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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 696
  
| So i know it is everybody's dream to barrel race/rode and have someone else pay for it lol but my husband and I seriously need ideas right now. We have 15 month old twins so of course a lot of financial responsibility that comes along with them plus horse expenses and all. My question is has anyone ever gotten local sponsors just to help out with entry fees or whatever? I'm not talking like big corporate sponsors such as Purina or anything like that. Obviously I'm sure you have to at least be pro for large companies to even give you the time of day. If we could find something to help out with entry fees that would take a lot off of us so we could actually enjoy it more. He team ropes and I barrel race (duh) so as most of you know the fees add up fast lol.
Or maybe a multi-level marketing company that you have PERSONALLY really made good steady extra money with? Idk I'm just trying to think of anything. I've started doing embroidery on the side for extra and although i enjoy it very much it is extremely time consuming and there isn't much profit in it but i continue to do it to make any extra that i can.
And please don't say anything like if we can't afford it then don't do it. That's like telling us not to breathe! lol. Barrel racing and rodeo is all that we knew before we met each other and had kids. We just have to find a way to balance it all while paying $1100 a month in daycare!!
Sorry for so long. Just looking for ideas and i guess kind of venting too. Sorry my grammar and capitilization is all over the place I'm at work and trying to hurry lol. Thanks for reading  |
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  Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
 
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | I'm thinking either sell one of the kid's or get a second job......that's all I've got. Good luck  |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | I used to lease out my second horse and that alone covered most of my horse keeping expenses.
The only time I ever sought out local sponsors was the year I went to Finals and it did help defray some of the cost of hauling all the way out there and with entry fees. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| I grabbed an easy 2nd job building fence for cash for some local people who didn't have the time to build it .... It has turned into a nice cash flow as word of mouth has spread. I can take on a few jobs here and there as needed and my time allows.
Good Luck! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 696
| LRQHS - 2015-03-20 10:40 AM
I'm thinking either sell one of the kid's or get a second job......that's all I've got. Good luck
lol my husband has considered selling a kid. i mean we have an extra anyway... but my darn stubborn self just wont let him... lol
but serioulsy, i don't know how we would have time for a second job :( we both work full time plus hose work, barn work, kids, riding, rodeoing.... agh there just aren't enough hours in a day  |
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 Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Having owned and operated a “local” business (Saddle Shop) for over 30+ years, you would not believe how many people show up on your door step for a “hand-out”. That is what you are asking for when you ask for a sponsorship. IMO, the amount of advertising generated from paying your entry fees would not entice me to “sponsor” you. It would be best if you (or your husband) find a second source of income…… |
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 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | Freelance writing, giving riding lessons, and judging horse shows is how I make extra money. I already work a full time job with almost an hour commute. If I wasn't trying to make a name as a writer, I would be waiting tables or cleaning houses- that's the best bang for the buck for a part time job. |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| I am going to tell you what you don't want to hear - you may have to put roping/barrel racing on the back burner for a while. Kids are expensive and time consuming. The year my son was born I wen to ONE tiny little backyard jackpot omoksee for the day. That's it. I didn't quit breathing. I simply found there was not enough time in the day for me to do all the things I needed to do while my son was so little and keep my horse in decent enough shape to compete. I rode on the weekends and maybe one or two days of the week after work while my husband watched my son - and if you are breast feeding that is a short window. As he got older I could ride more often and everything settled in to place and I could go more. You simply may not be able to go every weekend like you used to so pick and choose where you want to go once or twice a month. I hope this does not sound like I am berating you because that is not my intent. Kids are a life changer and you just have to adjust accordingly. Good luck!
Edited by brlraceaddict 2015-03-19 4:33 PM
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 Northern Chocolate Queen
Posts: 16576
Location: ND | I know it's not what you want to hear but I don't believe in asking other people to pay for my hobby. Competing is a luxury & if the money isn't there I need to stay home. I will NEVER consider asking someone or a buiness to sponsor me. The only way I will ever have a sponsor is if a product I use & believe in comes to me & says they want to sponsor me.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 696
| brlraceaddict - 2015-03-20 11:13 AM
I am going to tell you what you don't want to hear - you may have to put roping/barrel racing on the back burner for a while. Kids are expensive and time consuming. The year my son was born I wen to ONE tiny little backyard jackpot omoksee for the day. That's it. I didn't quit breathing. I simply found there was not enough time in the day for me to do all the things I needed to do while my son was so little and keep my horse in decent enough shape to compete. I rode on the weekends and maybe one or two days of the week after work while my husband watched my son - and if you are breast feeding that is a short window. As he got older I could ride more often and everything settled in to place and I could go more. You simply may not be able to go every weekend like you used to so pick and choose where you want to go once or twice a month. I hope this does not side like I am berating you because that is not my intent. Kids are a life changer and you just have to adjust accordingly. Good luck!
I completely understand and agree with everything you are saying. That's exactly why i quit riding when I was pregnant and am just now starting back again now that they are 15 months old. As far as the time to ride and compete, we are making that work. It's just tough financially. I pick and choose a few important places to go and so does he. Of course my kids aren't going without anything they need or suffering for it. They ALWAYS come first no matter what :) I didn't take your comment as berating me or anything like that. I just know that after being pregnant for 35 weeks and now 15 months of raising my little beauties, I'm ready for my break to be over and I am determined to find a way to fund it so we can compete more than just occasionally. :) |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| There was a women around her that got someone go sponsor her and she was way worse than me, if that is possible. I guess it can be done. |
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 Stinky Cat Owner
Posts: 4097
Location: Oregon | Can you stay home and not have to pay the 1,100 in daycare? Wow! That is spendy.
