Paige Johnson and Athina Onassis in People Magazine

[fleur]

It's fine to generalize, Bebe, I just think that the fact that they are together should be enough proof for anyone that they are happy together

*EMMA*
emmaspace

[Black Market Radio]

Holy COW!!!! 45 acres worth an average of $462,000???? Must not be anywhere near here! You can't get 45 acres of bare desolate land with nothing to offer for less than $450,000! There is a ranch out here for sale with 10 acres, only about 5 useable as the other 5 are a VERY steep hill! It has a standard dressage court sized covered arena that needs to be totally re-done and no other arena. The place is in a shambles and they are asking $950,000! Did I mention they have severe water shortages and have a hard time getting enough water to the horses????

Did anyone see the Entertainment Tonight whith Athina Onasis? It said she was in love with "A Brazillian showjumper" who is older than her. He was previously married with a child. They said he said that she couldn't take all his travelling and she said he left because of Athina and her money or something like that. Does anyone know who this "Brazillian showjumper" is? Gee, nevermind! I GUESS I should have finished reading the replies before I asked THAT question!

http://www.sandyacresranch.com
http://www.geocities.com/angelgregory87/index.html

[This message was edited by devildog20 on Jan. 26, 2003 at 09:46 PM.]

[Jane]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lord Helpus:

And she did not do it on one of the horses she probably paid $1m FOR. She did it on a chestnut I had not heard of before (which means little except that it has not been Champion at indoors with other riders.) I think its name was Regall (?)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Regall is a very nice horse. His previous owner was Cathy Zicherman, and Holly showed him in the 2nd years in 2000, was regular conformation circuit champion at WEF in 2001, and reserve in the AHJF hunter classic, also with Holly. I believe the Johnsons bought him shortly after that.


"I loathe being annoyed. It makes me feel angry and malicious" -- Lestat de Lioncourt

[Robert Banner]

So that you're all aware of how the demographic profile we promote was generated, a 4-page survey was independently conducted by The Matrix Group of Lexington, KY in the Spring of 2002. 1,000 surveys were mailed with a letter from me that urged participation. No other incentive was necessary. 52% replied, and this is a number which will reliably produce statistically significant results. At the time of the mailing our ABC-audited, paid circulation was 20,261. The names were selected about every 20th name. The results are available on this website or by calling or offices.

We conduct this survey (independently) every 5 years in order to give advertisers as accurate a picture of the market they reach as possible. Most national horse publications prepare their demographics in a similar way. Not surprisingly, they all reach audiences that are (on the average) wealthy, well-educated and secure.

What advertisers really look for, maybe more than wealth, is level of committment. They want to know: How often do our subscribers ride? How long have they owned horses? Do they compete? How often? Do they win? In what disciplines? Are their skills intermediate? Advanced? Or expert? Do they keep their own horses? Do they feed supplements? Do they apply bandages to their own horses' legs?

Yes, the survey shows that COTH subscribers are very wealthy. I know of no wealthier, unless they are racing flat horses. But more importantly, the survey shows that no matter what our resources are, we are ALL completely committed to direct as much of it as possible to our love of horses. It's clear that whether you are making mid-6, 5, or 4 figures (or you're worth several hundred million), your whole goal from the moment you open your eyes in the morning to the moment you shut them at night is to get out to that barn where you will devote your total energies towards getting your horse(s) to be better ... even win that little blue cloth rosette that says, "You've done it!" Maybe you'll get there. Maybe you won't. The point is, you're committed. Way more than most. If you're that committed, REALLY committed, your resources are a lot closer to Paige's than you think. At least in my book.

I would like to think that the demographics of the bb were the same as the magazine. Much to this publisher's chagrin, not every registered member subscribes, so I can't be certain. Soon, we'll survey bb members to see if the demos match. I hope that if you get the survey, you'll fill it out completely and quickly return it. I'm very curious to discover whether you are more, or less committed. My sense of it is that bb member demographics are the same. Anyone want to venture a guess?

[AnnabelleQF]

Wow- I didn't read all 8 pages of this, but I just wanted to say something... Who cares how much money anyone like Paige Johnson has as long as she is good to her horses? All the better for them! The horses definetly don't and when you get right down to it riding is about the horse! Oh well- anyway that's what I think

[LaurieB]

Thanks for the explanation, Mr. Banner. It all makes more sense now. I would have to agree with your guess that the BB demographics will be pretty much the same as those of the print subscribers. As I said in my earlier post, the numbers sounded fine to me, I just wondered where they were coming from.

