COTH Get Creative Article

[fivestrideline]

@FieldMack

the complete and paralyzing dependence US riders have on trainers and being in a “program”.

I agree - but I don’t blame the riders as much as the trainers, shows, and the economy. Trainers require a program to pay the bills, shows are often hostile to the DIY person without a “trainer” trying to get stalls, and people don’t have vacation to use or must work FOUR JOBS to pay the bills so their horse has to be ridden by someone else.

Plenty of riders out there who can and would be pretty independent, but the system doesn’t have room for them anymore. Especially when we start talking amateur rules that are vague and extensive enough to preclude a group of friends from helping each other out setting fences and making course plans (even if they’re not getting paid to do so!).

I don’t blame The Riders for this - I think it’s coming from the top down.

ETA: my solutions? Half baked as they are? Support your local shows. Volunteer or encourage your trainer to bring the kids and greenies. Start an in-barn fun show that’s open to others if you can. Petition USEF for a change to AA/Pro rules (personally I’d love to see a Non-Pro like some western disciplines or Rider Level like eventing). Obviously there’s more to it, but there’s no reason we have to accept the way things are as completely unchangeable.

[ShenanAnna]

I showed extensively in Virginia in the '60s, mostly unrated; there was always one within 30-45 minutes driving distance every weekend. They didn’t have “footing,” just grass and dirt. You just found a flat spot and fenced it. At Frying Pan Park, the Big Deal venue in Fairfax County, the smaller ring was fenced in snow fence, that red-stained wood slats and wire fencing that came in rolls.

There was a lot of competition; sometimes I’d have 40 in my class, and they were good. No one showed until they were ready, none of these lower-level classes, except leadline and occasionally Novice horse, for those who hadn’t won a certain amount. There were so many entries that they would make up divisions, like Pinto Hunter and Under 15.2 Hunter.

Sigh. Now you kids get off my lawn! Young whippersnappers.

[JumpWithPanache]

I read and was intrigued by the article… and for the most part I agree! That being said, I love training and showing, so I’ve gotten creative with how I show. As much as I would love the glam of dressing up and being braided at the big beautiful A/AA shows, I can’t afford that except maybe once a year. So I focus on showing locally… I’m fortunate to have a great local Hunter circuit as well as a new rated Dressage circuit. My horse doesn’t realize he’s fancy and scopey enough to be an international derby horse, although if you asked him he would LOVE jumping those tracks. He’ll be stuck plinking around with me until I can save enough money to do the Adults at C or A shows once or twice a year. Fortunately my trainer understands that I don’t have the budget to show rated Hunters every month or spend weeks in Florida and STILL devotes the same energy into our development.

[vxf111]

Atlanta and the Philadelphia metro area have a thriving show scene at rated and unrated levels where people at different financial levels can ride and show. But it still takes some base level money because these aren’t cheap cost of living areas to LIVE. If you have to live in a reasonable commuting distance to a job somewhere near the city, housing and board is still going to be a sizable chunk of change. Don’t get me wrong, I think we’re super lucky in these places and have it good— but there’s still a decently high financial entry cost.

[atl_hunter]

While I agree that the city of Atlanta, and the north metro areas can be expensive, the Atlanta metro area is actually quite large and there are more affordable options in close proximity to the west, east and south. One does not need to live in Milton or Alpharetta to enjoy this sport. I think people believe “Atlanta horse scene” is synonymous with these two areas, but it’s not.

As for commuting, Atlanta is largely a technology services town. Several years ago - long before COVID - companies were offered a tax credit to initiate a hybrid work solution to help reduce the number of vehicles on the highways, which remains in place for many employers today even though the credit is long gone. Sure, some jobs require you to work in a physical location, however, many do not, which has allowed people to move further out. As a result, smaller towns that were previously considered “too far out” are becoming more interesting to developers. I know this because my SO is involved in development - I actually live in Atlanta and have first-hand knowledge of the current state here and what areas are attractive to developers and which are not - the new development action is largely in the north.

As for the cost of this sport. There are more affordable options other than living in North Fulton (Alpharetta/Milton) and choosing to keep one’s horse there. You could have the same commute into the city from another county to the south and your money will go sooooo much further. It comes down to choice. There are talented trainers in all parts of the metro area serving all levels of clients.

Also, the Atlanta metro area actually has 3 tiers of competition serving Wills Park. Rated, GHJA locals (your HJ Fox, Elite, CCO, and HSV shows), and then a tier just below that which is even more affordable, with less expensive stall fees, lower office visits fees, lower class entry fees, and run as a single day show.

I think Atlanta is a bit of a unicorn to be completely honest with you. I don’t know that it’s because we are “lucky,” though. I do think it’s because the equestrian community here is doing everything we can to pitch in and make it happen. It’s not luck.

