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Member
Posts: 36
Location: Austin, Texas | In November of 2013 Ms. Juli S Thorson, editor of Horse and Rider Magazine wrote an editorial titled Income Inequality . It was an excellent editorial that posed some interesting questions and some really interesting facts about wealth and horses. She asks the questions: How else will this new level of income inequality play out and affect the horse world, now and years to come? What evidence are you seeing yet, if any, of the phenomenon at work? And what do you think it means for you and your horses?
Between 2009 and 2012, income of the top 1 % of Americans grew by 31.4%, yet for the bottom 99% of Americans, income only grew 0.4%. In 2012, the top 10% of earners ( those earning $114,000 or more) took home more than half the country's total income.
I think each and every one of us that attends big barrel races with lots of added money we see income inequality at its best. It is front and center at every big barrel race in Texas. I think we can all name at least 20 kids from just the last 10 years whose parents go out and buy horses that cost more that the top 10% of earners mentioned above.
Ms. Thorson also points out in the editorial that the income inequality issue arose many many years ago in the horse show world. Many show-group rulebooks, to this day, include a dictum that silver show equipment may not be counted over unadorned gear. This was one of the first things to be decided for the good of the order, way back when Western horse shows were a relatively new activity. A display of wealth was not to count over demonstration of skill and talent.
I agree with Ms. Thorson that income inequality is just one of those facts of life from which the horse world isn't immune. | |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
   
Location: In the Hills of Texas | We sure have seen a lot of people go out of the horse business and others sizing down drastically. 10 years ago, I could feed 3 horses for what it cost me to feed one today.
Edited by Nevertooold 2014-09-05 5:39 PM
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I have very expensive 1D horses that we bought for our girls. They no longer ride so I started riding them. I can't ride worth cr@p so we are in the 3D locally. My friend bought a $3500 horse off craigslist and ran a 17.3 on a standard. My friends 9 year old ran a 17.1 on a 6 year old that her mother bought relatively inexpensively and trained herself. My point is if you have talent in the barrel racing industry you don't always have to buy the best horses out there, you can make them, then sell them for big bucks for parents to mount their kids :). Yes, there will always be wealthy parents who can mount their kids to win but there is also more talent out there winning then just money getting the job done. I also don't discount what it takes to ride and win on those top horses. Income inequality is an issue for our country but if you are blessed to be able to afford the care and upkeep of horses I think you are doing OK and shouldn't worry about the price of other peoples horses. Horses are a luxury no matter what the purchase price.
Edited by rodeomom3 2014-09-04 6:52 PM
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I'm a capitalist. If you are finding ways to make money and can afford those expensive horses, then more power to you. I certainly can't, but I still found my dream horse and my sister's proven 1D horse for well under $10k. I'm not going to begrudge someone for being successful despite the horrible economy satan aka obama has given us. | |
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 Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | cpo61 - 2014-09-04 5:44 PM In November of 2013 Ms. Juli S Thorson, editor of Horse and Rider Magazine wrote an editorial titled Income Inequality . It was an excellent editorial that posed some interesting questions and some really interesting facts about wealth and horses. She asks the questions: How else will this new level of income inequality play out and affect the horse world, now and years to come? What evidence are you seeing yet, if any, of the phenomenon at work? And what do you think it means for you and your horses?
Between 2009 and 2012, income of the top 1 % of Americans grew by 31.4%, yet for the bottom 99% of Americans, income only grew 0.4%. In 2012, the top 10% of earners ( those earning $114,000 or more) took home more than half the country's total income.
I think each and every one of us that attends big barrel races with lots of added money we see income inequality at its best. It is front and center at every big barrel race in Texas. I think we can all name at least 20 kids from just the last 10 years whose parents go out and buy horses that cost more that the top 10% of earners mentioned above.
Ms. Thorson also points out in the editorial that the income inequality issue arose many many years ago in the horse show world. Many show-group rulebooks, to this day, include a dictum that silver show equipment may not be counted over unadorned gear. This was one of the first things to be decided for the good of the order, way back when Western horse shows were a relatively new activity. A display of wealth was not to count over demonstration of skill and talent.
I agree with Ms. Thorson that income inequality is just one of those facts of life from which the horse world isn't immune. Maybe I am the only one who feels this way, but who really cares? I would drive myself batty if I worried about what everyone else spends on thier horses.
I'm happy if I have all my horses in the trailer and the correct children in the truck when I leave the track or arena. Dang kids get so dirty I can't tell 'em apart, who has time to worry about what everyone else does, lol.
Edited by Barnmom 2014-09-04 7:33 PM
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| its not mybusiness who spends what | |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | There will always be people who have and those who don't
. Me, I wish more people would just learn to sit a horse better. | |
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 Baby Blue's
Posts: 7306
Location: Texas | Tough sh/it is what I say. Maybe if parents pushed half as much for the future success of their childrens' careers and a little less on the bs extracurricular activities (yes, barrel racing included but also sports, dance, etc), the income gap wouldn't be quite as large. Can you imagine? I mean, as a parent, how much money, time, effort, and emotion go into stuff that at the end of the day, isn't what should be the focus.
For instance, people in my town are psychotic about baseball. Their children play year-round (starting at age 6/7), have private lessons to the tune of AT LEAST $100/wk in addition to the other expenses, and every weekend are tournaments. EVERY WEEKEND. By age 12, 70% of those kids won't be playing and by age 27, one or two of them may be on an evening softball team. I'm not saying cut it out - those things are what being a kid is about - but jeez. People need to get a flipping grip. | |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | When I was a kid I had the $100 ugly horse with the $50 busted saddle. All the people with the 90k horses and 5k saddles would turn their nose up high and make nasty comments. Now I am 40 and have worked hard for the expensive horse and custom saddle and nice rig but I still get the ugly comments but now the ugly comments are about me buying the ability to win. fancy doesn't make you ride better and cheap doesn't make you ride worse. Really all that matters is how you feel and how much fun you have. People will see other people the way they want to see them it doesn't matter how much or how little someone has!!!!! | |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | This thread illustrates the typical mindset of the progressives who are striving to convert this great capitalist society into a socialist utopia. This kind of thinking is what started the Bolshevik Revolution.
To the OP: what are you suggesting? What's your solution? | |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting.
I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers? | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers?
Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution? | |
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 Ima Fickle Fan
Posts: 3547
Location: Texas | Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth. | |
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Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | This thought just came to me - why do we want everyone equal?
Explain that one OP?
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Baby Blue's
Posts: 7306
Location: Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers?
A four year degree never meant shit. Nobody ever graduated and was handed a job and if they were, tough. Life's not fair.
