We're skipping the ride Dawn is referring to,
primarily because of the distance/cost - and we are closer to it than she
is. AND we made this decision when gas was still $2.50/gal [way back in
August].
I think Angier's got a very good point - maybe
now is the time to work on your home trails if you are skipping rides - that can
ease the need for trail grants too.
I know my husband and I are looking at gas
costs. We're looking at going to a 2-day ride in NW Texas at the end of
the month, but only because a friend is going with us to split diesel
costs. We may have to skip going to some more distant
rides...dunno. Like you, the horses won't see a change in how they're
cared for here, but they might see fewer road trips.
As far as AERC
wanting to raise fees, yes they're looking at that. So write your
directors. They're looking at raising the non-member fee for rides,
membership dues, etc. Rationale is that they're putting out so much
money for trails grants and research that they need the money. IMO, cut
back on the outflow before hitting the members up for more money. The
trails grants are "nice to do" but if they require raising dues and hitting
non-members harder who just want to try our sport to see if they like it
before joining, then cut back on the grants.