I also think the Atlanta-metro trainers have gotten pretty creative (which is the topic at hand) about how to keep people engaged. Some programs let their lesson riders jump a bit higher than 2’ and then offer show leases to those riders. Some programs have partial leases. Some have lesson and show packages, where the monthly cost reduces if you commit to showing.

[vxf111]

The Atlanta metro is incredible. It is one of the few places where you can really “make it work.” But there are costs to living in Atlanta. For one, it is a place where you absolutely must have a car. No two ways about it. MARTA is not functional mass transit for someone who needs to work and/or get to a barn. Once we start talking about teleworking etc. you’re already mostly assuming white collar jobs/middle class economics and that obviously shuts out a large segment of the population. And while the housing market there isn’t as crazy as some other places, it’s not as inexpensive as other places in the south that are more rural. Starter homes are still upwards of $300Kish. I think the overall cost of living in the greater Atlanta area is just slightly above average. Could be worse, FOR SURE. But there is so much positive to say about it. It’s a terrific place with a great community!

[fivestrideline]

Yep - we are actively trying to get back to the area. Starter homes on the older side of Kennesaw for example are $350k+, and maybe a tad less the farther south you go. Definitely not rural prices, but also not CA insanity.

That said, my parents used to be able to get to the airport from PTC in 20 minutes, and now it can take that long to make a right turn out of the neighborhood. Most of the farms I grew up riding at have been developed, with a few long standing exceptions. Getting TO the barn can be the hardest thing - but the area is still doable for an “average” ammy who wants to show locally. That’s no accident either - I know several barns with active “academy” programs that have an assistant trainer that takes people (mostly kids) to shows on school horses. Turnout still exists, and plenty of places have multiple trainers to keep people going while the head coach is at Harrisburg or in Florida. It’s a good deal, by no means CHEAP, but still in reach for a lot of people vs only rated stuff for weeks on end.

[DMK]

@Amberley

They set up temporary rings in grass fields. American’s won’t do that, everything has to be on a $100k ring

Ding dong ding we have a winner! Also there are plenty of people who set up temporary stabling with panels under their trailer awning rather than use the limited stalls available (pro tip this doesn’t just happen at local shows). But here in the US we demand:

1. exceptional stabling
2. exceptional warm up
3. beyond exceptional footing, which we will blame in a heartbeat for any lameness because it couldn’t possibly be because the unfit horse on 2 hrs turnout/day has 3x the normal workload at a show.
4. a billion divisions ranging from ground poles to GP that require a 3 ring minimum

I mean let’s face it, we got exactly what we demanded so it’s hard to quibble about the bill. There’s only so much blame that can be laid at the foot of the show managers and governing bodies’ door.

[Pennywell_Bay]

@DMK

1. exceptional stabling
2. exceptional warm up
3. beyond exceptional footing, which we will blame in a heartbeat for any lameness because it couldn’t possibly be because the unfit horse on 2 hrs turnout/day has 3x the normal workload at a show.
4. a billion divisions ranging from ground poles to GP that require a 3 ring minimum

Eh. While I don’t disagree to some extent, I know “I” feel- if I’m paying a crap ton of money to show (which we do) I want decent amenities.

I just happily showed at a local show that’s footing, while not unsafe, was water logged. I paid 100 for the 2 classes so have zero complaints. When I pay almost 400 before setting foot in the ring- sorry I want decent facilities. (Not sorry at all)

[Pehsness]

I’ve just read this thread with great interest and I’m curious (I’m Canadian) are there NO grass roots shows?

I can only speak to the stock horse type grass roots but here in Ontario there are still “Saddle Clubs” which are like your backyard quarterhorse show that has everything from Hunter Under Saddle to pole pendng to “hunter hack” (which is two jumps in a row). Then is moves on to the WHA and then if you have a competitive horse the OQHA is quite big.

So is it only the H/J world that is missing these basic type shows? Or is that the horse scene in general?

[2bayboys]

@Pehsness

I’ve just read this thread with great interest and I’m curious (I’m Canadian) are there NO grass roots shows?

I can only speak to the stock horse type grass roots but here in Ontario there are still “Saddle Clubs” which are like your backyard quarterhorse show that has everything from Hunter Under Saddle to pole pendng to “hunter hack” (which is two jumps in a row). Then is moves on to the WHA and then if you have a competitive horse the OQHA is quite big.

So is it only the H/J world that is missing these basic type shows? Or is that the horse scene in general?

There are but it’s very dependent on what area of the country you are in. I’m in Virginia where the local hunter shows are plentiful and not too expensive.

[DMK]

Right. Don’t quibble about the bill if that is what you want. But I’m not sure how this gets more affordable if the multi million dollar facilities are where you want to show.

Also, I know a local show facility that would have LOVED to have only paid 100k. A complex build out of one arena was over a million (but it was super complex). Changing another arena from M10/river sand to ggt was 600k… In this case, it was a city-owned facility so there’s an argument to be made that those costs should not necessarily be passed on to all competitors. And as I understand it, those shows are still very affordable. But that bill is the same for a privately owned facility, and it’s reasonable that they would expect their money back.

