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Member
Posts: 30
Location: Illinois | We have a local outdoor arena that needs to be used more than it is. . In previous years, we have had full schedules with great turn outs but this year is lacking. We have had only six shows with turn outs of 30- horses. It's a great facility set up for barrel racing and roping. We have all the tools to make it successful but times are changing in our area. I believe to keep the arena profitable, we have to be apt to make some changes (which will take some convincing to the board). My question is what attracts you to a race other than friendly faces? Do you prefer no obligation to attend each one or a show series with awards? Do you prefer saddle series or more added $? We have held NBHA events, speed series (with awards), timed event series, and friday night jackpots. We have also held a few rodeos. We are located on the east coast. The WBRL is growing fast in this area, would that be something worth looking into more? Any suggestions would be fantastic. We do have fantastic volunteers and support from a small group of people but I don't want them to get tired out. I would love to have a way to entice others to join in. Even other disciplines.
( We do not have a barn or stalls yet but look to put them up in the future as well as covering the arena. We have had two day events- contestants provide their own portable panels.)
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
   
| Added money
good ground
and especially good management
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 356
| Where are you located? Do you have a lot of serious competitors in your area, or is it a more casual crowd? We're in a more laid back area - not a lot of people hauling super hard, lots of local people that enjoy competing somewhere close.
Our saddle club has had great luck with a barrel & pole series every year. This year we expanded to 6 dates. The plan was for 4 Wednesday night runs and then Sat/Sun finals, but Mother Nature interfered with the finals weekend and the runs were made up on separate weekends. We do peewees, youth, and open for the barrels, and open poles. We also have futurity, derby, and senior sidepots which have been pretty light on entries. We normally get around 5 peewees, 30-40 in each open, 25-30 in each youth, and 15-20 in the poles. We do awards at the end of the series in every D. You have to have a club membership and attend 50% of the runs to be eligible for awards.
The arena is also open for riding all the time - IF you are a club member. This is for liability purposes. Memberships are $25 per household.
We do a fun day show every September. 0-6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-29, and 30+ age divisions. Barrels, poles, keyhole, ring race, flag race, and some other miscellaneous events. We had a HUGE turnout for it this year - the show lasted almost 9 hours.
We also do member fun nights once a month. We've done a reining night, basic maneuvers, obstacle courses, roping, and games. We keep track of points and give awards at the end.
A couple other things we do - try to do a clinic every year (open to the public) and also Wish I Had A Horse. This is a night where kids from the community get to come learn about horses - how we take care of them, what they eat, how to be safe around them - and then get to ride a little bit at the end of the night. We've been very active in the community since the club was started, and I think that's helped us out a lot. We also put on a ranch rodeo and a regular rodeo during the town celebration.
I think any type of a series where people have to come to a certain number to be eligible for awards helps get a consistent turnout. | |
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 Queen Bee Cat Owner
Posts: 3629
Location: Way up North | Something I have really noticed and it has kept me from going to some close races is the amount of fees compared to the payout. If I check the previous payouts and see it paid $50 to win the 2D but it cost $25 entry fee plus a $25-$30 office fee, another $15 jumpout or grounds fee, exhibitions are $5-$7 each, etc. after driving an hour, I can't justify going. I know producers need to make money but it seems like we are getting nickled and dimed more and more these days. I don't do this to make money but can only afford to lose so much.
Sometimes the reason for the low payout is because all the money went towards series end awards and that's great but some of us can only make 1 or 2 and choose not to because there is really no incentive other than getting a run in. I personally would rather see good payouts so you pick up those people that can't make very many but that's just me. | |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | The WBRL side pots are making our area - the East Coast grow. That being said, ground, starting times and dates are usually important to me. I personally don't like a show that does all speed events. I will do poles and barrels, but prefer just barrels.
Moderate prices, good ground, and no dragging around with starting time and payout should help draw people to the arena.
One pet peeve - put the city and the state on the flyer. Of course fees too. IDK if you think everyone knows where your arena is - way too many cities with the same name in the same state.
