When Spring rolls around, horse show exhibitors and breeders are excited about the weather warming up and the previous year’s Incentive Fund checks arriving in the mail. For some, it is an excuse to indulge on something extra–a new watch, boots, or trip, while others apply the funds back into their horse show fund. GoHorseShow wanted to know what people were spending their extra bonus money on–find out here!
Larisa Affeldt— (Pictured right) Any money I win always goes right back into the horse fund. I spend that on horse bills and of course new show clothes. And that is FUN. Nothing else I would rather spend my extra money on!
Bonnie Sheren–This was the first time I ever received an Incentive Fund check that was more than three figures, so I’m very excited about that. Unfortunately, it won’t even make a dent in what I have spent this past year. But it does pay for one month’s board and training for one horse which is a good thing! Logically, I know that I will never make enough Incentive Fund or prize money to offset the costs of showing, but I think it makes me feel better when I can deposit that check in the bank. I think it’s good that the checks come later in the year because by that time; I have already forgotten what I spent to get that check, so it really does seem like a bonus!
Susan Pennau–My incentive money goes directly to my husband who supports my horse show habits completely. It is my only way to try to pay him back in a small way for his support and encouragement. I couldn’t do what I love without him.
Meg DePalma–My wedding! It’s very expensive to throw a party for 200 people. But, in all seriousness, Vinny and Sadie made me enough to pay for the DJ and flowers, what good ponies!
Whitney Vicars–We are spending ours on show expenses such as vet bills, show clothing, horse shows themselves, and credit card bills. Nothing real exciting except I may treat myself to a new pair of boots I’ve had my eye on!
Joanne Garnett–I used the money towards a new horse. I bought a three year-old from Julie Voge that she has started in the trail. He reminds me a lot of my older horse, So Much Potential. He is very talented in the trail, and I can’t wait to start showing him.
Ariel Herrin--This year, the Incentive Fund money will be going to help pay for my summer college classes. I spent so much time horse showing this year that I got a little behind on my path to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University, so I’ll be in class this summer with the help of the Incentive Fund.
Chelsea Martz–My Incentive Fund check will be going toward a new horsemanship shirt. I’m excited to add this event with my new horse, Lets Shake Em Up.
Lindsey Gillette-More horse shows, and, of course, more advertising in the GoMag!
Jason Wanderer–I am about to board a flight to attend a friend’s wedding in Maui for a week courtesy of my 2013 Incentive Fund Check. Aloha!
Jakob Glenn Garner–I’m spending it on breeding. I am getting an embryo which will be a full sibling to Vital Signs Are Good!
Debby Brehm–Horse show bills; they are never-ending. The Incentive Fund check is a great supplement–thank you AQHA!
Ashley Hadlock–My check will be going toward my horse show fund–which I would definitely consider that under the fun category for sure!
Sarah Elder Chabot–All going to Pleasure Driving essentials. I need everything, a new cart, harness, seat, and, of course, hats!
Darcy Reeve–Since my check goes to my dad, he just puts it into his account and uses it for training bills, my tuition, and hauling bills. But, I’m not complaining because I still benefit from it!
Michelle Forness–Nothing fun! I paid to repair my tractor that my husband caught on fire spreading spring fertilizer. (laughs)
Lauren Wilhelm–I got a new watch and a pair of Ray Bans–I will probably use the rest to pay for my Virginia Classic Show bill (laughs)
Brister Shum–I use it every year to pay my horse insurance for the next year.
Candice Hall–More things for my horses–Legend, Adequan, GastroGard, things to make my horses more comfortable and perform better and of course, treats.
Laurel Champlin–I promised myself Old Gringo Boots. My niece is getting married at my ranch June 13th, and I have the perfect dress for old Gringo boots. (laughs)
Diane Chilton-Harper–I spent some of the money on a European futurity at DQHA (German) to help build new clientele abroad.
Beckie Peskin–I’m using mine towards a new Golden West pad. Sadly, since I barely showed last year, it wasn’t too big.
GoHorseShow wants to know what you spent your 2013 Incentive Fund check on! Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook Page.
Just a reminder that to receive payout for points earned in 2014, horse owners are encouraged to file competition licenses for their Incentive Fund-enrolled horses. Competition licenses should be filed prior to earning points because points earned before the annual license is filed will not be eligible for payout. A separate license must be filed for both amateur and open divisions.
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The AQHA Incentive Fund is a multimillion-dollar program involving stallion and foal nominations with pay backs to the stallion nominators, foal nominators and owners of the competing horses. The program is owned, managed and operated by AQHA. The value of a 2013 Incentive Fund point was $16.56 for Nominator Point Value while it was $19.62 for License Point Value.
**Part of the information in this article is from AQHA Press Releases regarding the Incentive Fund.
