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Chloe forgot her course. Then she fell off in the show ring. Then she got right back on, while I stood at the rail wondering why we weren't packing up the trailer. This is my horse mom version of the "Let Them" mantra. It isn't the stop-controlling-everything version. It's the one where we let our kids muck stalls, wrap legs badly, clip off part of a horse's tail (sorry, Billy), ride the quirky ones, fall off, cry, and see just how big this horse world is. I'm also covering how to open these doors (hint: ask) and how to afford them when shows are already eating the budget. Plus, Broke Horse Moms is officially one year old! If this show has helped you at all, a review on your podcast player would mean the world. Tell me what you want to hear next. LinksThanks to our sponsors!Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply: https://www.bigdweb.com (use code BHM10) Broke Horse Moms LinksWebsite: https://brokehorsemoms.comNewsletter: https://brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://instagram.com/brokehorsemomsFacebook: https://facebook.com/brokehorsemomsVoice notes: https://speakpipe.com/bhm Resources MentionedThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.comUnited States Pony Clubs: https://www.ponyclub.orgEp 19: Are We Raising Riders or Buying Ribbons: https://brokehorsemoms.com/united-dressage-jumping-club-david-reichert/

Grace Speckman tracked every single dollar she spent leasing a horse and still ended up $14,000 in the hole after four months. She's a certified financial planner. If it can catch her off guard, it can absolutely catch the rest of us. In this one, we get into the costs nobody warns you about (looking at you, saddle fitting), how to budget for a sport that thrives on surprise expenses, and the uncomfortable math Grace does on what it costs us long-term to keep saying yes to horses right now. I walked away from this conversation with an actual plan instead of just crossed fingers, and I think you will too. Thanks to our sponsors! Thanks to Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/ for their continued support of Broke Horse Moms. Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order. Grace's Links The Thoughtful Equestrian's Guide to Protect, Grow, and Pass on WealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollarsandhorsesense/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraceSpeckmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-speckman/ Broke Horse Moms Links Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemomsLeave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm Resources Mentioned YNAB (You Need A Budget) budgeting app

We all know the feeling: standing at the rail, trying not to visibly panic, while our kid looks completely calm in the saddle. Turns out that might not be as harmless as it feels. This week I’m talking with Courtenay Baber, a licensed professional counselor, lifelong rider, and founder of Gray Horse Counseling, about the mental side of riding for our kids, and for us. We get into why kids’ self-talk turns into a hamster wheel so fast, what to actually say (and not say) before a big ride, and a simple grounding trick Courtenay uses at the in-gate herself. I also get honest about a moment heading into Pony Finals this year when I realized I was putting pressure on my daughter without meaning to and what changed once I named it. This episode is sponsored by Courtenay and Gray Horse Counseling. If this one hits home, hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next and if you’ve got two minutes, a quick rating helps other horse moms find the show. Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Courtenay Baber and Gray Horse Counseling, Courtenay’s own practice.Thanks to Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/ for their continued support of Broke Horse Moms. Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse Moms Links Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemomsLeave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply This episode is sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply, a trusted source for tack, riding apparel, horse care products, barn essentials, and all the random things horse moms somehow end up needing at the last minute. Shop online at bigdweb.com.

Before Pony Finals, I thought we knew horse shows. We had rated shows under our belt. We'd qualified for a national championship. I had even made an entire episode about what first-timers need to know. Then we got to Kentucky, and I realized this was a completely different world. In this episode, I'm walking you through all the myths I believed going into Pony Finals and what I now know to be true after watching Chloe and her pony Phoebe place 13th out of 97 in their division. I thought we packed everything we needed. We didn't, and I ended up buying a broom, ulcer guard, and hoof packing within the first hour of being there. I thought it would just be a bigger version of the horse shows we already knew. It wasn't, not even close, from the scoring format to the size of the crowd to the pressure of every single round counting. I thought once we got there, it would all make sense. It didn't, and I had to track down someone in person just to understand how a winner was even determined. I also talk about the moment I realized grooms aren't just for people who don't want to do the work themselves, why we will never again call this trip a family vacation, and the question I'm still sitting with: is a show like this worth it if your kid and pony aren't fully ready for it? If your kid is headed to Pony Finals one day, if you're moving from schooling shows to rated shows, or if you just recently learned what a lead change is, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Pack more than you think you need. A bridle bag, garment bag, extra hooks, ulcer guard, and hoof packing all turned out to be essential, not extra.Pony Finals is not just a bigger version of a rated show. The scoring format, crowd size, and pressure of every round make it a different experience entirely.Ask questions early. Even experienced horse show families can find the scoring and format confusing, so don't assume it'll make sense once you arrive.Grooms aren't just for big-budget barns. Having a dedicated person to help with the horse freed up everyone else to focus on their actual job.Don't plan this as a vacation. Between prep, riding, and recovery, there's very little time or energy left for sightseeing.Readiness matters more than the invitation. Whether a show like this feels "worth it" often comes down to whether your rider and horse are truly prepared for that level of competition. Resources Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply: https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 for an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse Moms Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsThe Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn Use code BHM10 for 10% off your order. Special thanks to Steve Woodward, founder of The Podcasting Editor, for giving you all the best listening experience!