I'm always a big cheerleader for anyone that can start their own business and bring in a little money. Good luck!!! |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Katie's - 2015-03-19 2:42 PM Can you stay home and not have to pay the 1,100 in daycare? Wow! That is spendy.
I'm always a big cheerleader for anyone that can start their own business and bring in a little money. Good luck!!! That is what I was thinking. Keep kids and charge them $$$, probably would clear more than what you bring home now.
Edited by rodeomom3 2015-03-19 2:46 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 696
| Katie's - 2015-03-20 11:42 AM
Can you stay home and not have to pay the 1,100 in daycare? Wow! That is spendy.
I'm always a big cheerleader for anyone that can start their own business and bring in a little money. Good luck!!!
technically, around 1/2 of my pay check each week goes towards daycare. once you factor in gas and food then i'm pretty much working for nothing. and my girls can't start kindergarten for another 4.5 years because of their late birthday. it's killing me to keep working when i could stay home and take care of the kids, house, and horses and not lose money BUT i work for the state so i'm working for (decent) health insurance and future retirement benefits (even though i'm only 25 now). that's a decision that has been on my mind for a good while but i just can't seem to make myself quit knowing i have a good job that i actually like  |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | Just start a GoFundMe page, that seems to be the thing nowadays 
In all seriousness though, you would have an extremely tough time getting anyone to sponsor your hobby. To get any interest, you'd have to at least be well on your way to pro-level competition, because if you're just doing a couple of jackpots here and there, what's in it for them?
The only thing I can really suggest is to re-assess your budget and cut out whatever you can. Maybe clip coupons, don't eat out as much, don't get your nails done, go longer between trips to the hairdresser, etc. I have no idea what you spend your money on, so these things may not even apply to you, it's just a suggestion. Set aside a little money from each paycheck to go towards entries, and only go when you have saved enough. That may mean you only go once a month.
There may be some horse-related expenses you can cut out also. Maybe just bring it back to the bare basics--hay, feed, and de-wormer and farrier when needed. Cut out any expensive supplements and items that you "think" you need, but can most likely do without.
It just comes down to you deciding what you can do without in order to fund your hobby.
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Katie's - 2015-03-19 2:42 PM Can you stay home and not have to pay the 1,100 in daycare? Wow! That is spendy.
I'm always a big cheerleader for anyone that can start their own business and bring in a little money. Good luck!!!
$1,100 for two babies is CHEAP. I have 10 month old twins and pay more than that to have a girl stay at my house with them. Daycare was going to be even more than that and they don't get individualized attention....and stay sick all the time. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | SaraJean - 2015-03-19 2:30 PM I know it's not what you want to hear but I don't believe in asking other people to pay for my hobby. Competing is a luxury & if the money isn't there I need to stay home. I will NEVER consider asking someone or a buiness to sponsor me. The only way I will ever have a sponsor is if a product I use & believe in comes to me & says they want to sponsor me.
Ditto  this is a hobby why would someone else pay for you having a good time, I would either find a second job are find a better paying job to support your hobby. |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton |
We (meaning people who had dependents) have all had to give up something in order to raise the kids, help with the elderly, etc. I would have liked to have had horses when my kids were young to, but just couldn't.
In our area you can go to a "running/playday/jackpot" type show for an entry fee of $5. I suggest you find one of those. I am sure you can swing that much for a "run". |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| I recently had a baby (2 months ago) and in addition to my husband and I both having full-time, regular office jobs, I part leased out my extra horse, cut out all the fancy feed supplements, learned to trim my own horses' hooves, and started a side business that directly involves horses. We also only compete at one event a month, now, as opposed to several. Not only is my side business horse related, but I sell my products out of the trailer at barrel races and horse shows, wear the clothing and equine accessories that I embellish for my business, and sponsor myself and my family through my company. So I get free advertising as well as a tax write-off as far as entry fees and hauling expenses. I hope to expand my business and either do it full time or sell the designs for the items themselves and take a percentage of each unit sold.
Right now it's hard to: deal with my actual job, care for a 2 month old (thank God my mother moved in with us and we just pay her portion of rent) work 3 horses, barrel race, and have my own business...but the extra income (even if its only $40 here and there) pays for my entry fees for the one event that we do go to per month. So it can be done without asking for a handout.
Edited by RodeoCowgirl4u 2015-03-19 3:36 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 507
Location: Lost in the corn of Iowa. | I have a sponsor, it is the hubby's own business, the reason for that is because I hold the check book!! LOL!!
Honestly, what you're asking is for someone like me (small business owner) to take away from my "hobby money" so you can go out and play. Really?? If you can't afford to go to the rodeo's then it's time to stay home. Sounds like you are trying to afford a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. |
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | Girls_Gotta_Jet - 2015-03-19 3:45 PM
I have a sponsor, it is the hubby's own business, the reason for that is because I hold the check book!! LOL!!