Edited by 3canstorun 2017-09-19 11:16 AM
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 Expert
Posts: 1523
Location: Illinois | Ground is usually my #1, other than the people who are there. I went to one this weekend and usually the ground is great, but its under new management now and the ground was bad Saturday. Way too wet and they seemed to pack it when dragging, so they had to stop between classes and rip it up. Horses were falling and people pulled out & went home even after paying for stalls/electric for the weekend. I definitely made safe runs all weekend, my horse can have trouble there when the ground is good even. But a lot of people were unhappy and I'm sure many of them will not return because of the ground, and they had also raised stall/electric prices and banned overnight tie outs. So management also played a big factor over the weekend, I imagine when the next event comes around there will be fewer entries. I also won't go if there's not enough added money as I'm a 3/4D person with my current horse. If there's little added money and I have to drive more than 20 miles I typically don't go. There's a couple places I will, just because of the friends that are there, but typically there has to be $200 added or more for me to go. At those divisions you can't really ever pay for your weekend unless its a big race with a lot of entries and good payout, so I don't really ever get my day covered. I think most of us like to go where the money is good and the ground is good. Management being good is always a plus, but I'd rather have money payout than an awards series. | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| Ground
Payback
Management/transparency
I follow one producer around here pretty religiously because she just does a bang up job on everything. You know all the rules going in and anyone can keep track of points for series end awards without trouble.
I avoid another producer unless I need a run. The ground is good, but the payback isn't as good and the record keeping for year end points requires you keep a close eye on them, a lot of mistakes get made. | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
Location: Ohio girl moved to PA | Ground is the BIGGEST factor. We recently had a new arena go up this year and the owners are show cattle people, they know nothing about horses but wanted a new facility. The asscociation im in has had 3 shows there so far and the ground is improving but atleast 3 horses have gone down at each show. Theyve changed it 3 times, got a new drag/waterer and are really trying to make it nice. I see it has potential and is a very nice arena, not to mention a easy drive close to home, but i know of a few ppl that wont go back specifically because the ground. Another big thing is timing. if your show takes 10 hours to run wether there is 50 in the open or 200, youre doing something wrong and that will keep me from coming back. | |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12708
| Good ground.
I like NBHA because there are both smaller one day shows OR bigger multi-day huge shows. If No Bulls would host small one day shows and their nice big shows I'd have no issues attending their races.
You'd need facilities to entice either NBHA or WBRL to host multi-day shows. | |
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Member
Posts: 30
Location: Illinois | k.maddocks24 - 2017-09-19 10:15 AM
Where are you located? Do you have a lot of serious competitors in your area, or is it a more casual crowd? We're in a more laid back area - not a lot of people hauling super hard, lots of local people that enjoy competing somewhere close.
Our saddle club has had great luck with a barrel & pole series every year. This year we expanded to 6 dates. The plan was for 4 Wednesday night runs and then Sat/Sun finals, but Mother Nature interfered with the finals weekend and the runs were made up on separate weekends. We do peewees, youth, and open for the barrels, and open poles. We also have futurity, derby, and senior sidepots which have been pretty light on entries. We normally get around 5 peewees, 30-40 in each open, 25-30 in each youth, and 15-20 in the poles. We do awards at the end of the series in every D. You have to have a club membership and attend 50% of the runs to be eligible for awards.
The arena is also open for riding all the time - IF you are a club member. This is for liability purposes. Memberships are $25 per household.
We do a fun day show every September. 0-6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-29, and 30+ age divisions. Barrels, poles, keyhole, ring race, flag race, and some other miscellaneous events. We had a HUGE turnout for it this year - the show lasted almost 9 hours.
We also do member fun nights once a month. We've done a reining night, basic maneuvers, obstacle courses, roping, and games. We keep track of points and give awards at the end.
A couple other things we do - try to do a clinic every year (open to the public) and also Wish I Had A Horse. This is a night where kids from the community get to come learn about horses - how we take care of them, what they eat, how to be safe around them - and then get to ride a little bit at the end of the night. We've been very active in the community since the club was started, and I think that's helped us out a lot. We also put on a ranch rodeo and a regular rodeo during the town celebration.
I think any type of a series where people have to come to a certain number to be eligible for awards helps get a consistent turnout.
Thank you for such great intel!
We have a mix of both serious competitors and casual riders. The serious competitors are on a come and go status as they have other schedules that sometimes conflict. (Note: I am not saying that the causal rider is not serious, I'm referring to those who haul a ton, futurity, pro rodeo, and open race to supplement income) They tend to go where there is more money, which is expected as most of them make a living doing this. The casual riders are primarily our backbone as they show up to almost every event.
We have held open arena before at $10 per rider but it is a hit or miss. There is either a full lot or two trailers (us that are helping lol). We would throw in a jackpot after if enough people came. We have never had a fun show, I do think people in this area would enjoy it though! I love the idea of "I Wish I Had A Horse". We are in an area where a lot of our town commutes to the city, so most families have not been exposed to horses.