I know I pay my plumber and electrician a pretty penny. I just moved into a new house in June and had several contractors doing various things - clearing land, building fences, surveyors, appraisers, etc, etc. Not ONE (ONE!) of them performed to par. They were all white (not that I hired them b/c of that, just ended up that way). People can wallow in the self-pity from illegals but here (and I'm in Houston so there aren't many places with more), the people that WANT to work, make damn good money. I'm tired of people that whine but don't actually do anything constructive to make the situation better.
And CEO's - who cares what they make? Do you know what they do? What they bring to the table? What about the already rich that invest well and make more money in a day than most people will see in 10 years? We didn't bring those people up. That's not fair either, right?
What I think is outrageous are those skinny, model women that can eat Cheetos everyday and not gain an ounce. Now that, my dear, is not fair.
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Those wealthy people and those CEOs are what drives the economy in this country to a large extent. Everyone has the potential opportunity to work hard, be imaginative, take risks, and succeed in this country. Few actually reach that pinnacle of success, but it is possible. That's what equality of opportunity in America has to offer, more than any other country on earth.
Class warfare and envy is an insidious process and we can become consumed by it.....even in something as insignificant as barrel racing (in the grand scheme of things).
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers? Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution?
HAHA-SPREAD THE WEALTH DOWN TO THE MEASELEY MANAGERS!! | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | LMS - 2014-09-05 10:14 AM HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers? Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution? HAHA-SPREAD THE WEALTH DOWN TO THE MEASELEY MANAGERS!!
Bingo....there you go! Spread the wealth. I think the Obamunists refer to that as "social justice". For those who deem this approach attractive, I say be careful....you just might get what you asked for. | |
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 Saint Stacey
| I just love this new term "Income Inequality". Maybe we should talk about work ethic inequality or how about work load inequality? Sorry but there is no such thing as "equal". We are all born into a different set of circumstances. You deal with the life you have and YOU change it if it isn't working. Why should someone that's a slacker with zero work ethic make the same as someone that focuses on the job and gets it done in half the time? If someone can afford a $100,000 horse, then good for them. That isn't my circumstance so we will just have to outrun that $100,000 horse on the little homebred my daughter made. Oh wait...guess we are already there, lol! | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 512
| What I think is outrageous are those skinny, model women that can eat Cheetos everyday and not gain an ounce. Now that, my dear, is not fair.
Just had to say this made me chuckle!! | |
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | cpo61, from AUSTIN, Texas. That explains a lot right there. Little liberal pocket in Texas. What is the point of your post?
IMHO any one that is worried about someone else's wealth or lack of it, needs to get off their duff and work to achieve what they think it is that they are missing out of in life. Be the best you can be, if it's not getting you where you want to be, find the people to help you get there. If it's more education, or the right conections, figure it out and make it happen.
I'm sick of all these whiney people saying life is not fare. You bet it's not, but it's up to each individual,,,,,,, | |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | roxieannie - 2014-09-05 10:51 AM cpo61, from AUSTIN, Texas. That explains a lot right there. Little liberal pocket in Texas. What is the point of your post? IMHO any one that is worried about someone else's wealth or lack of it, needs to get off their duff and work to achieve what they think it is that they are missing out of in life. Be the best you can be, if it's not getting you where you want to be, find the people to help you get there. If it's more education, or the right conections, figure it out and make it happen. I'm sick of all these whiney people saying life is not fare. You bet it's not, but it's up to each individual,,,,,,,
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  Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | The ones on this thread who are in favor of the Original Poster's line of thinking are the lazy bums who would not know what REAL Work is if it reached up and bit em in the ass!
From my personal line of thinking (Which I know is incongruous w/ 'their' reasoning) is Work equates Income.
Since the beginning of time. In the beginning when One did not Work ie produce, harvest or prepare food, One did not eat ie have Income.
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Member
Posts: 36
Location: Austin, Texas | I think most of y'all need to go back and re-read my original post. Or go to the Nov 2013 issue of Horse & Rider and read Juli's editorial.
Yes, there is always an exception that someone can go buy a $500 horse and win , but those are the exceptions, NOT the rule.
I am a firm believer that if you have the money and want to go pay a ton of money then go for it. It's in every equine discipline. I would suggest that some of you go to NCHA or NHRA futurities and you will quickly realize you cannot have a chance unless you have lots of dollars.
I think Juli's editorial was to get folks thinking about this and to make a point. Are we eventually headed to the point that only the "wealthy" can compete in equine events. I think the answer to that might be yes | |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM
Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers?
Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution?
Solutions? I have no idea, but I believe it would help to have less govt intrusion and shall I dare say higher tariffs...
Remember the "kook" that talked about that strong sucking sound? | |
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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | Many show-group rulebooks, to this day, include a dictum that silver show equipment may not be counted over unadorned gear.
After hauling to many quarter horse shows this summer to compete in reining and ranch pleasure I have to say I honestly don't think AQHA judges are following the above rule. You need sunglasses to watch the God-Awful western pleasure classes (but that's a whole other topic).
I for one don't care too much what people pay for barrel horses or reiners or whatever. There's a young gal (about 19) hauling to the reining shows I go to now whose parents just bought her a horse that cost more than I make in a year. I just know I feel super awesome when I beat her (which I do on occasion) on my home raised and trained mare.
But I do think what the OP and Julie Thoreson are maybe getting at is that if 1% of the population continues to get wealthier while the rest aren't able to keep up with the cost of living and inflation this will affect the horse world in that the number of people who can afford to own and keep a horse of any kind will shrink which does affect us all. Less competitors means less $ to win, possibly less sponsorship and fewer people to buy those finished horses. I know I see it now at the QH shows compared to when I hauled way back when in the early 80's. Then the classes all had anywhere from 15 -30 per class in our area. Now 0 - 10. 10 is a huge class. I think the shear cost for the average income earner combined with the loss of the family farm plays a huge part in this decline. Unless the person living in an urban setting earns a very good salary they just can't afford a horse and to hual, show, barrel race etc..
If I look at our local barrel racing district 20 years ago we had 10-15 youths per race. Now we are lucky if we get 2 youth. Alot of our open riders are like me and over 40. So I think that says something right there. Not many parents can afford to have their kids in horses. It's becoming a sport for an elite few and the elite few is becoming smaller and smaller which hurts our industry as a whole.
All I know is every time I put my horse or horses in my trailer to haul to a show or barrel race I feel blessed. No matter how I end up doing I remind myself I am so blessed that despite not being rich I at least have enough $ to haul my inexpensive home raised horses down the road to do what I love to do. | |
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Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | cpo61 - 2014-09-05 11:26 AM
I think most of y'all need to go back and re-read my original post. Or go to the Nov 2013 issue of Horse & Rider and read Juli's editorial.