Honestly, what you're asking is for someone like me (small business owner) to take away from my "hobby money" so you can go out and play. Really?? If you can't afford to go to the rodeo's then it's time to stay home. I was a single mother and raised 2 wonderful girls. I had horses but all I could afford to do was go trail riding or a local show with a $3 entry fee. Sounds like you are trying to buy champagne on a beer budget and you want someone else to pay for it. And if you think I sit at home living on hubby's dime, you're so wrong. I realized a long time ago that if I wanted to be able to play I had to get a job that would allow me to do it. So I put my life on hold and went to college to give me the opportunity to better myself. I raised my girls, still had horses but was so **** poor that all I could do was afford to pay board and go and feed them carrots for 2 years. And I still woke up everyday and was able to breathe, I also developed a better relationship with my family because I had to find other joys in life besides those horses. Sorry to say this, but if you are gonna try to rely on handouts from sponsors just to hit some weekend rodeos, then that is pretty selfish on your part. Find a way to pay for it yourself. JMO.
Ditto. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 507
Location: Lost in the corn of Iowa. | svincent - 2015-03-19 3:57 PM
Girls_Gotta_Jet - 2015-03-19 3:45 PM
I have a sponsor, it is the hubby's own business, the reason for that is because I hold the check book!! LOL!!
Honestly, what you're asking is for someone like me (small business owner) to take away from my "hobby money" so you can go out and play. Really?? If you can't afford to go to the rodeo's then it's time to stay home. I was a single mother and raised 2 wonderful girls. I had horses but all I could afford to do was go trail riding or a local show with a $3 entry fee. Sounds like you are trying to buy champagne on a beer budget and you want someone else to pay for it. And if you think I sit at home living on hubby's dime, you're so wrong. I realized a long time ago that if I wanted to be able to play I had to get a job that would allow me to do it. So I put my life on hold and went to college to give me the opportunity to better myself. I raised my girls, still had horses but was so **** poor that all I could do was afford to pay board and go and feed them carrots for 2 years. And I still woke up everyday and was able to breathe, I also developed a better relationship with my family because I had to find other joys in life besides those horses. Sorry to say this, but if you are gonna try to rely on handouts from sponsors just to hit some weekend rodeos, then that is pretty selfish on your part. Find a way to pay for it yourself. JMO.
Ditto.
I do not know how I deleted this message. I am so computer illiterate. Will someone sponsor me so I can get some computer classes??  |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Asking for handouts from businesses just doesn't make any sense to me. If you can't afford to rodeo as much as you want without holding out your tin cup then too bad. Your kids will be in school in a few years, it's not like you'll be in this position forever. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1119
| I've got tons of "side gigs" going on for extra money. I have way more ideas for businesses than I have time for! Sorry...this is going to be long!
1. My full-time job is in accounting, so on the side I do the books for a small contractor. I basically spend 1-2 hours per week doing payroll and entering transactions into Quickbooks for him.
2. My friend and I started a beef business over the winter. Her husband's family farms, so we buy steers from them, have them processed and sell beef on Facebook, farmers markets, etc. So far, the response has been great!
3. I literally just started this last week, but I am now a Beach Body coach. I was drinking Shakeology on a daily basis anyways, so now I get a discount on it. My coach is amazing and we are working on branding for me because I want to show how you don't have to go to a gym to be fit. Plus, I want to tie this in with my beef business because we are marketing lean beef.
4. My husband got a (car) dealer's license and goes to auctions once or twice a month, buys cheap cars (under $1000), does some maintenance or body work and resells them. He also checks Craigslist for good deals to flip.
5. He also has started getting into making things out of horseshoes. He's made me a business card holder and a couple picture frames. We are going to take whatever he makes to sell at the farmers markets with the beef.
You can make money doing anything if you're willing to get creative with what you already know how to do and what you're interested in! Also, reading this list, it sounds like we are the busiest people ever, but I literally spend maybe 5-10 hours per week working on my side businesses. My husband spends a little more, but mostly because working on cars and welding are also his hobbies. Let me know if you have any questions, or PM me - I love thinking up new business ideas! |
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Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| runnin.on.dreams - 2015-03-19 12:34 PM
brlraceaddict - 2015-03-20 11:13 AM
I am going to tell you what you don't want to hear - you may have to put roping/barrel racing on the back burner for a while. Kids are expensive and time consuming. The year my son was born I wen to ONE tiny little backyard jackpot omoksee for the day. That's it. I didn't quit breathing. I simply found there was not enough time in the day for me to do all the things I needed to do while my son was so little and keep my horse in decent enough shape to compete. I rode on the weekends and maybe one or two days of the week after work while my husband watched my son - and if you are breast feeding that is a short window. As he got older I could ride more often and everything settled in to place and I could go more. You simply may not be able to go every weekend like you used to so pick and choose where you want to go once or twice a month. I hope this does not side like I am berating you because that is not my intent. Kids are a life changer and you just have to adjust accordingly. Good luck!
