I tell you, there’s nothing like the world of hunter jumper horse shows. But, geez, it’s become a really pricey hobby compared to when I was just a kid. Competing regularly can make your wallet pretty thin. But don’t you worry, I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve to keep costs in check.
I’ve become quite the do-it-yourselfer. Grooming my own horse, for one. I absolutely cherish this time spent getting my horse ready for the ring. It’s the perfect moment for me to really connect, understand how my horse is feeling, and make sure everything is just as I like it. Of course, if I had a lineup of three or more horses, I’d need a helping hand, but keeping one horse looking its best is a reasonable task.
Now, I also roll up my sleeves to feed and clean up after my horse. Do it 2 to 3 times a day, and it’s no biggie at all. And, hey, those garbage cans for water are absolute lifesavers – they don’t need filling as often. And a slow-feed hay net? Definitely, yes! It lets the horse munch away in the stall all day. There are even ones big enough to hold an entire bale – less refilling for me!
When I am showing in the hunters, I braid my horse’s mane. If braiding isn’t your thing, you could hire a pro braider and maybe keep the braids in for a couple of days to save some dough. But remember, this might not work so well for tails.
Another handy trick is to room together with your barn buddies. Splitting the cost of a hotel or a living trailer can significantly help you save. After all, sharing is caring and also cost-effective!
Oh, and did I mention the “USHJ Outreach Program” available at many of the shows nowadays? It’s a real game-changer. The classes in this program come with a more budget-friendly price tag for entry fees. What a relief for our wallets, right?
So there you go. Horse shows might be more expensive these days, but with a little effort and ingenuity, we can keep the costs from galloping away!
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