Yes, there is always an exception that someone can go buy a $500 horse and win , but those are the exceptions, NOT the rule.
I am a firm believer that if you have the money and want to go pay a ton of money then go for it. It's in every equine discipline. I would suggest that some of you go to NCHA or NHRA futurities and you will quickly realize you cannot have a chance unless you have lots of dollars.
I think Juli's editorial was to get folks thinking about this and to make a point. Are we eventually headed to the point that only the "wealthy" can compete in equine events. I think the answer to that might be yes
No, You and those who agree with this line of thinking need to back up and use some critical thinking skills to look into the source thinking behind this...................................
Hard Work equates "so-called" Income Equality. Somewhere, somebody had to either figure out how to do something ie think to produce something or the same somebody somewhere had to actually labor to produce something.
Again, use Critical Thinking Skills. | |
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Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 11:30 AM
HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM
Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers?
Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution?
Solutions? I have no idea, but I believe it would help to have less govt intrusion and shall I dare say higher tariffs...
Remember the "kook" that talked about that strong sucking sound?
A lowered Corporate Tax would negate the requirement for higher tariffs. And hence the perceived 'sucking sound' would disappear. Aahh, but Higher Taxing Liberals cannot understand such things. A tariff is another name for tax. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| aggiejudger - 2014-09-05 9:50 AM
Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth.
Wrong! 1 licensed plumber/electrician per 4 or more apprentices...So one well paid American usually a fat lazy white guy pointing his fingers while illegals do the work, I see it all the time. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | cpo61 - 2014-09-05 11:26 AM I think most of y'all need to go back and re-read my original post. Or go to the Nov 2013 issue of Horse & Rider and read Juli's editorial.
Yes, there is always an exception that someone can go buy a $500 horse and win , but those are the exceptions, NOT the rule.
I am a firm believer that if you have the money and want to go pay a ton of money then go for it. It's in every equine discipline. I would suggest that some of you go to NCHA or NHRA futurities and you will quickly realize you cannot have a chance unless you have lots of dollars.
I think Juli's editorial was to get folks thinking about this and to make a point. Are we eventually headed to the point that only the "wealthy" can compete in equine events. I think the answer to that might be yes
Fine and dandy....what's your solution? Any suggestions, or do you just want to whine? | |
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Baby Blue's
Posts: 7306
Location: Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 11:35 AM aggiejudger - 2014-09-05 9:50 AM Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth. Wrong! 1 licensed plumber/electrician per 4 or more apprentices...So one well paid American usually a fat lazy white guy pointing his fingers while illegals do the work, I see it all the time.
So you're saying it's the unlicensed that are getting their wages pushed down by illegals? Once again, what is the barrier of one being a licensed plumber? Time. Effort. Ambition. Not money. My mom is a licensed plumber. It's certainly not an easy accomplishment but can be done with effort.
But bump that, right? Why can't I just get my $5,000 monthly check so I don't miss The Real Housewives? | |
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Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 11:35 AM
aggiejudger - 2014-09-05 9:50 AM
Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth.
Wrong! 1 licensed plumber/electrician per 4 or more apprentices...So one well paid American usually a fat lazy white guy pointing his fingers while illegals do the work, I see it all the time.
Itsme, Can You or are You willing to PROVE those 'apprentices' are illegal immigrants? Or is this just conjecture on your behalf? | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Bozo, Scamper, Louie, Orange Crush, and Dolly were all those 6-figure horses, right? How much was Hot Shot when he was first purchased?
Hard work and talent is a huge equalizer. Funny how that works. | |
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Semper Fi
Location: North Texas | HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 11:45 AM
Bozo, Scamper, Louie, Orange Crush, and Dolly were all those 6-figure horses, right? How much was Hot Shot when he was first purchased?
Hard work and talent is a huge equalizer. Funny how that works.
And speaking of hard work and talent together.....................Hard Work will carry one further than Talent. For with out the hard work to exploit talent, talent is wasted! I would much rather deal with someone who is a hard worker with less talent than with a talented individual who is lazy.
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Saint Stacey
| Horses being used for recreation have always been expensive and not everyone can afford them. This is nothing new. Maybe from the early 80's and prior you could get away with no silver. I grew up showing in the late 80's.It required a lot of money then. It trequires a lot of money now. Nothing has changed. Horses are not a necessity in life. Therefore they are an expense that not everyone can afford. It has nothing to do with income inequality. It has to do with priorities and if you can afford an extra circular activity. Not everyone can afford to snow ski. Does that mean it's income inequality? | |
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | This reminds me of a comment that a 12 year old girl made to my oldest daughter recently...She told her that she was spoiled and didn't deserve the mares that she's running and winning on.
The back story on these mares is, yes they are nice...but, they are former cutting horses that my daughter has trained herself. They cost nowhere near what the horses that she's outrunning in many cases cost, but they would cost a whole lot more to go buy them now!
I work everyday to make sure that my girls understand that hardwork pays off and faith in God will carry you through. If things get difficult it just means that you need to keep up the hard work and better things are coming for you. They see that this is true by the example that their father and I have set for them...it's proven to be true for us time and time again.
No we are not all created equal...and it has nothing to do physical attributes. It's all about your Work Ethic. | |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| When I opened this post, I thought the topic would be about different wages/salaries for the same profession throughout the world, but this topic is not about inequality.
This post is about the value society puts on the job and pays the worth.
A CEO makes the money they do because they earn it, they earn the companies a gigantic profit, for the most part they sacrifice the time with their families to earn that company the profit. These people also don't only work 9-5 but have to make appearances at after hours events.
I had a discussion with my vet awhile back and he says since the last market crash that we haven't really gotten out of, he is making less money then he was before.
He said this is because the lay person cannot afford the treatments they did prior, so to keep the service and to do the best he can for the animal he has had to cut his profit margin, and sought alternatives to the procedures, for example stem cell injections 2500, versus generic stem cell injections 200.
For the question are horses going to become a rich mans game, it always has been, jumping, polo, showing. The wealthy look at horses as disposable, if they are not going to win, they move onto the next one until they find the superstar. This is why they keep winning.
The lay person, majority of the times the horse is part of the family, as we cannot afford to replace them, we develop a bond with them as we in general do not have grooms, trainers, exercisers, etc we do it all. The lay person also require their horse to do more then one job, barrel racing, roping, branding, moving cattle, etc.
Will the lay person be able to afford horses in 50 years, doubtful, if the economy and weather doesn't change. Droughts have increased the demand of hay and essential grains causing the cost to increase. The processing of the staples has also increased as metal, and fuel prices have increased therefore the price has to increase, all these increases in price the end person has to pay for, the horse owner.