I completely understand and agree with everything you are saying. That's exactly why i quit riding when I was pregnant and am just now starting back again now that they are 15 months old. As far as the time to ride and compete, we are making that work. It's just tough financially. I pick and choose a few important places to go and so does he. Of course my kids aren't going without anything they need or suffering for it. They ALWAYS come first no matter what : ) I didn't take your comment as berating me or anything like that. I just know that after being pregnant for 35 weeks and now 15 months of raising my little beauties, I'm ready for my break to be over and I am determined to find a way to fund it so we can compete more than just occasionally. : )
You may never be able to go like you used to again, at least while your kids are young. We all know going down the road is not cheap and sponsors are looking for a return on their investment. Asking for that now is simply asking someone else to pay your entry fees because you don't have the funding to go as often as you want. After all that time I'd want back in the game too! And it's hard to not be able to go every weekend. My son is old enough now that I can go but kids take $$$ and so I have a 7 year old still loping the pattern youngster! Hehe. What I'd recommend is to pick races and ropings that will enhance the QUALITY of your experience, not just the quantity part. Find double headers or overnight races you can go to when time and $$ allow. Find out about finding sponsorships for races you want to go to and see if the producer will give you a discounted entry fee for finding sponsors (our state finals does this every year and it's why I can still go to that one big race a year, because even loping my horse around the barrels gets me out of the house, time to hang with my friends, and at least haul my horse somewhere, even if he isn't competitive yet). And the definition of occasionally is relative. If I can go twice a month even to a $100 added jackpot I consider that good but that is me. Again, good luck and congratulations on your babies!!! |
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Expert
Posts: 1226
| This is my take.... Horses are luxury items. You do not have to have them. When my family had hard times the horses were the first to go. I sold the ones I either were not riding or using and kept the two I rode the most. Horses are expensive and if you are not using them to make a living then maybe consider selling some of them. And take that money to enter with |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Honestly, I don't have kids. BUT I don't think it makes sense for you to work to break even. Seems like you could quit your job, stay home for your kids who need you, and kick the embroidery up a notch. And learn to make beaded tack. Or painted tack. Or anything to supplement your income.
Sell some horses. Have just one barrel horse. Have one rope horse. Stay close to home to compete. Your life has forever changed and will never be the same. Just wait till they want to run barrels and rodeo. Then I bet you'll be out of competing all together until they're out on their own. Just a guess.
I guess I just wouldn't want my kids being raised by somebody else, especially if was so I could just break even on my paycheck. Somebody better PAY me to make a sacrifice like that. |
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Stinky Cat Owner
Posts: 4097
Location: Oregon | classicpotatochip - 2015-03-19 2:51 PM Honestly, I don't have kids. BUT I don't think it makes sense for you to work to break even. Seems like you could quit your job, stay home for your kids who need you, and kick the embroidery up a notch. And learn to make beaded tack. Or painted tack. Or anything to supplement your income. Sell some horses. Have just one barrel horse. Have one rope horse. Stay close to home to compete. Your life has forever changed and will never be the same. Just wait till they want to run barrels and rodeo. Then I bet you'll be out of competing all together until they're out on their own. Just a guess. I guess I just wouldn't want my kids being raised by somebody else, especially if was so I could just break even on my paycheck. Somebody better PAY me to make a sacrifice like that.
This is what I was trying to say as well. |
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Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | MissouriJen - 2015-03-19 4:21 PM I've got tons of "side gigs" going on for extra money. I have way more ideas for businesses than I have time for! Sorry...this is going to be long!
1. My full-time job is in accounting, so on the side I do the books for a small contractor. I basically spend 1-2 hours per week doing payroll and entering transactions into Quickbooks for him.
2. My friend and I started a beef business over the winter. Her husband's family farms, so we buy steers from them, have them processed and sell beef on Facebook, farmers markets, etc. So far, the response has been great!
3. I literally just started this last week, but I am now a Beach Body coach. I was drinking Shakeology on a daily basis anyways, so now I get a discount on it. My coach is amazing and we are working on branding for me because I want to show how you don't have to go to a gym to be fit. Plus, I want to tie this in with my beef business because we are marketing lean beef.
4. My husband got a (car) dealer's license and goes to auctions once or twice a month, buys cheap cars (under $1000), does some maintenance or body work and resells them. He also checks Craigslist for good deals to flip.
5. He also has started getting into making things out of horseshoes. He's made me a business card holder and a couple picture frames. We are going to take whatever he makes to sell at the farmers markets with the beef.
You can make money doing anything if you're willing to get creative with what you already know how to do and what you're interested in! Also, reading this list, it sounds like we are the busiest people ever, but I literally spend maybe 5-10 hours per week working on my side businesses. My husband spends a little more, but mostly because working on cars and welding are also his hobbies. Let me know if you have any questions, or PM me - I love thinking up new business ideas!
I should probably talk to you. I tried selling my body, but that didn't work out very well for me. |
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Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| classicpotatochip - 2015-03-19 2:51 PM Honestly, I don't have kids. BUT I don't think it makes sense for you to work to break even. Seems like you could quit your job, stay home for your kids who need you, and kick the embroidery up a notch. And learn to make beaded tack. Or painted tack. Or anything to supplement your income. Sell some horses. Have just one barrel horse. Have one rope horse. Stay close to home to compete. Your life has forever changed and will never be the same. Just wait till they want to run barrels and rodeo. Then I bet you'll be out of competing all together until they're out on their own. Just a guess. I guess I just wouldn't want my kids being raised by somebody else, especially if was so I could just break even on my paycheck. Somebody better PAY me to make a sacrifice like that.
Retirement and insurance are the big cards in this instance. Those are HUGE, even if breaking even otherwise. I applaud the OP for thinking about saving for retirement at age 25, many do not. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 814
Location: California | I don't have kids yet, but here is my take on this...If I have to think twice about money before going to a race (as in if I can or cannot spare the extra money) then I DO NOT go. Plain and simple. I totally understand the craving of going to races/ropings, as I'm sure most on this site do as well, but some times you just have to make the hard decision to stay home. There will always be another race or roping to go to when money isn't so tight that you need to ask for a handout.
If I were in your shoes, I would stay home for a couple of months (your husband, too) and just save, save, save. I like to have a cushion built up in my account so that splurging on a weekend isn't noticeable to my finances. Take that time to get your horses in the best shape of their lives, go for a trail ride or two, spend time with your babies, etc.
