Norma, I don't get how you can say the first 3 places in a national class are reserved. I have had some first places in a class, and it wasn't a one time incidence. It was at the time when, classes were huge, 40-50 or more in the ring. I don't handle, but my late husband did. He was an AKC licensed handler, but not a big name. A good dog can go to the front of the line. Yes, the top handlers probably do get the big prize more often, but it isn't always so. As to 3 major groups go to the National every year, again I have to disagree. Not just the large breeding kennels. I can think of several who captured the top prize at one time or another, and they didn't come from large breeding kennels. The other two groups are a given, board and committee members and handler's. If the rest of the people weren't there it doubt there would be a need for the board, committee members or the handlers. Beryl Eshom Arelee GSD Davis, CA. ----- Original Message ----- From: <NHANSBURG@xxxxxxxxxx> To: <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 6:18 AM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] thisa and thata > The National (continued) > 1. Three major groups come to the National every year. The Board members and most of the committee chairman, the large breeding kennels, the Professional handlers. This means that the only open spot available in any class is fourth place.There are lots of people vying for that position.The other three are reserved.Just like front row seating and dinner tables. > ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================