Re: Fees and LD

["Ed Hauser" <sisufarm@mmmpcc.org>]

While I am neutral as to the advisability of increasing fees for LD rides,
this thread does bear on some beliefs of mine:
1.  Whenever I have been involved in a discussion of the advisability of
increasing fees a lot of people have predicted that this increase in expense
will force them out of the sport.  This seems to be independent of their
financial position. i. e. Some one with a $25,000 rig is just as likely to
complain as some one with a $500 rig.  This is also independent of their
horse interest, show, trail, 4H, or distance riding.
2.  Rides that offer more activities are more likely to show a positive cash
flow.  A typical UMECRA ride will have an endurance, and LD on Saturday
morning, a competitive 25 on Saturday afternoon, and another competitive 25
on Sunday morning.  Some rides also offer a second LD and a 50 competitive
on Sunday Morning.  (AERC rules were ammended last year to allow this.)
UMECRA rides are relatively small but usually show a positive cash flow.
Anyone interested in their size etc. can look at: http://www.bfm.org/umecra/
3.  By offering rides on 2 days, it is easier to bring along a new horse.
One can ride a 50 endurance on Sat, and a 25 LD or competitive on Sun with
the second horse.  Yes, this is expensive but lots of us do it and the ride
managers sure like the extra entry fees.
4.  An extra fee for 10-15 mile "novice" rides would not be friendly to
timid potential participants.  A total of $10 for the ride is much more
reasonable.  MNDRA (Minnesota Distance Riders Association) has often given
$5 off another MNDRA ride as completion awards, bringing the cost down even
further.
Ed Hauser
Sisu Farm
1140 37th St.
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-0465
email: sisufarm@mmmpcc.org