I am a big supporter of the Beginner Class. But here is whats happening behind the scene. This contest really wasn't going to happen this year. It was going to be a Jam. All of a sudden there was some money and a few prizes and we were able to make it into a contest. We just don't have enough to spread out prizes to more than 3 classes. Originally we were going to to Beginner,Expert, Pro that left out Vets and Master Class. After much discussion about previous years at the Round Up. We went with the Veterans Class. Last year we only had 1 person that wanted to ride beginner class. Judging from the people that I know that are coming. None of them will ride beginner. I am sure if we could have one there might be one or 2 more that would ride. Its not a lack of beginners but lack of beginners that are willing to compete.
On the flip side the Veterans Class has been gaining popularity and its almost a older intermediate/entry level class. Most of the people that have been riding in this class before it came along was riding in beginner or intermediate class.
There is a lack of TRUE beginners out there that are willing to travel to a comp and ride. I see a ton of younger riders that ride street and trails. We don't have that in flat or least not that I see. When I go to Jams and Contest its normally the same riders. Not a ton of new riders each time that are saying they just got started riding.