I have used a shipyards crook in years past. They
are very good for snaring running beasts, but not nearly as good for dragging a
sheep with its feet firmly planted from its chosen position. I will assume that
an Endurance Rider with his/her feet planted will be even more difficult to
dislodge from the podium than sheep from a feed trough. You might be able to use
it for the feather weight rider awards, but come time for the middleweight and
heavyweight riders, you will have that immovable object problem. Unless you have
access to a 4 wheel drive tractor and a logging chain close to the stage,
there may be a problem getting them away from the podium
From my years of dealing with Realtors at meetings,
I do have a few ideas to offer that might help you keep things moving. On
the floor at the podium, you might want to put some wire mesh electric fence
material. Hook that to any commercial electric fence controller and attach
it to a large truck or boat battery. If the speaker runs overtime,
throw the switch. This eliminates the problem of their talk droning on and on
until they run out of breath or things to say and finally wind down, down, down.
With the HV ( high voltage) method their talk will end on time with a loud
and excited "Whoop!!!" or "Wow!!!" or
" Yikes!!!". It will add punctuality and enthusiasm to their talk as they
end with an exclamation. You might want to have a sound person controlling the
microphone volume as some of the "exclamations" when the juice hits may not be
fit for family consumption.
For some truly persistent Endurance riders, (and
aren't we all?), you may need to keep a fire extinguisher handy as they may
keep talking until smoke starts coming up from their feet. ( hint: Blue
sparks flying from their hair is not a good sign)
There is always the option of the electric cattle
prod, but that could take away from the dignity of the proceeding.
I wish I could be there with you. Give my best to
all the Award Winners. Good luck in your presentations. I hope that I have
given you some ideas to help you with that task.