Nobody told me that gradually, week by week, I would stop being the center of Chloe's horse life. A few weeks ago she got her driver's license, and almost overnight, everything about my role at the barn changed. She drives herself to lessons now. She works there without me. She signs up for her own shows. I knew it would change my schedule, but I didn't realize how much it would change my job. In this episode, I'm talking through the moment this really hit me, the milestones I didn't recognize until I looked back, and why I think every horse mom eventually faces some version of this, whether it's a license or something else entirely. If you've ever felt your role at the barn quietly shifting under you, this one's for you, friend. https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Join our virtual barn family: brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter Thanks to our sponsor Big Dee's Tack and Vet Supply - Use code BHM10 at checkout for an additional 10% off your order. Special thanks to our podcast editor, Steve Woodward. If you're thinking about starting a podcast, find him at podcastingeditor.com.

Episode SummaryWhen we qualified for Pony Jumper Finals, I quickly realized that the official information answered plenty of competition questions but almost none of my horse mom questions. When should we arrive? Do we really need a golf cart? What happens when we pull into the Kentucky Horse Park? How do we know where to go? What should we pack that no one tells us about? So I invited Laura Greenstreet, mom to Pony Jumper rider Cora Greenstreet and founder of the Pony Jumpers USA Facebook group, to answer the questions every first-time Pony Finals family is asking. Laura has been exactly where many of us are now. Even though she grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, she still found herself overwhelmed the first time her family attended Pony Finals. Since then, she's built an incredible community where parents help one another navigate one of the biggest events in youth equestrian sports. Whether you're headed to Pony Finals this year or you're simply curious about what happens behind the scenes at a national championship, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest perspective, and plenty of reassurance that none of us are supposed to know all of this from the beginning. In This EpisodeWhat to do before you leave home, including EventPass and required health paperworkWhat to expect when you first arrive at the Kentucky Horse ParkWhether you really need a golf cart (spoiler: probably yes)Packing tips that experienced Pony Finals parents swear byHow to find braiders, bodyworkers, grooming help, and other servicesWhat first-time families often wish they'd known before arrivingHow to navigate schooling, training rounds, and the team competitionFamily activities and events you won't want to miss throughout the weekWhy Pony Jumper Finals is about so much more than ribbons Resources MentionedThanks to our sponsor! Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/: Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse Moms Links Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemomsLeave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm Download the Unofficial 2026 Pony Jumper Finals Parent Guide at: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals2026 Connect with Laura and the Pony Jumpers community: Pony Jumpers USA Facebook Group@corarides on Instagram Thanks for ListeningIf this episode helped you feel a little more prepared or simply reminded you that none of us started out knowing all of this, I hope you'll share it with another horse mom. And if you're enjoying Broke Horse Moms, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show and leave a rating or review. It helps more horse families find the community they're looking for.

Episode SummaryWhen my recent article in The Plaid Horse about how confusing the horse world can be for new families was published, one comment kept popping up: "Just ask questions." Great suggestion! The problem is, when you're new to horses, you don't know what questions to ask. So in this episode, I'm sharing 10 simple questions that can save you time, money, frustration, and a whole lot of second-guessing. These aren't embarrassing beginner questions - they're conversation starters that will help you better understand the horse world and feel more confident supporting your rider. Whether you've been a horse mom for six months or six years, I think you'll walk away with at least one question you hadn't thought to ask. In this episode, you'll learn:Why "just ask questions" isn't enough for new horse familiesWho to ask besides your trainer10 questions to help jump start your own education in this sportWhy building your own "horse mom village" matters Mentioned in this episodeThe Plaid Horse article: The Biggest Barrier for Non-Horse Families Entering the Sport Is UnderstandingEpisode 22: Horse Trainer vs. Parent: Who Decides What? (Jen Wood & Karen from The Scope Podcast)Episode 15: How to Build Your Broke Horse Mom Village ResourcesBig Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/: Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse Moms Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemoms Leave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm

