What have been the biggest challenges you all are facing during this time?
JB: Thus far the most obvious challenge on everyone’s mind is the current loss of income. However, being in an unknown state of hiatus is my greater concern.
JM: Not working. My business and all the people I employee are shut down.
How do you think this will impact the industry this year and in the future?
JB: Regarding the recovery to the impact of our industry, I believe it will take our organizations time to come up with ideas to correct our current course. I would not be surprised if it went into 2021 for a sense of normality to return.
JM: I think it will have a huge impact. Our people, the crew, in-gates, announcers, secretaries will eventually have to look for other employment. When they move on I don’t know how many of them will come back when showing resumes.
Is there anything positive that has come out of this for you/your company?
JB: The mandatory time off for the horses from showing has been a bit of a small blessing. It has not only improved some of their attitudes but has given those that have been teetering with soundness issues a good rest.
JM: Fundraisers like the
Quarantine Classic that is being promoted by the CHJA and Kris Nixon! Everyone is having fun and they are raising money for the people in our industry that need it the most.
