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!
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
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!
E
Eileen Bud Roberts
9 years ago
Lots of changes needed.
R
Robyn schultz
9 years ago
This can and should be better!
S
Sarah Freeman
9 years ago
It's very sad to see both the Jumper and Dressage Prix failing. Both use to be fantastic competitions and it was an exciting honor to compete. I hope the current administration can open their eyes enough to see the possibility for improvement.
C
Carolyn VanDyke
9 years ago
Dear Lake Erie College: I have an unusual perspective, as riding at a barn that has had the longest history with Prix de Ville- Roosevelt Stables. Bill Lorimer, now deceased and friend of Laddie Andahazy, fielded teams from the inception of Prix de Ville until his death in 2012. During my much more limited involvement, The "Prix" (as it is affectionately known I'm my circle) had devolved from the ultimate jumper show in the LEC winter series, to an afterthought. When my competitive daughter rode for Bill (and helped bring him his first win), there were numerous teams, some from out of state, and local riders looked to the weekend as a star in their calendar. This is no longer the case. The breeder for my completion horse, Allegra Steck (a LEC grad) did well in the Sweepstakes with her Akhal Teke, and keeps tab on how the competition goes, especially if her boy is competing. I don't know what is needed to bring this team event back to it's former glory, but I would do a lot to help that happen. It would be so sad to terminate the Prix, especially as the 50th anniversary looms. As an outsider, I would think that a robust completion program would be important to a school with an Equestrian program. Keep the Prix alive, and enlist locals to help return it to its former glory.
M
Michele Pecsi
9 years ago
United States
L
Linda Toll
9 years ago
Featured
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.
P
Patricia Brown
9 years ago
Our industry is steeped with tradition. This show honors Laddies accomplishments. I'm sorry to hear that LEC isn't considering this show a priority.
D
Donna Kog
9 years ago
Save the show!
B
Bitsy Gascoigne
9 years ago
Featured
Please keep the Prix!! Would love to see it restored to its original splendor! My dad announced these shows every year.... fond memories!
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
I agree... things need to change. 6 years ago it was standing room only. It has declined more in recent years. Schools from all over were coming in to ride in the Prix. I also don't feel as if there was a fair share of time in the ring for outside teams. Someone should bring this up to the new President because he deserves to know how everyone feels and what his EQ center is lacking or in need of change. I don't know who wrote this but I am glad someone did. It's been bothering me for years now. Also I realize most everyone on this petition may be eventing, hunter jumpers and dressage. But hopefully with possibly getting more into some western areas of riding it will also bring more students in. Even someone who rides dressage has dabbled in Western also. It could really widen the horizon for the college. I do hope some changes are made.
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Please continue to host recognized shows like the Jumper and Dressage Prix De Villes
C
Carleigh Fedorka
9 years ago
One of my proudest moments as a teenager was competing and placing 2nd in the LEC Team de Ville!
L
L Johnson
9 years ago
Featured
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.
L
L Johnson
9 years ago
Very sad to see there is no more Eventing program
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
While I certainly understand the yearning for the 'days of the old Prix', I have to say I can understand why the college has changed the format of the Prix. It just doesn't seem like this area can support the type of riders the Prix used to attract. The draw of the Wellington, Ocala circuits and now WEC in Wilmington has become too strong. Those riders want to compete at a rated level and earn points. Look at Chagrin Valley Farms - they were hosting successful A rated shows for years in this area and have now had to cancel several shows because everyone wants to go to WEC. It's sad, but a reality this area is facing. With a show every weekend at WEC, it is more likely that jumper riders are going to choose the rated show over the fun, but unrated show - even if there is money back and no other shows on that weekend. I think the college is trying to appeal to the demographic of the area in order to keep the show alive. Offering OPHA points is a great idea, unfortunately OPHA will not give points for the sweepstakes or team competitions, thus the format change.
As a spectator at this years show, I do agree there is room for improvement. As a former competitor in the 'good old days', it is sad to see courses that are not set at the heights and widths they used to be, or the fences being completely changed out and moved around for the next round. But what are you to do if you don't have the competitors to jump those tougher courses? I love the idea of the hunter derby, but do agree that it needs to be more of an event - different fences, greenery brought in, options, etc. I think advertising could certainly be improved as well.
Let's use this as an opportunity to help the college keep this tradition going while improving and making it a successful show once again.
D
Diane Williamson
9 years ago
Please help save Lake Erie College's Prix de Ville.
C
Csrol Quade
9 years ago
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.
C
Cindy Bank
9 years ago
As a LEC grad I remember when the Prix was 4' only. We had teams from all over, including Canada. Prize money was worth the trip. The stands were packed with spectators (that had to pay to be there). Ground crew was chosen and we worked our butts off!! Competition was fierce. It sadddnes me to hear how the Prix has declined. There hasn't been more then one "high" team in years. There is no draw to come- how would people know, the advertising for this show is non existent (on a side note, I have competed in the Dressage Prix for about 20 years and it's advertising is just as bad as well as team turn out is terrible. This year there was one high team and only 7 low teams. If this wasn't an open show as well it would have been a ghost town).