JUST REMEMBER, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER RACE OR RODEO TO GO TO LATER.
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | I had to sell my horses when I got pregnant. |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| brlraceaddict - 2015-03-19 5:13 PM
classicpotatochip - 2015-03-19 2:51 PM Honestly, I don't have kids. BUT I don't think it makes sense for you to work to break even. Seems like you could quit your job, stay home for your kids who need you, and kick the embroidery up a notch. And learn to make beaded tack. Or painted tack. Or anything to supplement your income. Sell some horses. Have just one barrel horse. Have one rope horse. Stay close to home to compete. Your life has forever changed and will never be the same. Just wait till they want to run barrels and rodeo. Then I bet you'll be out of competing all together until they're out on their own. Just a guess. I guess I just wouldn't want my kids being raised by somebody else, especially if was so I could just break even on my paycheck. Somebody better PAY me to make a sacrifice like that.
Retirement and insurance are the big cards in this instance. Those are HUGE, even if breaking even otherwise. I applaud the OP for thinking about saving for retirement at age 25, many do not.
No argument about their importance. However, there's other ways to get insurance and other methods of saving for retirement that would allow for me to stay home with my kids.
It's a matter of sifting through and figuring out what options are available. There's literally a dozen ways to save for retirement on a budget, and literally dozens of insurance companies, on top of dozens of ways to make an extra few hundred bucks a week to pay for the insurance and retirement.
I just don't think the OP should continue to think inside the box if the box is too small. That's all. |
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Location: Texas | For 95% of us barrel racing is a hobby, not sponsored by mommy and daddy or businesses. You CHOSE to get married and have children and you are not a professional, therefore you have to make sacrifices. Children don't stay little long and they only get MORE expensive, the older they get. Once you have kids 9 times out of 10 you will have to go without or settle to have/go and do what you want; as a parent your children should be your top priority.
In my opinion you should make some cuts and try to continue barrel racing, it may or may not work the way you want it. As others have said there are tons of ways to supplement your income.
Edited by EqualRanch 2015-03-19 7:15 PM
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | I just want to add that if there is a way for a "couple " to rodeo together on someone elses doller sponsor or not.. Im sure there would be alot more doing it.. I think unless you are making BIG money or have proved yourself ..... then you should pay your own way..... |
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 Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
Location: Dubach, LA | Do a gofundme. Everbody else does. I recently came across a page asking for us commoners to donate 100,000 dollars so a kid can barrel race. That family is one of the most financially blessed in this state. If they can ask, you can ask. Good luck. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| CanCan - 2015-03-19 9:06 PM
Do a gofundme. Everbody else does. I recently came across a page asking for us commoners to donate 100,000 dollars so a kid can barrel race. That family is one of the most financially blessed in this state. If they can ask, you can ask. Good luck.
I can't imagine being that shameless, but people do it everyday and not think twice! |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| My husband also team ropes and I run barrels. We have a 3 month old daughter, and I took a paycut at work as a result of a company buy-out. I used to not go out of my way to get a bargain on anything. Now I buy more of the generic brand household items, dont go out to eat as much, went back to my natural hair color instead of maintaining highlights, refrain from all of that online shopping I used to do..
Find a way to suppliment your income. A good friend of mine started selling Plexus Slim products recently. She decides how much time she wants to devote to it and has had success. Thats something else to think about, network marketing. Where there is a will there is a way.
Edited by scwebster 2015-03-20 7:03 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds.
Like maybe you both suck.
Win and you are self funded.
Bing Bang problem solved.
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| MissouriJen - 2015-03-19 4:21 PM I've got tons of "side gigs" going on for extra money. I have way more ideas for businesses than I have time for! Sorry...this is going to be long!
1. My full-time job is in accounting, so on the side I do the books for a small contractor. I basically spend 1-2 hours per week doing payroll and entering transactions into Quickbooks for him.
2. My friend and I started a beef business over the winter. Her husband's family farms, so we buy steers from them, have them processed and sell beef on Facebook, farmers markets, etc. So far, the response has been great!
3. I literally just started this last week, but I am now a Beach Body coach. I was drinking Shakeology on a daily basis anyways, so now I get a discount on it. My coach is amazing and we are working on branding for me because I want to show how you don't have to go to a gym to be fit. Plus, I want to tie this in with my beef business because we are marketing lean beef.
4. My husband got a (car) dealer's license and goes to auctions once or twice a month, buys cheap cars (under $1000), does some maintenance or body work and resells them. He also checks Craigslist for good deals to flip.
5. He also has started getting into making things out of horseshoes. He's made me a business card holder and a couple picture frames. We are going to take whatever he makes to sell at the farmers markets with the beef.
You can make money doing anything if you're willing to get creative with what you already know how to do and what you're interested in! Also, reading this list, it sounds like we are the busiest people ever, but I literally spend maybe 5-10 hours per week working on my side businesses. My husband spends a little more, but mostly because working on cars and welding are also his hobbies. Let me know if you have any questions, or PM me - I love thinking up new business ideas!
