ride fees

[Merryben@aol.com]

We do not charge a non refundable sign up fee but we do charge a $20.00 late 
fee.  In addition, no shows are not refunded.  Sometimes that is not enough.  

Everyone has weather problems  We are not allowed to have our rides and must 
cancel if it rains the week before.  Ride management must often eat the cost 
of the staging area, supplies, toilets, food, and I am sure other ride 
managers can list a lot more.  The private staging areas are expensive but a 
set fee.  The governmental agencies in our area charge a percentage of the 
GROSS, not the net, and it is usually around 15 to 20%.

If you or your horse died before a ride, the $20.00 would be the least of 
your problems, especially if it was you who died.

I really doubt that any ride manager would want you to go to a ride in 
hazardous road conditions and take the risk of an accident.

> As for $70.00 entry fee, I would love to pay $70.00 at all the rides I go 
> to.  We charge the same for LD and for 50's.  It costs us the same per 
> rider.  The rides I go to sometimes charge up to $100.00 to enter.  


I am sorrry if this sounds harsh, but it is obvious to me that you have never 
put on a ride.  Ride managers and their volunteers are saints.  While riders 
are riding in harsh weather conditions, the volunteers are standing in it 
waiting.....all day.  They get nothing for that.  No miles, no awards, 
nothing but the riders gratitude, which is somehow enough.

The idea that ride managers are making a lot of money is ludicrous.  Even the 
big name rides that make a lot of money, put it back year after year into 
bettering their trails and staffing.  Most small rides barely make expenses 
if that.  They don't need to hear the riders whining about how much it costs 
them......

Maryben Stover 

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