[quote user="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? [/quote] 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

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

Sonny Joy in the paddock right before post time.

Sonny Joy heading around the track to the starting gates.

Our Jockey legged up on Boomer,getting ready to head out to the track for post time.

[quote user="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

Wow,That sounds exciting(: Ah,most usually I forget essential things,like ponytails and a hairbrush or two.Chapstick is always useful as well.Uhm,tanktops for when it gets hot,a hoodie or raincoat incase it rains.Toothbrush and toothpast(: Uh,some snacks to munch on....Some old pairs of jeans for just when your doing barn chores... Uh,I'm not sure about anything else but hope this helps.

Adam riding Sonny Joy down the backstretch.He was in third that day.

Sonny Joy right before race time(:

Sonny Joy during Post Time.