I’ve been riding and competing as an amateur. I follow the amateur rules strictly and have previously turned down payments for any activity that I felt would put my amateur status in question. I would say I am a solid rider, but definitely not the type of rider that you see and think would be a professional. Think beginner lessons, exercise riding, schooling green horses etc. I’ve already been buying and selling my own horses, but this doesn’t affect my amateur status.
Now I’ve been toying with the idea of changing my status and accepting payment. Based on the requests I’ve gotten, I think I can cover the cost of my additional insurance + the entry fees to the few shows I attend each year, so certainly not enough to quit my day job, but at least enough to break even with the horses.
I’m not really concerned about winning fewer ribbons or qualifying for regionals with a lower score. I am however a little afraid of looking foolish as a pro with mediocre scores at the lower levels (think sixties) and an imperfect position.
Has anyone gone pro and regretted it? How easy is it to change your USEF status back if you didn’t like it?