[NoSuchPerson]

@Pehsness

I’ve just read this thread with great interest and I’m curious (I’m Canadian) are there NO grass roots shows?

I can only speak to the stock horse type grass roots but here in Ontario there are still “Saddle Clubs” which are like your backyard quarterhorse show that has everything from Hunter Under Saddle to pole pendng to “hunter hack” (which is two jumps in a row). Then is moves on to the WHA and then if you have a competitive horse the OQHA is quite big.

So is it only the H/J world that is missing these basic type shows? Or is that the horse scene in general?

Remember that the COTH audience represents only a very tiny fraction of US riders. There are, in fact, plenty of “grassroots” shows of all kinds in many places of the US. When I lived in north Florida, open 4-H shows, put on by county 4-H clubs, had everything from halter class to games, with classes for both stock seat and hunt seat riders. Both in Florida and in NC where I live now, local saddle clubs put on shows, mostly stock horse classes and gaming.

Don’t start thinking that what you read on this forum is a representative view of horse activity in the US, because it’s not.

[kaya842]

@Pehsness

I’ve just read this thread with great interest and I’m curious (I’m Canadian) are there NO grass roots shows?

Depends on what you mean. My area has a semi plentiful schooling show “circuit” (has dwindled to less shows over recent years with some BOs/ show managers passing away, selling, or having other life events) for H/J shows. However, a schooling H/J show runs about $350 for 4 (I think that’s how many I did at my last show in Feb) classes. IMO that’s insane when compared to “grassroots” western/ pleasure shows where I can take my horse and enter every single class (if I wanted to which I don’t) for a whopping total of $20. There are plenty of those types of shows around me as well (those shows do not have stabling as they are one day and they often have EOY championship awards) and honestly that’s what I’ll be doing with one of my horses next year (she no longer jumps but the cost is the deciding factor). Since she’s an OTTB and enrolled in the TIP program, she can earn points towards TIP awards for $20 per show vs $350.

[coffeehag]

I’m SO glad that I came across this thread when I did. My recent spend on my OTTB’s kissing spine surgery wounded my wallet, and lately I’ve been left feeling very “What the ever-loving fuck am I doing wrong.” I’ve certainly had some conversations with the green-eyed envy monster at individuals my age I know who are consistently showing at WEC and I don’t know when it’s not something that I, with a low six-figure salary, could even imagine.

And while I’m sure some of them are getting creative, more of them are sitting in positions with their significant other is covering most of their expenses or have had parents who have kindly paid their home deposit.

I work full-time, have a freelance gig, and want to have a minor social life, time for my partner, AND a savings account. For me, my come to Jesus has meant stop lusting after rated shows and start doing TIP shows and more fox hunting. Granted, I’ve also started taking my finances more seriously so that should help too–ha!

[HipNo34]

@Foitin

This pull yourself up by your bootstraps because I did it back when is a crock of S and legitimately dangerous in broader society.

And back then, “wanting it enough” (also) meant, for the rest of us (dishwashing politicians aside) being willing and able to withstand some truly unhealthy environments and situations.

To this day, as a middle-aged adult, I’m still wrestling with a warped and messy sense of perspective thanks to all that.

[HipNo34]

OMG,

Once again. Where Did The Barn Rats Go???

They disappeared during my time away and I still haven’t gotten over it. Like, it’s suddenly challenging to find one of the good-riding kids around to put rides on a pony that needs to be in regular work. I’m almost thinking of volunteering, speaking of getting creative.

[quietann]

If you are small/light enough, do it! It’s so needed.

[lisa]

I live in the ATL area. I showed for years – vacation? Horse show. Weekends? Horse show. New kitchen? Horse show. I now choose to watch DD ride/show both her young horse and my (now my pleasure) ex-AO hunter. But I digress…

The GHJA local circuit has always had a large following, at least since I have been involved beginning in the mid-90s. Before Cheryl & Co., there was PSJ. If your level is 3’ or 1.10m and below, it’s a great option IF you ride with a coach/trainer who chooses to attend regularly, or if you self-coach.

It is not a panacea, though. The course design can be inconsistent. Some of the local trainers have no idea how to manage their days. I really miss PSJ at Chateau Elan. Elite used to do a good show.

Personally, I’m glad Wills is getting a facelift. It’s a shame that our other “local” venues have gone by the wayside, particularly since one of them financed a show manager’s lobstah and private jet.

One thing that no one has mentioned is even though local show fees are lower, there are coaching fees that may make even local showing unaffordable. I have heard nonsense of $1500/weekend at Wills Park. That’s ridiculous.

[vxf111]

@lisa

Chateau Elan

I miss Chateau too!