Year End Awards

RESPONSE: We are very sorry that anyone was disappointed with the award selection for this year. In fact, we are rather distressed to hear that, considering the amount of time and effort which went into the selection of the award items and planning the banquet.

 

The tone of the messages we received suggests that it seems we ‘skimped’ and ‘went cheap’. On the contrary. The banquet is the one opportunity we have each year to give back to our members, so we spent a lot on giveaway items, entertainment, and awards. 

 

The custom wood and horse-hair brushes received by Reserve Champions were over $25 each in unit cost. These are not the inexpensive brushes one can pick up at Tractor Supply, they are good, quality brushes, and something we thought horse owners could use. And, more importantly, use in multiples if they received multiple awards.

 

The custom dry erase stall plaques received by the Champions came to over $30 each. Again, these are not the inexpensive, stick-up dry erase boards you can get at WalMart or Dollar Tree. They are heavy duty and nicely made to withstand the rigors of barn and show life. We figured those who received multiples could use them both at home and at shows.

 

We spent nearly $2500 on Champion and Reserve Champion Awards alone. The ribbons cost nearly $15 each. These were not ‘cheap’ items, we didn’t purchase ‘skimpy’ items, and we are greatly disappointed that some people felt that way.

 

You should know that the chairs given out at the previous year’s awards banquet were drastically out of the norm of the typical awards budget: the outgoing Board wanted to ‘go out with a bang’ and spent an extraordinary amount that year. It’s not a bad thing, but it also hasn’t been the norm and is not something that can be done every year. Historically, most of the Champion awards averaged around $25 and the Reserve around $15. We actually spent more than that this year, because we could. We are not opposed to establishing a ’new norm’, and we most definitely will look at this and other options for the future, but more concrete feedback about what would be an ‘acceptable’ award is necessary. 

 

Our awards chairperson did consult with some of the individuals who received multiple awards to determine what types of items might be found useful as well as nice things to receive as a prize. The difficulty in choosing awards is that not everyone will be happy with the selection. 

 

If we choose apparel, there are complaints about size and color, not to mention what to do with multiples. 

If we choose horse wear, there are complaints about size and color, not to mention what to do with multiples. 

One year, rustic pottery bowls were given (“I don’t like pottery and what do I do with X number of these?”)

One year it was tumblers. (“What do I do with only ONE of these?”)

One year it was tumbled stone trivets. (“What do I do with ALL of these?”) 

Tote bags, boot bags, bridle bags, saddle pads, bag chairs, plaques, halters … all of these have been given in the past and people have complained about them for one reason or another. In fact, when we were researching items to give this year, it was emphatically stated that these particular items were NOT wanted again, so we stayed away from them.

 

This doesn’t leave much to choose from. Gift cards? People complained they wanted someTHING with the club logo on it that was more personal. 

 

So, what are we to do? It seems every direction we turn someone will be unhappy, and that’s unfortunate. We are always open to ideas and concrete suggestions are more helpful than simply stating that you are not satisfied. 

 

Again, we reiterate that we feel bad that anyone was disappointed. We did try VERY hard to choose quality, thoughtful, and useful items. We will look at what can be done for the next banquet and, hopefully, there won’t be too many people disappointed with whatever we choose.

 

For everyone who is displeased with the banquet and awards: please consider volunteering for the Awards Chair position when it is next available. You then can have direct input on what and how the awards and banquet are managed. We’re always looking for new people and ideas, so that would be a great opportunity for you to make the change you’d like to see!