My family and I currently own a thoroughbred training center here in the Southern states of the U.S.

However,since the downfall of the economy,our nation has gone into a recession,which I'm sure most of you are aware of.I was just curious as to see how this is affecting your horse life.

We are having some trouble hiring workers and keeping them because they want a little more than minimum wage for the hard labor we go through every morning.Unfortunatley,we cannot pay them much more for the plain and simple fact we have horses needs to tend to and bills to pay.Also,the horse racing industry is in a bit of trouble to.Money is really tight these days.

How are you all handling the situation?

Honestly, it has not really changed my situation because I didn't have money to begin with. I am fortunate enough that I still have my two jobs and am not in danger of losing them (knock on wood). The only thing that could pose a problem besides that is higher demand for financial aid for my education because I do rely on that for help with my tuition. 

flakemusic:

Honestly, it has not really changed my situation because I didn't have money to begin with. I am fortunate enough that I still have my two jobs and am not in danger of losing them (knock on wood). The only thing that could pose a problem besides that is higher demand for financial aid for my education because I do rely on that for help with my tuition. 

I've always had to be cheap with the other stuff - I've never bought a saddle or bridle new, make sure my riding lessons are at the discounted times and buy them in a package for an extra discount, etc. 

I'm much more worried about finding my career job outside of college - I had hoped to be involved with Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, but am getting my degree in Psych with a Human Services Concentration, and thinking that I will probably have to work in "regular" Psych right after graduation. 

I understand about not being able to pay workers more. It's so difficult because horses are so expensive to keep up. I know my trainers had to remove some of their boarding options because they were not making any money on boarding for awhile with all the expenses. 

 

 

Shew,I know exactly what you mean.We've never had any money to begin with.We only rely on what our race-horses bring in and what our boarders pay to keep their horses here and the training fees they pay as well.

Yes,good education costs alot and it is hard to keep up with the tuition and annual costs of it.

Yes,especially racehorses because veterinary assistance is always needed,especially off the track.Supplements cost money to,same as riding equipment.I understand what you mean about not being able to buy equipment new.We can't afford that either.We buy tack that is in good condition and is sound enough to use on a racehorse,especially the younger generation.As for the workers,they are beginning to understand about the money situation,because jobs are harder to come by lately.Thanks for your input(:

We lost the barn we used to board our horse at due to the economy - they closed.  Now we have twice as much to pay for board.  I'm getting to that point in my life, where'd I like to quit the rat race and do something with horses full-time - is that an unrealistic goal in today's economy?

FluffyD:

We lost the barn we used to board our horse at due to the economy - they closed.  Now we have twice as much to pay for board.  I'm getting to that point in my life, where'd I like to quit the rat race and do something with horses full-time - is that an unrealistic goal in today's economy?

 

Oh,I'm sorry to hear that.Gee,that's awful.I know what you mean.I finally did quit the rat race and I feel so much better being around our horses full time.No,that isn't an unrealistic goal...I think it is a very realistic goal.

 

Fluffy D, I'm sorry to hear about your barn.

In regards to your question, please make sure to read the August issue of Horse&Rider. The feature "Share the Lide" will focus on four families who make a living out of sharing their horse lives with others. Might provide some inspiration?

 

Erin S.

So far we've been pretty lucky in that we've seen no ill effects of the bad economy. I've got an excellent job, and hubby's has been consistent as well. I will say, feed prices have gone up (and not fallen) but I've also managed to get 3 horses sold in the past two month and hope to replace the 3 with one - to hit the optimum # of 4 horses in our herd. That will certainly help our feed/deworming/shots/etc bill. :) 

Our pastures are good, and have maintained pretty well this summer. We can use some rain. Thankfully too, with diesel prices lower and less drought, our hay prices aren't as outrageous as they were last summer either.

My biggest gripe is.. where are all the good horses for sale?? When we weren't wanting to buy one, they were all over the place, now that we want one, we can't find one at all! LOL! :) 

 

 These are some tough times, but nothing comes between me and my horse! At the end of the day, my horse still loves me and I love her no matter how rich or poor I am.

 

  We try to just buy the necesities first, and then if we get some extra money, go buy her something nice like a new saddle pad or something.

 

   In fact I am getting a new horse which very much effects my horse life, but I don't think the economy can change my mind!