To Whom it May Concern
The first year I attended the Jumper Prix de Ville I felt like I had “made it” somewhere in the jumper world. Someone asked me to be a member of their team at a show catering only to jumper riders, and to jumper riders of certain ability, that is to say 3’ riders and higher. That year there was a full competition of low and high teams. There were enough teams to warrant a portable tent to house the overflow teams, of which there were three of us, 12 horses in total. It was three days of absolute fun.
Since then, and seemingly since the death of Mr. Andahazy, the show has fallen apart and I do not get the feeling that LEC, or their coveted equestrian program, care. For those of us who looked forward to this competition every year, and have been faithful regulars, we are disappointed. This was a show that was special for jumper riders, where we didn’t have to compete with ring time with hunters and where we could have a show that took on a format we were unaccustomed to, but thoroughly enjoyed. There isn’t any other show in our area that caters only to jumpers. This was something unto itself.
Which brings me to my point. Why would a show that could offer so much to the college, and means a so much to a lot of people, not be worth saving? Why would a show that is unique unto itself not be worth TRYING to revive? There has been a lack of entries in the show for a few years now and I have not seen anyone try to fix that problem or figure out its cause, but I have a few ideas.
The show is horribly advertised. At this point I think it’s mainly word of mouth that brings any entries at all. The show fliers go out late, and probably only to people who’ve recently attended. Why not send it to all the big barns in the area? Why not drop show bills off at other big shows? WEC has huge amounts of jumper riders compete, and yet, I didn’t notice any advertising for this show there.
With the addition of the 2’6” division last year it seemed as though the show was being catered to the abilities of the LEC students themselves. At one point the only division options available were 3’6” and 4’. That meant you have to have a certain skill level to compete at this show. I am not opposed to being more inclusive, but I also feel like this isn’t a schooling show where anyone who can jump a fence should be in attendance. For me it was a goal to work towards. Once I made it that level I could compete there. You wouldn’t lower the height of the Olympics just so a few more people could try their luck. This is one way to uphold the prestige of the show, even if some people cannot compete.
That being said, this isn’t a schooling show. Tacking this event on the end of a schooling show is like a slap in the face to the event. I wouldn’t be surprised if even less people sign up for the team show than ever before. It doesn’t appear as a “closing event,” it appears as an add-on after a weekend long schooling show. You’ve taken away the sweepstakes classes, which were a draw since people could earn back money for a job well done, and added full jumper divisions. Most jumper riders wouldn’t want their horse doing 5 classes in 2 days. That’s quite a lot. So, people will likely choose, and I bet (with the Prix going last thing on Sunday) that the Prix will lose out. This is saddening to me as I fear lack of entries this year may very well lose the show in its entirety next year to make way for a full schooling show.
It appears that instead of building the show up, LEC is trying to bring the show down in order to dismantle it. If entries are low why not find out why? Is it held a bad time in the month? It’s being moved more forward every year, maybe it’s too early. Are there not enough incentives? Maybe offer a free tack stall to any trainer that brings a full 4 horse team. Maybe see if the OPHA would offer points to the sweepstake classes? Grab those point chasers. Maybe offer 3’3” classes in lieu of the 2’6” classes. I think the addition of the Gambler’s Choice was a great effort a few years ago, but again, there was to be 3 classes for horses that day, and 2 the following. Why not offer it on Friday night as a highlight opener? It might draw out people who would like to give their horses a chance to see the ring with some show jumps in it and might draw more exhibitors. Why not send out surveys after the show for ideas on how to improve the show for a better turnout. The reasons people are not coming might be easy solutions! I do think advertising is key, however, as previously mentioned.
At a time when the jumper ring is thriving and there are more jumper competitors than ever the Jumper Prix de Ville should be having no problem filling divisions and yet, the show is dying. I, for one, am deeply saddened by these turns of events and implore your program to put some serious thought into re-establishing the show, and returning it to the great adventure it used to be.