I know this last year local jackpots in my area with no added money are charging 40-50 dollars per run, this has definitely made me reconsider what runs I go to.
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Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| We started with nothing, broke as you can be when we were first married. My husband made squat but he was the first one to work and the last one to leave. We never ate out, did not buy new clothes and had to watch every penny. 25 years later, his work ethic and skills have been rewarded with financial compensation that puts us in the top earning bracket. When our oldest finished her masters and started her career, his advice was the same: be the first to get there and the last to leave. She moved to a new city for her job and her supervisor asked her if she was adapting and making friends because unlike the other office staff who did not put in an extra minute, she was the first to show up and the last to leave. She has already started moving up the ladder in her career.
I am not an economist but my daughter is and she attributes the disparity and growing income gap to the technology age. People have been able to make huge fortunes in a relativley short time compared to the years it used to take to build a business. It skews the numbers. I don't begrudge anyone who is skilled and smart enough to make it big. They deserve it, they create a lot of jobs and help our economy.
Yes, you could see income inequality at ANHA, I saw lots of people walk away with checks when I did not get one, lol. To the OP, if you won money did you split it with those who did not??
I could complain that it is not fair that I have to compete against people who have barrel raced their whole life compared to my riding and racing for a few years. Instead, I enjoy my blessings and am thankful for the opportunities that I am given.
I don't see income inequality affecting our sport as much as I do talent or lack of it (where I fit in).
Edited by rodeomom3 2014-09-05 12:51 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| bocephus's mama - 2014-09-05 11:43 AM
Itsme - 2014-09-05 11:35 AM aggiejudger - 2014-09-05 9:50 AM Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth. Wrong! 1 licensed plumber/electrician per 4 or more apprentices...So one well paid American usually a fat lazy white guy pointing his fingers while illegals do the work, I see it all the time.
But bump that, right? Why can't I just get my $5,000 monthly check so I don't miss The Real Housewives?
And she makes the same wage as plumbers did in the 90s...
Im not here to fight, if you like the direction our country is headed then good for you. 
I personally think its taking a turn for the worse in all areas... | |
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Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Itsme - 2014-09-05 12:29 PM bocephus's mama - 2014-09-05 11:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 11:35 AM aggiejudger - 2014-09-05 9:50 AM Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth. Wrong! 1 licensed plumber/electrician per 4 or more apprentices...So one well paid American usually a fat lazy white guy pointing his fingers while illegals do the work, I see it all the time.
But bump that, right? Why can't I just get my $5,000 monthly check so I don't miss The Real Housewives? And she makes the same wage as plumbers did in the 90s... Im not here to fight, if you like the direction our country is headed then good for you. I personally think its taking a turn for the worse in all areas...
My husband builds apartments. The company he works for builds all over the US and had the most new starts last year. He said there are areas in the US where wages are the same as 15 years ago. Here in Houston wages have increased over the last few years for all types of skilled labor. His biggest problem is with the subs having enough skilled manpower to get the jobs built on time. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 8:56 AM
This thread illustrates the typical mindset of the progressives who are striving to convert this great capitalist society into a socialist utopia. This kind of thinking is what started the Bolshevik Revolution.
To the OP: what are you suggesting? What's your solution?
AMEN. When I see articles, posts, and the wonderful protests that refer to this topic, I want to scream.
Be a critical thinker. I love the opportunities in our nation and they wouldn't be there if we were a socialist nation. Work hard to diligently improve and you will. Yes, money can make the road easier - BUT, it sure doesn't pave the way. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2457
| SKM - 2014-09-05 10:40 AM
I just love this new term "Income Inequality". Maybe we should talk about work ethic inequality or how about work load inequality? Sorry but there is no such thing as "equal". We are all born into a different set of circumstances. You deal with the life you have and YOU change it if it isn't working. Why should someone that's a slacker with zero work ethic make the same as someone that focuses on the job and gets it done in half the time? If someone can afford a $100,000 horse, then good for them. That isn't my circumstance so we will just have to outrun that $100,000 horse on the little homebred my daughter made. Oh wait...guess we are already there, lol!
I could not have said it better.  | |
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Baby Blue's
Posts: 7306
Location: Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 12:29 PM bocephus's mama - 2014-09-05 11:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 11:35 AM aggiejudger - 2014-09-05 9:50 AM Just because you can buy it, doesn't mean you can ride it. If people have the money to buy it, they usually lack the time to make it. I will never own a high dollar horse, but I don't know that I'll ever be a good enough rider to stay aboard a 1D horse.
As for illegals pushing the wages down of plumbers, etc., I'm going to call BS on that. You have to be licensed to be a plumber, electrician, etc. And anymore, a 4-year degree can help you get your foot in the door. What you do with it is up to the individual. Success isn't determined by a diploma on a wall or years spent in school. Sure a degree may help, but it isn't the end-all, be-all that allows a person to generate wealth. Wrong! 1 licensed plumber/electrician per 4 or more apprentices...So one well paid American usually a fat lazy white guy pointing his fingers while illegals do the work, I see it all the time.
But bump that, right? Why can't I just get my $5,000 monthly check so I don't miss The Real Housewives? And she makes the same wage as plumbers did in the 90s... Im not here to fight, if you like the direction our country is headed then good for you. I personally think its taking a turn for the worse in all areas...
That being said, one plumber (or electrician, or whatever kind of contractor) is not comparable to the other. Just like someone else said - that's the beauty of skilled labor. You can have a go getter that can rake it in or one that barely scrapes by.
Edited by bocephus's mama 2014-09-05 1:27 PM
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 Queen Boobie 2
Posts: 7521
| Just the title of this post ticks me off.
Income Inequality...my foot. You get what you are willing to sacrifice and work for.
There is "work ethic inequality" or "ambition inequality".
A buddy of mine just went to work on the pipeline making good money. He's 22 with a few hours of college credit, but not particularly skilled...He made the sacrifice to live in a camper on the back of his truck for an opportunity to make good money. | |
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Member
Posts: 36
Location: Austin, Texas | I used the same exact title as Horse & Rider did in their magazine.
It always amazes me how people get their pants all in a twist about certain topics. Editorials are for the purpose to get people to think
Juli Thorson is right on in her editorial, no matter if a lot of you agree or not. She has been in business a long time and as the editor if H&R magazine she has seen the trends ; the good , the bad and the ugly. I am one that completely agrees with her editorial. | |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 11:03 AM
Those wealthy people and those CEOs are what drives the economy in this country to a large extent. Everyone has the potential opportunity to work hard, be imaginative, take risks, and succeed in this country. Few actually reach that pinnacle of success, but it is possible. That's what equality of opportunity in America has to offer, more than any other country on earth.
