Visit the Von Holten
Ranch website at www.vonholtenranch.com
specific year on the ribbon, either. You might end up with 30 extra 6th place ribbons that you will be able to use next year and cut down the cost of a future event. Make sure you use traditional colors for the main middle streamer and have the place on the ribbon.
Write on the Back
If you are awarding ribbons you should write information about the event on the back of the ribbon. This is often overlooked or purposely skipped, but when someone takes the time to write on the back of a ribbon it is appreciated more than you’ll ever know. I would highly recommend writing the date and the division. If you have time, write the person’s name. Please be extra cautious that you spell their name correctly. If you are trying to solidify relationships and loyalty to your facility and/or event, go the extra mile!
Be Creative
People love specialty ribbons! Talk to your ribbon provider/manufacturer and see if they have any ideas to really add some flash and flare to your event. They do this for a living and are able to draw upon a wealth of knowledge. I use www.horseshowribbons.com as our ribbon vendor.
Life After the Competition
Ribbons have such a lasting impression that people find ways to keep them in their life. Some people make new items with them such as pillows or blankets. Some people take all the rosettes off and place them in shadow boxes or glue them to vases. Some people place them in trophy rooms. In my office I have two ribbons hanging, a green 6th place ribbon and a yellow 3rd place ribbon. I have so much pride associated with those two ribbons. It does not matter that the ribbons are not blue!
If you ever thought a ribbon was not important, please reconsider. Countless hours and expenses went into winning that ribbon. Winning a ribbon really is a big deal!
If you ever thought a ribbon was not important, please reconsider. Countless hours and expenses went into winning that ribbon. Winning a ribbon really is a big deal!
Jeff Lebbin, President of the AHCA, and competitor Bill Hachmeister receiving a ribbon and prizes. Below, Brandy takes home a ribbon after placing 3rd at AHCA Nationals.