[Kryswyn]

I'll bet you'll get a higher return on BB surveys (we LOFF surveys!) and I'll also bet that the net worth of the average BBer is far less than the print subscribers. Anyone can use the Internet, NOT everyone can justify the $$ for a COTH subscription.

That being said, I think the BBer's level of commitment is as high or higher than the print subscriber as I think more BBers are in the trenches working and caring for their own horses than the print subscribers.

I will be very interested in participating and seeing those results. And Rob, thanks for keeping the BB free. We LOFF you too!

~Kryswyn~
"Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo"

[dogchushu]

This may be off the subject of this thread, but I have to say (since Robert Banner so nicely posted for us) that COTH is the only magazine where I actually look forward to reading the ads! I love the ads in COTH! I drool over all the beautiful horses and products. Of course, you are contributing to my financial irresponsibility by having those gorgeous show shirts on the back cover most months!

[Kellsboro Jack]

Here's an Associated Press article from Sunday 1/26 on Athina regarding this Wednesday. She'll finally come in a large chunk of her fortune. It also mentions her equestrian boyfriend and doubtful Olympic appearance in 2004.

Interesting Article Link

[Court@HJ-OH]

But it does say...<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> There were rumors in the Greek media that Athina could represent the country at 2004 Olympic equestrian events. Mantheakis said it's "unrealistic" given her age and current abilities. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Maybe it has all been blown out of proportion and she really is not to that level yet.

**Courtney**

"I may not agree with what someone has to say, but I will die for their right to say it" every American

[Dry Clean Only]

Just watched a story on GMA about Athina - she seems like she is as well adjusted as can be expected. My mother raised a good point though - all that money, now who can she trust? How will she every know who is just using her for her money?

Its like Joe Millionaire but real life

[Dry Clean Only]

BTW, she gets her money today. If I were her I would buy a stable full of awesome horses and pay the best trainers tons of money to be my personal slaves;D

[slp]

Just saw a clip of Athina jumping on the Today show this AM, it was over maybe a 3' fence. If she is going to the Olympics in 2004, then I'll be marrying Prince Charles next year; can you say "lousy rider"? Her form over the fence was awful, her legs swung back and on landing the jump that poor horse must have been yelling at her to stop plopping down so hard in the saddle.

Susan

[Lily]

I saw the Today show this morning, too. I don't think any of the film clips they used were recent- if you noticed, some interviews were from 1998. So it's entirely possible- and I'd even say probable- that Athina is a much better rider than that coverage made her out to be.

Regardless, I hope she has a happy 18th!

[Kachoo]

Also, good Lord, I hope not too many people have judged my riding based on seeing one round, one fence, and/or one film clip. I know I've had enough bad ones to collectively or singularly convince anybody that I have no idea what I'm doing, but I like to think I'm pretty competent most of the time .

Cheers,
Susie
http://www.kachoom.com

"That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college!" ~Homer Simpson

[jubilee220]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dogchushu:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lisi:
One thing I'm noticing is that everyone here is saying that "they're not rich but they have custom boots." Personally, I think we're all rich, I bet most people who own and show their own horses are in the top tax brackets. I don't think $1200 boots are normal at all. As horse show people I think we all forget how much it costs just to keep a horse because we all do. Not everyone can afford that. It doesn't make us evil people Just important to remember that we are close to Paige in comparison to some others.

LordHelpus - Regall has been Champion at Indoors (I think) with Holly Hays. Not that that means Paige can't ride.
When I watched that video on Saddletude I thought she really had loose position and wasn't stylish at all, but she was right with the motion. She looked like she was helping the horse even if she didn't look pretty.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

TOP tax bracket? Ha-ha. Hardly. The top federal tax bracket in 2002 (38.6%) started at an income of just over $307,000. Nope. I'm not making that much! And I own a horse, and show her occassionally. Hey, I even bought some custom boots! Not that horse's aren't expensive. But you don't need to make over $300k a year to have them, enjoy them, and show them!

