Looking for suggestions! What type of awards do you prefer to get when winning something? Trophy, buckle, ribbon, plaque, certificate, public acknowledgment, money/gift card, a custom item (cooler, halter, etc)... @Tara Nason and I are working on a project to reward Kigers who are actively showing and we’d like to hear from you on what would motivate you to attend more (or larger) shows with your Kigers? We are also looking for anyone who would be interested in helping behind the scenes with this project. Let us know your thoughts!!
For me recognition is huge, and some kind of point system would be great incentive too. Maybe something that sticks with that horse for its lifetime? Could have fun year end awards and make a big to do of it. It would be so awesome to see what all people are doing with their Kigers, and that gives people all the more reason to get them out in the limelight!
Recognition is awesome. It also becomes a place where people can look up and see what different Kigers are doing in the competitive sphere. It’s fun to look through the lists of different Kigers showing, I know I enjoyed that as someone on the sidelines. As far as prizes, I’m motivated by gift cards or something that helps offset costs to show 😅. It’s nice though if you have some sort of prize or ribbon that you have as evidence, since gift cards disappear. I don’t really wear belts, so belt buckles would just sit on my shelf, but technically, a trophy would too lol.
@Sarah Butterworth I don’t really do belts either, but I’ve always wanted to win a buckle. The only reason I entered sorting contests is because I really wanted a buckle!!! Someday.. 😁
What about a gift of a professional photo shoot or a painting of your horse?
@Dianne Chaffee that’s a neat idea! We could hire Lee Mitchelson to do portraits!
She is so amazing!!
@Emily I know! I bought a portrait she did of Lluvia , it’s surreal to see up close!
The best part of showing for me was when someone would look at Smoke and ask what kind of horse he was. Their exclamations over him being Kiger and how they always wanted to see one were what made it for me. I know at one point there were some promotional displays available for people showing. I don’t know how to make those easy to ship or pass around, but it gets lots of attention at shows. Maybe a gift of promotional materials, like banners, photos etc for people who show x times a year? I know years ago I had a small banner made out of some tough material with a photo and wording on it made by Kinkos, (now FedEx) and matching business cards.
@Dianne Chaffee fabulous idea for the banner!!! I would love to have something like this for when I go to shows
That's a wonderful idea! We could look into it.