Is show politics normal?

[KooKoe]

I don't want fights, I just want to ask a few questions.

Here in my country we have one organization who organizes all the shows. You cannot show if you are not a paid up member. In addition we have regional clubs.

I have just recently joined the main organization and a regional club and what has been revealed is somewhat upsetting to me.

There is constant bickering between the clubs.
The management of the main organization is so hostile towards each other, that there are law suites flying around.
As a beginner on the ground, I have been drawn into all of this, because if i talk to a certain breeder or judge, then other breeders wont talk to me. I have to pick sides???

I am SO put off by all of this that I don't want to show any more. I was wondering if this kind of thing happens in other clubs and countries?

 

[carolinagirl58]

I think politics in showing ANY kind of animals is part of the game, like it or not. I show my koi (large ornamental pond fish) and even though there is NO money in it, you would not believe the politics. And dog shows are even worse. So yes....I would imagine that politics are normal.

 

[InviteTanner]

We have high end show horses, and the politics ran rampant for many years. As people started complaining, taking their money elsewhere, etc., the associations took steps to do a better job with the judge selection and it's been curbed quite a bit. There are still favors being handed out here and there, but when the exhibitors got fed up and it affected the numbers in the classes (and they were very vocal about why they were doing it) that's when it started changing.

I was at one of the top shows last August, and a judge placed top trainer very high on a horse that didn't deserve it, and the crowd let their disapproval be known by boo's and lots of murmurs. A lot of people verbally complained and followed up with written complaints. I have several friends that are judges, and they tell me that it's very common for judges to be called "behind the curtain" after a certain class to explain their placings if enough people complain. "Their feet are to the fire" until the public feels that it's standard to have unpolitical judges as the standard at a show.

The power is with the exhibitors, NOT the judges or associations. If enough exhibitors make "noise" it will change, I've seen it for myself in an association that has tens of thousands of members.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

In the US, what you describe is far from the norm! Yes, if you want to get into leadership positions, there is certainly some politics, but not among the average exhibitor. For one thing, there is no requirement to join any organization. Certainly you are encouraged to join the ABA and APA and local or breed clubs, but it is not a requirement. Within the breed clubs or local clubs you may find some politicing, or you may not.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I suppose it is possible to give a "members only" show.

Any time there are winners and losers, there are going to be both politics and sore losers. Those losers can get really nasty, because they will never believe that someone had a better animal or did a better job of showing. According to them, there is only one reason they could have lost and that is because the judge was crooked and everyone else cheated.

My advice is not to participate in the politics. Refuse to take sides. Speak friendly to everyone and never say anything mean behind a persons back and don't spread gossip or rumors.

Find the nice, friendly, helpful exhibitors and hang out with them. Be polite to the bad-mouthers, but stay away from them.

Believe me, there are a lot more nice people out there showing than there are sour whiners, it's just that the complainers make themselves so obvious..

 

[KooKoe]

Quote:
well said! Thank you folks.

 

[kstaven]

Politics, sore losers, jealous breeders, thin skins and the like go with every show. But so do a lot of very good and knowledgeable people.