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This web site was developed after experiencing discrimination at non- breed based shows.
We have had many positive experiences and met friendly and helpful people that have been supportive, as well. We truly appreciate all that have welcomed us. We have enjoyed educating and opening the minds of those that initially did not know what to think of us. Many of them have embraced the non-traditional breeds we show and some have even added them to their own barns.
Some have not been as accepting. For those show organizers, it appears that they felt they had the right to discriminate against specific equine breeds. This is not to say, that the organizers were alone in this. Some participants and judges also took issue with less traditional equine. We have even been blamed when another exhibitor's horse displayed bad behavior. On more than one occasion, a judge has simply declined to judge us or told us that we didn't belong among the more traditional breeds.
But on the flip side, we have also had some show organizers go out of their way to make us welcome. For as many negative experiences that we have had, we have also had positive experiences. It has taken us years to gain some acceptance in the equine world, but we still have a long way to go to achieve equality.
For those of us that prefer to show in non-breed based venues, it does not seem logical to dictate what types of equine can and can not participate. People that enjoy breed based shows have plenty of options, so why try to turn open shows into specialty shows? Or is this just an attempt to jury some shows? That is, create exclusive shows that are open to some, but not others.
In the world of carriage driving, it is common to show all breeds together, separated only by size and / or skill level of the driver or equine. Although this poses some challenges for the judge, it makes for a more interesting show. All participants are held to the same standard for equipment and appearance. All equine are held to the same standard, taking into consideration the difference of breed type and impact on movement, speed, and breed-based conformational limitations.
The more we spoke with others, the more we discovered that we were not alone. Some shows, for example only allowed mules to participate in specialty classes, but not in pleasure classes with horses. Other shows did not accept half drafts, miniatures, or more traditional riding breeds at carriage driving shows. Some shows banned or attempted to ban donkeys or other breeds entirely.
In our quest for equality, we have discovered many friendly and helpful people. We have also discovered show organizers that were receptive to education regarding non-traditional equine. We have had judges that took the time to research our breed and understand the conformational differences and limitations. Some judges and show organizers have even taken the time to thank us for participating and welcome us to future shows. We have developed a network of friends in the equine industry that now have a better understanding of the breeds we show. We have also discovered a world of driving events in which breed has no bearing.
We have come a long way from the days when we were greeted with, "what is that" and "you can't show that here". It has not been easy and there are still some that would prefer to see us go away. There are also many that would love nothing more that to see us succeed in ending the snobbery.
This site is dedicated to those individuals that choose to show the less traditional equine breeds and their battle for acceptance and equality among the equine world. It is also to assist those individuals to find snob free venues in which to participate and provide tools to assist in gaining acceptance among the equine world.
Although we show in carriage driving, we welcome the stories, photos, and information of those who participate in all disciplines and with all equine breeds.
Lets all work together to make the equine world snob free for everyone!
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