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I've found what I want

2K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  stormyweather101 
#1 ·
So awhile ago I wanted to "make it big" in the horse world. I have found out what that means now. MACLAY FINALS! I am aware it will cost money, hard work, and commitment. I have two of those things! But any advice you guys have to help get me through to my dream will help a bunch! I have about every job you can think of and I'm hoping to compete by the ages if 16-17. So Maclay Finals 2012-2013, GET READY.
 
#2 ·
have you watched the old animal planet show "Horse Power: The road to the Mcclay"? it's an awesome show! anyhow... those folks are in a tax bracket that most of us could only dream of. a six figure horse is not for the faint of heart! but heck... if you make it, i can at least say "hey, i knew that rider!!"
 
#4 ·
Well, I'd say tell your parents to prepare their pocketbooks!

Back of the envelope costs will include a high 5 to 6 figure horse. Find yourself a BNT or a Not so BNT that has been able to produce results. Riding at Beacon Hill or Heritage Farm would cost anywhere from 2-4k a month for training. You'll need to show at the A, AA, AAA level and it will take several shows to qualify. That will easily run you up 2-3k a show. Don't even get me started on what it cost to maintain one of these beasts.

I say take it in mini steps. Aiming for the Medal and Maclay is a big commitment! I'd try to find a quality trainer that will teach you how to find eight fences with flow and style. Start by trying to qualify for a local or regional Medal. In Northern California we have a lot of them, NorCal Finals are 3'6" but there are smaller ones too like the Almaden which is 2'9". Work your way up the heights, learn and get a great foundation. Work your way up the ratings in shows too, go to 'C' shows, then 'B' shows and eventually 'A' and 'AA'.

USHJA has some interesting "grassroots" programs (and I use the term lightly) like Emerging Athlete's Program. You can look into:

EAP Introduction

Junior Career

And Medal and Maclay isn't the be all end all or riding either. I had that dream once, and I had the dedication and skill, but no money and pretty much no time. I've found a ton of satisfaction though riding in IHSA when I aged out and riding as an A/O and Adult Equitation rider when I graduated from college.


Best of Luck to you.
 
#11 ·
The Maclay finals are the top equitation finals in the county. You must enter in qualifying classes through the year and if you place high enough can go up to the next step. There's a huge horse show called the Syracuse Invitational at the end of the year with "finals". Basically everyone who's qualified enters to win! The courses are very difficult at 3"6 with lots of technical questions and the riders and horses are the top in the country (riders are juniors-under 18). The average maclay horse STARTS OFF at $400,000! It takes a lot of grueling hours, dedication, and unfortunately $$$ to get to the top... but what a cool accomplishment! Maclay winners often end up the top in the industry later in life.
 
#12 ·
yup! you horse show with about 150 other contestants that have qualified throughout the years to go to a regional qualifyer and then if you place within the allowed places tthen you go to finals! its 3'6'' and you have to do a jumping, flat for callbacks, then another jumpping call back, and if the judge satill cannot decide then they have a test for you to do
 
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