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Would anyone?

Hunter/Jumper
#41

[QUOTE=Properetiquette1;5859351]
Some of you think im stupid or something. I also hate that some only read the original post and onl that post. To start yes I do have my own saddle, a 4,000 one to be exact. I can also get a bridle its not that hard.

I cant stand when you sayi need to be realistic. I will try as hard as I am able to to reach my goal. Not the lame 3 foot goal all of you are throwing out there. But the 3’6 one rather. I will try till I bust my head open. Im not looking for sympathy im not looking for insight into the horse world.
Im looking for a horse, for those who didnt read the rest of the post im willing to consider scenarios owners want to offer. Or to board it at my barn where me and my.trainer could work with it. Im just saying that if I do that I cant really pay a lease price. And if I pay for the lease than I cant pay for the board.

To ride in the maclay I dont neccisarily have to ride at A shows all the time. I can qualify for regionals doing local shows. The only huge show I would have to do is regionals, and then finals if I make it

I have all my show stuff, high end boots, nice jack, ect. I have a good trainer whom has taught big eq riders, heck on of them was one that everybody wanted her horse. Most of you arent reading more into the post im willing to try stuff, or listen to things owners would agree on.[/QUOTE]

Listen, I’m 15 (er, almost 16), I’m not rich, and I understand you have big dreams. There’s nothing wrong with that.

The problem is, your big dreams don’t seem to line up with reality. I like dreaming big. I think it’s fun just to imagine stuff… But I also know that this is the real world, and this is the horse world. I have two sets of goals; the dream goals, and the real life goals.

For example: My dream goal for my next show is for my TB to win the $500 3’ jumper classic at a local C. My realistic goal is to put in a nice clean round in the classic, and have a more mature, confident horse when I’m done.

You seem–and I beg pardon if I’m wrong–to have one goal in mind: the bigeq. You seem to feel very passionately that you can get there with a small budget on free horses, when you’re only schooling 2’6" now.

(This is the part when you have to be a mature teenager to handle the horse world. If you don’t want to be, then feel free to stop reading.)

That kind of thing DOESN’T HAPPEN. I know of NO ONE that has had that happen to them, simply because the logic of it and the unlikelihood that–as a current 2’6 max rider–you’ll be handed a horse that can be competitive at that height.

Someone on here once said something along the lines that, to make it in the show world, you need money, time, talent, and luck… and that a large amount of one could make up for the deficit of another. That’s how I’ve gotten where I have in horses; I have luck, not so much money.

At some point, your dreams have got to line up with and accept reality, or you’re setting yourself up to fail. We don’t want you to fail, which is why we’re trying to tell you this.

I really do understand what you’re going through, I really, really do. And I hate that you’re going through it, too, because I remember going through it (although at a younger age) and when I realized that I had to accept what could and couldn’t happen, it wasn’t really a day I look back on and smile at, because it wasn’t a pleasant realization.

Dreams can come true, but sometimes you have to have a small enough dream to have a chance at it.

apologies for War & Peace length post

#42

i could see finding a 3 ft horse but its not going to be a perfect ride. Where I am, you could half lease a horse for a little over $200. We have a couple that have done 3ft in their past but owners dont have time anymore.

There are times when you will get lucky. I had a few girls that I just let come out and ride my horses for some extra ride time. I got lucky last dec after my horse passed away. Found a nice but green horse owned by a lady who had just fallen and broke her arm. He had talent but needed alot of time and work. Lease only lasted 6 months but if I lived closer, I could have continued to ride him.

Good luck

#43

[QUOTE=Properetiquette1;5859181]
I show as 15 right now as of this year…

I know it’s gonna be hard and i know i need alot of money to do it but i’m sick of all this politics stuff with riding. Most people tell the people without alot of money that they will never make it anywhere crushing what they really want most in life.

With people willing to help out any good rider should be able to make it to the Maclays despite the lack of money they have. Atleast i won’t be the one just sitting there looking pretty, i will be working for what i get out of the horse.