Class warfare and envy is an insidious process and we can become consumed by it.....even in something as insignificant as barrel racing (in the grand scheme of things).
agree!! People that bash the CEOs. .without them the company would NOT be successful therefore your jobs would nor be there ..those CEOs are gone weeks at a time from family to further the business. Those CEOs work long hours. And mentally are exhausted. .the bashing of them gets tiring. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | cpo61 - 2014-09-05 2:24 PM I used the same exact title as Horse & Rider did in their magazine. It always amazes me how people get their pants all in a twist about certain topics. Editorials are for the purpose to get people to think Juli Thorson is right on in her editorial, no matter if a lot of you agree or not. She has been in business a long time and as the editor if H&R magazine she has seen the trends ; the good , the bad and the ugly. I am one that completely agrees with her editorial.
For the third time, what's your solution? It's all fine and dandy that you feel the way you do about income inequality as it applies to equine competition, but so what? What do you propose ought to be done? | |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| Bibliafarm - 2014-09-05 2:30 PM
HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 11:03 AM
Those wealthy people and those CEOs are what drives the economy in this country to a large extent. Everyone has the potential opportunity to work hard, be imaginative, take risks, and succeed in this country. Few actually reach that pinnacle of success, but it is possible. That's what equality of opportunity in America has to offer, more than any other country on earth.
Class warfare and envy is an insidious process and we can become consumed by it.....even in something as insignificant as barrel racing (in the grand scheme of things).
agree!! People that bash the CEOs. .without them the company would NOT be successful therefore your jobs would nor be there ..those CEOs are gone weeks at a time from family to further the business. Those CEOs work long hours. And mentally are exhausted. .the bashing of them gets tiring.
Exactly! I mean how did we get groceries and toiletries before walmart ? How did we get our prescriptions before Walgreens...
Who cares about the mom and pop stores that employed the same people locally and had higher quality goods, we NEED billionaire CEOs to employ this country.
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Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| cpo61 - 2014-09-04 5:44 PM In November of 2013 Ms. Juli S Thorson, editor of Horse and Rider Magazine wrote an editorial titled Income Inequality . It was an excellent editorial that posed some interesting questions and some really interesting facts about wealth and horses. She asks the questions: How else will this new level of income inequality play out and affect the horse world, now and years to come? What evidence are you seeing yet, if any, of the phenomenon at work? And what do you think it means for you and your horses?
Between 2009 and 2012, income of the top 1 % of Americans grew by 31.4%, yet for the bottom 99% of Americans, income only grew 0.4%. In 2012, the top 10% of earners ( those earning $114,000 or more) took home more than half the country's total income.
I think each and every one of us that attends big barrel races with lots of added money we see income inequality at its best. It is front and center at every big barrel race in Texas. I think we can all name at least 20 kids from just the last 10 years whose parents go out and buy horses that cost more that the top 10% of earners mentioned above.
Ms. Thorson also points out in the editorial that the income inequality issue arose many many years ago in the horse show world. Many show-group rulebooks, to this day, include a dictum that silver show equipment may not be counted over unadorned gear. This was one of the first things to be decided for the good of the order, way back when Western horse shows were a relatively new activity. A display of wealth was not to count over demonstration of skill and talent.
I agree with Ms. Thorson that income inequality is just one of those facts of life from which the horse world isn't immune. Same old song, "they can buy a better horse than me" - it is not just parents who are buying the high dollar horses, there are plenty adults doing the buying too, do you resent them also??
I know a family that is on a moderate income to say the least, bought their daughter a 2K horse. This girl had the drive and talent to turn that horse into a winner. She sold the horse for over 50K, and yes, to a well off family purchasing for their daughter. That 50K is sending this girl to vet school and paying for what is not covered by her scholarships. See how having money can work to the benefit of others?? Should the other family not have purchased the horse because not everyone can write a check like that?
Ones level of income will dictate what they can and cannot afford, that is a fact of life, What is not a fact of life in our country is your income level. Our country offers may opportunites to change your position in life. If more people would take personal resposibility the numbers might change. When 1/2 the country is on some type of government assistance the question should be not why are the rich getting richer, but why are the poor not working and what can we do to help them achieve more financial independence?? You don't create wealth by taking from others. I live in the Houston area and jobs are abundant here, if you are not working you do not want to be working. Achieving economic success does not mean it was done at the expense of others.
Edited by rodeomom3 2014-09-05 3:20 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| I think I need to bump the equine mutt thread... | |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | How is this any different that how it's always been? I grew up riding hunter/jumpers 20 years ago and the bottom line is that money talks....any judged event $$$ will play into more than a speed event.
I don't have much $$$, but I do work my ass off, study, and ride with people better than I am. The great thing about barrel racing is that the level I'm competitive at is up to me.... no one else. There are lots of girls out there kicking butt on horses they've poured blood, sweat and tears into turning into winners. Those girls are my heros. Check out Nancy Hunter, Brittany Fleck, Lisa Lockhart, Brenda Mays..... I know Kaley Bass has owned her horse since he was 3.
Money sure makes it much much easier - but it's not going to always buy you a win. Much easier to buy one in the reining/cutting, basically any judged event...............
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | rodeomom3 - 2014-09-05 3:16 PM cpo61 - 2014-09-04 5:44 PM In November of 2013 Ms. Juli S Thorson, editor of Horse and Rider Magazine wrote an editorial titled Income Inequality . It was an excellent editorial that posed some interesting questions and some really interesting facts about wealth and horses. She asks the questions: How else will this new level of income inequality play out and affect the horse world, now and years to come? What evidence are you seeing yet, if any, of the phenomenon at work? And what do you think it means for you and your horses?
Between 2009 and 2012, income of the top 1 % of Americans grew by 31.4%, yet for the bottom 99% of Americans, income only grew 0.4%. In 2012, the top 10% of earners ( those earning $114,000 or more) took home more than half the country's total income.
I think each and every one of us that attends big barrel races with lots of added money we see income inequality at its best. It is front and center at every big barrel race in Texas. I think we can all name at least 20 kids from just the last 10 years whose parents go out and buy horses that cost more that the top 10% of earners mentioned above.
Ms. Thorson also points out in the editorial that the income inequality issue arose many many years ago in the horse show world. Many show-group rulebooks, to this day, include a dictum that silver show equipment may not be counted over unadorned gear. This was one of the first things to be decided for the good of the order, way back when Western horse shows were a relatively new activity. A display of wealth was not to count over demonstration of skill and talent.
