Broke Horse Moms

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 LinksWebsite: 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/bhmMentioned in this episode:Sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet SupplyThis 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.

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/newsletterThanks 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.

Before the braids, before the entries, before the credit card panic...there’s planning...hopefully.In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie sits down with her daughter Chloe for an unfiltered planning conversation using the 2026 Broke Horse Moms Planning Workbook. Together, they reflect on 2025, set rider goals, set MOM goals, choose shows with intention, and define a couple of mom boundaries around time, money, and energy.This isn’t a “perfect plan” episode. It’s a practical, honest look at how horse families can plan a season together, without turning it into pressure, guilt, or a contract written in pencil and stress.You’ll hear how they:Reflect on what mattered in 2025 (the highs and the lows)Let the rider lead goal-setting without mom editing the answersCreate a realistic show wish list (and talk about the why)Do a reality check on time, budget, and family capacityPrepare for trainer conversations before show season startsDefine wins that aren’t tied to ribbonsIf you’ve ever thought, “I just want to feel a little more organized this year,” this episode and the workbook are for you.👉 Download the free 2026 Broke Horse Moms Planning Workbook at brokehorsemoms.com/2026

In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie sits down with Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, co-author of the Show Strides series, and one of the most trusted voices in equestrian education.Together, they break down two of the biggest topics in the horse world: affordability and accessibility.What do those words actually mean?How do families realistically navigate a sport known for being intimidating, financially and culturally?And where can moms find options even when the “traditional” paths feel out of reach?The importance of having a 'teacher' in your trainerPiper's thoughts on how to make a sustainable living in this sportWhether you’re brand new to riding or knee-deep in breeches and lesson schedules, this conversation will help you understand how to create opportunity for your kid, without losing your mind or your entire savings.Plus, a Trainer Truth Bomb every new horse parent needs to hear.Resources + Links:The Plaid Horse: theplaidhorse.comShow Strides book series: https://amzn.to/480z37l (affiliate)Follow Piper: https://www.instagram.com/piperklemmphd/Follow The Plaid Horse Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag/

What happens when your kid’s dream of riding in college actually comes true? In this episode, Angie sits down with Elizabeth Howell, marketing and media expert, lifelong horse lover, and proud mom of an NCAA equestrian, to unpack what it really looks like when your family’s years of early mornings, long show days, and endless barn bills finally pay off.Elizabeth shares her daughter Samantha’s journey from pony kid to Division I athlete, including how they navigated the financial reality of competitive riding, what it took to earn scholarship money, and what life is like on a collegiate equestrian team. Spoiler: the recognition and opportunities NCAA riders get might surprise you.Whether your child is just starting lessons or already dreaming of riding under stadium lights, this episode offers hope, honesty, and hard-earned insight from a mom who’s been there.In This Episode:How Elizabeth and her family juggled multiple jobs to keep their daughter in the saddleThe process that led to 66% of Samantha’s college tuition being covered through scholarshipsWhy NCAA equestrian matters for visibility and respect within college sportsHow being a horse mom opened unexpected career doors for ElizabethWhat moms should know early on if their kid might want to ride in collegeAbout Elizabeth HowellElizabeth is the founder of Howell Media and a marketing and media strategist who helps entrepreneurs and executives leverage LinkedIn and podcast guesting to grow their visibility. Before building her business, she spent nearly two decades supporting her daughter’s equestrian career, from braiding horses at 2 a.m. and managing horse shows to running her own mobile equestrian gift store, She Rides I Pay. Elizabeth has also worked with top equestrian media brands and helped NCAA Equestrian build its early social media and sponsorship programs.Links & Resourceshttps://collegiateequestrian.com/https://collegiateequestrian.com/sports/2020/7/10/recruiting%20101.aspxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/euh24/🧡 Stay in the HerdIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share it with your favorite barn mom, or leave a review letting us know what part of Elizabeth’s story hit home.https://brokehorsemoms.com/https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/https://www.youtube.com/@brokehorsemoms

In this episode, Angie sits down with Jennifer Connor, co-founder of Riders Rent, to decode the often-confusing world of show apparel.Whether you’re a first-time horse show mom staring down breeches, jodhpurs, and tall boots, or a seasoned rider wondering what’s tradition vs. what’s truly required, this episode will help you breathe easier.Together, Angie and Jennifer cover:Breeches vs. jodhpurs - who wears what and whyWhen kids transition from paddock boots to tall bootsThe role of jackets in hunters, jumpers, and equitationThe truth about shirts, ties, belts, gloves, and bowsWhere most moms overspend too soon on apparelBorrowing, renting, and consignment hacks to save moneyWhy Riders Rent is changing the game for Broke Horse MomsAlong the way, Angie shares her own horse mom missteps (hello, bows that never saw the ring), while Jennifer brings her deep equestrian experience and her practical advice for moms who want their kids to look the part without emptying the wallet.Watch the video here: http://youtube.com/@brokehorsemoms/Connect with Jenn and Rider's Rent:https://www.ridersrent.com/https://www.instagram.com/ridersrent/https://www.instagram.com/jconnor611/Connect with Angie and other Broke Horse Moms:https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/http://youtube.com/@brokehorsemoms/✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with another horse mom who needs to hear she’s not alone in this wild, wallet-draining sport!

What happens when supporting your kid’s horse dreams sparks your own?In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie sits down with fellow horse mom (and rider!) Jen Nelson, co-founder of Armor Equestrian, to talk about carving out your own joy in the horse world, even when the sport starts as “just your kid’s thing.”Jen shares:How her daughter Taylor’s first lesson turned into a lifelong mother-daughter bonding experienceWhat it’s really like to lease a horse vs. buy one (and how Roh-Bear came into their lives)Why she decided jumping wasn’t for her, and how to find what you love most about ridingThe truth about balancing show costs, point chasing, and family budgetsHow Armor Equestrian was born out of barn heartbreak and became a brand that brings sparkle, fun, and joy back into ridingA hilarious first installment of our new segment: Trainer Truth BombsWhether you’re considering a lease, wondering how other moms afford the show circuit, or simply looking for permission to find your own barn-time joy, this episode is packed with real talk (and plenty of laughs).Special for listeners: Armor Equestrian is offering 15% off with code BHM → shop here.✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with another horse mom who needs to hear she’s not alone in this wild, wallet-draining sport!