I also think the fun night would be a great way to attract other disciplines and new faces to our location. I know we have ropers, reiners, mounted shooters, and more just down the road from us. | |
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Member
Posts: 30
Location: Illinois | AllAroundRider - 2017-09-19 10:58 AM
Something I have really noticed and it has kept me from going to some close races is the amount of fees compared to the payout. If I check the previous payouts and see it paid $50 to win the 2D but it cost $25 entry fee plus a $25-$30 office fee, another $15 jumpout or grounds fee, exhibitions are $5-$7 each, etc. after driving an hour, I can't justify going. I know producers need to make money but it seems like we are getting nickled and dimed more and more these days. I don't do this to make money but can only afford to lose so much.
Sometimes the reason for the low payout is because all the money went towards series end awards and that's great but some of us can only make 1 or 2 and choose not to because there is really no incentive other than getting a run in. I personally would rather see good payouts so you pick up those people that can't make very many but that's just me.
A $25-$30 office fee?? WHOA! We charge $5 office/timer fee, we do not charge any spectators or competitors for entering the grounds. We do have $5 exhibitions, that do not have time limitations. Our entry fees were $25.00 with $100 added if 30 enter ...but I think we can do better than that... I think if we add some more, it'll help get people out here for the same reason you're stating. It cost a lot to do this sport, I think the $ is an incentive.
Thank you for replying. I hope we can put all the ideas together to come up with something great. | |
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Member
Posts: 30
Location: Illinois | 3canstorun - 2017-09-19 11:15 AM
The WBRL side pots are making our area - the East Coast grow. That being said, ground, starting times and dates are usually important to me. I personally don't like a show that does all speed events. I will do poles and barrels, but prefer just barrels.
Moderate prices, good ground, and no dragging around with starting time and payout should help draw people to the arena.
One pet peeve - put the city and the state on the flyer. Of course fees too. IDK if you think everyone knows where your arena is - way too many cities with the same name in the same state.
Which day of the week and starting times do people prefer? We are fortunate with good ground and access to water it when it gets dry. We keep it consistent as possible show to show and the pattern the same size.. We no longer do any speed events other than barrels and poles (poles is periodic depending on interest). I do think we need to advertise better, most of the group is older and not tech friendly. What you mentioned is all listed on our flyers though.
I think our group who runs the arena has paid more attention to the concession stand than the actual races. Most of the people who help run it do not ride nor have they ever barrel raced themselves. | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 356
| imheretolearn - 2017-09-20 1:18 PM
k.maddocks24 - 2017-09-19 10:15 AM
Where are you located? Do you have a lot of serious competitors in your area, or is it a more casual crowd? We're in a more laid back area - not a lot of people hauling super hard, lots of local people that enjoy competing somewhere close.
Our saddle club has had great luck with a barrel & pole series every year. This year we expanded to 6 dates. The plan was for 4 Wednesday night runs and then Sat/Sun finals, but Mother Nature interfered with the finals weekend and the runs were made up on separate weekends. We do peewees, youth, and open for the barrels, and open poles. We also have futurity, derby, and senior sidepots which have been pretty light on entries. We normally get around 5 peewees, 30-40 in each open, 25-30 in each youth, and 15-20 in the poles. We do awards at the end of the series in every D. You have to have a club membership and attend 50% of the runs to be eligible for awards.
The arena is also open for riding all the time - IF you are a club member. This is for liability purposes. Memberships are $25 per household.
We do a fun day show every September. 0-6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-29, and 30+ age divisions. Barrels, poles, keyhole, ring race, flag race, and some other miscellaneous events. We had a HUGE turnout for it this year - the show lasted almost 9 hours.
We also do member fun nights once a month. We've done a reining night, basic maneuvers, obstacle courses, roping, and games. We keep track of points and give awards at the end.
A couple other things we do - try to do a clinic every year (open to the public) and also Wish I Had A Horse. This is a night where kids from the community get to come learn about horses - how we take care of them, what they eat, how to be safe around them - and then get to ride a little bit at the end of the night. We've been very active in the community since the club was started, and I think that's helped us out a lot. We also put on a ranch rodeo and a regular rodeo during the town celebration.
I think any type of a series where people have to come to a certain number to be eligible for awards helps get a consistent turnout.
Thank you for such great intel!
We have a mix of both serious competitors and casual riders. The serious competitors are on a come and go status as they have other schedules that sometimes conflict. (Note: I am not saying that the causal rider is not serious, I'm referring to those who haul a ton, futurity, pro rodeo, and open race to supplement income ) They tend to go where there is more money, which is expected as most of them make a living doing this. The casual riders are primarily our backbone as they show up to almost every event.