I agree with Ms. Thorson that income inequality is just one of those facts of life from which the horse world isn't immune. Same old song, "they can buy a better horse than me" - it is not just parents who are buying the high dollar horses, there are plenty adults doing the buying too, do you resent them also??
I know a family that is on a moderate income to say the least, bought their daughter a 2K horse. This girl had the drive and talent to turn that horse into a winner. She sold the horse for over 50K, and yes, to a well off family purchasing for their daughter. That 50K is sending this girl to vet school and paying for what is not covered by her scholarships. See how having money can work to the benefit of others?? Should the other family not have purchased the horse because not everyone can write a check like that?
Ones level of income will dictate what they can and cannot afford, that is a fact of life, What is not a fact of life in our country is your income level. Our country offers may opportunites to change your position in life. If more people would take personal resposibility the numbers might change. When 1/2 the country is on some type of government assistance the question should be not why are the rich getting richer, but why are the poor not working and what can we do to help them achieve more financial independence?? You don't create wealth by taking from others. I live in the Houston area and jobs are abundant here, if you are not working you do not want to be working. Achieving economic success does not mean it was done at the expense of others.
I love them......it's awesome for the horse market! We need people to be able to afford great horses! | |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 10:37 AM
LMS - 2014-09-05 10:14 AM HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers? Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution? HAHA-SPREAD THE WEALTH DOWN TO THE MEASELEY MANAGERS!!
I think I take offense to your way of thinking in the respect that so many put a CEO on a pedestal, that the CEO is the ONLY one accountable for the success of a company. There are many of us that put our heads down and plow through the days/weeks/months without so much as a glossy smiled thank you!! I'm not saying spread the wealth to everyone, I'm saying award those that contribute to the cause in ways that can be measured.
OP I'm sorry you're getting run around on this topic. In life I've found that organizations like to "talk the good talk" but they sure don't "walk the good walk" if you know what I'm saying!! | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | LMS - 2014-09-05 3:46 PM HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 10:37 AM LMS - 2014-09-05 10:14 AM HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers? Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution? HAHA-SPREAD THE WEALTH DOWN TO THE MEASELEY MANAGERS!! I think I take offense to your way of thinking in the respect that so many put a CEO on a pedestal, that the CEO is the ONLY one accountable for the success of a company. There are many of us that put our heads down and plow through the days/weeks/months without so much as a glossy smiled thank you!! I'm not saying spread the wealth to everyone, I'm saying award those that contribute to the cause in ways that can be measured. OP I'm sorry you're getting run around on this topic. In life I've found that organizations like to "talk the good talk" but they sure don't "walk the good walk" if you know what I'm saying!!
OK, point taken.....again I will ask YOU. What is the solution? I don't have a dog in this fight, because I'm not a "victim". I happen to believe that a lot of CEOs are paid a lot because they are considered to be talented at what they do. If YOU possessed a special talent for managing a company and your hard work, experience, and talent turned a floundering company into a multi-million dollar profitable company, would you turn down a raise from say $300,000 a year to $5 million a year?
I don't see how things are dramatically different now compared to how they used to be, in the sense that people with more money can generally get the advantage and upper hand because of their wealth. When has it not been this way? All I see in this thread for those who agree with the OP is a lot of resentment and envy. I certainly don't see how the perceived inequities can be solved. If you think they can, share with us your solution?
Here's a success story I would like to share to illustrate my point. Jack Welch was a chemical engineer....smart and hard working. He started out making about $8,000 a year in 1961. In 1981 he became the CEO of General Electric. Over a 20 year span, while he was CEO, revenues increased by 4000% (yes - that's four THOUSAND).
When he started, the annual revenue was around $20 billion a year, and within 20 years that amount had risen to $120 Billion, by the time he retired. It was his talent, hard work, leadership, and vision that was probably the driving force behind their massive growth to the point where they became the wealthiest company on earth. You can say what you want about the man, but you can't argue with his success. He fired people who didn't perform and when he retired, his severence package was around $500 million. I would say, considering the company's growth and performance during his tenure, that's the least they could do. He earned every penny of it, in my opinion.
Guess what? Maybe one day someone here will see a son or daughter enjoy the same success. That's the beauty of America and capitalism.
So....go ahead and complain, but unless you can come up with a solution all it really amounts to is whining. | |
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 Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | cpo61 - 2014-09-05 11:26 AM I think most of y'all need to go back and re-read my original post. Or go to the Nov 2013 issue of Horse & Rider and read Juli's editorial.
Yes, there is always an exception that someone can go buy a $500 horse and win , but those are the exceptions, NOT the rule.
I am a firm believer that if you have the money and want to go pay a ton of money then go for it. It's in every equine discipline. I would suggest that some of you go to NCHA or NHRA futurities and you will quickly realize you cannot have a chance unless you have lots of dollars.
I think Juli's editorial was to get folks thinking about this and to make a point. Are we eventually headed to the point that only the "wealthy" can compete in equine events. I think the answer to that might be yes
The answer is NO......died in the wool horse people will make it happen to stay in the sport, they will get a second job or give up something else, but they will keep their horses....just like boat people will keep their boats and drag race people will keep putting money into making a fast car. I think Juli's editorial is fear mongering and worst case scenario.
The 4D structure is the lifeblood and saving grace for the barrel racing industry....it assures that you DON'T have to spend a ton of money or that you don't have to outrun those at the top. I think there will always be plenty of room for every level of horse and rider, at least in the barrel racing industry...now, NCHA is a different breed, so let them play their way, and we'll play our way.....I don't see a problem anywhere in the near future...jmo  | |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| So if we dont have a solution to a problem we are whiners?
I can tell you the middle east is one giant mess and I nor anyone else for that matter has a solution...OMG, EVERYONE IS A WHINER!! | |
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Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 4:27 PM LMS - 2014-09-05 3:46 PM HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 10:37 AM LMS - 2014-09-05 10:14 AM HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 9:43 AM Itsme - 2014-09-05 9:30 AM If you cant see we have a problem now that needs to get ironed out one way or another then I think you're being disingenuous, a 4 year degree doesnt mean shit anymore and im truly concerned about the future. While I dont believe in wealth distribution at all, but allowing illegals to come in here and push down the wages of plumbers and electricians then seeing CEOs making record profits is disgusting. I like the people that ruin a nice high caliber horse then pull another LG branded horse out of the trailer a couple weeks later and pretty much repeat the cycle. When will people learn its more in the training and not the papers? Not many people disgree with your sentiments regarding illegals.
What do you suggest should be done about those disgusting record profits those CEOs are making? Should their salaries be capped?
Have you asked yourself why CEOs make so much money?
