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

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!

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!

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!

Cindy Hamilton - 2014-09-04 5:33 PM 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

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!

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!

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!

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. 

......

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.