Ride cost can be
"fairly" inexpensive, to ... alot of $$$ . Alot depends on ride format,
ie, length of ride - number of rides - 25, 50, 75, 100 ?, All require
same "control"; riders in each, that, and what day(s),
especially, number of 'vet checks' open at one time, ? how
many vets needed - to 'man' checks - generally want two vets at each 'stop' -
if, at least feasible, -( keeps competetors form agrueing with them, about
lameness issues, etc.), ( does not matter - if - 100's or LD)
one, at least, to do final exams - generally, again need two, to do
'finals', and another BC, plus, if applicable, 'check in'
for next day. Alot, depends on how ride is set up, logistics, where ?
'holds' are and number of. if can get through first 'hold' of 25/
50 and get vets back to camp, and rotate vets before arrival to other
areas, can get by with 4/5 , if a ride is spread
out, if over all day, with alot of 'checks' , may need 12 -14, as
with here - OD.( seven vet checks may be open at one time, and finish.).
Vet fees, are only 'one' of top cost, but "worth every
penny !" , and some of those $$ depend on, if, can
get local, competent vets, or if management has to 'travel in'
and ' lodge' / ' well known' vets - alot of later, do volunteer -
their time, at least. and often even 'travel expenses'. In exchange, for
ride entry.
**Whether providing rider meals !!!
(and volunteers -- have to take care of volunteers !!! - not
just evening meal, but ' vet check' lunch/dinner and drinks,
snacks); ( :- ) without volunteers, ride would not be possible ). Meals
cost, ( alot !! ), when catered, or otherwise, - one of biggest
expenses, and if 'a larger ride'',
can be thousands $$. And not
really worth ride managements' - "headache", to have to get food,
arrange cooks and servers to prepare large meal(s), ie,
for couple hundred people. ( unless, you have access to alot of volunteers)
Most rides do not.
If have to pay for forest use fees,
'base camp' fees, -- which can be Thousands. ( Speaking of
Old Dominion ) you can quess ride cost for management can get
expensive in a hurry, this does not include - if have
you to have water trucked into camp, or
to ' vet checks'. Cost of supplies -
from ribbon,/ lime.... to ice, to coffee/ donuts in AM. Printing cost
for maps, ride handouts. Portapots - are not cheap, figure minium, one to a vet
check , two at base camp - several more if larger, or multiday rides. (
about $20 - 30 / day, and that was couple years ago, so add at
leat $ 10 - 20.) Add donations -- to Radio support club,
that helps with ride, they are inexpendible !! . Donaton to local fire / rescue
/ sheriff dept. - you may need them too, and if they have to
respond, ---- ' worth every penny ' too; ( sheriff dept, often does road
crossings, at least flares. at major highway, and often has deputy
there). Add farrier fees, yes, you have to usually pay them !
to at least 'show up' !. and hope riders will reimburse them ** for
work done** , or ride managemnent ends up paying the bill, and trying to
'collect' from rider. ( fat chance ! ), OF note, most farriers are busy enough
that they, like some / ( most !! ) vets, do not want to come to rides
- unless, 'ample' up front fee payed.( Same goes for paying for rider /
horse' emergency treatment fees, please,!, if this applies = settle up and
pay before leaving..) And, now with price of gas; 'going through roof'
, see need for management, to reimburse ambulance drivers, for
gas (at least some) ; before these people donated time, gas, trailers -
and on some rides - it could add to alot of miles / gallons of fuel, not
to mention time. Oh. let's see miscellaneous fees - sanctioning,
insurance, 'awards' ( could be couple hundred, at least ). other printing
cost, - ride cards. postage, for those wanting mailed ride cards, entries
.I am sure I missed some 'cost', but, ...for those not aware, I may have
given an eye opener. Overall cost for rides like OD are around $
12,000+++,and I may be off in that, as I was involved last year, and 'years'
before, back several years, even budget for spring and fall rides was at
least $ 3000. Stephanie M.