Thank you for your time.
Updates
April 11, 2017
The administration remains silent while the equestrian community continues to express their frustration with this decline. Post this link on Facebook to demand that Lake Erie College explains why they are letting this tradition die. Email the department chairs today and ask them why they refuse to invest in the future of the Prix de Ville.
April 11, 2017
We just hit a major mark that shows how many riders still care about preserving the Prix de Ville. Now we need to turn this momentum into action. Tag the Lake Erie College equestrian program on Facebook and demand they meet with us to discuss a path forward.
35 Comments
Please keep the Prix!! Would love to see it restored to its original splendor! My dad announced these shows every year.... fond memories!
Also bear in mind that so much of the draw in the old days was because of people like Laddie, Bert, Chuck, etc. Those greats are no longer among us. Those are some impossible shoes to fill. I don't think its a matter of the college not caring, just a matter of figuring out how to keep something alive that is so intertwined with those names. Even the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic had a few rough years - those same men had everything to do with the founding of that show.
Quality horse shows bring tourists to Northeast Ohio! This event could be a major draw if properly conducted, and advertised. It will return to the area more than it costs. IF LEC needs help they need to reach out to appropriate potential partners. If they want to kill the program they can be just one of several private Ohio colleges, with nothing distinctive to separate it from the crowd.
As one of the first two graduates of the Equestrian Studies program at LEC way back in 1974 I have seen the Prix de Ville in it's heyday and it saddens me to see what it has become. It also saddens me to see the Eventing program essentially disappear. When I was teaching at LEC we had 3 students participate in the NAYRC in British Columbia with 2 of them riding college owned horses!! I don't know the answer but as the old sating goes "where there is a will there is a way!" My fear that there isn't enough of a 'will' at LEC :(
I agree - the show needs to be refreshed. Entries have been low since the late 1990s, there used to be teams from Vermont, Minnesots, Texas, Canada, Mexico. I was a HUGE deal! Now, with other shows in Florida & elsewhere South, they have added in the Team aspect, and it's not as special anymore. By lowering the fence height & adding in the hunters, they've "dummed it down" so anyone can enter - that's great for entries, but not so great for the show itself. And advertising?? what advertising? I saw a FB post about the News-Herald article a week after the show this year! Sadly, there is no bright outlook as yet.
This show kept LEC at the top of its game. It brought people from all areas because of the quality of the show and the talent it produced. Would like to see the tradition retained to put the LEC EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM BACK TO THE ERA WHERE IT WAS UNDENIABLY THE BEST!
This is very sad news to hear. I have such fond memories of competing in the Prix on several occasions on both the LEC jumper and dressage teams. And it was a very big deal. To hear it's struggling and how it's been dumbed down is heartbreaking. I've never known the dumbing down of a prestigious competition to be an effective alternative. In fact it's nearly always the nail in the coffin, often stemming from a very lazy effort. The times have changed and there are no easy answers BUT it sounds like there needs to be a more enthusiastic effort made. If people believe the powers that be have made every effort to save something then it's fair to say they have tried there best. It sounds like the past efforts have been underwhelming. These things usually boil down to money. Better/more sponsors needed? If the money's big enough - people will come - period. And yes the Prix has competition from other shows, now more than ever. But not everyone can go to these other huge shows/circuits. The Prix really could fill an alternative need in that respect. Perhaps the powers that be could enlist the help of the many national show management companies for consulting? Poll the trainers - what would entice them to bring their customers? There are plenty of resources out there that could help revive this competition, if it is indeed savable. But those in command have to care enough about it. Historically, the Prix really set LEC apart from ALL the other eq colleges. That in itself should be motivation enough!
