At Amateur Arena, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering amateurs. As we strive to better understand the needs and challenges of our community, we are launching a comprehensive anonymous survey to gather insights directly from those who live and breathe the western show horse industry. Your participation will help us identify areas for improvement and create a more inclusive, supportive, and transparent industry.
The Purpose of the Survey
The industry is vast and varied, with amateurs and owners bringing unique perspectives and experiences. This survey aims to delve deep into the experiences of amateurs, offering a platform for you to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of retaliation. By gathering this valuable data, we hope to highlight the key issues that amateurs face and work towards a solution that will benefit the entire community.
Key Topics Covered in the Survey
To ensure we cover a wide range of topics, the survey includes questions on communication, financial transparency, showing aspirations, personal experiences, trainer and barn dynamics, DIY, and future goals. Here are some of the key areas we are focusing on:
Communication & Relationships: Understanding how comfortable amateurs feel when communicating with their trainers and barn staff, and identifying any areas where support might be lacking OR where they are doing great!
Financial Transparency: Gaining insights into how well the financial aspects of training and showing are communicated and managed, including unexpected costs and the handling of sponsorships.
Showing Aspirations & Realities: Exploring the levels at which amateurs wish to show, the financial constraints they face, and how they manage the costs associated with showing.
Personal Experiences & Challenges: Highlighting the biggest challenges amateurs face, from balancing show preparation with other responsibilities to handling emergencies in the barn.
Trainer & Barn Dynamics: Examining the dynamics between amateurs and their trainers, including factors influencing trainer choice, the decision to switch trainers, and the qualities valued in a trainer and training facility.
DIY: Understanding the extent to which amateurs engage in their own training and horse care, the resources they use, and the challenges they face when working independently.
Future Goals & Aspirations: Identifying the long-term goals of amateurs in the industry and the support and resources they need to achieve these goals.
Why Your Input Matters
Your response will provide us a clearer picture of the current state of the amateur experience in our industry. This information is crucial for developing initiatives, resources, and content that truly address the needs of our community. By participating in this survey, you are contributing to a larger effort to make the industry more supportive, transparent, and equitable for all.
How to Participate
The survey is anonymous, ensuring that you can share your thoughts and experiences candidly. It is available online and can be completed at your convenience. We encourage all amateurs and owners to participate and share their insights.
What We Hope to Achieve
With your help, we aim to identify the most pressing issues faced by amateurs and work towards more meaningful solutions. Whether it's through more transparent financial practices, better communication with trainers, or increased support for DIY'ers, we want to ensure that every amateur feels valued and empowered.
Next Steps
After collecting and analyzing the survey data, we will share our findings with the community. This will include a summary of the key insights and any proposed initiatives or changes based on the feedback received. Our goal is to create a more positive and supportive environment for all amateur exhibitors/owners in the industry, but also be productive.
Thank you in advance for your participation and for helping us shape the future of the industry. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.
By participating in this survey, you are not only sharing your experiences but also helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive industry. We look forward to seeing your response and working together to create a better future for all amateurs.
