Succeed Without Breaking the Bank: Practical Show Season Planning

Photo by Julia Shelburne-Hitti.

For many amateur riders, the dream of excelling in their sport can seem out of reach due to financial constraints. The truth of the matter is horse shows can get expensive. From care costs to gas mileage to shavings and class entries, the costs add up, especially if you’re not expecting them. However, with some strategic and planful choices, you don’t need to completely break the bank.

From scoring custom-made gear on a budget to sourcing local horse shows to qualify for bigger shows, here’s a practical guide to help you stay focused and motivated without feeling overwhelmed. Ready, set, whup trot!

Set realistic goals

It all starts with the right planning. According to Jennefer Lear, owner and instructor at Willow Falls Farm of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, riders should have a candid conversation with their trainer and do some detailed research.

Sit down with your trainers before show season and set out attainable financial goals you’d like to stick to throughout the show season. Answer questions like: How much would you like to spend each month? How many shows would you like to try this year? What (cheaper) local shows will help you get to bigger national shows?

“Ask them if you can look at previous invoices from last show season to help make a ballpark budget,” Jennefer said.

• Make a big, beautiful spreadsheet. Excel is your friend.

• Ask your trainer for previous invoices to get the numbers close.

• From there make a list of “predictable” horse show expenses (class fees, office fees, stabling, trainer fees, nomination fees, horse show care, hauling, hotel, food per day). Remember! Be judicious in choosing extra classes. It keeps your horse well rested and can save extra money.

• Plan for extras! Make a list of “unpredictable” horse show expenses (on-call farrier, on-call vet, extra shavings, adding classes, spending money with vendors). Don’t overlook the small expenses, like concessions.

• Add an additional $300 as an emergency fund to that budget.

• Once you have all the costs for one horse show, figure out how many you feel comfortable with funding throughout the year. Pick a horse show you want to qualify for at the end of the year; budget for the horse shows that can get you there.

“If you let your trainers know right away that you want to show, they can help make a plan with less surprises,” Jennefer said.

It’s best to get started planning early in the year, sometime in January, but it’s never too late to have a conversation.

Here’s an additional quick saving tip. For an out-of-state show that might cost more money, use money that you earned (not) from your main job. Save money from a hobby – and use that for the show expenses. For example, I paid for an out-of-state show using money from freelance writing. When you have a goal in mind, it makes it easier to get the work done; it feels more rewarding.

Buy secondhand

According to multiple trainers, borrowing clothes or shopping consignment proved to be more affordable than investing in custom show clothes.

“You can always swap when you want to try a new division or get a new day coat,” said Mya Lear, trainer and instructor of Willow Falls Farm.

Buy from reputable sellers or consignment shops that specialize in equestrian apparel (there are lots of them available virtually, too). These places are more likely to offer high-quality items and provide accurate descriptions of the clothes. If you find a great deal on a piece that doesn't fit perfectly, consider whether it can be altered. Simple adjustments like hemming pants or taking in a jacket can make a big difference.

“The great thing about shopping consignment, is that you can always bring the show clothes that you don’t like anymore, exchange them, and have more money put towards their next outfit,” Jennefer said.

Online saddle seat apparel groups, like the private Facebook groups “Saddle Seat Tack Swap/Classifieds,” “Saddleseat Tack & Equipment for Sale,” and “Saddleseat Clothing For Sale” are great online communities to start exploring. For private Facebook groups you do have to become a member, but once you’ve joined you can browse, comment and even create posts of your own.

Ann Isaksen, an amateur exhibitor who rides and trains with Chestnut Lane in Monroe, N.C., and has been showing for 40 years offers great, seasoned advice.

“Splurge on the coat and the derby,” she said. “Buy neutral color shirts and vests (white, silver, black) that you can use with multiple different coats.”

In 2024, she won the Adult Show Pleasure World’s Championship with her chestnut gelding Chaotic Kisses NKF in a very beautiful red coat, might we add.

“By buying a few classic staples, you don’t need to buy new everything when you want to change up your look,” she said.

Another thing to keep in mind? Timing. Stock up on items when they’re out of season.

“Buy show clothes in the winter, instead of during show season,” Mya said. “If you can, slowly purchase pieces of your show outfit as they’re on sale. Start early and always confide in your trainer for style advice.”

Splurge on what’s worth it, budget in other areas

Number magnets are an inexpensive way to dress up your suit. // Photo by Julia Shelburne-Hitti.Not everyone can splurge on a custom riding outfit from head to toe, but there are a bunch of little "hacks" that can help you nail that professional, clean-cut look without breaking the bank. Even if you're not competing in equitation, how you present yourself in the show ring really does matter.

You might be surprised at how a few small tweaks can make a world of difference. Jen Blendermann Owen, owner of Midwest Equestrian Apparel, has some great tips for keeping everything affordable, and looking top dollar.

