Several of our readers have expressed a desire to know the inside scoop about how they can win on a national level with a limited budget. Horse show mom, Anna Jones of Oregon, expressed these thoughts about the struggle to keep her daughter involved with showing.
“The horse show business has alienated a lot of people with the glitz that is presumed that you need to have,” Jones states. “I know a lot of people who don’t even think of showing because they don’t have a fancy saddle and bridle, and the clothes to go with it. Many of us are doing all we can with just boarding/feeding, shoes, and vet work for our horses right now.”
With these thoughts in mind, GoHorseShow recently talked to Wendy Habighorst, owner of the show clothing store Show Me Again, about some ideas to look sharp in the pen on a budget.
Let’s find out what tips Wendy has to share to help save some money.
Q: What ideas do you have for people with limited budgets to get the most out their money with regard to show outfits?
A: One of the hottest trends right now is also an exceptional idea for people with limited budgets. Going with a color theme as an exhibitor is a huge trend right now, and it’s a trend that has an upside financially. Being able to mix and match from the same color scheme requires fewer pieces of clothing to be purchased or made. For example, if an exhibitor decides to pick a theme of black and gold for her outfits, the same black bottoms can be interchanged for horsemanship, western pleasure, and possibly even showmanship. Furthermore, an exhibitor can purchase an all-day type jacket to wear in both riding and showmanship classes, so the expense of a different outfit for each event isn’t always necessary. (pictured left is a pre-owned show jacket available at showmeagain.com that comes with chaps for $700)
In addition, for an exhibitor keeping in mind that they are wearing an investment for one, two or more seasons… putting on a jacket right before going into the ring, spot cleaning a garment carefully, and keeping it inside a garment bag all helps with the longevity. We also have customers who rave about wearing shapers or camisoles under their show clothing which really helps keep outfits clean.
Of course, considering a pre-owned piece will help a customer stretch her dollars much further than ordering brand-new. That being said, Show Me Again has been running some great promotions recently for new designer merchandise as well.
Q: What would you recommend for someone that has a budget of $500 or under for a show outfit or that just wants to show for fun?
A: There are more choices than ever today for exhibitors with limited funds, including button-down shirts without bling and a scarf, which is an acceptable style in several classes. However, the main reason our company has reached its 13th year anniversary is because most exhibitors are on a budget, and buying pre-owned is the best way to look in style in the show ring. In the horse show industry, buying pre-owned show clothing is a very acceptable and popular method to save money and stay in style. (pictured right is a gorgeous pre-owned show shirt for $350.00)
Q: Do you have show outfits that fit someone with a limited budget?
A: We have more than one way for our customers to save and feel great in their choices. A great money-saving method is to choose an outfit from our Complete Sets selection. Some of these sets include chaps, pants, and a jacket or horsemanship shirt, or both! Finding an outfit that includes almost everything an exhibitor needs to show can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Also, if someone is shopping with Show Me Again, we always have a nice inventory of sale items, and our “Last Chance” page for great deals on show clothing. As always, we recommend our sales associates for consultation, as they might know that perfect piece that fits into a customer’s budget.
To see more of Show Me Again’s show outfits available, please click here.
**Stay tuned for the second installment of our Showing to Win on a Limited Budget about dyeing used show saddles. Non-Pro Kari Krefsrud of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota started her own business to cater to the new popular trend of darkening western saddles. Find out more soon.