We have held open arena before at $10 per rider but it is a hit or miss. There is either a full lot or two trailers (us that are helping lol ). We would throw in a jackpot after if enough people came. We have never had a fun show, I do think people in this area would enjoy it though! I love the idea of "I Wish I Had A Horse". We are in an area where a lot of our town commutes to the city, so most families have not been exposed to horses.
I also think the fun night would be a great way to attract other disciplines and new faces to our location. I know we have ropers, reiners, mounted shooters, and more just down the road from us.
Talk to some of those folks who compete in other disciplines, and see if they'd be willing to come share their event with people who aren't familiar with it! It's a great way to get more people there and great exposure for other disciplines. | |
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Member
Posts: 30
Location: Illinois | JLazyT_perf_horses - 2017-09-19 11:16 AM
Ground is usually my #1, other than the people who are there. I went to one this weekend and usually the ground is great, but its under new management now and the ground was bad Saturday. Way too wet and they seemed to pack it when dragging, so they had to stop between classes and rip it up. Horses were falling and people pulled out & went home even after paying for stalls/electric for the weekend. I definitely made safe runs all weekend, my horse can have trouble there when the ground is good even. But a lot of people were unhappy and I'm sure many of them will not return because of the ground, and they had also raised stall/electric prices and banned overnight tie outs. So management also played a big factor over the weekend, I imagine when the next event comes around there will be fewer entries. I also won't go if there's not enough added money as I'm a 3/4D person with my current horse. If there's little added money and I have to drive more than 20 miles I typically don't go. There's a couple places I will, just because of the friends that are there, but typically there has to be $200 added or more for me to go. At those divisions you can't really ever pay for your weekend unless its a big race with a lot of entries and good payout, so I don't really ever get my day covered. I think most of us like to go where the money is good and the ground is good. Management being good is always a plus, but I'd rather have money payout than an awards series.
Thank you for your input! I agree with you, management is huge. Thus, why I'm trying to help before gets too bad. I would hate to see a place like this go downhill. I think we are seeing a turn in this area where people used to come religiously to qualify for awards, they would prefer money now.
I thought about us trying to hold at least one 4D show next year, with a decent amount of added money (around $600.00) and a nice award for first place in each division, like a five star. Plus side pots and other awards from sponsors. Would that be something that would attract people or is it a bad idea? | |
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Member
Posts: 30
Location: Illinois | Ohiobarrelracer - 2017-09-19 1:35 PM
Ground is the BIGGEST factor. We recently had a new arena go up this year and the owners are show cattle people, they know nothing about horses but wanted a new facility. The asscociation im in has had 3 shows there so far and the ground is improving but atleast 3 horses have gone down at each show. Theyve changed it 3 times, got a new drag/waterer and are really trying to make it nice. I see it has potential and is a very nice arena, not to mention a easy drive close to home, but i know of a few ppl that wont go back specifically because the ground. Another big thing is timing. if your show takes 10 hours to run wether there is 50 in the open or 200, youre doing something wrong and that will keep me from coming back.
Timing, that is something I need to pay attention to the next few events to see how they are running it from upstairs. I'm normally running everywhere trying to help whatever post needs filled between riding so its not been something I even thought about. Great point. The most we have ever had enter here is a little over 100 horses. | |
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Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | imheretolearn - 2017-09-20 2:30 PM 3canstorun - 2017-09-19 11:15 AM The WBRL side pots are making our area - the East Coast grow. That being said, ground, starting times and dates are usually important to me. I personally don't like a show that does all speed events. I will do poles and barrels, but prefer just barrels.
Moderate prices, good ground, and no dragging around with starting time and payout should help draw people to the arena.
One pet peeve - put the city and the state on the flyer. Of course fees too. IDK if you think everyone knows where your arena is - way too many cities with the same name in the same state.
Which day of the week and starting times do people prefer? We are fortunate with good ground and access to water it when it gets dry. We keep it consistent as possible show to show and the pattern the same size.. We no longer do any speed events other than barrels and poles (poles is periodic depending on interest ). I do think we need to advertise better, most of the group is older and not tech friendly. What you mentioned is all listed on our flyers though. I think our group who runs the arena has paid more attention to the concession stand than the actual races. Most of the people who help run it do not ride nor have they ever barrel raced themselves.
Some people like Friday nights. But that also conflicts with high school games etc. I like a Friday night, but I don't have kids involved in other things. If on a Saturday, I like 11 AM myself. Lots of people like 2 PM. If it is hot, move it up to 10 AM.
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