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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