I admire your ambition, you go girl! |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| brlraceaddict - 2015-03-19 5:13 PM classicpotatochip - 2015-03-19 2:51 PM Honestly, I don't have kids. BUT I don't think it makes sense for you to work to break even. Seems like you could quit your job, stay home for your kids who need you, and kick the embroidery up a notch. And learn to make beaded tack. Or painted tack. Or anything to supplement your income. Sell some horses. Have just one barrel horse. Have one rope horse. Stay close to home to compete. Your life has forever changed and will never be the same. Just wait till they want to run barrels and rodeo. Then I bet you'll be out of competing all together until they're out on their own. Just a guess. I guess I just wouldn't want my kids being raised by somebody else, especially if was so I could just break even on my paycheck. Somebody better PAY me to make a sacrifice like that. Retirement and insurance are the big cards in this instance. Those are HUGE, even if breaking even otherwise. I applaud the OP for thinking about saving for retirement at age 25, many do not.
Me too, its def something to consider |
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Member
Posts: 27
| I don't have any children yet but too want to supplement income...
Maybe look for some type of product you can sell at your competitions? I would love to do this but just don't know what product to sell. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved.
you're an A$$ |
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Expert
Posts: 2128
| hoofs_in_motion - 2015-03-20 7:59 AM arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved. you're an A$$
Agree, RUDE |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| Most companies that sponsor these days are NOT paying entry fees or giving gas money to haul up and down the road anyway, unless you get a ranch sponsor. When I say "ranch sponsor" I mean a good owner! LOL The only way your going to get someone to pay your way is to work for it and be a jockey good enough that people want their horses in your trailer and will pay you to ride them.
Companies are giving free product or discounts on products and usually they don't even do that for long unless your really talking up their product, available for photos, or always posting and boasting about them on social media. A sponsorship is NOT free money, usually its an exchange for quality tack, supplements, or therapies. Some companies always want you talking up their product and saying things about it enhancing performance, we've lost sponsors because we won't exaggerate to help them sale or push them on people. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| Someone will say this is rude, but oh well. Your living for your kids now. You work harder, and and do less fun stuff. That's just the way it is. I'm not saying you have to forgo every pleasure in life, but they become fewer and far between. Park the trailer, and ride at home. |
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Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | Bigfoot - 2015-03-20 9:02 AM Someone will say this is rude, but oh well. Your living for your kids now. You work harder, and and do less fun stuff. That's just the way it is. I'm not saying you have to forgo every pleasure in life, but they become fewer and far between. Park the trailer, and ride at home.
Then when they are old enough they go with you!
I make rag quilts on the side. If you know the basics of running a sewing machine you can make one. I did 14 from August to December last year, and already this year I have 10 more to make with people waiting for me to have time to do more. Let me see if I can post some pictures.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| hoofs_in_motion - 2015-03-20 7:59 AM
arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved.
you're an A$$
That's not very nice.
WWJD
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| The person has 11 post. They just want a response. let it go. |
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Veteran
Posts: 260
Location: Gonzales texas | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-03-20 7:59 AM
arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved.
you're an A$$
It was rude but it made me laugh out loud!!! Haha couldn't help it! Listen I went back to college to be a teacher so I could afford to go. I had quit myself to haul my KIDS. Then they went to college. And had weddings. Now I'm retired and riding again- finally ! But wait -I had to get a substitute job to help pay for starting over and my horses upkeep the way I want it. And now I have 5 beautiful grandkids. There's a lot of birthdays and youth rodeos and ball games etc! So good luck!! And always- KIDs come first - time flies! |
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Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | shelltc - 2015-03-20 9:38 AM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-03-20 7:59 AM arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved. you're an A$$ It was rude but it made me laugh out loud!!! Haha couldn't help it! Listen I went back to college to be a teacher so I could afford to go. I had quit myself to haul my KIDS. Then they went to college. And had weddings. Now I'm retired and riding again- finally ! But wait -I had to get a substitute job to help pay for starting over and my horses upkeep the way I want it. And now I have 5 beautiful grandkids. There's a lot of birthdays and youth rodeos and ball games etc! So good luck!! And always- KIDs come first - time flies!
I have a 13 yr old, a 5 yr old, and 10mo old twins... I get frustrated sometimes because I just want to have a horse that I can take a few times a year. Lately I can't seem to keep one sound or healthy....but I LOVE Jr Rodeos :-)
I always say that one day my kids are going to leave me and then I'll be able to afford the baddest horse at the barrel race, but I won't be able to keep up with it, lol
Then I'll be that old lady with too much horse that all the young ones mouth about out back because I'm wasting it's potential....but it's mine and they can't afford it  |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Honestly, I think when you're sponsored, you end up spending more money. For the most part, you just get a discount from each company. So, instead of the new boots being $200, now they're $80. Cool! Send me two. Instead of the new saddle pad being $400, now it's $190. Neat! Send me two. That new rope is now $20, instead of $40. Excellent! I'll take three.
All you have left at the end of sponsorships is a bunch of old products and a bunch of shirts you can't wear anymore.
It's much better to just get it in gear, make the proper adjustments, cull the horse herd down to the two best ones, and recalibrate the mile radius in which you compete.
The job could probably go, because of all the other options there are for insurance and retirement. I'd stay home and raise my kids, and get learning how to make tack. |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| rachellyn80 - 2015-03-20 10:43 AM shelltc - 2015-03-20 9:38 AM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-03-20 7:59 AM arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved. you're an A$$ It was rude but it made me laugh out loud!!! Haha couldn't help it! Listen I went back to college to be a teacher so I could afford to go. I had quit myself to haul my KIDS. Then they went to college. And had weddings. Now I'm retired and riding again- finally ! But wait -I had to get a substitute job to help pay for starting over and my horses upkeep the way I want it. And now I have 5 beautiful grandkids. There's a lot of birthdays and youth rodeos and ball games etc! So good luck!! And always- KIDs come first - time flies!
