seem like a pittance compared to the some big prize money classes for sure, our best talents move to Europe so
costs. and there are other big Grand Prix they can afford to compete? My 17
around the country, some with great year old daughter, Natasha, now
Europe and other countries around crowds. Our biggest winter venues on speaks of moving to Europe so she
the globe offer many big money both coasts put up enormous prize can continue the sport she loves.
classes. Some events offer cars to money overall. So yes, prize money is
riders as bonuses, while big classes slowly heading in the right direction How does an American rider
boast large spectator and fan support, and we have many more classes, secure a sponsor and keep him or
television coverage and corporate some with substantial purses, and herself mounted? How can riders
sponsorship. There are eight classes it all adds up. But the bottom line is thrive in a sport that offers limited
that make up the Global Champions that the ratio of prize money versus television coverage, limited corporate
Tour around the globe. Jan Tops’ escalating expenses is out of balance. involvement, a relatively small fan
created that tour and organized the The system is not working. base, and event organizers who are
one that was held in Palm Beach seemingly unmotivated to change
last year. All offer a 300,000 Euro KK. This “sport of kings” (a moniker the existing state of affairs? How can
Grand Prix. Spruce Meadows has that I personally have always been a owners justify spending astronomical
The Masters at one million Canadian bit embarrassed by and have tried to prices to procure superstar horses
dollars. Paul Schockemoehle has downplay) used to be a sport enjoyed in light of little or no investment
organized a group of 5 shows called by a larger span of the population, opportunities, the competition
The Riders’ Tour. Based on money from the middle class to millionaires. we face to find top mounts from
won in all 5 shows, the winner takes The sport’s elitist reputation has commercially sponsored Europeans,
home 250,000 Euros, 125,000 Euros reemerged and is now, at the top, the weakening dollar, the high costs
for second and 75,000 Euros for third. only affordable to multimillionaires of showing and, let me catch my
Now the kicker is that, at the top of and billionaires. If this upside down breath, maintaining these horses?
the sport, the best are invited to these system of slow growth of prize money Now that’s a challenge. Try answering
shows and their entries, hotel and versus rapidly rising costs continues as those questions, perhaps it requires
meals are picked up by management. it is, how will our top and upcoming questioning the “status quo”.
They are treated as the super stars American riders stay sponsored in the
they are. International sport? KK. Wow, those are great questions.
I’m guessing you might have some of
KK. But, the situation is improving, BT. Believe me; it’s not easy to find the answers?
isn’t it? wealthy, altruistic benefactors who
are motivated purely by the love of BT. We must understand the mindset
BT. Here on the West Coast we have horses and the sport. Will more of of management. Most events are
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