10 Essential Money-Saving Tips for Competing with Your Horse

With the warmer months arriving, many horse owners begin to prepare eagerly for the competition season. While the thrill of showing is wonderful, the associated costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are many practical ways to manage expenses without compromising on your horse's care or performance.

1. Organise Important Documents Early

Ensure all your horse’s paperwork—such as registration papers, proof of vaccinations, a current Coggins test, and membership cards—are ready well ahead of time. This helps you avoid last-minute fees, disqualification at events, or unexpected administrative costs.

2. Book Early and Plan Your Schedule

Reserve stabling, camping spots, and entry fees by early deadlines to secure discounts and reduce costs. Avoid booking more stalls than necessary and track cancellation policies to reclaim costs if plans change. Also, select shows wisely to stick to a budget and maximise your competition opportunities.

3. Take Your Own Bedding

If you know you'll need to stable your horse at a showground or livery yard, bring your own bedding such as shavings. Vendors often charge a premium, so bringing your own can save a significant amount. Be sure to check regulations as some venues require you to purchase on-site bedding.

4. Plan Travel for Efficiency

Optimise travel times to avoid peak traffic, which saves fuel and reduces stress on your horse. Smoother journeys mean less stopping and starting, promoting a calmer experience for your equine companion.

5. Bring Your Own Hay and Feed

Supplying your own hay ensures your horse eats a familiar quality, which can help avoid digestive upset. Carry extra hay to be sure you won't run short during your trip. Buying hay and feed in bulk for shows is cost-effective compared to purchasing onsite.

6. Pack Extra Supplies

Always take spares of essential items such as feed and water buckets, head collars, lead ropes, haynets, and water containers. Equipment can be easily misplaced or damaged when away, and buying replacements at events can be expensive.

Include extra clothing and tack—riding jackets, jodhpurs, shirts, hats, boots, stirrups, leathers, girths, and other accessories—to avoid last-minute purchases.

7. Camp at the Venue

Camping near your horsebox is a budget-friendly alternative to hotels or B&Bs. It also allows you to keep close watch over your horse. Ensure the venue offers shower and washing facilities. Cooking your meals using a camping stove can also reduce food expenses during the event.

8. Use Cost-Effective Grooming Products

Consider using veterinary or human shampoo and grooming products available at discount stores. They are often effective and more economical than equine-specific brands.

9. Buy and Sell Used Tack

Purchasing second-hand saddles, blankets, bridles, and other tack from consignment shops or reputable online marketplaces significantly reduces expenses. Selling equipment you no longer use can also help recover some costs.

10. Work or Trade Labour for Reduced Costs

Some yards or shows may offer reduced board or entry fees in exchange for work or volunteering. This can free up funds to spend on competitions and equipment.

Conclusion

Competing with your horse is a rewarding and exciting experience, but it can stretch your finances. Applying these practical money-saving tips helps make competition more affordable, allowing you to enjoy more shows and better care for your horse. Careful planning and responsible ownership make all the difference in balancing enjoyment with budget.

For those looking to buy horses for competition, it’s important to seek reputable sellers to ensure health and suitability, supporting responsible horse ownership in the UK. Explore available horses for sale and approach competition with enthusiasm and smart budgeting.