Spinoff - How much does it cost to send a competent rider/horse to Rolex?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=J-Lu;8651097]

In a related idea, the costs here suggest that it is quite difficult for the quality rider with one quality horse to really make it to “the top of the heap” without significant family money or sponsorship.[/QUOTE]

It is very difficult to get to the 4* level regardless of support. Probably harder than getting to the top level in jumpers or dressage (which isn’t easy either). And to be competitive…totally different story.

[Tory]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;8651246]
It is very difficult to get to the 4* level regardless of support. Probably harder than getting to the top level in jumpers or dressage (which isn’t easy either). And to be competitive…totally different story.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely agree with this.

I also think that this thread is a little bit related to who might make the Olympic Team after Rolex. If you have money, want to be an owner of a horse that “could” go to the Olympics (or maybe WEG) you are more than likely to put it in the hands of a rider who is going to have the best chance of getting selected.

I think that there are some amazing ULRs that just don’t have the “string” of rich owners putting multiple horses at the 3* or 4* level at their feet.

I’m not going to say that getting to Rolex or even Badminton is easy. But it is a hellava lot less stressful for a rider if you have more than two or three horses at that level. Chances are that at least one is going to make it.