Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America
Why: If I can ever get him a ride to the local Welsh club's in-hand shows, those points go toward year-end awards and contribute to Connor's sire's points as well. Also, they have Open Discipline awards, one for each discipline, so I can turn in results from the events and Dressage tests Connor does and earn awards for those as well.
Cost: $40/year
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| My first and last time showing Connor at a WPCSA show, and I didn't even own him then! |
United States Eventing Association
Why: I've actually never been a member before, because until you're doing more than 3 rated events per year, it makes more sense financially to pay the extra $25 BN non-member fee per-event than the $85/year USEA fee. You can't qualify for AEC's that way, but who am I kidding, it'd be tough to get him down to Texas even if we did manage to qualify. Also, bonus, 10% off at Bit of Britain.
Cost: $85/year
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| This win would have been a qualifying score for the AECs if I had been a member. |
Indiana Eventing Association
Why: Trainer's on the board? Year-end awards? Discount to the Doug Payne clinic in August? Never been a member of this before, but it's a good organization that does a lot to promote the sport in our area, including running a long format 3 day.
Cost: $30/year
Total 2015 Membership Cost: $155
Wow that is REALLY not bad! Definitely WAY cheaper than what it costs to show rated H/J. I want to join our local horse park this year but I'm having a hard time parting with the $200 fee... though unlimited use of the facilities (XC course, trails, 4 rings, jumps) and discounted entry fees might be worth it!
ReplyDeleteThe local horse park here is $900/ annually... :(
DeleteThe local horse park here is $900/ annually... :(
DeleteI'd think of that in terms of a cost-per-use situation. If you go 20 times, which it sounds like you could, that's only $10/visit.
DeleteMy post for tomorrow touches on this too. I did USEA, joined Adult Riders, and did Henry's "Limited" USEA registration... $150.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about holding off on adult riders this year. Interested to know why you joined.
DeleteUntil Roscoe is actually competing, I just maintain the Welsh membership. I used to do my local USDF, but stopped when we lost Sherman. Plus for the most part I only do schooling shows as the rated shows cost too much with all the fees. If I scrape any money together it will be to get Roscoe registered. Sounds like yours comes with some nice perks though.
ReplyDeleteIt does, it just all depends on what you want to do. I think Lisa has me officially roped in to doing Pony Cup, so that's adding a couple of memberships as well.
DeleteI should be at that show sans pony. Should meet up!
DeleteVery cool, Kelly, I would love to meet you!
DeleteThose costs are pretty good and I think your reasoning for joining are also spot on. It's tough, I feel like new orgs pop up all the time and you really need to see who adds value so you don't go broke chasing everything down.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's really tough. I haven't done IEA yet but my trainer was really on me about it (and it's only $30), but I just hadn't seen the value in it until now.
DeleteWow. Mine are over $400!
ReplyDeleteBlergh! That's crazy!
DeleteI will actually join... something... this year. Haha. At least, I think I will.
ReplyDeleteHey, if you don't have a reason, save that money and put it toward a new bridle or something! ;-)
DeleteI'm going to ignore the fact that you said you wouldn't be able to get him to Texas and go YAY CONNOR AT AECS I WILL TAKE YOUR PICTURES!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh that would be amazing. I'd have to split trailering with someone to make that even remotely possible. Sigh.
DeleteThat not too bad! I think we had almost $400 in memberships last year... thats a whole show in itself. I too have put off all my memberships so far. Its so expensive!
ReplyDeleteI know, it really does make me wonder why we should pay for these memberships sometimes. Really cuts into the show fund.
Deletenice!! not too bad either! i joined our local org - the Maryland Combined Training Association for $40. not sure if i'll make that money back with the benefits... but like you say, it's a good organization and i'm looking forward to getting more involved
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good deal!
DeleteI'm finally planning on joining our local Northern PA Yay Go Ponies Club (or whatever it's called) just for the giant year end ribbons. No shame.
ReplyDeleteUh yeah, my trainer used the sweet year end awards that IEA gives out as bait to get me to join. Pretty much everyone got halters or coolers, engraved or embroidered. Want that, want that real bad.
DeleteI think that's not far off the SJI fees i used to pay when I SJ Kika in Ireland as i used to have to register her, myself as a rider & owner - them fees sure add up. Bonus for you is you get three or gs for the price I was joining one ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've no idea of prices here as i haven't looked into competing due to need to pass tests for license O.o
The license things are fascinating to me! Europe does things so differently. The fees really do add up, you're right.
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