Tariffs impacting showing

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

Coke=cocaine.

[Moderator_1]

Let’s please rein it in closer to the original horse-related topic. Thanks!

[cristalle]

@fivestrideline

A lot of EU countries have pretty significant travel warnings for the US. It’s risky to enter this country right now, even for recreational travel. The US is on a red warning for genocide and a bunch of other Not Good international lists.

I’m wondering about the impact on the Olympics. It wouldn’t surprise me if they get boycotted in some form. Not to mention the fact that most athletes are professionals, and all the support that comes along with it. You’d think , as a layperson, that proof of competing in the Olympics or supporting an athlete would be enough to get you through easily… but these days, it’s all questionable.

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.

[nutmeg]

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.

[TarheelJD]

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.

[MHM]

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.

[SLW]

@fivestrideline

A lot of EU countries have pretty significant travel warnings for the US. It’s risky to enter this country right now, even for recreational travel. The US is on a red warning for genocide and a bunch of other Not Good international lists.

I’m wondering about the impact on the Olympics. It wouldn’t surprise me if they get boycotted in some form. Not to mention the fact that most athletes are professionals, and all the support that comes along with it. You’d think, as a layperson, that proof of competing in the Olympics or supporting an athlete would be enough to get you through easily… but these days, it’s all questionable.

What countries are issuing travel warnings about Genocide in the USA?

[Annie10]

@MHM

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.

I thought they just did a renovation. They tore down everything but the spires

[albytb]

Which one?? I guess this shouldn’t be shocking news

[Calvincrowe]

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.

[Aussie_2020]

@Calvincrowe

if they actually make it here

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?

[BrownDerby]

Add NZ, UK, Australia, Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands.

[SLW]

Thank you. Good to know that no country has issued a genocide warning for the USA.

[SLW]

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.

[Aussie_2020]

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.

[Old_Mac_Donald]

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.

[Calvincrowe]

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!

[cristalle]

@Calvincrowe

We are already seeing a sharp downturn in tourism

This is what I have been reading and hearing across the board. FLA and NC are very popular destinations for travel for Canadians in the winter and spring, and many Canadians chose to stay home. ‘Snowbirds’ - who travel to the US over the winter (bringing their $$ with them) are rethinking, and many are selling their US properties.
This, from a site called Business Traveller:
“The data is the latest indication that President Trump’s trade war and hard-line immigration approach, including with longtime allies, is having a tangible effect on travel to the U.S.,” wrote aviation journalist Edward Russell for The Points Guy . “Reports of French and German nationals either being held at the border or denied entry have also eroded travel sentiment.”

Russell also suggested that Canadians were shunning travel to the U.S. for similar reasons, citing the fact that the number of Canadians booking flights to the U.S. fell by more than 70 percent after Trump floated the idea of annexing Canada as the ’51st state.’ "
Whatever the reasons, I would think that many riders, European and Canadian are thinking hard about travelling to the US for the time being, and this can’t help but have an economic effect.

[Ponyplusaninch]

Oh this is for the infield. Big deal renovation. https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/churchill-downs-improvement-projects-infield-seats/417-aadb2422-e1d2-4672-8eb5-c583da823f0c

I work at Churchill every derby week and can confirm betting was down. It did not help that favorites were so heavily betted throughout the day there was practically no payout—but that then impacted folks’ desire to continue betting.

Keep in mind turnout/ticket sales may have also been down this year because it has rained on/off the entire week, the worst of it being Saturday.

I think 2026 will be the telling year for how much tariffs impact ticket sales.

[MorganMaresVT]

Vermont businesses are getting really worried:

Tourism businesses on edge as Canadian visitors say 'au revoir' to Vermont

In terms of local competitions, both driving events and endurance usually have a decent Canadian contingent. Neither sport is huge, so even a small decline in competitors is felt. Several events that saw dips during Covid restrictions had strong numbers last year and were rebuilding momentum. We’ll see what happens this summer, but for smaller venues, things are concerning.