GoHorseShow would like to introduce you to one of our new interns, Chelsea Holland. The 22 year-old is currently a junior at the University of North Georgia pursuing a degree in Marketing. While riding on their equestrian team, she realized her true love for the western disciplines and decided that was where she wanted to focus her attention. Currently, Holland is working on finishing her Appendix mare, Regal Michelle and showing her in the all-around events. Holland knows first hand about being a college student and trying to show horses on a limited budget, so check out her great tips here!
It is no secret that horse showing is one of the most expensive hobbies you can choose. The skyrocketing show fees, outfits that have more bling than a jewelry store, and custom saddles that look like they could be featured in an art gallery, all add to the never-ending list of expenses. Although a lucky few are able to compete without a second thought to their checkbooks, many of us have to keep a constant eye on our bank accounts to ensure we have the funds to last us through a show weekend. Perhaps nobody knows these struggles better than horse crazy college students.
With a majority of college students across the country struggling to make ends meet, it seems as though horse showing is the last thing we should be focused on. Whether we are paying for tuition, textbooks, car payments, or late night runs to McDonalds, it seems that the stream of expenses never ends. With everything on our plates it can be nearly impossible to make the time and save the money needed to compete. However, by following a few simple tips, you can continue to follow your horse showing dreams even through your hectic college years.
Tip #1: Make a Schedule
At the beginning of every year it is a good idea to make a list of all the shows you plan on attending. Normally, most breed associations and saddle clubs will list their show dates no later than February. I recommend buying an agenda or calendar specifically for keeping track of all things horse showing. When we impulsively load the horse on the trailer and decide to show the day before, we sometimes don’t think all the related costs through. We get so excited by the prospect of having a fun show weekend that we don’t consider the cost of gas, food, hotel fees, class fees, and any trainer fees. By staying organized from the get-go, you will be surprised at how much easier it is to stick to a budget.
First, start with the shows that you know you absolutely want to go to. If your goal for the year is to make it to the Congress, you may only be able to afford to attend a handful of local shows. However, if your aim is to get your horse as seasoned as possible throughout the year, you can probably afford a larger array of shows. Either way, make sure to mark the dates as soon as possible to ensure you can allocate your budget effectively.
Also, if you are really in a pinch for money, consider attending some of the open shows in your area. Almost anywhere you go you can find local saddle clubs that host monthly shows that normally have many of the same classes you would find at a breed show. Now you may not see as much glitz and the horses may not cost as much as a new Cadillac, but who cares. These shows are still a great way to get your horse off the farm for the weekend and get experienced in a show environment. Supplementing your show schedule with some smaller shows is a great way to get out and show on a tight budget, especially for us college kids.
Tip #2: Think Ahead
Now we all know how crazy and hectic the week before a show can be. Dealing with work, school, and family, all while trying to stuff your trailer to its absolute max can be stressful. However, packing and planning ahead can be great ways to save you money at the actual show. For instance, consider packing a cooler full of drinks and snacks the night before the show. You would be amazed at how much money you save when you aren’t visiting the concession stand every 30 minutes. As an added bonus, you will tend to eat healthier when eating food from home, which we all know makes us fill better in the show pen. Also, buying shavings, hay, and feed the week of the show is also a great tip. Sometimes we get in such a rush that we wait to buy all of these essentials when we get to the show grounds. However, you will often find that buying these items ahead of time from your normal provider will save you a few bucks at the very least.
More times than I can count I have gotten to the show grounds and started unpacking only to find I forgot something important. You name it, I have forgotten it at some point in time; socks, gloves, bobby pins, even an extra girth. Having to shop around at the show for these essential items that I carelessly left behind in the tack room at home is an unnecessary waste of money. In the world of horse showing every penny counts, so make sure you are always prepared and planning ahead.
Tip #3: Show with Friends
It is no secret that horse showing with friends is an absolute blast. Late nights spent practicing patterns and banding manes is much more enjoyable when you have company. Not only will you make memories that will last a lifetime, but bringing a friend along to the shows can also help cut down on the overall expenses. Splitting gas money with a friend can add up to $100 or more in savings, especially when traveling out of state. Also, sharing hotel room fees can save you a bundle. If you and your show buddies have the same trainer, splitting training fees is also very helpful. Basically, make as many friends as you can while you are showing and try to do as much as you can together.
Tip #4: Work as Much as You Can
Working at a horse show is an excellent way to make some extra cash that can help pay for your own show expenses. Some avid horse showers do not have the skills or time to do all the hard work that goes along with horse showing and this can work to your advantage. Things like braiding, banding, grooming, bathing, and cleaning tack are all activities that many people will pay for at the horse show. It is a great idea to get as much experience as possible getting horses show ready and then turn your know-how into a service that you can offer to others. Watch other people braiding/banding and acquire any little tips you can to hone your skill, as most customers will be expecting a top notch job from you. There are even some great videos on YouTube that can help you in any areas you are having trouble with.
Tip #5: Show with What You Got
Don’t get caught up in the glitz and the glam. This is perhaps the most important advice when trying to show on a budget of any kind, but especially a college student’s budget. We all know what it’s like to be at a show and feel totally out of place. Do not get discouraged. You can be just as competitive in an ensemble that costs $100 as a girl that is dripping in bling. Do not feel like you need to go out and spend every penny you have on the latest and greatest accessories. Go into the class looking clean and confident and you will do great. One day you will be able to afford to go on a shopping spree at the Congress, just be patient and enjoy what you have right now.
Horse showing is one of the most rewarding things us horse lovers can do, however it can wreak havoc on our wallets. By being prepared and remembering a few easy tricks, all competitors, including college kids, can have the opportunity to show. Remember, you don’t have to be a lottery winner to be able to horse show; you just need to learn how to show smart!
Photos © JML Photography
