Monthly Archives: September 2009

AQHA Registrations Slide With Economy

American Quarter Horse Registrations for 2009 are expected to slip 20% over the previous years total.

It is projected that total 2009 registrations will be @ 110,000. In comparison, total registrations in 2006 (the highest level of registrations in the past five years) topped 165,000

What Happened to the Summer?

Wow, what a difference a week makes! 

This is the 7th straight day of steady rainfall here in North Texas.  The glowering sky, unseasonably cool temperatures and misty, drizzly weather are reminiscent of climate conditions usually found in the upper midwest.

This has been a welcome respite from the usual hot and sunny days that, no doubt, will return for a final curtain call before the fall season truly begins.

Bad Neighbors

Owning a facility in the middle of  ‘Horse Country USA’  is no guarantee that one will be free from inconsiderate or ( potentially)  business-destroying neighbors.

For example, this author is located in one of the premier and priciest areas along the 377 corridor.  Ranches in the vicinity are home to some of the most accomplished trainers, and nicest horse flesh, in the world.  Unfortunately, the property bordering two sides of our facility are the  home’s to people who enjoy non-horsey activities-including loud dirt-bikes and motorcycles.

Even worse, although one neighbor owns several acres they chose to construct a dirt-bike course right next to the outdoor arena.  How’s THAT for being inconsiderate? 

Of course, now that school is in session, the weekends and evenings are disrupted by the relentless noise, fumes and dirt spewed forth by 3-5 kiddies, and (IMO) several possibly developmentally arrested adults, tearing around their little track.  It’s not much fun to ride or work with horses with THAT going on!! 

What are these inconsiderate boneheads thinking??!   The logical conclusion is that they don’t care and that they have no respect for others.  And of course, there is also the belief among many recently transplanted ‘City Folk’ that since they live in the country, and own some property, they are entitled to do whatever they wish whenever they wish – even though such disruptive activities may negatively impact another’s peace and livelihood. 

The question is – what can be done in such a situation?