I am completely bummed about this change. Hoopers will not be the same without the pens/gates. Xhoopers is my favorite class. I have done an Xhoopers session at almost all of my seminars last year and it was well received. I think the Xpens really help some dogs get some distance. Of course I can still do it, but many people won't be so receptive if it is not part of a current class.
Do you have an example of the course you have in mind for future hoopers??
While I understand some people were opposed to the gates/pens, they always had the choice to enter or not. It was not required for a NATCH- VNATCH. If people wanted to do regular hoopers, they could do it VT or ask the clubs to add numbered hoopers. I did not fill out the survey this year and now I wish I had and said I LOVE XHOOPERS. As you know, people usually fill out surveys when they do not like something..not when they are happy. It would be nice to do a specific survey asking exhibitors what they think about Xhoopers and the change.
Xhoopers is a large class at all my trials. Most people enter it and enjoy it.
Yes they can still enter it when it changes (If I decide to offer it) . but honestly, I dont want a run just a hoopers course and I know others feel the same way. I enjoyed the challenge of the barrier. (And yes I know I can handle it if there were gates..but not the same).
So is there anyway you would rethink this and allow clubs the choice what they want to offer?? Do a specific survey and ask exhibitors what they think??