To the Horse Show Managers Out There, This is for You
I am writing this letter on behalf of my spouse. They do not know that I am writing this, but I hate seeing their frustration, so I wanted to do something to cure the frustration, and I thought I would write this letter.
I’m sure this piece will get a lot of criticism from all of you keyboard warriors out there, but I hope you will see that this is coming from a place of trying to resolve the matter or at least let my voice be heard. This letter is not coming from a place of complaining or whining, but from a place of pure frustration. I know my spouse is not the only licensed official out there who feels the same way.
My spouse has been a U.S. Equestrian Federation-licensed official in the industry for over 25 years. I am not saying whether they are a judge, steward, or course designer, or in the dressage, eventing or hunter/jumper world, but they hold the highest license in their line of work. They have been in the horse industry their entire life and have made a successful career in and out of the show ring.
There have been multiple times over the years that they come home from a show, and when I ask them how it went, they say, “It was good. They told me I did a great job, thanks for coming, and we look forward to having you back again in the near future.” Which, of course, sounds good and promising. Though when they go to reach back out to the show managers to discuss working the following year, they get NO response from the show managers, over multiple attempts, whether it is in a text, call, or email form.
They do not understand why. It is across the board, not just one show manager who does this. It is multiple, if not all of the managers for whom they have worked, from large shows to small shows. They even went up to one at a show we were at and said, “Please tell me the truth. Did I do something to offend you or someone? The show manager looked confused and said, “Of course not, why would you ask that?” They respond, “Well, you never hired me back. I have written, called, and texted, and just could not figure out why.” The show manager responded, “Really? Hmm, I must have missed it or was just busy. I am sorry; I definitely would like to have you back. Email me. I will get you scheduled.”
That conversation was over two-and-a-half years ago. They still have not been back, even after multiple attempts to contact that show manager. Most of the others just don’t bother to respond at all.
So what’s the deal show managers? Do you all get together at the annual meeting, sit around and discuss who to hire and who to blackball? It sure seems like it. Or is the lack of communication just pure coincidence? Why else would they be ignored by all of you? If they did something wrong, just be upfront and tell them. Or if it was something else, just tell them! At least they would have a better understanding of why they may not be asked back.
And not to mention, when you hear other trainers say things like, “They keep using the same officials over and over, why don’t they ever use anyone else?” Well, I can probably tell you why. If I had to speculate, they’re all buddy-buddy with each other, so they’re going to keep their friends employed.
I hope I am wrong, and this is not the case. But if it is, then shame on you for conducting business this way. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that they are all like this. There are definitely some good ones out there who actually communicate. And to you I say, thank you for your professionalism and courtesy.
My spouse has worked really hard over the years to get where they are today, and the fact that they have even discussed the idea of giving up their license is not OK with me. I will not let them just throw in the towel that easily. They are really good at what they do. I know, I have seen it firsthand. And I’m not just saying that because they are my spouse. They are well respected by other fellow officials and other trainers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen them on the phone with someone who may have a technical question or a rule question, and they are happy to explain it. They know their stuff. And I know for a fact, in all of their years working, there has never been any complaint against them; they’ve never called in sick, or missed a day, or ever asked for more than the normal daily compensation. So, I just do not understand. And I know they do not either.
So the ball is in your court, show managers. Do better, be better.
Thank you for your time, and I hope this letter is met with the spirit that it was intended for, and nothing else.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Spouse
