Below is a list of frequently asked questions that will be added to regularly as questions come in and as new changes are made and planned for the coming 2020 season.
If you have a question not on this list, please contact us and we are happy to answer your questions - thank you!
If you have a question not on this list, please contact us and we are happy to answer your questions - thank you!
Association Questions:
1. Why did you change the name from Bay Area Fox Trotter Association to North Coast Horse Association?
BAFTA (Bay Area Fox Trotter Association) was founded in 2012 and was originally a Fox Trotter club that invited other gaited breeds to our events. Over the years since then, our participation grew to non gaited horses as well and with a name that signified a specific breed for the association, many people were confused and/or felt unwelcome with their non gaited horses. Also, our goal is to educate about, encourage and support all types and skill levels of horses and riders so we felt that a new name that was more inclusive was the way to go.
BAFTA (Bay Area Fox Trotter Association) was founded in 2012 and was originally a Fox Trotter club that invited other gaited breeds to our events. Over the years since then, our participation grew to non gaited horses as well and with a name that signified a specific breed for the association, many people were confused and/or felt unwelcome with their non gaited horses. Also, our goal is to educate about, encourage and support all types and skill levels of horses and riders so we felt that a new name that was more inclusive was the way to go.
Edition Series Horse Show Questions:
1. I wanted to sign up for the show but I do not see a link for entries or class lists under the appropriate show tab - where is the entry information?:
We have started posting our class list and entry forms 30-40 days prior to the show on the website. In the past we posted our entry forms and class lists earlier and when changes needed to be made, there were several versions of our class lists floating around which made for confusion, missed classes and frustration. Our show dates are always posted WAY in advance so we ask that you kindly save the dates for our shows, make sure you follow our facebook page and are on our E mail mailing list and then you will know right away when entries open.
2. I heard that at least one show would be a two day event, but this year all of the shows have been one day - what gives?
The intention for 2019 was to have one show, the Autumn Edition Show, become a one and a half day event. A lot of planning went into creating that plan, which we do hope to facilitate in the coming season, but this year we simply did not quite have the right amount of funding. The only way to make a two day show happen this 2019 season would have been to significantly raise everyone's prices and that is not what North Coast Horse Association is about. Remaining an affordable yet growing show is our main goal so we will try for a two day event in 2020 and see if we can get enough sponsor and show participation to make this happen. We do have ideas of adding a ranch horse division to help accommodate a second day (see below question about Ranch Horse Classes).
3. Why are changes/ division adds not made throughout the year?
We work very hard to create a schedule that flows well with so many breeds and disciplines of riding and to offer something for everyone. At the end of the year, we look at what classes did well with entries and what classes did not and we work on fine tuning the schedule each year. Since several of our sponsors sponsor a class for the entirety of the year, and because many of our participants are working towards a year en high point, we feel it is only fair to make big adjustments at the end of the season for the following year.
4. I won a high point award, how and when will I get it?
Last year we spent hundreds of dollars getting awards mailed, trying to deliver awards to people and then in addition to doing so, we spent a lot of time with missed phone calls and phone tag and it is just not efficient. Because so many other more established associations have awards banquets, we decided to not try to compete with that idea either, so all awards can be picked up at the Spring Edition Show of each year. If you would like to provide the cost of shipping for your awards, we are happy to package it up and send it out once we receive payment for shipping. Thank you for understanding!
5. Do you have any future plans for Ranch Horse Classes?
Yes. This year we have started by adding Ranch Horse Conformation and Ranch horse pleasure. We plan to add a Ranch Riding class as well, once we get more information. We will NOT however, at this time, be accommodating cattle as it is a great expense that we can not take on without gaining more financial support and sponsors from the trail and ranch divisions.
6. Do you have any changes planned for your trail obstacle challenge?
Yes. Now that our trail obstacle challenge is growing and been consistent with attendance, we will be re-vamping our trail challenge in the future. Our 2020 list of divisions will remain the same but we have a better system to hopefully be more organized, including giving out awards in the trail area. We had always given out trail awards in the main arena in the hopes of bringing everyone together but now with the great participation it is just not working time wise. Trail placings will still be shared in the show ring area. We will have better courses while still maintaining a lighter, welcoming environment. Remember, the ONLY we way can keep these events going forward and fine tuning divisions is to have sponsors and participants - PLEASE SPONSOR, even if you can not make the show - the future of the show depends on it!