[Idahogirl]

Don't get me wrong I am not cheap but we rope at a friend of ours Tuesday's and Thursday's. We have been roping there for two years and have alway's paid to rope and he let people ride around for free that did not want to rope. He is now charging to be in the arena (just to ride around) which is fine but I hardly ride, most of the time I run the Chute which they cant find anyone else to do and then I ride my mare around during their breaks (about 20 min). All the ropers appriciate my help and agree I should not have to pay to ride in the arena I have not mentioned this to our friend yet because I don't want to look cheap. What do you all think.

[PaintedRocket]

Well I don't know.. I know how you feel and everything.. meaning I understand.. BUT it's his property, his rules.

[CountryBoy]

Been there, I never mentioned it because as soon as your do ALL their friends will think they should ride for free. The ones running the chutes here get paid. So maybe you could work something out that way.
Good Luck

[horse_luvr83]

i think if you are working, maybe talk to him and come to an agreement, i wouldn't float the word out though. maybe with you working the gates for him, no biggie. what is he wanting JUST to ride around?

[mtroika]

I would talk to him about it see if helping people gets you out of paying. But it is his rules so dont just try to get around the issue just talk about it now.

[Idahogirl]

$15.00 I don't care about the money it's just the moral. they alway's have asked me to work the chutes and gather and move the steers down the isle and I have because no one else wants to do it and someone has to otherwise they can't practice to well. I also help put the wraps on and take them off so I do alot. since I don't ride very long and I do them a favor I don't believe it is right to have to pay. All the other guy's agree I shouldn't have to pay either.

[horse_luvr83]

maybe just see if you can't even pay like $5 or something. less or none of what the others pay

[Quart-O-Paint]

If they are firends talk to them and explain that you are doing more work than roping, I am sure they will understand. No I do not think you have to pay. They should appreciate that you are helping to keep others coming who pay.

[CowGirlUp1833]

I think you would be fair in asking for some free ride time in return for your services working the chute. Maybe just mention it in passing.... "Money is kinda tight right now, do you think we could work something out for some ride time in return for my work on the chute?" I think that is more then fair.

[1rish]

Keep in mind that I am a total SNOT, but I would just pay the $15.00 and when he approached me to run the chute I would explain that I paid my hard earned money to use the arena and don't want to lose time riding by running his equipment. Give him time to step up to the plate.