Hmmm - seems to me that's the very smallest expense they could find... For most exhibitors, I'm sure braiding is the least of their money worries!
If the cost of braiding is prohibitive we could learn to do our own braiding. I would like to see more variety accepted in showing all around. I am partial to western myself. I love the look of the long mane on my new paint, but if I want to compete with him I will have to shorten it. I would love to see the show styles get back to more of a natural look.
Big deal. I didn't know it cost anything to braid your horses' manes. It doesn't cost me anything. If they're so concerned about the economy, how about lowering the entrance fees and removing other unnecessary fees?
I agree with the other comments, braiding should still be required and entrance fees lowered. This just makes it harder for the people that get money from braiding, so they get put out of a job
hmmm, let's see. They can afford to ship a string of horses to Florida, pay astronomical rental fees, but can't afford to braid. Something seems a little off there. I agree, if they don't want to spend the money on braiding do what the rest of us have done for years who can't afford it. Braid your own horse, for crying out loud!
Not all hunters have enough money to pay to go to huge shows. I went to one hunter/jumper show, and that's because I can't afford to go to them, but I have my own horse and can travel to other shows. I am really glad that they are allowing unbraided manes and tails because I never braid my horses mane & tail, unless they are just "fun", not fancy braids.
A lot of the riders rely on making money braiding in order for them to compete. I agree that braiding is an expense to the trainers, perhaps some riders however; most of the competitors I know, including myself, rely on these trainers, and various stables to hire me as a braider so that I can afford competing too. Cutting cost by eliminating braiders is not the way to cut costs. Why doesn't the Equestrian Federation cut costs by lets say, having cheaper entry fees, or something along these lines, versus taking JOBS away from working riders, who without a braiding job, may not be able to afford competing at A level shows.
I have to side with Eva from Cranbrook BC! I've braided my own horses for years, but it is not fair to be taking jobs away from the working riders! I think she said it best with her suggestion that the USEF cut costs for riders and trainers by lowering the entry fees and other associated fees!
there areb other ways to save and to have braiders who depend on making money is not the way to go. fees and exhubersnt charges thst the show has is horrendous, it leaves a lot of people not able to show there, fees and misc. charges as bookeeping one of them is an outrage. especially in todays market. its bad enough its expensive but palm beach reeks in wasteful money..