This aggravates me so much I have been debating for days how to write this post in a normal, organized manner and avoid it just being a written rant.  I have found no solution.  It's a rant.

AQHA Incentive Fund Tricksters

When I paid Kadence (and every other baby through the years) into the Incentive Fund, the deal was that it was $100 up front, and she would be eligible to earn money back based on the open and amateur points she earned.  Under the new program, this will no longer be true.

Outlined in the November 2011 Quarter Horse Journal, beginning in 2012 a $50 fee per division will be due in January of each year that you want your horse to be eligible for the Incentive Fund.  If you sell the horse, the new owner has to pay another $50 transfer fee.  The article outlines how they believe this will increase the payout on points from around $21/point to near $50/point.  Well I hope they figured in subtracting me OUT because I will never contribute the $50/division/year.

I believe these changes are outrageous.  Can I have a refund, please?  I would never have nominated my foals for the first $100 had I known you were going to change the rules midstream.  Totally not cool, and I have just added it to the list of reasons that I will not be participating in AQHA any longer than necessary.  This incessant catering to people who have plenty of money is pushing the rest of us to alternate clubs.  Entirely due to his spots, I decided not to nominate Kasino to the Incentive Fund this year.  I am so glad I made that decision.

To assume that I know IF I will have the funds at any point this entire year to participate in AQHA showing with any of my Incentive Fund mares by January is enough of a stretch.  To expect me to come up with an extra $50 per division per head at the first of the year, when they are all still fat, furry, and out of shape, borders on ludicrous. 

I have nothing short of three Incentive Fund nominated mares.  Can  you imagine just sending in to AQHA $300 just in case I elect to go to a show this year?  Instead of Incentive Fund money being a nice bonus, it will now be a huge expense that will likely never get overcome....well for some people. 

Not for me - I won't be participating.

In addition, they will be changing the structure of the payout percentages to 15% for each of the nominators and 70% to the owner.  Again, why make this change midstream?  It also bears mentioning that the nomination fee for the Incentive Fund for 2013 weanlings will be increased to $125.  I am entirely okay with this type of planned, announced change.  New folks will have the option to pay the higher prices or not.

Am I crazy?  What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below.  Am I the only one outraged by the sudden change in plans?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you comment below and then subscribe to my RSS feed!