You missed my point entirely. I was referencing the amazing way that MRH brings in people who want to be involved in equine sport. They source the horses, place them with trainers, and keep all of the investors in the loop. The group of 300 that showed up at the Breeders Cup to support their horse would be a great example of how successful MRH can be.
I believe that they are also responsible in the way they handle retiring their horses.
I don’t think eventing has the fan base to get anywhere close to MRH style microshare syndicates.
But there are affordable syndicates horse people can join for eventers. I was recently invited to join one for a one time $450 fee. Sally Cousins has had her OTTB syndicate for years where you get ”ownership” of all her OTTBs for $1000.
Problem is, there is absolutely zero return on these things besides “access.” No prize money, no wagering, etc. (Anyone hear how the crab sports thing panned out? I signed up but never wagered). A lot of the riders do a good job offering “perks” like private social media groups, training tips or discounts, events, etc. But not all of them.
I agree that eventing has a much more limited fan base, and that there is no return on your money. However, my point was that MRH has a great platform, and it’s one that could be emulated. For those who like eventing, and would love to be a part of a horse that might make the Olympics, putting together a syndicate that requires less money, gives reports and access, and brings people into the world of eventing, it’s a way to build something better.
I think it all depends on the syndication agreement. Unfortunately eventing doesn’t command the prize money you see in the jumpers and now with hunters. In some ways I think that needs to change but not sure if the eventing community would accept nomination fees and higher entry fees to help subsidize the prize money. Equestrian sports need support from competitors and supporters, not just rely on wealthy companies like Mars to sponsor all these major events. The venues that ask for donations to help keep them running - consider making a $25 donation - those add up and help keep them going. Without everyone’s support those venues can’t keep up the maintenance required - especially eventing venues - just the groundskeeping alone is a huge expense.
I wonder if you could do a paetron type deal. Insights into the training of different horses, deals like course walks, discounted clinic entries if you are in the area. Paetron focused more on the rider and their program then a specific horse.
Or they don’t have the time or built-in family resources. It’s great to have a spouse who can ride your horses and warm you up. It’s great to have a spouse who is well-connected socially and can draw clients in. Heck even a spouse or parent who does your book-keeping and paperwork. It’s just not feasible to do this all by yourself.
The country-club membership analogy is a good one. But, like country clubs, people are drawn to the one all of their friends are in. Plus, you get to live vicariously through the rider’s other horses, and become friends with their owners. So you feel a part of something even when it’s not your horse. That’s one reason I think Boyd is so sought after right now, and why it can be hard for riders to start from scratch with not a lot of action to attract owners.
I’m a My Race Horse owner and really really enjoy it. DH and I have been to see one of our horses race a number of times, have met the trainer and jockeys and have stood in the saddling paddock before her races. We also went to their Saratoga Experience which included a tour of the backside, breakfast and lunch, a tour of a local breeding farm and some dedicated time at the training track.
I would gladly buy in to an eventing syndicate if these sorts of things were available. Heck, when I win the lottery buying some upper level horses is first on my list. LOL
However, most riders, I imagine, don’t have the staff to manage a herd of owners.
Syrynx - actually many event riders do have syndicates! For example, Boyd Martin’s On Cue shows being owned by Martin, Christine Turner (and other Turners) while Feaderman is owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate. Luke 140 owners = Luke 140 Syndicate. So much depends on the individual rider, if they have a owner/benefactor of sorts. If you’re really interested check out some of the upper level event riders’ websites to see about syndication.
I actually did know that but I think the prices for those syndicates are much higher than the ~$100 per share My Racehorse offers. 
Always playing the lottery… lol
I know everyone probably knows this, but Maryland is available for free on You Tube.
I always assumed it was the impact of dressage scores which tended to weed out interest in taking thoroughbreds up the levels, and less so changes in x-country course design, but again I am just a spectator.
@omare Eventing is always a balancing act between the three phases and the relationship evolves over the decades. Sometimes the dressage seems to have a disproportionate impact on the competition, another season it is the showjumping, yet another it is the xc phase. There was a period when dressage was quite dominant: everyone just learnt to do better dressage. Sub-20s now regularly happen but I recall when a score in the low 40s was deemed pretty hot stuff. So then an outcry about reducing the influence of xc, the heart of the sport. As a result, increasingly technical fences are built on courses run to tighter times: everyone complains about how difficult and technical the courses have become (see above 5* discussion) but discover that better dressage has produced more balanced and adjustable horses that are jumping xc better. And major championships are currently won or lost by taking a pole or two in the show jumping…
Eventing is still a three phase sport and generally the higher the level the more significant the percentage of “blood” in the horse becomes. The heart and courage and intelligence of a good TB is never out of fashion.
To be fair, the time when a score in the low 40s was deemed pretty hot stuff was when the multiplier was still in effect. So in today’s numbers, that low 40s hot stuff would be the equivalent of 26.6 - 30.
You are correct that the sub-20s scores we see now do still come in markedly ahead of those marks, but a high 20s mark is still considered reasonably competitive today.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