When your child starts riding, you expect to make decisions about schedules, budgets, and maybe when they get their first pair of tall boots. What you don't expect is that before long you'll be making decisions about trainers, horse shows, safety, horses, and thousands of dollars in equipment for a sport you barely understand. In this episode, I sit down with Jen Barker and Karen Tanner, hosts of The Scope Podcast, to tackle one of the biggest challenges horse moms face: figuring out who gets to make the big decisions. We discuss everything from choosing a trainer and evaluating barn safety to deciding when a rider is ready to move up divisions, return after a fall, start working at the barn, or take on greater responsibility in the sport. Jen brings the trainer perspective, while Karen shares insights from her experience as a horse mom with two riders. One theme comes up again and again throughout our conversation: trust. How do you build trust with a trainer when you're brand new to the horse world? When should you rely on their expertise? And when should you ask more questions? If you've ever wondered where your role as a parent ends and your trainer's role begins, this episode is for you. Key TakeawaysTrust is built through communication, not blind agreement.Trainers should guide horse and competition decisions, but parents should be part of the conversation.Safety discussions evolve as riders progress in the sport.Horsemanship involves much more than simply riding.Parents should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding the "why" behind decisions.Clear goals help trainers and families stay aligned.Strong trainer-parent partnerships make the sport more enjoyable for everyone. Guest ResourcesThe Scope Podcast The Scope Podcast website: https://www.thescopepodcast.com/Listen on Apple podcastsListen on SpotifyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.scope.podcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.scope.podcast ResourcesBig Dee's Tack & Vet Supply:https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse MomsWebsite: https://brokehorsemoms.com/Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsThe Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order. Special thanks to Steve Woodward, founder of The Podcasting Editor, for giving you all the best listening experience!

You know what's weird? Attending a webinar to learn how to attend a horse show. In this episode, I tackle what I believe is one of the biggest barriers to growing equestrian sports: understandability. While conversations about accessibility often focus on cost, there's another challenge that doesn't get discussed nearly enough. Horse shows, divisions, memberships, qualifications, prize lists, entries, and billing can feel like a foreign language to families who didn't grow up in the horse world. In this episode, I share: Why I attended a horse show webinarThe difference between affordability and understandabilityWhy so much equestrian knowledge is word of mouthHow confusion impacts participation and retentionPractical ideas that could make the sport easier for new families to navigate If you've ever nodded politely while secretly Googling horse show terminology, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned Our Presenting Sponsor, Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplies https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse Moms Join our virtual barn family! https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsThe Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order.

If you’ve been anywhere near horse social media lately, you’ve probably seen the conversations around Dover Saddlery’s closures and liquidation sales. But what actually happened behind the scenes? And what does it reveal about the future of the equestrian industry? In this episode, I’m joined by Orchid Bertelsen, writer of the Substack Back in the Saddle, to break down the Dover story from both an economic and rider perspective. With a background in e-commerce, consumer marketing, and brand strategy, Orchid offers a fascinating look at why equestrian retail has struggled to evolve, what this means for local tack shops and brands, and why adult amateurs and horse moms are often overlooked despite driving so much spending in the sport. We also talk about: Why equestrian e-commerce still feels stuck in 2008How trainers influence buying decisionsThe challenges local tack shops faceWhy discoverability is a huge issue in the horse worldWhat horse businesses can learn from modern retailAnd why there’s still reason to feel hopeful about the future of the industry If you’ve ever struggled to buy boots online, wondered why horse businesses are so hard to find, or felt like the horse world makes things harder than they need to be, this episode is for you. Resources MentionedPresenting Sponsor: Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplieshttps://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order. Orchid Bertelsen, Back in the SaddleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchidinthesaddle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orchidinthesaddleSubstack: https://orchidinthesaddle.substack.com/ Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplieshttps://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse MomsNewsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsThe Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order.

Are horse shows teaching kids to become better riders or just rewarding expensive horses and polished rounds? In this episode, Angie sits down with David Reichert, founder of the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC), to talk about the gaps he sees in the current U.S. equestrian system and why he created an alternative focused on horsemanship, rider development, affordability, and grit. David shares his perspective on everything from hunter and jumper culture to dressage fundamentals, horse show costs, trainer influence, rider education, and why he believes kids should learn multiple disciplines instead of specializing too early. They also discuss: Whether horse shows are rewarding horses more than ridersWhy many kids aren’t learning horsemanship fundamentalsWhy “grit” matters more than convenience in this sportThe pressure trainers face within the current systemHow UDJC approaches rider development differentlyWhy parents often feel overwhelmed entering the horse worldWhat horse moms should actually focus on long term Whether you agree with all of David’s opinions or not, this conversation raises important questions about what we want our kids to gain from this sport and how the horse world could evolve moving forward. Resources MentionedUnited Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC)https://www.udjc.org/https://www.instagram.com/udjclub/ Broke Horse MomsWeb: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ Join the newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemoms

