Broke Horse Moms

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 PodcastThe 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.podcastResourcesBig 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!

Episode SummaryIt’s that time of year — show season is winding down, leases are ending, and a LOT of families start wondering… Is it time to switch barns?In this episode, Angie cracks open one of the spiciest topics in the horse world: when, why, and how to switch barns without burning every bridge in sight.And yes — before hitting record, she even texted Chloe’s trainer to ask, “Should I even talk about this??” The trainer’s answer: “We can talk tonight… just keep it focused.”So we did. And here it is.Quick Favor? ⭐️If you love this podcast, the easiest free way to support it is by leaving a rating or review:How to Leave a Review on Apple PodcastsOpen Apple PodcastsSearch for and/or tap the show name (Broke Horse Moms)Scroll past the episodes to Ratings & ReviewsTap ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Tap Write a Review and leave a note!How to Rate on SpotifyGo to the main Broke Horse Moms show pageTap the About tabTap the ⭐️ rating and select your stars — done!Want to Support the Show?If you’d like to help keep this podcast running and support this Broke Horse Mom you can make a small contribution at:👉 https://brokehorsemoms.com/shavingsEpisode HighlightsWhy so many families switch barns at the end of show seasonThe most common reasons people leave a barn (horses, money, goals, program fit, vibes)Why switching barns feels so emotional and personal for both parents and trainersAngie’s own experiences with two previous barn switches — one easy, one gut-wrenchingHow to leave a barn gracefully (honesty, kindness, communication)What to say, and what not to say, when making the transitionHow to avoid switching prematurely by choosing the right type of program from the startKey questions to ask yourself about goals, budget, horse needs, and your kid’s riding pathLinks MentionedSupport the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/bhmYouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@brokehorsemomsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Broke Horse Moms Newsletter: https://brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterThanks for Being Here 🤍If you enjoyed this conversation or it helped you feel less alone in your horse mom journey, share it with a fellow barn mom or tag me on IG. You’re part of this herd, and I’m so grateful you’re here.Trot on, friend. 🐴

It’s that time of year again — when the wish lists start rolling in and you realize your rider “needs” new breeches, a heated vest, and possibly an entire LeMieux set. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.In this episode, I’m breaking down our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide EARLY so that you have a list of items to hand out and choose from yourself. From fun rider finds and practical mom must-haves to gifts that will make your trainer actually smile, this guide keeps it real, affordable-ish, and useful.Plus, I’ll share a little mom math on why buying the bigger-ticket horse things now actually saves you money later and a behind-the-scenes update on how you can support Broke Horse Moms so we grow to better support you. Featured Brands & Links(Find full details and discount codes in the newsletter!)SmartPak Equine: brokehorsemoms.com/smartequine - Get $20 off your first orderFree Ride Equestrian: shopfre.com/bhm or use code BHM at checkout for 10% offArmor Equestrian: Horseshoe earrings, stencils, glitter, candles, and more - Use code BHM for 15% offGet the Full 2025 Holiday Gift GuideSubscribe to the newsletter and get the complete list (with links + codes!) sent right to your inbox the day this episode drops OR embedded in the welcome email if you're taking your sweet ole time:👉 brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter☕ Support the ShowIf something in this episode made you laugh, helped you save, or made you feel a little less alone in this horse-crazy life, you can support the show for the cost of a bag of shavings:👉 brokehorsemoms.com/shavings🐴 Connect with Broke Horse MomsWebsite: brokehorsemoms.comInstagram: @brokehorsemomsYouTube: Broke Horse Moms

In this follow-up to our first episode on Leasing a Horse, Angie digs into what really matters once you’ve decided to lease - the agreement itself. Because when it comes to horse leasing, the details can make or break your experience.Angie covers:• What’s typically included in a lease (board, vet, farrier, feed, lessons, insurance)• What you’re allowed to do, like showing, hauling, and off-property rides• How lease pricing is structured and what’s negotiable• The clauses to consider before signing on the dotted line (purchase price, substitution, media use, notice period)If you’re about to sign or start negotiating a lease, this episode will help you spot the red flags and protect your wallet and your sanity.✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the show, and share this episode with another horse mom about to enter the world of equine fine print!

What does it really mean to lease a horse and why do so many people recommend it?In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie kicks off our Barn Basics series with a crash course in horse leasing: the what, the why, and the different ways families approach this “horse renting” option before diving into ownership.Angie covers:What a lease actually is (and why non-horse people look at you funny when you say you’re doing it)When it makes sense to lease instead of just taking lessons OR instead of buying outrightThe key differences between care leases and paid leasesOnsite vs. offsite leases and how location affects flexibility and responsibilityThe pros and cons of full vs. partial leases, including how schedules and show plans come into playWhether you’re weighing your first lease, debating whether it’s worth it, or just trying to understand barn lingo, this episode will leave you feeling more prepared (and less confused) when the topic comes up at your barn.💡 Stay tuned for Horse Renting 102: Inside the Lease Agreement where Angie gets into contracts, costs, and what to look out for before signing on the dotted line.✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with another horse mom who’s figuring out whether to lease, buy, or just keep lessoning her way through this wild, wallet-draining sport!

In this first episode of Broke Horse Moms, I’m turning the mic on myself to share how we stumbled into this sport, what it’s meant for my family, and why this community matters so much.From Chloe’s very first pony ride at the county fair, to her first falls (and my first ringside heart attacks), to finding Phoebe, the opinionated pony who changed everything, I’ll take you through the highs, the wipeouts, and the unexpected ways horses transformed not just Chloe, but me too.This is the story behind Broke Horse Moms: the lessons, the friendships, and the dreams being chased.If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating barn life without a map, this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How our family accidentally fell into horse lifeThe role Chloe’s uncle and grandparents played in keeping horses in the familyThe bumpy road of lessons, leases, and falls (including broken bones and stitches)How Phoebe became Chloe’s heart pony and show partnerThe incredible growth I’ve seen in Chloe (and myself) through this journeyWhy I created Broke Horse MomsLinks & Resources:✉️ Join our virtual barn family (weekly newsletter): https://brokehorsemoms.kit.com/56f40ee3d1📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Check out what else is going on: www.brokehorsemoms.com