, five of the eight ponies we have here have been shown in hand, four of which before being broken to ride, and one of whom having won at Towerlands as a youngster. It is one of the three who have not been shown in-hand and had received very little handling prior to breaking who is sharpest and most head-shy: a testament surely to the lack of cruelty incurred at the hands of these so called cruel yobs who showed the other four, as well as others who have been stabled here before them. Granted this is a small sample, but mine is the only experience I can speak of with absolute authority.
It is true that Welsh ponies are often ‘wound up’ to give a good show, but often such tools as bags aren’t needed as simply feeling well and being in the company of others at an unfamiliar venue is enough to elicit a magical performanceFor those who have little faith in the breed society, it IS discouraged and they have tried to REDUCE the use of such practices, with shows such as the Royal Welsh and National Welsh and Welsh Partbred Show taking steps to support this. Please don’t counter me on that one as I steward the section C’s at the RWAS and steward at the National Welsh, and thus, have first-hand knowledge of such steps. The chief organizer of the Towerlands show is heavily involved in the National Welsh show and I’m very sure that she would, therefore have taken any complaints seriously and may have been able to at least reduce its use. But, everyone wants their animal to do their best in competition. Therefore, I feel it is moderation and tolerance that is called for here, not a total lack of acceptance, so that a compromise can be struck between those encouraging ‘spark’ and those desiring a calmer atmosphere.
Next to address is the opinion that Welsh breeders purposely try to con potential newcomers to the breed. I’m sure many breeders from the length and breadth of the entire UK and of a variety of breeds can rightfully be offended by such a notion. Firstly, it questions the individual’s integrity and honesty, as well as their business sense. After all, the idea is, in the long run, detrimental to their aims in promoting their animals, as few are fooled twice. Also let’s not forget that many of the best Welsh breeders started off elsewhere – the basics of conformation apply to any breed and no first time cob buyer should be dismissed as cluless – so they may have a HOYS hack or a Gold cup winner in their back garden.
Before becoming hooked on the breed, I knew very few in Welsh showing and have relished getting to know the citizens of the ‘Welsh-World’. I have met many people whom I admire greatly for reasons concerning showing and otherwise, and have made friends whom I hope I shall have for life. I am not a yob, and have met very few yobs who have any real respect. I am an English teacher: if I were a ‘yob’, I would have no job, and neither would 90% of the people I have met.
Whilst I am not a yob, I am a riding school graduate: we all start somewhere. I have been last on numerous occasions, but have learnt by watching and asking professionals how to, e.g. trim correctly. My sister and I are still unlucky from time to time and are definitely still as eager to learn now as we were at the start. But we have since both had National Welsh Champion, Royal Welsh Champion, ridden Welshies at HOYS and have produced a Lampeter Supreme Champion. If we can do it, any other riding school graduate can. So, if Welshies are what you love, pursue them whatever your roots.
Cambrica and others alike, don’t be put off showing Welshies at affiliated shows just because you haven’t liked some of the people involved, you will know now that we are not all like it. You won’t have warmed yourself to some of the people at Twerlands and in Wlesh showing with this thread, but you have shown yourself to be essentially a decent person appologising to those you didn’t mean to offend. Mix with those you respect and ask for advice from those you admire until you win the shows you want to, at least that’s what I intend to do until I have achieved my goals.
I hope I don’t sound patronizing – I don’t mean to be. I also hope I am punctuated to an acceptable standard.
I won’t hide behind anonymity as am not afraid of any Yobs with cobs.
Beth
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top