Originally Posted by
The Big Mile
Thanks Lance. Wont bother responding to Roosters or that bloke (justdoit I think his name was). Makes you shake your head with some of the stuff people come up with :p
Right for he record:
I buy going horses from NZ
I buy going horses from Australia
I buy yearlings
I breed and have expanded my broodmare band (including 2 whom are racing but I will breed with) 4 fold in the last 12 months
I wasn't born into harness racing and got hooked
I love the horses
I want to see the industry prosper as much as anyone else
My beef is quite clear with the import fee:
It is inequitable
It provides a barrier to entry for ownership
It dilutes the ability to generate returns
It taxes one part of the industry to fund another
...and the list goes on.
If I did not love nor care for the industry I would say it would be pretty unlikely that I would spend the time I have on here looking at the pros and cons of what has been proposed.
Remember - I breed and I will be explanding my breeding operation BUT I know what I am getting myself into. I accept that if my breeding will not be successful then that is my fault, not anyone elses. I do not expect hand outs and while it would be lovely to reduce costs, as generally I will breed to race then if it goes pear-shaped, that is my fault, no one elses. I do not expect other owners to subsidise my ownership punt - because thats exactly what 79% of breeders whom breed to race are - OWNERS!