Sorry i get really aggitated when people suggest than without money you will never make it.[/QUOTE]

Reality check; why would anyone (other than your parents) be willing to foot the bill so that you can pursue your dream to “make it to the Maclays despite the lack of money…?” Owning a horse, much less showing a horse at USEF recognized shows costs big bucks. Your sense of entitlement smacks of a spoiled brat. Life isn’t fair. I had to pay my own way through college and was finally able to afford to buy and board my own horse at the age of 27. I have worked my butt off my entire adult life to be able to support my horse passion. Have I expected that someone else should pay the freight to support my passion? No.

Realistically, your best option is to talk with your trainer about a half lease situation on a horse at the barn where you ride. If you aren’t happy with the training you’re receiving there, you could look to change trainers. If your jumping 2’6" courses now, you’re a long way off from the Medals and Maclays. What you could be doing now is competing in 2’6" medal classes, which would improve your eq skills and won’t require a 3’ 6" horse.

#44

[QUOTE=Properetiquette1;5859351]
Some of you think im stupid or something. I also hate that some only read the original post and onl that post. To start yes I do have my own saddle, a 4,000 one to be exact. I can also get a bridle its not that hard.

I cant stand when you sayi need to be realistic. I will try as hard as I am able to to reach my goal. Not the lame 3 foot goal all of you are throwing out there. But the 3’6 one rather. I will try till I bust my head open. Im not looking for sympathy im not looking for insight into the horse world.
Im looking for a horse, for those who didnt read the rest of the post im willing to consider scenarios owners want to offer. Or to board it at my barn where me and my.trainer could work with it. Im just saying that if I do that I cant really pay a lease price. And if I pay for the lease than I cant pay for the board.

To ride in the maclay I dont neccisarily have to ride at A shows all the time. I can qualify for regionals doing local shows. The only huge show I would have to do is regionals, and then finals if I make it

I have all my show stuff, high end boots, nice jack, ect. I have a good trainer whom has taught big eq riders, heck on of them was one that everybody wanted her horse. Most of you arent reading more into the post im willing to try stuff, or listen to things owners would agree on.[/QUOTE]

I actually had some sympathy for your situation until this post.

I hope the OP is a troll. If not, she is the type of teenager who gives this sport a bad rap.

#45

:lol::lol::lol: :smiley: :lol::lol::lol:

#46

What is it with the Maclay? Did you watch Horsepower or something? Where are you in MA? Tell us so we can suggest some trainers in the area. You need to talk to a real person. Doing this over the internet isn’t helping.

EDIT:

Apparently you have a trainer. I am assuming you’ve discussed this with her and she basically told you to go to hell?

You will not, and I say this in complete confidence, make it past regionals if you ONLY do the big eq at local shows. You need the experience of riding the big, spooky jumps and technical courses that you will see at shows like HITS, VT, LP, Saratoga, etc. If you want to qualify down the road at a local member 1-day, sure, you might be able to get it done, but you won’t be able to get around at Regionals. And if you do manage to jump all of the jumps in order, it will be scary.

Don’t be rude. It’s not attractive.

#47

If you don’t have money, or connections, or experience, or tangible skills, or a trainer willing to pound the street for you, or a realistic plan… the least you could have is a BETTER ATTITUDE.

I’m not seeing one reason why anyone would (or should) hand you ANYTHING. Just because you want it? We ALL want what we can’t afford, join the club. Guess what mature people do when they want something? They work for it. And sometimes they have to revise their expectations to be in line with reality. It’s the truth, even if you don’t like it.

#48

[QUOTE=Rhody Ram;5859422]
What is it with the Maclay? Did you watch Horsepower or something? Where are you in MA? Tell us so we can suggest some trainers in the area. You need to talk to a real person. Doing this over the internet isn’t helping.[/QUOTE]

I was obsessed with Horsepower and therefore the bigeq when it was on… maybe there are reruns going on right now?

<end sarcasm>

#49

First of all “you need to be realistic” whether you like it or not.

Legit Big Eq horses lease for thousands of dollars just for the finals.

