Broke Horse Moms

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 CoveredThe 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 progressI 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 JourneyLearn more here: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals/Contribute directly (business sponsorships available): Venmo @BrokeHorseMoms🔗 Resources & LinksJoin the newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterFollow 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 communityResources MentionedJoin the BHM newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemomsHuge thanks to Steve Woodward, The Podcasting Editor, for his masterful post-production and helping make this episode sound its best.

Winter showed up loud this year with ice, school closures, frozen buckets, and barns that don’t care about the weather forecast.In this episode, Angie shares what’s actually helping her family get through an extended stretch of freezing temperatures, from the clothes that make barn life bearable to the small comforts that keep everyone’s spirits intact.This isn’t a sponsored gear roundup or a “do it perfectly” episode, it’s a real look at how Broke Horse Moms survive winter when the horses still need care, the kids still need encouragement, and you’re just trying not to lose feeling in your toes.In this episode, we cover:The winter clothing that’s earning its keep at the barnWhy gas station hot chocolate is sometimes the answerThings that matter more than you expect when it’s icy (looking at you, low gears and manure)Community-tested winter survival tips from other horse momsLessons WE can teach our kids when the rings are frozen overIf you’re cold, tired, and still showing up, this one’s for you.Helpful links & resources:Broke Horse Moms newsletter: brokhorsemoms.com/newsletterNewsletter archives (in case you sign up AFTER we send the email with links): https://brokehorsemoms.kit.com/profilehttps://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Have a winter survival tip or story? DM me or send an email - I’d love to share it in a future episode.

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!

Broke Horse Moms is the podcast for every horse-show-tired, muck-boot-wearing mama raising a kid in the equestrian world.Hosted by Angie Trueblood, proud horse mom and member of the “I-thought-this-was-just-a-phase” club, we share the real talk, laughs, and lessons that help moms navigate barn life, horse shows, and big equestrian dreams, without losing our minds (or all our money).From learning the lingo to surviving your first show season or even what comes next for your teen rider, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re brand new or barn-seasoned, this is your place to connect, learn, and laugh with moms who get it.Subscribe now and join our virtual barn family at brokehorsemoms.com.