During the $150,000 Charlotte Grand Prix–the final event of the Charlotte Jumper Classic (N.C.) (see April 21, p. 8), the announcer repeatedly informed the crowd that the grand prix riders they were watching compete would appear after the end of the class to sign autographs.

And the arena was full of enthusiastic young fans. With the move this year from the Charlotte Coliseum on the outskirts of town to the Bobcats Arena in the middle of downtown Charlotte, the Jumper Classic doubled its spectators–up to 10,000 over the three days of jumping–partly because the organizers made enormous efforts to promote the event, fill the seats, and put on a great show.

Still, as I waited near the in-gate to interview the winner, I didn’t see any riders gathering to sign autographs for them. There was a large group of spectators waiting at the edge of the ring, just as the announcer had instructed them, with programs and pens in hand. But no riders–that I saw–met them. And I’m sure that quite a few young star-struck show jumping fans went away disappointed.

Similar autograph signings earlier during the show had gone well, and I suspect that the riders made catching their flights, or organizing their trips home, a priority at the show’s conclusion–instead of signing autographs. But the signing was announced all through the class. Either there was a lack of communication or insufficient organization to corral the riders one final time. And I fear that it’s a perfect example of one of our sport’s major weaknesses.

I couldn’t possibly count how many times I’ve heard top riders bemoan their sport’s lack of spectator interest and how they want to see it become as popular as it is in Europe. But the onus for that popularity can’t fall just to the event organizers and promoters. The riders have to make a connection to the fans too. In order to engage the audiences and keep them coming back, they have to make an effort to become accessible to the fans they so desperately want to attract. Yes, spectators want to see action. But they also want to feel a connection to the athletes.

I’ll never forget one year at the Spruce Meadows National (Alta.) tournament. Richard Spooner had won a class on Robinson, and as he was waiting to step forward for the awards ceremony, he let Robinson poke his nose over the ring fence so that several young girls could pat the great gray horse on the nose. Spooner let them connect with and have a personal memory of his superstar. It was a moment they’ll remember, and I’d be willing to bet that they bought tickets the next year to see if their “special friend” could win again.

And I’ve done my share of interviews kneeling in front of an autograph table, surrounded by enthusiastic youngsters clamoring to get their favorite rider’s signature or even just to talk to an Olympian they idolize. The fans are out there, but the riders have to do their part to captivate them. Jumping and winning just isn’t enough if you want to create a loyal following. You have to make the spectators feel welcome, involved and connected. And that responsibility is mostly up to the riders.

So, that’s my challenge to the show jumping world. Don’t leave it all up to the public-relations people and the show managers to capture the crowds. Become personalities who are open, engaging and interesting. Make an effort to draw spectators in. Connect with them, and they’ll come back.