It's easy to say what you did about CEOS....again, I ask, what's your solution? HAHA-SPREAD THE WEALTH DOWN TO THE MEASELEY MANAGERS!! I think I take offense to your way of thinking in the respect that so many put a CEO on a pedestal, that the CEO is the ONLY one accountable for the success of a company. There are many of us that put our heads down and plow through the days/weeks/months without so much as a glossy smiled thank you!! I'm not saying spread the wealth to everyone, I'm saying award those that contribute to the cause in ways that can be measured. OP I'm sorry you're getting run around on this topic. In life I've found that organizations like to "talk the good talk" but they sure don't "walk the good walk" if you know what I'm saying!!
I don't see how things are dramatically different now compared to how they used to be, in the sense that people with more money can generally get the advantage and upper hand because of their wealth. When has it not been this way? All I see in this thread for those who agree with the OP is a lot of resentment and envy. I certainly don't see how the perceived inequities can be solved. If you think they can, share with us your solution?
Here's a success story I would like to share to illustrate my point. Jack Welch was a chemical engineer....smart and hard working. He started out making about $8,000 a year in 1961. In 1981 he became the CEO of General Electric. Over a 20 year span, while he was CEO, revenues increased by 4000% (yes - that's four THOUSAND).
When he started, the annual revenue was around $20 billion a year, and within 20 years that amount had risen to $120 Billion, by the time he retired. It was his talent, hard work, leadership, and vision that was probably the driving force behind their massive growth to the point where they became the wealthiest company on earth. You can say what you want about the man, but you can't argue with his success. He fired people who didn't perform and when he retired, his severence package was around $500 million. I would say, considering the company's growth and performance during his tenure, that's the least they could do. He earned every penny of it, in my opinion.
Guess what? Maybe one day someone here will see a son or daughter enjoy the same success. That's the beauty of America and capitalism.
So....go ahead and complain, but unless you can come up with a solution all it really amounts to is whining.
Just in case you didn't notice the Haha at the beginning of my first post here....I'm not complaining or whining. I'm satisfied with were I am, one of the only ones (I was told by the big cheeses) to get a raise this year. I ride meager horses that make me happy and drink with the best of them!! I get a little ruffled when judgement comes from the righteous! So there is no misunderstanding....I DO NOT want to make the commitment to be a CEO or a doctor or lawyer or any of the six figured professions I can think of. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Itsme - 2014-09-05 4:36 PM So if we dont have a solution to a problem we are whiners? I can tell you the middle east is one giant mess and I nor anyone else for that matter has a solution...OMG, EVERYONE IS A WHINER!!
A lot of people have solutions to the middle east problems we are facing. They may not be the right answer, buy solutions are abundant. I'm sure you have a few ideas of your own, as do I.
When it comes to "income inequality", I haven't seen any solutions other than income "redistribution". As far as people "buying success" in the barrel pen or any other equine sport/hobby, I am all ears, but so far I haven't seen any suggestions to this horrible inequity. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 5:15 PM
Itsme - 2014-09-05 4:36 PM So if we dont have a solution to a problem we are whiners? I can tell you the middle east is one giant mess and I nor anyone else for that matter has a solution...OMG, EVERYONE IS A WHINER!!
A lot of people have solutions to the middle east problems we are facing. They may not be the right answer, buy solutions are abundant. I'm sure you have a few ideas of your own, as do I.
When it comes to "income inequality", I haven't seen any solutions other than income "redistribution". As far as people "buying success" in the barrel pen or any other equine sport/hobby, I am all ears, but so far I haven't seen any suggestions to this horrible inequity.
I couldnt careless about the horse aspect, because I believe and know hard work pays off...
Just keep in mind why our great country was "discovered" in the first place... | |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| HotbearLVR - 2014-09-05 5:15 PM
Itsme - 2014-09-05 4:36 PM So if we dont have a solution to a problem we are whiners? I can tell you the middle east is one giant mess and I nor anyone else for that matter has a solution...OMG, EVERYONE IS A WHINER!!
A lot of people have solutions to the middle east problems we are facing. They may not be the right answer, buy solutions are abundant. I'm sure you have a few ideas of your own, as do I.
When it comes to "income inequality", I haven't seen any solutions other than income "redistribution". As far as people "buying success" in the barrel pen or any other equine sport/hobby, I am all ears, but so far I haven't seen any suggestions to this horrible inequity.
There will never be a solution to inequality in barrel racing, as people prioritize where they spend their money some people go into debt buying a horse, others buy what they can afford with the income they have.
Communism is the only solution where equality exists, the government could redistribute the expensive horses so each person who wants one can have one. | |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period.
You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one.
You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job.
You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America.
Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division.
People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!!
Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day.
I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can.
The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke.
And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete.
I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | cpo61 - 2014-09-05 11:26 AM I think most of y'all need to go back and re-read my original post. Or go to the Nov 2013 issue of Horse & Rider and read Juli's editorial.
Yes, there is always an exception that someone can go buy a $500 horse and win , but those are the exceptions, NOT the rule.
I am a firm believer that if you have the money and want to go pay a ton of money then go for it. It's in every equine discipline. I would suggest that some of you go to NCHA or NHRA futurities and you will quickly realize you cannot have a chance unless you have lots of dollars.
I think Juli's editorial was to get folks thinking about this and to make a point. Are we eventually headed to the point that only the "wealthy" can compete in equine events. I think the answer to that might be yes
The judged events have been like this for as long as I can remember and is why I went to a timed event 44 years ago.
I just yearn for being able to keep a horse cheaply and in reality...we could do that if we moved so I need to keep whining about that. I really miss lush pastures but don't miss the cold winters that usually are attached to them.
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 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | Horse racing is known as the sport of kings for a reason...
It's going to take some stellar CEO's to keep healthcare afloat once obamacare is really in full swing. It's been predicted that all not for profit hospitals will be closed within 5 years. How's that for stress? Think of all the people potentially losing jobs, healthcare that won't be available, and then the wait time to get in to see a new doctor because the line will be going out the doctors office door and down the block. Sorry this is a bit off topic, but all the comments on the CEO's made me do it. It's not an easy job, I'm an intelligent ambitious person and I want NO part of that job. Even for that amount of money I'm not sure I'd be able to sleep at night, knowing what all would be in my hands. | |
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 Nicknameless
Posts: 4565
Location: I can see the end of the world from here! | classicpotatochip - 2014-09-05 4:27 PM This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period. You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one. You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job. You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America. Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division. People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!! Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day. I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can. The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke. And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete. I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
Yes to all of it!! Beat your own time, baby! | |
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | classicpotatochip - 2014-09-05 5:27 PM This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period. You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one. You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job. You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America. Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division. People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!! Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day. I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can. The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke. And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete. I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
Couldn't agree with you more, very very well said!!!! | |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | classicpotatochip - 2014-09-05 5:27 PM This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period. You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one. You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job. You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America. Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division. People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!! Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day. I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can. The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke. And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete. I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | Cindy Hamilton - 2014-09-04 5:33 PM cpo61 - 2014-09-05 11:26 AM I think most of y'all need to go back and re-read my original post. Or go to the Nov 2013 issue of Horse & Rider and read Juli's editorial.
