Ironically back in the ‘80’s when my sweet little old parents with Vermont plates allegedly used to bring UK grooms across the border from Montreal we would spend hours training them to say Diet Coke instead of Coke Light. The border was much more relaxed then, at least for palefaces.
2 Likes
I didn’t know the UK had Coke Light rather than Diet Coke back in the 80s! I don’t drink soda–when I lived in the UK, I do remember the difference between US and UK Mars bars, though!
I don’t get why that’s funny. Give a clue please.
Coke=cocaine.
2 Likes
Let’s please rein it in closer to the original horse-related topic. Thanks!
7 Likes
I had no idea about the EU countries’ travel warnings.
And I had not even thought about how all this is, tariffs etc, is going to impact the Olympics.
Boycotts have happened in the past, or athletes/countries may feel it is not worth the risk, especially travelling with horses, to participate.
9 Likes
This could be a rich topic for an enterprising reporter right about now. Let’s hear from the Canadian show organizers, the US and Mexican competitors that normally go, the horse transport companies, and the barn staff.
5 Likes
Not specifically show related, but I was at the Defender Kentucky Three Day event last weekend, and one of the most popular saddle makers for H/J riders was adding a 10% tariff charge to saddle orders.
8 Likes
Also not show related, but I saw a report on the news today from Churchill Downs, and they were saying that both tickets sales and bets on the Derby are showing a slight dip this year.
They also spoke to the head of the racecourse, and he said they have decided to pause their planned renovation on the facility, largely because they can’t predict what the cost would be on the construction materials. So it’s on hold for now.
12 Likes
What countries are issuing travel warnings about Genocide in the USA?
4 Likes
I thought they just did a renovation. They tore down everything but the spires
Which one?? I guess this shouldn’t be shocking news
Several, including Germany, Canada, Finland, France have for gun violence, violence against trans/LGTQ, and mostly about ICE issues with foreign travelers. As to the genocide warning, all I could find was an institute who warned about American government swinging toward it after the nazi salute incidents earlier this year.
Back to tariffs- any show related purchases are about to get a lot more expensive as imports have essentially stopped from China, and so much of what we buy, need, and use is imported. Pharmaceuticals, packaging, plastics and parts will all take a jump if they actually make it here.
12 Likes
That’s going to be more of a problem than increased prices methinks. UPS laid off a bunch of people and someone from the port in L.A. said they may end up with massive lay offs if there are not ships to unload. I would bet that’s the case at any and all ports.
Have any venues mentioned issues with shows not filling due to sharply rising costs?
6 Likes
Add NZ, UK, Australia, Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands.
6 Likes
Thank you. Good to know that no country has issued a genocide warning for the USA.
3 Likes
Two family members are members of the Longshoremen, they work on a port in the south east. The union takes excellent care of their members.
1 Like
Well they’ll have to hope the current regime doesn’t get their way with union busting. And if there are no ships to unload the union can’t do much about that.
15 Likes
The Lemkin Institute of Genocide has issued a Red Flag Alert for the USA. It is a multinational institute that flags threats of genocide globally … and it is based in the US.
Ironic.
23 Likes
To keep this thread horse related…hint hint…
International riders and, more importantly, their staff might be hesitant to cross borders to show. The US is proving to be a dangerous place to visit as a non-American given the recent events at crossings. Detention, phones confiscated, held for days with no contact or explanation. That would be something to really consider if I were say, showing in Canada. Could my grooms go? My European groom/assistant? If I were not American, but here on a visa?
We are already seeing a sharp downturn in tourism. I expect as tariffs begin impacting costs of everyday items horse owners use or need, showing will become even more of a discretionary expense. Shows will suffer, especially in states where Canadians might have come to ride. Here in the PNW, BC is a prime show destination. Rebecca Farms for eventing may well see a decline in outside entries. Lots to keep an eye on!
32 Likes
