If you don’t like showing or have no desire to do so, go ahead and skip this post. But if you want to hear a few ways to budget and save up for being able to do more horse shows this year, read on!
Horse shows are expensive. I haven’t shown in recent history, but when I did, I remember having to pick and choose what I wanted to do in a year. I didn’t have unlimited funds. And I would need to choose between clinics, schooling shows, or recognized shows. The entry fees are a fair chunk of change, and that is not even including things like transport, training, stabling, feeding yourself, etc. It all adds up quickly. Coming from Montana, we didn’t have very many horse shows to choose from (at least doing recognized ones). I usually did 1-2 recognized dressage shows, 1-2 recognized events, and a few schooling shows closer to home. I was also in high school, working a minimum wage job, so saving up the funds was pretty difficult for those shows, much less doing more than that. Check out the free Horse Show Budgeting Worksheet below!
Here is what I would suggest to start budgeting your show expenses for the year:
- Start now! The more you plan and think about it and plan, the closer you will get to reaching your goals!
- Make a list of the shows you want to do this year, and determine an approximate cost for each of them, like this:
| Date | Horse Show | Estimated Entry Fees | Estimated travel expenses | Estimated rider expenses | Estimated Stabling fee | Total per show |
| Jul-17 | The Event at Rebecca Farm | $230 | $350 | $800 | $180 | $1,560 |
| Oct-17 | Spring Gulch Schooling Event | $65 | $50 | $40 | 0 | $155 |
| Aug-17 | Recognized Dressage Show | $210 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $510 |
| Total for 3 shows | $2,225 |
3. Once you’ve made a list of the shows you would like to attend and their estimated cost, take a look at your current financial situation. Can you afford these shows? Is there something else you should spend the money on instead? (Like paying off debt?).
4. You may need to amend your list here to be realistic about your budget.
5. Once you’ve decided where you want to show and how much money you will need, it’s time to start saving! And using a side hustle can help you earn and save even more! (Check out the side hustles I have tried HERE).
6. To save the extra money (and not spend it on other things) you can open an extra savings account or keep the cash safely at home so you don’t have easy access to it. Alternatively, set aside the amount you have determined and keep it in your normal bank account, but don’t spend it.
9. Keep in mind that it may be MUCH more cost beneficial to do schooling shows. If you are looking for fun and experience for your horse, recognized shows aren’t really necessary.
10. Now that you’ve set a savings goal – stick to it until show season!!
Just like sticking to a life budget, I also suggest keeping a log of how much you spend on these shows – then budgeting will be easier the next year because you will be more accurate.
Download my free Horse Show Budget Worksheet! It is similar to the spreadsheet above and will help you determine your horse show expenses!
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