Not only will you be out money, your boat is now overseas. It will be very difficult to prosecute someone from a foreign country.

We recommend if you are dealing with someone overseas, make sure you do thorough background checks. Get as much information about buyer as possible. Also try to use a 3rd party escrow company for funds, to help protect you.

And finally- IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!

If you have been victimized by Nigerian scam forward appropriate documentation to United States Secret Service, Financial Crimes Division, 950 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20223. Don’t expect much help though. The Secret Service has not jurisdiction in these countries. They cannot force Nigerian Government or Police to act.

Tim Gottschalk operates several boating related websites including: http://www.houseboatingworld.com and http://www.netboater.com - featuring boats for sale. He has been an avid boater for over 20 years.

Once an individual starts competing, things change. At that moment you are thrust into a world of professionalism. It's tough out there. Then real costs kick in. It's very difficult for someone to justify enormous expenses incurred by showing without some real measured level of success. These are simply cold hard facts.

What I am advocating is a return to those things that first held our interest. I do not feel it is necessary to abandon interest in a particular discipline. Instead, think of it as adding to, expanding, or enhancing your fundamental interest in horses and riding. Don't allow yourself to become so absorbed by something to exclusion of everything else. We must protect ourselves from becoming burned out by overkill.

Enjoy to fullest those aspects of riding that really hold your interest, but maintain a balance. That balance is key. Remember, more you limit yourself, sooner decline will begin. I don't mean to suggest that we are all domed, I am merely trying to bring your attention to a possibility which could arise for some, if we as a group do not address it.

I would suggest that we look for opportunities to expand our activities rather than limit them. Suggest that trail ride, get a group together and go watch a show in a completely different discipline, not to criticize but to learn, find one of those stable tours. I think you get idea. Start expanding your exposure and take along some friends and most of all relax, learn, and enjoy.

You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided there are no changes made to article and credit is given to author and link to his website remains in place. Please notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You may contact Bill Dunigan through his website: http://www.barrelracingclinic.com/