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 Lady Di
Posts: 21556
   
Location: Oklahoma | I guess I am getting old. It's just not worth it for me to go any more. There is SOOO much walking required that it's really hard on me these days. I am active, but all that walking on concrete is hard on this old body and I think it's hard on the horses, too. All the stalls are concrete, and mine hate those solid sides. It makes them claustrophobic, I think! They are such parking nazis there now that you can't even park and go feed....you have 5 minutes, and that's not long enough for me to even walk to the stall!!! Plus, the entry fee has gone up every year the last few years that I just can't justify a $200 entry fee, $100 RV space, whatever the stall costs (I can't remember right off the top of my head), processing fees, etc....and being away from home for 4 days....I can go to a lot of smaller races and have a better chance of placing. For me, it's just not much fun any more. If you can hit in the right spot, though (I've only done that ONCE out of 10 years of attending), it DOES pay well, and if I had a consistent barn burner, I might consider entering again, but it seems like every time I get one of those, someone wants them worse than me. :) | |
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Location: Texas | It is a big venue, it is stressful and hectic, but I think everyone should compete in it at least once. In my opinion, the pressure and stress can show how talented a horse and rider really are.
But, some folks don't care for the big shows - which I more than understand. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 926
| dianeguinn - 2015-04-25 1:15 PM
I guess I am getting old. It's just not worth it for me to go any more. There is SOOO much walking required that it's really hard on me these days. I am active, but all that walking on concrete is hard on this old body and I think it's hard on the horses, too. All the stalls are concrete, and mine hate those solid sides. It makes them claustrophobic, I think! They are such parking nazis there now that you can't even park and go feed....you have 5 minutes, and that's not long enough for me to even walk to the stall!!! Plus, the entry fee has gone up every year the last few years that I just can't justify a $200 entry fee, $100 RV space, whatever the stall costs (I can't remember right off the top of my head), processing fees, etc....and being away from home for 4 days....I can go to a lot of smaller races and have a better chance of placing. For me, it's just not much fun any more. If you can hit in the right spot, though (I've only done that ONCE out of 10 years of attending), it DOES pay well, and if I had a consistent barn burner, I might consider entering again, but it seems like every time I get one of those, someone wants them worse than me. :)
My daughter and I went a few years ago and it was crazy crowded, busy. It was the first year they had non qualifier races. Warm up was limited, and it was just nuts. RV park filled up by Thursday about noon.
I loved it back about 5 years ago, made the finals and pulled some good checks....almost 1/2 of what it costs to enter and make the trip! However, like was said, it's well run, great ground, and a 'must do' at least once.
I like the shoot out in August, not near as many folks but still good payout and a well run show. | |
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