They need to make a huge effort to bring back the Prix how it used to be. Bring back sweepstakes classes. Advertise it everywhere. Make it a BIG DEAL. Until that happens (for both) it will be a show catered to the few that know someone and the LEC students. (When I was a student LEC had one team representing and you had to qualify for a slot). Listening to the new Presidents speach this past weekend, I can only hope that he will do 'something' to restore it to its former glory. He spoke of the unique program and how it should flourish. I can only hope that he works to help make change.
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!
Lots of changes needed.
This can and should be better!
It's very sad to see both the Jumper and Dressage Prix failing. Both use to be fantastic competitions and it was an exciting honor to compete. I hope the current administration can open their eyes enough to see the possibility for improvement.
Dear Lake Erie College: I have an unusual perspective, as riding at a barn that has had the longest history with Prix de Ville- Roosevelt Stables. Bill Lorimer, now deceased and friend of Laddie Andahazy, fielded teams from the inception of Prix de Ville until his death in 2012. During my much more limited involvement, The "Prix" (as it is affectionately known I'm my circle) had devolved from the ultimate jumper show in the LEC winter series, to an afterthought. When my competitive daughter rode for Bill (and helped bring him his first win), there were numerous teams, some from out of state, and local riders looked to the weekend as a star in their calendar. This is no longer the case. The breeder for my completion horse, Allegra Steck (a LEC grad) did well in the Sweepstakes with her Akhal Teke, and keeps tab on how the competition goes, especially if her boy is competing. I don't know what is needed to bring this team event back to it's former glory, but I would do a lot to help that happen. It would be so sad to terminate the Prix, especially as the 50th anniversary looms. As an outsider, I would think that a robust completion program would be important to a school with an Equestrian program. Keep the Prix alive, and enlist locals to help return it to its former glory.
United States
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.
Our industry is steeped with tradition. This show honors Laddies accomplishments. I'm sorry to hear that LEC isn't considering this show a priority.
Save the show!
Please keep the Prix!! Would love to see it restored to its original splendor! My dad announced these shows every year.... fond memories!
I agree... things need to change. 6 years ago it was standing room only. It has declined more in recent years. Schools from all over were coming in to ride in the Prix. I also don't feel as if there was a fair share of time in the ring for outside teams. Someone should bring this up to the new President because he deserves to know how everyone feels and what his EQ center is lacking or in need of change. I don't know who wrote this but I am glad someone did. It's been bothering me for years now. Also I realize most everyone on this petition may be eventing, hunter jumpers and dressage. But hopefully with possibly getting more into some western areas of riding it will also bring more students in. Even someone who rides dressage has dabbled in Western also. It could really widen the horizon for the college. I do hope some changes are made.
Please continue to host recognized shows like the Jumper and Dressage Prix De Villes
One of my proudest moments as a teenager was competing and placing 2nd in the LEC Team de Ville!
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.
Very sad to see there is no more Eventing program
While I certainly understand the yearning for the 'days of the old Prix', I have to say I can understand why the college has changed the format of the Prix. It just doesn't seem like this area can support the type of riders the Prix used to attract. The draw of the Wellington, Ocala circuits and now WEC in Wilmington has become too strong. Those riders want to compete at a rated level and earn points. Look at Chagrin Valley Farms - they were hosting successful A rated shows for years in this area and have now had to cancel several shows because everyone wants to go to WEC. It's sad, but a reality this area is facing. With a show every weekend at WEC, it is more likely that jumper riders are going to choose the rated show over the fun, but unrated show - even if there is money back and no other shows on that weekend. I think the college is trying to appeal to the demographic of the area in order to keep the show alive. Offering OPHA points is a great idea, unfortunately OPHA will not give points for the sweepstakes or team competitions, thus the format change. As a spectator at this years show, I do agree there is room for improvement. As a former competitor in the 'good old days', it is sad to see courses that are not set at the heights and widths they used to be, or the fences being completely changed out and moved around for the next round. But what are you to do if you don't have the competitors to jump those tougher courses? I love the idea of the hunter derby, but do agree that it needs to be more of an event - different fences, greenery brought in, options, etc. I think advertising could certainly be improved as well. Let's use this as an opportunity to help the college keep this tradition going while improving and making it a successful show once again.
Please help save Lake Erie College's Prix de Ville.
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.
As a LEC grad I remember when the Prix was 4' only. We had teams from all over, including Canada. Prize money was worth the trip. The stands were packed with spectators (that had to pay to be there). Ground crew was chosen and we worked our butts off!! Competition was fierce. It sadddnes me to hear how the Prix has declined. There hasn't been more then one "high" team in years. There is no draw to come- how would people know, the advertising for this show is non existent (on a side note, I have competed in the Dressage Prix for about 20 years and it's advertising is just as bad as well as team turn out is terrible. This year there was one high team and only 7 low teams. If this wasn't an open show as well it would have been a ghost town). They need to make a huge effort to bring back the Prix how it used to be. Bring back sweepstakes classes. Advertise it everywhere. Make it a BIG DEAL. Until that happens (for both) it will be a show catered to the few that know someone and the LEC students. (When I was a student LEC had one team representing and you had to qualify for a slot). Listening to the new Presidents speach this past weekend, I can only hope that he will do 'something' to restore it to its former glory. He spoke of the unique program and how it should flourish. I can only hope that he works to help make change.