Recently, Rafalca, the horse Ann Romney co-owns made a successful bid to
compete in dressage at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London. According to
the New York Times and a subsequent article on Slate.com, care for Rafalca costs
Romney and the other two owners $77,000 a year.
So where do elite equestrians learn their skills? They train at places like Dressage International in Illinois which is owned by Jochen Hippenstiel, a champion rider. There, not only can equestrians train but they can purchase horses for competition. Several equestrian clinics are held throughout the country.
Equestrians can go to places like Manhattan Saddlery to purchase the
appropriate clothing. There, buyers can purchase a pair of riding breeches for
more than most people's monthly car payment. In addition to clothing the
retailer also sells footwear, helmets, gloves, luggage and other
accessories.
This is certainly not a sport for those on a budget.
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