I always say that one day my kids are going to leave me and then I'll be able to afford the baddest horse at the barrel race, but I won't be able to keep up with it, lol
Then I'll be that old lady with too much horse that all the young ones mouth about out back because I'm wasting it's potential....but it's mine and they can't afford it
I beyond love this statement.  |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| classicpotatochip - 2015-03-20 10:45 AM
Honestly, I think when you're sponsored, you end up spending more money. For the most part, you just get a discount from each company. So, instead of the new boots being $200, now they're $80. Cool! Send me two. Instead of the new saddle pad being $400, now it's $190. Neat! Send me two. That new rope is now $20, instead of $40. Excellent! I'll take three.
All you have left at the end of sponsorships is a bunch of old products and a bunch of shirts you can't wear anymore.
It's much better to just get it in gear, make the proper adjustments, cull the horse herd down to the two best ones, and recalibrate the mile radius in which you compete.
The job could probably go, because of all the other options there are for insurance and retirement. I'd stay home and raise my kids, and get learning how to make tack.
She's EXACTLY right! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| You can always ask, the worst they can do is say no.... But sponsorships aren't all about, they give you money and you wear a patch or a sticker on your car. It's busting your hump advertising for them and promoting them. We got sponsored by several larger companies this year including a truck from Dodge, but the hours we put in trying to keep that sponsorship and advertise for them, it's almost not worth it. They 1099 you at the end of the year so don't go blowing your money and not be able to pay the taxes on it, don't ruin any of their equipment or your ass is fired(so to speak), and they better see some return on their sponsorship. When you hear people tell you, "tell them "so&so" sent you" it's probably because they need proof they are making the sponsor money, not that they are going to give you some kind of a deal for mentioning their name. Unless your a professional and everyone wants to be like you, getting and maintaining sponsorships is hard! |
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Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | It boils down to priorities……when my babies were young, I didn’t compete. My husband trained and showed horses and competed in rodeos. I worked a full time job, kept the home going and exercised all of the horses while he worked TWO jobs (regular and farrier). Many times he would have to stop shoeing a horse to get on his to compete. Then, along came the ponies for another few years. It wasn’t until I was 26 or 27 that my husband QUIT showing and the boys and I were able to go up and down the road. Then we juggled Jr rodeos, High School rodeos, Open/ IPRA Rodeos and jackpots. And I never would have asked for money......it is not the job of a business to "fund" the "fun" of others........ |
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Veteran
Posts: 260
Location: Gonzales texas | astreakinchic - 2015-03-20 9:46 AM
rachellyn80 - 2015-03-20 10:43 AM shelltc - 2015-03-20 9:38 AM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-03-20 7:59 AM arion - 2015-03-20 7:08 AM It would seem to me that if you are needing help with fees to enter a rodeo that you may have more problems that lack of funds. Like maybe you both suck. Win and you are self funded. Bing Bang problem solved. you're an A$$ It was rude but it made me laugh out loud!!! Haha couldn't help it! Listen I went back to college to be a teacher so I could afford to go. I had quit myself to haul my KIDS. Then they went to college. And had weddings. Now I'm retired and riding again- finally ! But wait -I had to get a substitute job to help pay for starting over and my horses upkeep the way I want it. And now I have 5 beautiful grandkids. There's a lot of birthdays and youth rodeos and ball games etc! So good luck!! And always- KIDs come first - time flies!
I always say that one day my kids are going to leave me and then I'll be able to afford the baddest horse at the barrel race, but I won't be able to keep up with it, lol
Then I'll be that old lady with too much horse that all the young ones mouth about out back because I'm wasting it's potential....but it's mine and they can't afford it
I beyond love this statement.
That's me! 2 frenchmans fabulous colts!! An awesome 4yr old I'm "riding" almost ready to exhibition, and a fancy yearling. Now I gotta go pay for core strengthening exercise lol! |
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 Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | I would say a lot of it has to do with the level you want to compete at and what the cost is to go at that level....like someone else said, if you just want to have fun and make runs, you can always save money by going to the cheaper playdays and smaller jackpots and still have fun on a budget.....When my son was born (long time ago...LOL), I went to little budget type shows close to home for several years and I only got to go a couple times a month...but I worked hard at upgrading my horse and doing the best with what I had to deal with at the time on training, and eventually I had a horse good enough to go to better things and rodeos and place regularly, so it paid for itself, and it kept getting better from there...
I think a major key to moving up from hobby (fun and spending money and not getting much of it back) to making money with your barrel racing is to work hard at upgrading your horse....you have to be realistic with what you are riding and be willing to let go of what isn't working and work on your training skills and horsemanship so you can recognize when you have a good horse or one you need to ship down the road and get something that works better, and then you have to have the skills to pick out a better horse and keep it working and winning....
On the other hand, if you are wanting to go to the big barrel races that charge bigger entry fees and need stalls etc, then it's harder because unless you have a consistent 1D horse, where you have a chance of getting a check most of the time, then we all know it's potluck with the D's, and that makes it a hobby deal because you can't count on placing in the lower D's unless you are lucky....
And if you are wanting to rodeo, especially in an association, you have membership dues, stock charges, higher entry fees and tough competition, so I would say don't rodeo unless you have a horse that can place enough to pay his way....rodeo is tough, and is an expensive hobby if you don't place...and maybe you could make or sell some products to horse people, or be a dealer for something...I see lots of girls who sell a product line or tack and make enough money to pay their way...good luck!
