Money Management & Mindset is SelfCare for Equestrians
When you think of taking care of yourself as an equestrian, what comes to mind first?
This month, I had the privilege of being featured by Hannah Childs Lifestyle as part of their Behind The Barn Door initiative—a monthly series that shines a spotlight on female entrepreneurs. I collaborated with Hannah Childs Lifestyle to create a blog post, interview, and workshop, all focused on something that many equestrians shy away from talking about: money.
This blog post is my way of converting the hour-long presentation into something I can share here. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
When you think of taking care of yourself as an equestrian, what comes to mind first? Probably the basics: physical fitness, mental wellness, and, of course, making sure your horse is healthy and happy. But there’s another aspect of self care that often gets overlooked in the equestrian world—your relationship with money. Financial stability isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about creating space for your horse related dreams without guilt or burnout.
As equestrians, we’re no strangers to the jokes about being “broke horse girls”—until that unexpected vet bill shows up, and somehow, we find the funds. But why is that our normal? It’s time to shift how we think and talk about money in the horse world.
Money as Energy: Aligning Your Financial Vibes
Money is not just a resource; it’s energy. And just like your horse can sense your mood, money reacts to how you feel about it. If you’re constantly stressed or guilty about your finances, that creates a kind of wall that blocks the flow of money into your life.
For equestrians, this mindset shift is crucial. Many of us have grown up hearing things like, “You’ll never make enough money to really make it in this sport,” or, “You need a high paying job or a wealthy partner to support your passion.” These beliefs aren’t just limiting—they create emotional barriers that can lead to financial struggles, overspending, or even avoiding your money situation altogether.
But what if we approached money like we do our horses—with care, attention, and positive intention? When you nurture your relationship with money, just like your relationship with your horse, things start to flow more naturally.
Now, let’s talk about how you feel when those inevitable expenses pop up—like vet bills or a new piece of gear. Do you feel panicked or frustrated when you get that invoice from the vet? Or guilty after splurging on new tack?
Here’s a mindset shift: Instead of thinking, “Oh no, another vet bill,” try reframing it: “Thank you, money, for supporting my horse’s health and wellbeing.” This helps you move from a place of fear or guilt to one of gratitude and empowerment.
Reflection: The next time you face a big expense, pause and notice your initial reaction. How can you reframe that feeling into something positive?
Challenging the Limiting Beliefs That Keep You Stuck
In the equestrian world, there’s often a belief that “you can’t make money with horses” or “I’m just not good with money.” These limiting beliefs create a heavy emotional load, making it harder to break out of the cycle of financial stress.
To start challenging these beliefs, think about what you tell yourself about money. Are those thoughts really true? For example, if you believe “I’ll never be able to afford a show season,” ask yourself—what would need to change for that to be possible? Could you create a savings plan, just like you’d plan out your horse’s training schedule?
Action Step: Write down one limiting belief you have about money, then rewrite it into something empowering. Example: “I’m always broke” becomes “I’m learning to manage my money, and I will become financially stable.”
Intentional Spending: Your Financial Tack Room
As equestrians, we all know the importance of a plan. You wouldn’t show up to a competition without making sure your tack, training, and horse are in order, right? Managing your money works the same way. Without a budget, even the most passionate equestrian can end up overspending and struggling financially.
The first step to intentional spending is creating a budget that works for you. List out your fixed expenses, like boarding and farrier bills, and your variable costs, like vet visits or new gear. Then, add savings categories for your big goals—whether that’s an emergency fund for vet bills or saving up for show season.
Action Step: Start with three simple budget categories:
1. Fixed expenses (e.g., boarding, feed/supplements, farrier)
2. Savings (e.g., show season fund, emergency vet bills)
3. Fun money (yes, you need a little room for splurges!)
As you get comfortable – or begin right away – dedicate your leftover dollars to savings or debt repayment based on your priorities this season.
Developing the CEQO ®(Chief Equestrian Officer) Mindset
Think of yourself as the Chief Equestrian Officer (CEQO®) of your finances. Just as you lead your horse through a course with precision and focus, you should lead your financial life with the same energy. Developing a CEQO ® mindset means setting clear financial goals, regularly checking in on your money situation, and making intentional decisions that align with your goals.
Action Step: Schedule a monthly “money meeting” with yourself. Review your budget, savings progress, and upcoming expenses. This is your time to take charge and check in with your finances. Be mindful of your mindset here – and always hold grace for yourself, you don’t need to be great at this right away. I’m twenty years into riding and I still chocolate chip my way around an entire course.
The Path Forward:
Money Management as a Form of Self Care
Managing your money is not about restriction—it’s about empowerment. Just like caring for your horse, caring for your finances allows you to pursue your passion without burnout. By applying these mindset shifts and practical strategies, you can turn financial stress into financial wellness.
Your dreams as an equestrian are possible. By embracing financial self care, you protect your love for horses while also protecting your financial future. Just like with horses, progress takes time and consistent effort, but the results are worth it. It’s ok to go against the herd and rewrite your horse girl money story, your horse, bank account, and mental health will thank you.
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