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To Whom it May Concern
The first year I attended the Jumper Prix de Ville I felt like I had “made it” somewhere in the jumper world. Someone asked me to be a member of their team at a show catering only to jumper riders, and to jumper riders of certain ability, that is to say 3’ riders and higher. That year there was a full competition of low and high teams. There were enough teams to warrant a portable tent to house the overflow teams, of which there were three of us, 12 horses in total. It was three days of absolute fun.
Since then, and seemingly since the death of Mr. Andahazy, the show has fallen apart and I do not get the feeling that LEC, or their coveted equestrian program, care. For those of us who looked forward to this competition every year, and have been faithful regulars, we are disappointed. This was a show that was special for jumper riders, where we didn’t have to compete with ring time with hunters and where we could have a show that took on a format we were unaccustomed to, but thoroughly enjoyed. There isn’t any other show in our area that caters only to jumpers. This was something unto itself.
Which brings me to my point. Why would a show that could offer so much to the college, and means a so much to a lot of people, not be worth saving? Why would a show that is unique unto itself not be worth TRYING to revive? There has been a lack of entries in the show for a few years now and I have not seen anyone try to fix that problem or figure out its cause, but I have a few ideas.
The show is horribly advertised. At this point I think it’s mainly word of mouth that brings any entries at all. The show fliers go out late, and probably only to people who’ve recently attended. Why not send it to all the big barns in the area? Why not drop show bills off at other big shows? WEC has huge amounts of jumper riders compete, and yet, I didn’t notice any advertising for this show there.
With the addition of the 2’6” division last year it seemed as though the show was being catered to the abilities of the LEC students themselves. At one point the only division options available were 3’6” and 4’. That meant you have to have a certain skill level to compete at this show. I am not opposed to being more inclusive, but I also feel like this isn’t a schooling show where anyone who can jump a fence should be in attendance. For me it was a goal to work towards. Once I made it that level I could compete there. You wouldn’t lower the height of the Olympics just so a few more people could try their luck. This is one way to uphold the prestige of the show, even if some people cannot compete.
That being said, this isn’t a schooling show. Tacking this event on the end of a schooling show is like a slap in the face to the event. I wouldn’t be surprised if even less people sign up for the team show than ever before. It doesn’t appear as a “closing event,” it appears as an add-on after a weekend long schooling show. You’ve taken away the sweepstakes classes, which were a draw since people could earn back money for a job well done, and added full jumper divisions. Most jumper riders wouldn’t want their horse doing 5 classes in 2 days. That’s quite a lot. So, people will likely choose, and I bet (with the Prix going last thing on Sunday) that the Prix will lose out. This is saddening to me as I fear lack of entries this year may very well lose the show in its entirety next year to make way for a full schooling show.
It appears that instead of building the show up, LEC is trying to bring the show down in order to dismantle it. If entries are low why not find out why? Is it held a bad time in the month? It’s being moved more forward every year, maybe it’s too early. Are there not enough incentives? Maybe offer a free tack stall to any trainer that brings a full 4 horse team. Maybe see if the OPHA would offer points to the sweepstake classes? Grab those point chasers. Maybe offer 3’3” classes in lieu of the 2’6” classes. I think the addition of the Gambler’s Choice was a great effort a few years ago, but again, there was to be 3 classes for horses that day, and 2 the following. Why not offer it on Friday night as a highlight opener? It might draw out people who would like to give their horses a chance to see the ring with some show jumps in it and might draw more exhibitors. Why not send out surveys after the show for ideas on how to improve the show for a better turnout. The reasons people are not coming might be easy solutions! I do think advertising is key, however, as previously mentioned.
At a time when the jumper ring is thriving and there are more jumper competitors than ever the Jumper Prix de Ville should be having no problem filling divisions and yet, the show is dying. I, for one, am deeply saddened by these turns of events and implore your program to put some serious thought into re-establishing the show, and returning it to the great adventure it used to be.
Thank you for your time.
Updates
April 11, 2017
The administration remains silent while the equestrian community continues to express their frustration with this decline. Post this link on Facebook to demand that Lake Erie College explains why they are letting this tradition die. Email the department chairs today and ask them why they refuse to invest in the future of the Prix de Ville.
