Money-Saving Strategies for the Horse World
Horses aren’t cheap, but with the right strategy they don’t have to break the bank. Dr. Amy Wertenberger shares her favorite money-saving tips from years of riding, showing, and budgeting like a pro. From seasonal sales to smart swaps, these tips help every dollar go further in the barn.
Author: Dr. Amy Wertenberger
Growing up, I got my first horse at age 8. By my teens, I’d already started paying my own way to help my single parent. Through high school and college (all 13 years), I learned how to keep horses and show on a tight budget. If you’re in the same boat, here are some of my tried-and-true strategies, plus a few extra ideas that can make a big difference.
1. Shop Smart, and Seasonal
I always waited for big sales. Black Friday, end-of-season clearance, and brand-specific reward events. Joining a rewards or loyalty program for your preferred feed or tack brand helps you know when to buy in bulk (like grain or supplements) and when major discounts are coming. Off-season shopping, like buying fly sheets in the winter or blankets in the summer, can save a surprising amount.
2. Quality Over Cheap
It might seem counterintuitive, but buying higher-quality items often saves money long term. A good pair of boots or well-made tack will last years if you clean and oil them occasionally. Cheaper gear tends to crack, break, or stretch, which means you end up replacing it sooner, and spending more overall.
3. Use Human Products When Appropriate
Not everything needs a “for horses” label. Many human detanglers, shampoos, and conditioners work just as well and cost far less. Sometimes the only difference is the marketing and the price tag.
4. Shop Tack Sales & Resell Your Old Gear
Tack sales are gold mines for finding affordable, gently used equipment like saddles, bridles, grooming supplies, blankets, and even show clothes. This is also the perfect place to sell your old equipment. When you’ve purchased quality items to begin with, they hold their value well, so you can often recoup a good portion of what you spent. It becomes a cycle: buy good gear, take care of it, use it as long as you need, then resell it when you’re ready for something different.
5. Track Spending & Build a Mini Fund
One of the most helpful habits I developed was writing down every horse expense. Seeing it all on paper helped me figure out where I could cut back and where I needed to plan better. A small “horse emergency fund,” even if you only add a little each month, takes the sting out of surprise vet or farrier visits.
Owning horses on a tight budget isn’t easy, but it is possible with planning, creativity, and a willingness to get hands-on. Those years of stretching every dollar taught me responsibility, resourcefulness, and how to make the most of every opportunity. These are lessons I still use today in and out of the barn.
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