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Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | You can also establish your name and training and take on other peoples horses and compete.. They usually pay the entrys..it takes time and alot of determination |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 999
Location: Sunny So Cal | Doing books on the side! Once everything is straightened out in the financial books they are usually fairly easy to do and don't take a long time. My mom currently does books for 5 different companies. Some are bigger so she has to go in a few days a week but it is only for like 3 or 4 hours and some she does every Saturday for a few hours. And some she does at home because she accesses them online. You could do them while at a show as long as you have internet. Just have to find the right company. |
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Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 11:19 AM I would say a lot of it has to do with the level you want to compete at and what the cost is to go at that level....like someone else said, if you just want to have fun and make runs, you can always save money by going to the cheaper playdays and smaller jackpots and still have fun on a budget.....When my son was born (long time ago...LOL), I went to little budget type shows close to home for several years and I only got to go a couple times a month...but I worked hard at upgrading my horse and doing the best with what I had to deal with at the time on training, and eventually I had a horse good enough to go to better things and rodeos and place regularly, so it paid for itself, and it kept getting better from there...
I think a major key to moving up from hobby (fun and spending money and not getting much of it back) to making money with your barrel racing is to work hard at upgrading your horse....you have to be realistic with what you are riding and be willing to let go of what isn't working and work on your training skills and horsemanship so you can recognize when you have a good horse or one you need to ship down the road and get something that works better, and then you have to have the skills to pick out a better horse and keep it working and winning....
On the other hand, if you are wanting to go to the big barrel races that charge bigger entry fees and need stalls etc, then it's harder because unless you have a consistent 1D horse, where you have a chance of getting a check most of the time, then we all know it's potluck with the D's, and that makes it a hobby deal because you can't count on placing in the lower D's unless you are lucky....
And if you are wanting to rodeo, especially in an association, you have membership dues, stock charges, higher entry fees and tough competition, so I would say don't rodeo unless you have a horse that can place enough to pay his way....rodeo is tough, and is an expensive hobby if you don't place...and maybe you could make or sell some products to horse people, or be a dealer for something...I see lots of girls who sell a product line or tack and make enough money to pay their way...good luck!
After you calculate the costs of your fees and gate charges...then look at what the contractor holds out, most rodeos have about a 50% payout. Saving up and hitting a few bigger events is a better investment and you can still go as a family. |
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Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | runnin.on.dreams - 2015-03-19 1:17 PM......... He team ropes.........
OK....I have an idea that your husband won't like....LOL....tell him you only get one run so he does also...limit him to entering one time and saving the money that way.....I know these guys want to run with as many partners as the producer allows and that really adds up....jmo... |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 1:30 PM
runnin.on.dreams - 2015-03-19 1:17 PM......... He team ropes......... .
(Whistles softly...) ****it Bobby! Do you KNOW what you just said??? Omg. |
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Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | classicpotatochip - 2015-03-20 1:58 PM Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 1:30 PM runnin.on.dreams - 2015-03-19 1:17 PM......... He team ropes......... . (Whistles softly... ) ****it Bobby! Do you KNOW what you just said??? Omg.
LOL...yes, I KNOW...ha ha....I have spent time at many many open rodeos in line behind dozens of team ropers scrambling to see how many times they could get entered with each other...ugh...it's almost funny.....pulling the hundred dollar bills out of their pockets and swapping money...it ain't cheap.... |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 2:33 PM
classicpotatochip - 2015-03-20 1:58 PM Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 1:30 PM runnin.on.dreams - 2015-03-19 1:17 PM......... He team ropes......... . (Whistles softly... ) ****it Bobby! Do you KNOW what you just said??? Omg.
Tell me about it! They'll spend $750 on a week night jackpot! I used to have one, it's absolutely amazing how they don't mind roping on this months rent money! I eventually gave him away at a loss to the neighbor girl, her down payment was his USTRC weekend entry money...and she thought she won...muhahahaha. Team ropers are too expensive, yet they complain about us!
Edited by classicpotatochip 2015-03-20 2:44 PM
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 Saint Stacey
| Most sponsorships are for product only. Very few companies give monetary donations. Life boils down to choices. You had kids, things change. Sometimes you have to take a step back and re-prioritize things and horses take the back burner. I gave a darn nice horse up to my daughter about 15 years ago. Now I have a super nice 4 year old I'll be lucky to get rode. You know you've been out of it s long time when you shock the neighbor when they see you on a horse and they say, "I didn't know you could ride". Yep... it happens. My advice is suck it up. Save and go on occasion if you can't afford it now that kids ate in the mix. Horses will always be there, the kids won't and you will survive. |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | classicpotatochip - 2015-03-20 2:42 PM Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 2:33 PM classicpotatochip - 2015-03-20 1:58 PM Cindy Hamilton - 2015-03-20 1:30 PM runnin.on.dreams - 2015-03-19 1:17 PM......... He team ropes......... . (Whistles softly... ) ****it Bobby! Do you KNOW what you just said??? Omg. Tell me about it! They'll spend $750 on a week night jackpot! I used to have one, it's absolutely amazing how they don't mind roping on this months rent money! I eventually gave him away at a loss to the neighbor girl, her down payment was his USTRC weekend entry money...and she thought she won...muhahahaha. Team ropers are too expensive, yet they complain about us!
Me team roper ex-son-in-law finally got kicked to the curb when he asked my daughter why she had to enter a barrel race two times. |
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