April 11, 2017
We just hit a major mark that shows how many riders still care about preserving the Prix de Ville. Now we need to turn this momentum into action. Tag the Lake Erie College equestrian program on Facebook and demand they meet with us to discuss a path forward.
35 Comments
This show has been dummied down terribly. Please go back to the original format with all the prestige that went with competing in this show and if you were lucky enough placing. There used to be teams from all over the country but now seems only LEC students and a few locals come. Really sad to see this.
Please keep the Prix!! Would love to see it restored to its original splendor! My dad announced these shows every year.... fond memories!
Also bear in mind that so much of the draw in the old days was because of people like Laddie, Bert, Chuck, etc. Those greats are no longer among us. Those are some impossible shoes to fill. I don't think its a matter of the college not caring, just a matter of figuring out how to keep something alive that is so intertwined with those names. Even the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic had a few rough years - those same men had everything to do with the founding of that show.
Quality horse shows bring tourists to Northeast Ohio! This event could be a major draw if properly conducted, and advertised. It will return to the area more than it costs. IF LEC needs help they need to reach out to appropriate potential partners. If they want to kill the program they can be just one of several private Ohio colleges, with nothing distinctive to separate it from the crowd.
As one of the first two graduates of the Equestrian Studies program at LEC way back in 1974 I have seen the Prix de Ville in it's heyday and it saddens me to see what it has become. It also saddens me to see the Eventing program essentially disappear. When I was teaching at LEC we had 3 students participate in the NAYRC in British Columbia with 2 of them riding college owned horses!! I don't know the answer but as the old sating goes "where there is a will there is a way!" My fear that there isn't enough of a 'will' at LEC :(
I agree - the show needs to be refreshed. Entries have been low since the late 1990s, there used to be teams from Vermont, Minnesots, Texas, Canada, Mexico. I was a HUGE deal! Now, with other shows in Florida & elsewhere South, they have added in the Team aspect, and it's not as special anymore. By lowering the fence height & adding in the hunters, they've "dummed it down" so anyone can enter - that's great for entries, but not so great for the show itself. And advertising?? what advertising? I saw a FB post about the News-Herald article a week after the show this year! Sadly, there is no bright outlook as yet.
This show kept LEC at the top of its game. It brought people from all areas because of the quality of the show and the talent it produced. Would like to see the tradition retained to put the LEC EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM BACK TO THE ERA WHERE IT WAS UNDENIABLY THE BEST!
This is very sad news to hear. I have such fond memories of competing in the Prix on several occasions on both the LEC jumper and dressage teams. And it was a very big deal. To hear it's struggling and how it's been dumbed down is heartbreaking. I've never known the dumbing down of a prestigious competition to be an effective alternative. In fact it's nearly always the nail in the coffin, often stemming from a very lazy effort. The times have changed and there are no easy answers BUT it sounds like there needs to be a more enthusiastic effort made. If people believe the powers that be have made every effort to save something then it's fair to say they have tried there best. It sounds like the past efforts have been underwhelming. These things usually boil down to money. Better/more sponsors needed? If the money's big enough - people will come - period. And yes the Prix has competition from other shows, now more than ever. But not everyone can go to these other huge shows/circuits. The Prix really could fill an alternative need in that respect. Perhaps the powers that be could enlist the help of the many national show management companies for consulting? Poll the trainers - what would entice them to bring their customers? There are plenty of resources out there that could help revive this competition, if it is indeed savable. But those in command have to care enough about it. Historically, the Prix really set LEC apart from ALL the other eq colleges. That in itself should be motivation enough!
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This show has been dummied down terribly. Please go back to the original format with all the prestige that went with competing in this show and if you were lucky enough placing. There used to be teams from all over the country but now seems only LEC students and a few locals come. Really sad to see this.