‍Stepping Into the Challenge of Outdated Tech

This fall, I’ve had the privilege of stepping in as show manager for multiple USEF-rated, week-long competitions at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas. These events, which included the prestigious USEF/USHJA Sallie B. Wheeler National Hunter Breeding Championships and the USHJA Young Pony Hunter Championships, were a fantastic experience for me personally and professionally. The team of staff I worked with were all highly experienced, knowledgeable and well-respected within the industry. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such skilled individuals, who are truly dedicated to providing a top-notch experience for exhibitors.

The Limitations of Outdated Technology

However, as much as I enjoyed managing these shows, the use of outdated technology presented some notable challenges. The show management software, restricted to a single computer operated by the office secretary, made it difficult for me to access real-time information like schedules, start times, and exhibitor details on the fly, when I needed it. These limitations weren’t due to any lack of effort on the part of the secretary or other show staff—we’re all simply working within the constraints of the tools available. With a modern platform like Horse Spot, everyone, from the manager to the exhibitors, would have access to this crucial information at their fingertips, making it easier to provide accurate updates and correct any errors in real time.

The entire show staff did an amazing job navigating these challenges and pulling off well-run competitions, despite any and all hurdles. It’s a testament to their experience and professionalism that things ran as smoothly as they did. But I’m a firm believer that every great team deserves better tools, and as I reflected on the overall experience, I couldn’t help but think how much easier and more efficient the process would have been with modern tools that support rather than hinder the efforts of such a great team.

Exhibitor Feedback: The Need for Modern Solutions

Throughout the shows, I had several conversations with exhibitors, and many of them shared similar frustrations. One exhibitor I spoke with on the final afternoon brought up issues like last-minute schedule changes, inconsistent start times, and occasional errors in the information provided. These are common pain points that, while not a reflection of the hard work being done, could be easily avoided with a modern tech solution. The exhibitor also acknowledged that the combination of skilled management teams and modern technology is what’s truly needed to create a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Streamlining with Horse Spot

As someone who values efficiency and innovation, I couldn't help but notice how modern platforms like Horse Spot could transform the show management process. With Horse Spot, exhibitors would no longer have to wait for manually posted results or experience the frustrations of delayed schedule changes. It’s not about automating everything or replacing people—it’s about providing a tool that makes the jobs of already great teams easier and the experience for exhibitors smoother. I’ve seen firsthand how the manual processes and reliance on outdated tech can lead to delays and errors, even with the most dedicated staff. Horse Spot would solve these issues and allow everyone to focus on delivering an exceptional experience.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Tech to Elevate the Experience

I’m excited to return to the Texas Rose Horse Park in two weeks, where we’ll be using Horse Spot as the show management tool. With this modern tech in place, I’m confident we’ll be able to enhance the exhibitor experience, making real-time access to information, consistent schedules, and seamless management a reality. I believe that combining a talented, professional team with the right technology will elevate these events even further.

In conclusion, my time managing these shows has been incredibly rewarding. The professionalism and dedication of the team at the Texas Rose Horse Park, combined with modern tools like Horse Spot, have the potential to create the best, most seamless experience for everyone involved. It’s not just about making things easier—it’s about allowing the people behind these shows to shine even brighter.

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Photography Credits: Jerry Mohme Photography