I agree completely. I don't think I would buy a started horse again (only bought one my entire life, and that was my first), because it is so rewarding to train my own.
I have a mare now who I competed reined cow horse and reining with, who I started as a two-year-old. It feels amazingly good to hear what a nice horse she is, knowing that I helped her get there.
I think what everyone forgets is that no one does as well at a competition as they do at home (at least I don't). So I strive to have all my ducks in a row at home so I can screw up a little at the show, and still be ok.
I have a mare now who I competed reined cow horse and reining with, who I started as a two-year-old. It feels amazingly good to hear what a nice horse she is, knowing that I helped her get there.
I think what everyone forgets is that no one does as well at a competition as they do at home (at least I don't). So I strive to have all my ducks in a row at home so I can screw up a little at the show, and still be ok.