My “lucrative talents” are probably 1. illegal except in certain states 2. need to find that niche group for cake/nacho/queso/mombod loving clients… Hit me up… 
7 Likes
hahhhh I want to laugh bc I believe you’re alluding to something hilarious. If it is that thing, idk how people sustain doing it. Veryyy tangental acquaintances (someone that lives in the same luxury condo building as a friend of mine) mentioned in a conversation at the pool that "it isn’t as easy being a creator on OF as one thinks - it is exhausting private messaging “folks who are either very lonely, doing something wrong behind someone’s back, or just plain OFF” to maintain interest and organizing photoshoots with safe, professional enough photographers. She was young 22 maybe & was overall very average physically, but made enough to pay 5k/mo in rent for high end housing in HCOL city…
That said, I know someone who has a series on TikTok about cheese “unboxing” and how to use various regional, international cheeses … paid for views and there’s a lot of queso dipping. 
I’m consistently baffled at work when I talk to a Software Engineer who is like, “oh yeah, sure I work in big tech but I also have a fruit youtube channel / blog (that generates income of average X per month)”.
3 Likes
Apologies if I’m missing this elsewhere or downthread but, can you talk a bit about how you manage your time?
I’ve got gaps where I could be making extra money. I’m roughly in the same line of work - and still do a few odd jobs here and there after picking up a full-time WFH gig last fall. Thank god, because this summer has gotten EXPENSIVE – even outside of horses. However, I’m also a caregiver for a family member and appreciate being able to find time to do non-productive things. Like fall asleep on the living room floor while reading the paper. Or sneak out for an hour or two to go swimming or something. I feel like this is kind of important for my mental health, too, but I’ve got riding goals that are going to require more money and am becoming acutely aware of when I’m (very, very lucky to be) doing ‘something close to nothing.’
2 Likes
🙋 So I’m pretty prolific in the sense that I’m an “expert” in my field and do a lot of media appearances, but enough to the point where I can tack on an additional week-long “A” show a month because of it. It’s absolutely possible, and I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world (NYC). Zero family support, no kids, maybe don’t save as much as we should but are fine with that for now.
4 Likes
I happened to be looking for something else and came across this today, USEF demographics. https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/W5Hqz3AnmFU/us-equestrian-media-kit
MEMBER PROFILE
• 85% Female
• 66% have a college degree
• Average income of $185,000
• Average net worth of $955,000
• Own an average of four horses
• Compete at least six times per year
• Average home value is $600,000
• 22% own two or more homes
• Own three vehicles
• 40% own a farm; 66% of those are 10 acres or more
7 Likes
Compared to the national averages in income and net worth, this proves that the typical competing equestrian is WAY above the norm.
1 Like
Woah! I am WAY below average! 
1 Like
Wowzers….those are eye opening but not surprising numbers.
1 Like
Well, just in case I needed a reminder today, I am not the 1%. 
4 Likes
a more telling figure would be Medium Income
(When you have people like Linda Gates in the mix an Average value can get pushed to the high side very quickly)
5 Likes
Enough people obviously do have sufficient funds because the shows would not exist otherwise. And as long as people do find the money to compete then nothing will change. Moreover, many people like the idea of being part of such an exclusive group and enjoy the opportunity for conspicuous consumption. There are so many other ways to enjoy horses that don’t require a six-figure salary.
3 Likes
I always feel ridiculous when I tell non (and even some) horsey people I have an event this weekend. they’re like “oh, what kind of event?” …well, an eventing event?
2 Likes
