The Economy and Trials

[Vicki Worthington]

Have you cut back on the number of trials you are runniing this fall due to the economy?

Are you running different trials than normal to make shorter trips?

Are you running fewer stakes to reduce the expense of entries (ie. single stake vs. double stake individual dogs)?

If you use a professional, are you keeping the dog home longer and running the Open/Master/Grand yourself vs. letting the pro run for you?

I see trial fees slowly rising again. It seemed they were stable round the $65-$70 range, but now are hitting $75-$85 per stake in FTs. I know help costs more--even at minimum wages. Lunches cost more; fuel costs more (well maybe less than last year); motels cost more. Even a few bucks for each adds up over the long haul.

I know there were several threads about reducing FT expenses for clubs, and a thread about ideas to reduce the cost to trial/test. Are there any new thoughts?

[TXduckdog]

Since the layoff....have to cut way back.

[BonMallari]

I think the economy will squeeze out the fringe trialer, the one that runs his home trial and maybe two others nearby, I also think it will really affect the single dog owner who uses a pro but due to budgetary constraints will be forced to give up that luxury.

Unfortunately the only way that you will know they have disappeared is come trial time when they are not entered or when you no longer see their dog on a pro's truck.

I think the other financial impact will show when clubs that are near in proximity have competing dates and one club dominates in entries for a cycle or two forcing the other club to abandon that date or fold....both being sad options

[susanb]

I intend to runner fewer tests this year (I run hunt tests), and I will certainly give first priority to the tests that are closer to home and therefore cheaper to run. I've also cut down on using a pro to help with training. Times are tight.

[Howard N]

I was planning on using my 401 for recreational $ in retirement. It lost half it's value.

I didn't take a winter trip last winter and I'm not taking one this coming winter. I'm not going to the national in November. I hope I can squeeze the nat'l am next June.

[BonMallari]

I was planning on using my 401 for recreational $ in retirement. It lost half it's value.

I didn't take a winter trip last winter and I'm not taking one this coming winter. I'm not going to the national in November. I hope I can squeeze the nat'l am next June.

thats a shame Howard, I think you have two great dogs, in fact Mr.McFall acknowledged that to Clint while he was there that YOU are the one to beat on your circuit and you know as well as I do that Roy doesnt take a back seat to just anyone. But realistically and geographically it isnt real feasable for you to travel half way across the country...

[DEDEYE]

thats a shame Howard, I think you have two great dogs, in fact Mr.McFall acknowledged that to Clint while he was there that YOU are the one to beat on your circuit and you know as well as I do that Roy doesnt take a back seat to just anyone. But realistically and geographically it isnt real feasable for you to travel half way across the country...

We all think that he should sell his house, buy a real truck and trailer, and go trialing in the Lower 48. But he won't listen!

[FOM]

We all think that he should sell his house, buy a real truck and trailer, and go trialing in the Lower 48. But he won't listen!

If you can get him to do that, will you get Ted S. to go up to your neck of the woods? BTW Howard there are no trials in CO, don't bother to come here

FOM

[Beverly Burns]

It's not the cost of this hobby that depresses me. It's the 98 dog entries. Obviously someone is not hurting. This economy hasn't seemed to hurt the Pros. any. Look at the current entries for this summer and early fall. I know from experience what the spring trials are down our way in north Florida and south Georgia in the spring. Many times they are in the 90's or 100's. I have one bullet...she weighs all of 48 pounds and is a Golden. We do our best and have run and competed with the best of them but it breaks my spirit from time to time.

[Pattie]

I do think the economy has made people look long and hard at the judges before they enter a HT/FT, book a motel and pay for fuel.

I feel I have been lucky this year. I have a young dog and chose to skip Junior so, we are working hard to come out next year in Senior. I have what I call my fun dog fund. I keep putting a little away each pay day in hope that next year I do not have to worry about money for the Hunt Tests I enter.

I am also considering the retreiver retreat in 2010 if they have it. We all need goals right?

Pattie