'Competitors must juggle many roles'

Rebecca Penny on last-minute judge changes and antiquated systems

- Bethan Simons

FOLLOWING on from Simon Reynolds' column (opinion, 12 June), I fully endorse his “choose, don’t chase” approach and wholeheartedly echo his sentiment that planning ashowing calendar has become something of a logistical minefield.

With a packed schedule, overlapping dates and ever-increasing costs, the modern competitor must juggle multiple roles: rider, groom, accountant and even logistics coordinator.

Generally, given the expenses involved with attending any show - fuel, stabling, entries, not to mention the hours of preparation - I tend to make my entries strategically.

Like many others, I aim to give my ponys the best chance of being seen and appreciated by the right set of eyes. Therefore, I base my decisions on prior observations and careful research into the appointed judges' preferences.

That’s not playing the system, it’s just common sense in a sport where subjectivity plays a large role.