Yes, there is always an exception that someone can go buy a $500 horse and win , but those are the exceptions, NOT the rule.
I am a firm believer that if you have the money and want to go pay a ton of money then go for it. It's in every equine discipline. I would suggest that some of you go to NCHA or NHRA futurities and you will quickly realize you cannot have a chance unless you have lots of dollars.
I think Juli's editorial was to get folks thinking about this and to make a point. Are we eventually headed to the point that only the "wealthy" can compete in equine events. I think the answer to that might be yes The answer is NO......died in the wool horse people will make it happen to stay in the sport, they will get a second job or give up something else, but they will keep their horses....just like boat people will keep their boats and drag race people will keep putting money into making a fast car. I think Juli's editorial is fear mongering and worst case scenario.
The 4D structure is the lifeblood and saving grace for the barrel racing industry....it assures that you DON'T have to spend a ton of money or that you don't have to outrun those at the top. I think there will always be plenty of room for every level of horse and rider, at least in the barrel racing industry...now, NCHA is a different breed, so let them play their way, and we'll play our way.....I don't see a problem anywhere in the near future...jmo
Being a wife of a drag racing...........in this economy it has hurt the sport.....while the bigger dogs........yes those less effected by the economy continue to race we see the smaller tracks that were more mom an pop guys and girls that built there own cars dragways only draw 40-50 cars max...........7 years ago those tracks drew 90-120 cars.......I personally think the economy is the driving force these days......when it comes to those bigger barrel races at $500.00 per weekend...to run 2 horses...it hurts us regular folks.........hence why we see less of us........and more of them.......... | |
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Baby Blue's
Posts: 7306
Location: Texas | classicpotatochip - 2014-09-05 5:27 PM This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period. You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one. You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job. You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America. Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division. People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!! Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day. I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can. The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke. And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete. I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | classicpotatochip - 2014-09-05 5:27 PM
This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period.
You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one.
You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job.
You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America.
Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division.
People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!!
Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day.
I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can.
The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke.
And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete.
I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
I don't "like" this....I LOVE it. I'd say this pretty much closes the door on this topic altogether! | |
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 I'm not opinionated
Posts: 4597
Location: Online | classicpotatochip - 2014-09-05 4:27 PM This whole thread is entertaining for me. You get what you put in. Period. You can't handle an 80 hour week 24 hours from home, living out of your 5th wheel? Then don't be a pipeline inspector, but don't expect to get paid like one. You can't ante up the education and commitment to run a major company, the exhausting hours and time away? Then stay on the bottom rung of the ladder and be thankful the CEO knows what they're doing, because you have a job. You are overworked, underpaid, and carrying the whole company on your shoulders, and are disgruntled? Omg, quit and start your own company. If you can do it better, get to it. This is still America. Can't stand getting outrun at a barrel race? Guess you're going to have to get better. Everyone has the same opportunity as the next guy. We all run down the same alley. If you can't compete, go to a different field. Last I knew, they have play days and little open rodeos alongside the super shows and the professional rodeo associations. Start your own association if you want, and cap the classes. I can see it now: "If you paid more than 2500 for your horse, you have to leave." division and "If you paid less than $500 this year on vet bills and feed combined" division. People need to stop being jealous. If I had a million dollar a year income, you betcha I'd be loading up just like the girls that are winning. They give me something to strive for. I've invested in the same bloodlines and caliber of prospects they are winning on, and it's my personal vendetta to acquire the skill and education to train them as well as the big girls. I don't care if I'm 70 and finally make one that will run a 16.9 on a standard, by God I'm gonna do it. I'm so relieved that I have that opportunity!! Horses are a luxury, in any field. People with extra income have them. This is also the beauty; there's nothing stopping any individual from getting education, throwing themselves into a career, a lifstyle, that allows an extra $60,000 to magically appear to go buy a good horse. People do it every day. I love the struggle to get a horse that I made, or rather several, that can max out everyone's jealousy and whisper bad things about me, or else I'd go load up a proven sucker and see if I could keep him put together and running right (DOUBTFUL). I have the ability because I made the decisions for an education, the sacrifices, and the refusal to be told no. If I can do it, anyone can. The horse world is not immune to income divisions, but I personally, am completely immune. I don't give a snap, I'm going to do my deal. On top of it, it's completely infuriating when I see people hissing at people more rich in talent and finances than they are. 9 out of 10 are actually kind, humble people that don't deserve hissing. Vice versa when I see the middle of the road girls laughing and poking fun at people without goodies. We should be learning from and helping each other, regardless of financial stroke. And finally, if you can't afford to be there, go home and practice and go to work to set yourself up financially until you can be proud of your efforts. No one is making anyone compete. I'm just not into barrel racing socialism I guess!
I love this. An old cowboy once asked if I was still rodeoing. I just said I would like to but didn't have the horsepower or the money to keep going as hard as I used to. He said if I wanted it that bad I would find a way. Since then I am working on the horsepower, we're almost there that way, but the money problem has been a little tougher to solve. Life seems to get in the way of saving enough money.
This fast food minimum wage thing is really driving me crazy. What do they think they will solve by raising the minimum wage? Higher prices for a nasty burger, which is already too high to begin with, and less jobs. People are unable to see the big picture. | |
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 Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| cpo61 - 2014-09-04 5:44 PM In November of 2013 .....
Between 2009 and 2012, income of the top 1 % of Americans grew by 31.4%, yet for the bottom 99% of Americans, income only grew 0.4%. In 2012, the top 10% of earners ( those earning $114,000 or more) took home more than half the country's total income.
......
That statictic fails to mention that those same people lost half their wealth in the financial colapse of 2008. | |
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Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| rodeomom3 - 2014-09-05 12:49 PM My husband builds apartments. The company he works for builds all over the US and had the most new starts last year. He said there are areas in the US where wages are the same as 15 years ago. Here in Houston wages have increased over the last few years for all types of skilled labor. His biggest problem is with the subs having enough skilled manpower to get the jobs built on time.
Yep, if you live in Houston and don't have a job, it's because you don't want one. | |
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Income Inequality