How to Save Money at Horse Shows

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By painthorse42
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Competing with your horse can be fun, but also be costly.

Altho very rewarding, owning horses is a very expensive sport. But you can still have fun competing at horse shows while saving money....

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Depending on your equine discipline, you will need to band or braid your horses mane.

There are always quite a few ads that advertise these services at the shows, but they are also expensive!

Cut your costs by learning to band or braid your own horses mane & tail.

It'll take some time before you get good at this so make sure you practice a few times before you haul to your show.
Step 2

The food vendors at horse shows are very expensive.

Save money by purchasing a cooler from Walmart, and bring sandwiches and bottled water to eat while at the show.
Step 3

Share fuel costs. See if you can share travel expenses with others that are going to the same horse show.

This usually works best if you plan on arriving, and leaving the horse show, at the same time.
Step 4

Another fuel saving trick is if you are at a large horse show, such as the All American Quarter Horse Congress. If you will have extra room in your horse trailer for another horse on the haul home, you can post ads on the bulletin boards indicating your available space.

If possible, post a picture of your trailer so people can see that it's in good condition.

People that need a ride & are heading in the same direction to get home will get in touch with you.
Step 5

Friends will often help you groom your horse at major horse shows.

Save money by avoiding hiring a groom to care for your horse at your shows.

Groom and prepare your own horse, or if you have family members traveling with you, have them help you. This will also give you a feeling of accomplishment while in the show pen with your horse.
Step 6

If you have a live in horse trailer, and will be at the horse show for a week or more, stock the refrigerator with food that you can cook instead of eating out at restaurants.

Some shows also allow for camping for a small fee. The American Quarter Horse Congress allows camping per night at $35, this is much cheaper than staying at a hotel, and there is no fuel to drive to the show grounds every day.
Step 7

If you don't have access to a live in horse trailer or camper, try to locate less expensive hotels, or ones that discount for specific shows.

Certain motels or hotels around Columbus, Ohio participate in discounts for those attending the American Quarter Horse Congress.
Step 8

Horses that compete at horse shows are often kept at a full time training facility.

Sometimes it's not possible to give up keeping your horse at a full time horse training facility especially if you will be competing at top levels.

If pulling your horse out of training with your horse trainer is not an option for you, talk to your trainer about adjusting your horse's training program to fit your budget. A good trainer will usually work with you.
Step 9

Show clothing can be bought in any price range, from Berry Fit ($2000 for a show shirt) to Stateline Tack ($100 for a show shirt)

Stay within your budget. As long as you and your horse are clean cut & look goot together, you will do just fine.

Comments

holdyourhorses said

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on 9/2/2009 If heading to the American Quarter Horse Congress - I live 20 minutes south of town and have a stable for layovers, $20 per night. Congress only rents stalls by the week - so if you are traveling far and need a good rest for your horse, find a local barn to save $.

speedycommander said

on 1/25/2009 Another way to save money at shows is to ask your trainer if you can help the groom with chores, they are usually super busy cleaning, washing, saddling, unsaddling, etc., this can usually eliminate the cost of your groom on a daily basis from your show bill at the end of the show, if your trainer has enough students to employ a groom! Also bringing your own shavings purchased at home for stall bedding and feed are generally cheaper than purchasing them at the show.