[AlpacaTalk] Shows

 

Hi folks,
I'd like to initiate a discussion on the subject of alpaca shows.
At the outset, let me state quite emphatically that I have all the admiration in the world for large farms. I acknowledge and celebrate their contributions to the alpaca industry, veterinary research, and the show system. I've bought alpacas from large farms and count those breeders among my friends. So, no vitriol against big farms, just some musings on the challenges of stepping into the ring with them.

I've just returned from yet another show at which two or three farms walked away with the lion's share of blue ribbons and purple banners. Their animals absolutely deserved hope to win, they were wonderful examples of the breed. But how in the world can the rest of us hope to compete against folks with the means to position themselves to win almost every time they enter the ring? The farm I came with won three 3rd place ribbons and the joke was "we actually took three 1st place ribbons amongst mere mortals." But how do you convey that to prospective customers without sounding like a ditz or launching into a dissertation on the realities of the showing? ("Third place is great, seriously!")

Does anyone think that the time has come for shows at which participation is limited to breeders who own, say, a dozen or fewer breeding females? Obviously AOBA can't sanction shows that limit participation, but I think many of us are almost at the point where we don't care. As long as a show is well-organized and uses certified judges, just how much does it really matter if there's an AOBA logo on the ribbons?
I've been showing for a decade, and remember when the playing field was pretty level, when you went to a show and could reasonably expect to walk away with a few wins. Not any more. One long-established breeder I spoke with summed it up this way: "I can no longer afford to spend $1,500 to compete for fourth place."
Thoughts, ideas, feedback? (Please, no rotten tomatoes; I just want to start a discussion, not start a war!)
Respectfully,
Jen Ford
Backstage Alpacas
Bedford, PA
www.backstagealapcas.com

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