[This message was edited by dogchushu on Jan. 23, 2003 at 12:19 PM.]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree 100% My family is not financially blessed in anyway. My dad has a working class job, my mom works a part time laborer-job, and takes care of things around the barn I don't have time for. I also work, and we are still just getting by. Why do we do this? Because we are making it work, slowly our average income is raising. This is what we love, and ends will meet soon. You don't need $$$ to ride, or to be successful in the industry.

[jubilee220]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by EqChick:
This is definitely an interesting topic! First off, I want to say Robby made a good point. One reason I think the Johnson family is grounded is _Mr. Johnson_! He started as a normal guy and worked his tail off to create a VERY successful company in BET. Trust me, I've studied the BET business model, and that guy is very intelligent, has a great work ethic, took the right risks, and luckily they paid off for him. Never doubt the capacity of capitalism - if you ever do get jealous of their wealth, realize that entrepreneurialism and pure guts got them there.

I remember when I first heard of Paige and Daisy - I was watching a 20/20 show on BET and the company's history and astounding success. They visited the Johnsons at home and showed this indoor ring with beautiful jumps, they walked through this amazing barn, gorgeous horses, etc. etc. etc. I remember being shocked that with that much money, they actually built a TASTEFUL barn!!! Have you ever seen someone's house that's filthy rich, and you think - Yuck! You couldn't pay me to live in a house like that! It's amazing sometimes the awful thing people spend that much money on (Just watch MTV Cribs if you don't know what I'm talking about!!). I just remember being really impressed that their facility was SO nice and well-kept. I think it said a lot about their taste.



My last comment is regarding the money required to compete. Even the figures posted on here already aren't really representative of what it takes to compete successfully at rated shows. If you can spend your entire income on horses, that's one thing - but we all realize that if you have to pay for regular living costs on top of your riding habit, you'll have to be making far more than $60k/year. Then step back and realize that there are families that live on less than $30k JOINT income. There are a LOT. Ever heard of the 80/20 rule?? I can tell you right now that almost the entire BB is the 20. You're really fooling yourself if you think otherwise - I don't care what you sacrifice for your riding life. Sorry to be so blatent, but I really don't think anyone on here (that lives in a developed area at least) can claim that they don't make a good living. Rich? Maybe not - take out the horses, though, and we're all still well above the average standard of living.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

~~Jingle~~Jingle~~Jingle~~Jingle~~Jingle~~Jingle~~ <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There are people who have little money, but still make it work. Like my family, some times we just don't have the money for groceries. The horses still get the best care, but sometimes we just don't have the money for other things. Sure we are better off than those poor children on television asking for donations, but we recognize it.
Since we do have the money to start our little buisness, we run with it. We scrape by sometimes, but we make it work, and ends are meeting, like I said in a previous post.
I guess what I am saying is, you don't need tons money to ride, just tons of heart. I love what we do, I love life, I am thankful that we have the money to do what we do.

My point is, we all make sacrifices for horses, no matter if we make $2398472938472394872 a year or $32000 a year. We all love our horses and thats what really matters.

[faraway46]

Hey, I'm not from around. Can anyone tell me who's Paige???
As for what I read, I would quote what they say here in Argentina "Tiene? Puede? Que Pague!!" (spanish quick course: if you have it, and can spend it, splurge!!) We have our smaller share of talented rich kids speeding their way to the top (and giving us struggling middle class a hard time). But when you have to put that special effort to make things happen it also makes you feel twice as good!!
By the way, here in Argentina, you can get custom boots for $250 dollars (best quality leather, just think that the Pessoa saddles are made here and cost $450 and then exported there!!), and you can always ship them to US by Fed Ex. I think they send you a sheet where you take your measurements and send it back to them. I think they have a website, if you want it just mail me...!

[McLeanHunterRider]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by faraway46:
Hey, I'm not from around. Can anyone tell me who's Paige???<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Paige Johnson is a really good junior rider. Her father is the founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television) which is a big cable station, which he sold for a lot of money. To keep it in perspective, Paige's mom spends about $1 million a year on Paige's riding... Paige has a lot of horses and does a lot of big shows. The way I see it, Paige isn't just rich. She's also got a whole lotta talent!

"This is my only line" -Monty Python

[faraway46]

Thanks McLean, kinda lost there...and you're right: no amount of money can make you ride right...it'll give you a hand, but if you're not any good, no zillion dollar horse will save you (I'm 5ft tall and even if I trained with Michael Jordan, I could never slam dunk!!)