You can get some great training if you volunteer to work for a BNT and essentially become a slave, mucking stalls, bathing horses, wiping other riders’ boots and eventually, maybe, hacking horses. After a while, if and when you prove you are willing to work very hard without complaining you might get in the ring on someone else’s horse, at a big show.

You cannot make it to the big eq finals without a lot of ring time competing and winning against the big time eq riders. There is no substitute or shortcut for this kind of experience.

If you don’t have the money to support your goals than you must have the work ethic, devotion and humility to get where you want to go.

#50

Oh, I am reading just fine.

You represent yourself as a spoiled brat and that statement about reaching YOUR goal of 3’6" instead of the “lame 3’ goal” suggested is actually…mean spirited. Especially since you are going to have to get thru 3’ to get to 3’6" and you just insulted and alienated anybody with a good 3’ horse.

So sorry 3’ is sooo far beneath you, who ride at 2’6" and are begging for a free ride on a made show horse.

Most owners will work with a Junior who truely LOVES THE HORSE., will work with ANY thing they can find and be greatful for, and to, that horse This is all about you, you, you and your goals and your 4k saddle…quite the little narcissist.

I also suggest you be careful about what you post and the attitudes your posts project…it will be with you forever.

#51

“Would anyone?”… Well, I wouldn’t. Personally, I don’t like your attitude. At all.

In truth, a lot of those “rich” kids aren’t rich at all. Their parents are making huge sacrifices in order to afford the horse and the showing. The “rich” kids are baby sitting or pet sitting in order to help out. I personally think that you should have “ownership” of the animal in order to enjoy the privilege of showing. That means the welfare of the horse comes first. That means you don’t overjump, you personally wrap those legs, you protect your partner. And if that partner breaks-- you might have to sit out a show. Or two… Or a season.

OP, I hear that you have big dreams. You can afford to show, but you cant afford full board. You can afford “you” but you can’t afford your partner. I don’t like the sound of that. At all.

#52

Or to board it at my barn where me and my.trainer could work with it. Im just saying that if I do that I cant really pay a lease price.

Hon, right here- right here- this is the major problem. (The other one is that you may want to reconsider the way you present yourself online.) All the stars would have to align for you to be able to make this work, because what you’re asking is for someone else to foot the bill (or a great number of the bills) to let you ride and horse show for free.

That strategy might work for a Brianne or a Lillie, who are proven as dynamite riders who aren’t just riding a horse but also improving it (either its way of going or its value as a competition horse when it wins.) The rest of us lesser mortals, not so much. We do not have that kind of value to bring to the table. That means that if we want nice horses to ride and show, we have to bring another kind of value, and that is usually monetary.

You say you’re willing to work hard and try to attain your goal. I would suggest you start with a part-time job to increase what you as a lessee could bring to the table, so that you could pay for a horse to ride.

I’m sorry that you don’t like when others suggest you be realistic- but if that is what everyone is saying to you, you might want to consider the merit of their suggestions.

#53

In case everyone else wasn’t a reality check here’s another:
You say you’re going to pay show fees so please remember that alot of these A/AA show weekends will run you over $1,000 a weekend.

Advice from someone who couldn’t afford an A show warmblood, ride lesson horses, ride greenies become a solid 3’ rider then look for opportunities when you enter college through IHSA, the school barn etc…

#54

[QUOTE=Properetiquette1;5859351]
Some of you think im stupid or something. I also hate that some only read the original post and onl that post. To start yes I do have my own saddle, a 4,000 one to be exact. I can also get a bridle its not that hard.

I cant stand when you sayi need to be realistic. I will try as hard as I am able to to reach my goal. Not the lame 3 foot goal all of you are throwing out there. But the 3’6 one rather. I will try till I bust my head open. Im not looking for sympathy im not looking for insight into the horse world.
Im looking for a horse, for those who didnt read the rest of the post im willing to consider scenarios owners want to offer. Or to board it at my barn where me and my.trainer could work with it. Im just saying that if I do that I cant really pay a lease price. And if I pay for the lease than I cant pay for the board.