• Back Number Magnets: While some riders use safety pins to attach their number to their jacket, magnetic number holders are much easier (and prettier) and won't leave holes in your suit! Especially if you're showing multiple horses in one session, magnets are your go-to accessory because you can easily slide your top number out from under them, and boom! You're ready for your next class.
• Collar Bar: It may seem like a small detail, but a collar bar makes a big difference in finishing off a polished look. Especially if you're not wearing a professionally tailored shirt, a collar bar will help tuck in the wings of your collar, so they don't stick out and overlap your vest. Pro tip: if your shirt doesn't have collar bar holes, you can easily punch them yourself or take it to a local tailor.
• Jods: You don’t have to break the bank here. But make sure your jods are long enough! Jods that don't fit properly are a dead giveaway that you're not wearing a custom suit and can throw off the proportions of your outfit. If the heels of your boots peek out from under your jods, they are too short. Jods should be two to three inches below the bottom of your boot when you’re sitting on a horse. Also, don't forget your underpasses/tie-downs so your pants don't crawl up your legs as you ride!
• Bows: Adding a bow to your bun is a nice (cheaper) touch that can complement your vest or tie. Lapel magnets can add a little sparkle and shine to the front of your vest as well.
• Gloves: Make sure they match the color of your boots.

“If you need to save money, do it with less expensive boots, gloves and an off-rack pair of black or brown jods,” Ann said. “Jods can always be tailored for a more custom look!”

Supplement a horse show with a clinic instead  

If you want to start slower, instead of investing in a show, invest in something like a clinic. Lots of local barns host clinics; these can help you focus on your skills instead. Some barns even host camps, Ridecitals or schooling shows to practice! And yes, you read that right. A ridecital is basically a dance recital on horseback. Some barns even let you choose music to ride to! So, it’s a great opportunity to try on your suit and break in those new gloves.

Share expenses with others showing

To save money, you can also carpool or split transportation or lodging costs when attending a show.

“Share an Airbnb with other barn mates going to the show,” Mya said.

According to Ann, this is a great way to save money on food too – and get to know your barn friends better.

If you can work with your trainer, coordinate on sharing a show lease with another rider and horse at the show, so that splits most of your show expenses in half.

Jennefer recommended encouraging more people at your barn to show throughout the year.

“If more people show, that helps with some of the expenses you share with other clients like tack stall expenses, changing room expenses, and more,” she said.

Or, you could upgrade your transportation.

“Get an RV/camper,” said Maddie Mulligan, trainer and instructor at Mulligan Manor of Shakopee, Minn. “The camping fees at horse shows are closer to $70 for the weekend versus $500 at a hotel!”

Seek sponsorship opportunities

Who knows! This may seem far-fetched at first, but many companies and organizations offer sponsorship opportunities for amateur riders or are looking for brand ambassadors. Research potential sponsors, companies you admire, and reach out to them with a well-crafted proposal highlighting your achievements and goals and how you can benefit them as a brand ambassador.

Most organizations, including the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), allow amateurs to be social media brand ambassadors or social media influencers who receive payment in the form of goods or cash. However, be sure to double check with the rules of every organization, as rules change yearly.

Keep it local

Keep an eye out for local competitions and events. Participating in smaller, local horse shows can provide valuable experience and exposure without the high costs associated with larger competitions.

Riders can save a lot of money by using local shows to qualify for bigger competitions. // Photo by Heather Walters“Riders should start backwards – choose a show they’re most excited about and figure out your expenses there; how many shows it would take to qualify,” Jennefer said. “Then, you can plan ahead. If you’re on a tight budget, it might make more sense to do three local shows to qualify instead of multiple bigger shows.”

Additionally, if you’re showing local, there are many ways you can help the show staff to make extra cash. Offer to be a gate person at the show or hand out ribbons. Show staff are often looking for an extra set of hands.

Prepare and pack as much as you can

Pack your own cooler for the horse show with lunches and snacks for the long week. Trust us, those $15 concessions stand burgers can add up fast. Pack your own electrolytes if it’s going to be hot, extra show gear, sewing kit and comfy shoes.

Spend the off season saving some cash as an emergency fund. That way, if anything pops up during show season (hello, farrier), you won’t feel like you’re breaking the bank.

Be an extra hand

Work with your trainer to discuss helping with the show to offset/barter some expenses. If your barn needs the extra help, clean stalls at the show for the weekend and feed in the mornings and late evenings. Spend the first day of the show bathing horses and clipping. If you’re experienced show help, check with your trainer to offset expenses by helping groom, running horses in between classes, or helping with shipping.

“A lot of my kids work off day fees by coming in and helping at the horse show – clean stalls, clean tack, sweep the aisle, wash horses,” Maddie said. “Otherwise, people here start a little savings over the winter in preparation for show season to start.”

Another option would be to offer services completely unrelated to horse showing if you have the experience. For example, update their website, offer to take photos/video for social media, or take care of the farm when they’re away for another show. Busy equine professionals can always use the help in multiple areas and sometimes exploring those options can be a less stressful financial solution.

If your barn doesn’t need the additional help, offer this expertise to other stables. Grooming practices and digital help are always things you can offer to another trainer you mesh well with. You could become a working “student” and save money on lessons throughout the year, too, by feeding and cleaning stalls at the barn where you train.

By following these practical tips, an amateur rider can pursue their passion and achieve success without breaking the bank. However, hear it from the pros: things you should never budget on are riding lessons, farrier bills, treatment for your horse that keeps them healthy, and a nicely shaped derby. Practice and comfort matter; remember the key to success lies in dedication, smart choices, and making the most of available resources.