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Ashley Winch to walk through what happened when our rated show at HITS Culpeper came to an abrupt end after a horse stabled in the same barn as us tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) and developed Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). What followed was confusion, a lot of unanswered questions, and a mandatory quarantine that completely changed our plans, and honestly, our perspective. We cover: What actually happens when a horse tests positive for EHV-1 at a showWhat quarantine looks like in real life (not just on paper)The emotional side of navigating risk, uncertainty, and “what ifs”What we had to scramble to figure out (supplies, logistics, care)The role of communication—and where things felt unclearWhat I wish I had known before this ever happened If you’re a non-horsey horse mom trying to understand the parts of this world no one explains…this one is for you. Resources MentionedJoin the Broke Horse Mom newsletter (quarantine breakdown + resources)Follow on InstagramHorse Radio NetworkThe Quarter Horse Podcast

Horse show season is here and if you’re anything like me, it can feel like stepping into a completely different world. In this episode, I’m breaking down everything I wish I had known before our first horse show, from the different types of shows to the very real costs (both expected and surprise) and how to navigate it all without losing your mind… or your bank account. Whether you’re heading to your first schooling show or staring down your first rated show bill, I’m walking you through what horse show life actually looks like behind the scenes. Topics Covered The different types of horse shows (onsite, schooling, away, and rated)How signing up actually works (and why it can feel so confusing)What “divisions” and “classes” really meanThe real costs of showing—before, during, and the hidden extrasTrainer fees, stalls, tack stalls, memberships, and all the add-onsThe time warp that is horse show scheduling (and why nothing runs on time)How I’ve simplified our setup to save my sanityWhere it actually makes sense to save money (and where it doesn’t)Why you don’t need to do every show to support your kid’s progress I also share a personal update on Chloe’s goal to compete at Pony Jumper Finals and what it really takes for us to make that happen. 💛 Support Broke Horse Moms and Chloe’s Pony Finals Journey Learn more here: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals/Contribute directly (business sponsorships available): Venmo @BrokeHorseMoms 🔗 Resources & Links Join the newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

In this episode, I’m joined by Beth Sheely, head coach of the Virginia Tech Equestrian Team, to break down what collegiate club teams really look like and why they might be the best-kept secret for riders who want to continue in college. We talk about everything from how these teams are structured and funded to what coaches are actually looking for, plus real, actionable ways to start exploring options for your rider. We cover: What a collegiate club team is and how it differs from NCAA/NCEAHow IHSA works and why catch riding mattersCosts, funding, and scholarship realitiesWhat coaches look for beyond talentTime commitment and what “student-athlete” really means in this sportConfidence, nerves, and the role of sports psychologyHow fear develops and how to prevent itWhat parents often get wrong (and how to better support their riders)How to start exploring college riding programsWhen to begin the process (timeline for high school riders) Resources Mentioned College Riding Exploration Equestrian Talent Search (ETS Clinics): https://rideincollege.com/equestrian-talent-searchTournament of Champions Series: https://rideincollege.com/tournament-of-champions Organizations & Competition IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association): https://www.ihsainc.com/NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association): https://collegiateequestrian.com/NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): https://www.ncaa.org/ Virginia Tech Equestrian VT Equestrian Team: https://vatechequestrian.weebly.com/VT Equestrian Team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiatechequestrianVT Animal Science (Equine Program): https://www.apsc.vt.edu/ Broke Horse Moms Join the newsletter https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

One of the biggest lessons many of us learn in the horse world is that you can’t navigate it alone. In this episode, Angie shares why building a “horse mom village” is one of the most important things you can do—not just for your rider, but for your sanity as a parent trying to figure out a sport you didn’t grow up in. From the horse mom bestie who helps you talk through barn drama, to the barn family who helps with logistics, to the horse dad who brings perspective when your nerves take over, Angie walks through the seven types of people every horse mom needs in her corner. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or like you’re the only one trying to figure this world out, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover:Why horse moms often rely too heavily on trainers for supportThe importance of building your own support systemThe 7 types of people every horse mom needs in her villageHow other parents can help you see your rider more clearlyWhy connecting with other horse families changes the entire experienceSimple ways to start building your barn community Resources MentionedJoin the BHM newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemoms Huge thanks to Steve Woodward, The Podcasting Editor, for his masterful post-production and helping make this episode sound its best.