To ride in the maclay I dont neccisarily have to ride at A shows all the time. I can qualify for regionals doing local shows. The only huge show I would have to do is regionals, and then finals if I make it

I have all my show stuff, high end boots, nice jack, ect. I have a good trainer whom has taught big eq riders, heck on of them was one that everybody wanted her horse. Most of you arent reading more into the post im willing to try stuff, or listen to things owners would agree on.[/QUOTE]

:no: you are digging yourself a very deep hole

#55

Either I’m developing memory problems or there’s an influx of 15 year olds who have no concept of reality, but OP, did you post this same stuff on another board, and receive the same answers?

None of this bears repeating. I’m not wasting the keystrokes. Aint gonna happen.

#56

[QUOTE=vxf111;5859169]
You are currently doing 2’6 and have ambitions to be doing the big eq in just a little over a year, on a freebie horse? [/QUOTE]

Before you guys completely shoot her down- it can be done. *** IF she rides well. ***

I have heard of kids in her situation (good rider, no horse, underfunded) being stumbled across by BNT then BOOM! 6 months later it’s Regionals and we’re like WHO is this kid???

OP- how well do you ride? I know you gave us specifics, but I mean things that are not restricted to the horse you’re on. Like, feel for the horse, where you are in the ring, etc…
If you ride great, you need to put yourself where BNT will see you. See if you can take a “trial lesson” with a big barn in the area, if you ride great they should have extra sale horses for you to flat, and prove yourself on. In MA, I think your closest Big Eq barns are Missy, Heritage and OSF.

It’s tough (and I’m assuming she rides well) but not impossible.

#57

There are many kids who ride very well without the attitude.

#58

Not with that attitude.

Let me clue you in to a little secret. BNT’s are business people. They aren’t fairy godmothers for the less fortunate. They don’t have a stable full of unemployed 3’6" horses looking for Cinderella riders to pilot them to fame and glory. If they take a rider under their wing, you can bet that they are receiving something in return (more than undying gratitude).

#59

[QUOTE=Properetiquette1;5859351]
Some of you think im stupid or something. I also hate that some only read the original post and onl that post. To start yes I do have my own saddle, a 4,000 one to be exact. I can also get a bridle its not that hard.

I cant stand when you sayi need to be realistic. I will try as hard as I am able to to reach my goal. Not the lame 3 foot goal all of you are throwing out there. But the 3’6 one rather. I will try till I bust my head open. Im not looking for sympathy im not looking for insight into the horse world.
Im looking for a horse, for those who didnt read the rest of the post im willing to consider scenarios owners want to offer. Or to board it at my barn where me and my.trainer could work with it. Im just saying that if I do that I cant really pay a lease price. And if I pay for the lease than I cant pay for the board.

To ride in the maclay I dont neccisarily have to ride at A shows all the time. I can qualify for regionals doing local shows. The only huge show I would have to do is regionals, and then finals if I make it

I have all my show stuff, high end boots, nice jack, ect. I have a good trainer whom has taught big eq riders, heck on of them was one that everybody wanted her horse. Most of you arent reading more into the post im willing to try stuff, or listen to things owners would agree on.[/QUOTE]

WOW. I’m somewhat local to you, have a BTDT horse that is capable of what you want to do that’s not getting a lot of work right now, HAS given a horse that placed top 3 in the Maclay FINALS to a talented rider who couldn’t afford to buy (although she’s now a BNT, so shows you what kind of talent you need to get these horses for little cost), was somewhat sympathetic to your situation until I read this. Yeah, not getting on any of my horses, sorry.

You need to talk to your parents and trainer. I doubt you’d have a 4K saddle if you couldn’t afford some sort of board and lease. See what they’re willing to work out for you.

#60

Don’t forget, according to her (the OP), she’s not looking for any insight, just a horse. So, I’m thinking that all of this good advice is going to waste. Perhaps she should sell her $4,000 saddle and other high end stuff, buy something used and use the cash to fund her riding.

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