Back in the Show Ring Without Breaking the Bank

Mindful Equestrian Showing: Balancing Dreams and Dollars

Horses have a way of teaching us what truly matters. They remind us that it isn’t about having the fanciest tack trunk or the most polished aesthetic. It’s about consistency, care, and the joy of partnership. That same wisdom applies to how we spend our money in the horse world.

This show season was my first time back in the ring in over eight years. I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted to enjoy every moment without the financial weight of overspending or debt hanging over me. The last time I was showing, my checking account, credit card, and line of credit were a revolving door of money transfers. 

The balances rarely went down, and the stress rarely let up.

So this winter I sat down and made a budget for the show season while I was down south in Aiken, South Carolina. That simple step gave me clarity. I could see what I already had, what I needed to save, and where I needed to be deliberate. Every dollar had a purpose, whether it was in my savings account or set aside for show entries, tack, or coaching and trailering fees. 

What I see happen so often is that equestrians get caught up in chasing the dream and spend not only the dollars they have, but the ones they don’t. When you are planning your season, it is important to make sure your schedule matches your financial reality.

Horse shows are already a lot to manage. Adding money stress on top of that takes away from the experience instead of enhancing it. When you design a season you can actually afford, you give yourself the freedom to focus on the ride, the learning, and the memories.

For me, this season was about showing my very green 9-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred. Most of our entry fees were really schooling fees in our eyes, or a donation depending on Mysti’s mood that day. And I was okay with that, because it wasn’t tied to my financial stability.

I setup both myself and my mare for success – we went into the ring with goals that weren’t tied to the money I poured into the weekend. 

“You can have everything, in time” 

It’s a quote I repeat often, when I feel like I’m moving too slow or still don’t have enough money to chase the dreams I want to chase – but I have the money to live the dream I am currency living and that is enough; for me. 

If you want to enjoy your show season without draining your bank account, here are some strategies that worked for me:

1. Create a realistic show budget.
Decide in advance how many shows you can afford, and be honest with yourself about what fits into your financial picture. Add a small buffer for the unexpected (like an extra night of stabling or a tack repair).

2. Prioritize experiences over extras.
The best memories don’t come from the fanciest stall setup or newest outfit. They come from being in the ring, learning with your horse, and celebrating progress. Don’t feel pressured to match someone else’s aesthetic if it doesn’t align with your budget.

3. Reuse and repurpose.
I school and show in mostly the same saddle pads. They are clean, functional, and perfectly fine for both. Your horse doesn’t care about color coordination, and the judge is not scoring your tack trunk decor. Focus on quality over quantity.

4. Shop smart for show supplies.
Wait for sales, shop secondhand, or be very deliberate when you buy new. I purchase pieces I know I’ll use for multiple seasons rather than chasing trends. Fewer items, but well-chosen, will last longer and keep your wallet happy.

5. Cut the comparison.
It’s easy to feel like you need the newest boots, the flashiest bonnet, or a Pinterest-worthy stall setup. But chasing that image often costs more than it adds. What matters is that your horse is cared for, you feel confident, and you can step in the ring without financial stress following you.

6. Save alongside showing.
Set aside money in savings even during show season. It helps you avoid the post-season crash where you feel tapped out. Knowing you’re still building financial stability makes the entire experience more sustainable.

As I write this, I am sitting on a couch at Caledon Equestrian Park watching the last show hosted by Angelstone Events. My season came to a conclusion at the Equine Choice Silver Series Playoffs last weekend, my accounts are less flush with money than at the beginning of the season – but I didn’t once panic at the bank account balance. I’m beginning to budget my season for 2026 by determining the season schedule, expected fees and my coaches fees. I’ll begin to put money aside for the next 6 months to make sure Show Season 2026 has funds before it even begins – and cashflow to maintain if needed. 

The passion I have for horses and the equestrian sport needs to be protected, and the only person who is going to protect it – is myself. I’ve burnt out of this sport before, and it took my love of horses with it, too. I want to be in the show ring and to see my mares’ potential realized; while having fun and enjoying it, and money is a big factor in horses. So making sure I pace my equestrian dreams to my financial means, keeps me in the show ring, and in love with horses first.