Comments on: Where’d My Money Go? A totally depressing new series

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:37:59 +0000

I don’t know, horses can be the best investment EVER. Just got my tax bill for my hay shed. Consider that most properties are down an average 0f 40% where I live, I expected a reduction. It is a pole barn, no sides, we built if 15 years ago for $14,000.00. Every year the tax people raise its value a bit, but this year it went up $34,010.00!!! Did I mention it only cost $14,000.00 to build? So all you need to do is build a pole barn and you will have something that doubles in value and is recession proof.. NOT.

By: horseperson

horseperson — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:12:43 +0000

Savings…HMMM you must be new to the horse world. The daily price of the grain, hay during drought, or a bout of EPM can radically change your budget and life-long passion. Fees seem to be balancing the budgets of the organizations at hand – not fiscal responsibility.

By: horseperson

horseperson — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:05:09 +0000

And once you are a member, you have to love all the invites to support the team, organization …. proposed by a few paid individuals who decide how much of your bank account they wish to drain! Love to support the full-time trust funder to ride more. USEA at least has options and can be economical for new riders or young horses to start in the sport : )

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:13:23 +0000

Crap. You just reminded me that I haven’t re-upped my USEA membership yet…

By: Miss Deb

Miss Deb — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:25:26 +0000

Kristin, horses are not a hobby for most people, they are oxygen for many.

By: Miss Deb

Miss Deb — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:23:45 +0000

Fees and membership are a total rip off. The AHSA was split up to make several businesses, not to help equestrians! It is ridiculous to have to pay all those fees AND pay the very high entry, stabling and grounds fees.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:05:59 +0000

This is not a lot of money if you are living in your budget. If you are barely able to pay your utilities, groceries, rent, etc., you do not need a horse. Instead, build up your savings to do horse shows. It is not a necessity, it is a hobby and does not make any profit for most people.