Sharon,
I *probably* should go private with this post but as my best friends know, I rarely miss an opportunity to give my opinion....in pretty straight language....just ask Amanda and Chris! hahaha!
First off, there has been nothing said, other than an off hand comment from you, in response to someone else, that maybe X-Hoopers should be part of a NATCH. People are over reacting and freaking out over an off hand comment. Everyone take a breath. Please.
Yes, I understand that those of us going to Championships have been "forewarned" - or *more correctly* been given a heads up - that a Hoop Circle will be included in *one* run. I am sad to hear of so many people who enter trials that are not given the opportunity to try an X-Hoopers class. Especially in an area where there may only be a couple of weekend trials in a year. That's just darn sad. But, in my humble opinion, you still have the opportunity to politely request the clubs offer this class. You're paying entry fees! Instead of just silently packing up your toys and staying home, have a nice conversation with the trial secretary and some club members as they are planning for their next trial. They might be delighted to try it out if some interest was shown! If the club has the hoops, get your fellow entrants to bring a few extra ex-pens and have some fun!
I am ticked off to hear that clubs that offer a few NADAC trials/year don't offer it at least once. Clubs should have figured out that Hoopers was here to stay (we were clearly told that!) and that the Hoop Circle was going to be *it*. Shame on you clubs! For trainers who say they teach their students to do well in NADAC, how how how could you omit a Hoop Circle? It is an awesome way to give students and their dogs a little distance and help in directionals in a very easy way! Shame shame shame....
Sharon, you are not the problem. Don't let anyone *ever* make you feel that way.
People are forgetting that the old Gamblers class and it's new "incarnation" as the Chances class is where AKC got its "Fast" class. People are doing that class in huge numbers. It takes distance and directionals to handle it and people who do AKC should all thank *you* for that. You are not "the problem", you are the innovator. Who also started the whole rubber matting and dumping those dang toe breakers on contacts? Could someone please remind me??? What organization keeps our old dogs running well into what would have been "retirement age"? NADAC. Lowered jump heights and ground classes (hoops!!) are keeping our dogs sound longer and us out there having fun with them longer. Innovative thinking again.
Yup, I get that you're being pounded on and it sucks. Big time.
Wise choice to send us that Combo course map. Those of us who have done X-Hoopers can let the others know that what would be asked *for the Hoop Circle* part would be typical for a Novice run. Certainly not Open or Elite!
The agility world needs you...they need you to continue doing research on what will keep our dogs healthier; keep on finding new and interesting games for us to play because the old ones do get boring for dogs *and* people; keep on showing us those amazing training skills you have so we can reach higher with our own. Please do not lose your enthusiasm for all of this because of just a few....there's many more of us who do appreciate you just like you are!
Sending hugs,
Kyle
