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Member
Posts: 5
Location: Middle of The Mountians | Hope everyone had wonderful Holidays!
Now the planning begins for the 2017 season. I am curious as to why you pick to enter and travel to the races you do? In the past, I've always had more than three horses to enter in the same race, however, I am down to only one that can be entered in the open while my other three need hauled and exhibitioned(one next years futurity colt and the other two late bloomers).
My dilemma begins with a race in February that is roughly 14 hours away. With the risk of winter weather, I'm seriously contemplating if it would even be worth considering to enter... This would be for only two runs that will most likely put us somewhere in a very crowded 2D.. The payout looks amazing (75k added) and I love the grounds it will be on...
I am almost wondering if it is worth saving the money and waiting to enter at two races the end of March/ beginning of April that are only 2.5 and six hours away from my location and will be two weekend back to back. Weather could still be an issue but both of these races have less upfront cost than the one in February.. This would also give me a few more months to possibly have at least one other horse working solid enough to just cruise through for an extra entry.
As I become more self sustained in my young adult years, I find myself looking at some financial return versus the good ol days where we would haul anywhere and everywhere for just fun ( mommy and daddy were very good to us ).. The maintenance on all horses, my truck, and trailer are the number one priority but making educated decisions is also very important. Do you have any pointers, tips, or suggestions?
Thank you for your time.
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8555
   
Location: sunny california | I decide based on distance and how many days it will require me to take off of work. I never pre-enter any race in winter, decided to just pay the late fees. If there is a race that I am worried about getting a stall I will pay that in advance, perhaps have a friend reserve one for me, then late enter. I could sell the stall if I don't go, even if I have to take a loss it is ok with me. Not sure i would be willing to commit to a race 14 hours away in winter |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| Around here they have started adding fees for everything. I am waiting for them to start charging to use the toilet. I have gotten where I would drive a little farther and not have to pay late fees. There are PLENTY of barrel races close by that do not have late fees, etc.
Here are some of the fees that they charge.
Awards fee---no award if you do not pay that
Average fee---cannot be in the average
Late fees
Tie out fees
Just too much |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 911
Location: Durango CO | I will go up to 3 hours away for a 2 day show without added money.I will go up to 8 hours away for a 2+ day AND good added money. I know these dates way in advance and let will plan and pay for them in advance too. Also say I go to a 3 day race in April, that will be the only race I go to farther then an hour away for the month of April.Otherwise 60-75 miles for 1 day. |
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 Scooters Savior
Location: "Si Fi" Ville | Wow, 14 hours. That's a tough haul. I hauled one of mine 7 hours. We went from 70 degrees to 20. Mine did not do so well. The climate, atmosphere, and hauling got the better of him. He was not at his best. |
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