Not-So-Speedy Dressage

Show Costs - Part 3

12/31/2011

I tried to write a year in review thing, but I just couldn't organize it. I either had too much to say or not enough. Maybe for tomorrow ...

Instead, or until another day, this post is about my 2011 show season. Frankly, it was all over the map, and I mean that both literally and figuratively. I drove as far north as Clovis (two and a half hours) and as far south and west as Ventura County, another two and a half hours. I drove east to Tehachapi (an hour or so), and I was even able to stay right here in Bakersfield. I did one Ride-a-Test, two schooling shows, five 1-star shows, and two triple-rated shows. I did my best to get out of my comfort zone by hitting different venues and riding my tests with no reader. I started the year at Introductory B and finished the season at Training Level, Test One. At the final show of the year, I was encouraged by CDS's president to ditch the Intro classes and work through Training Level to First Level by summer. It was a great, first complete show season.

I thought long and hard, twelve months long in fact, about what to count as an expense for the season. In my first post on this topic, I was going to list only show-specific costs. I decided to expand the list by including the actual costs of attending the show as well as the lessons. I couldn't have shown without the lessons so they have to count. I am excluding the purchase of my new saddle and the purchase price of Sydney. I use the saddle daily and it wasn't purchased exclusively for showing. I simply needed a better piece of equipment much like gloves, girths, or half chaps. I also can't count Sydney as he wasn't purchased exclusively for showing either. There is also the fact that he didn't even show this year, unless you count the Ride-a-Test I did with him.

There were many other expenses I incurred over this year, but I am not counting them since they happen whether you show or not. I spent a small fortune on truck and trailer maintenance, board, feed, bedding, farrier work, chiropractic work, vet bills, and Adequan. Those things are just the cost of horse ownership.

So, what did it cost for an adult amateur owner to train and show her own horse in 2011?

Drum roll please ... $2,834.
Show premiums were $789. I spent approximately $546.35 on gas to and from shows. My show tack/grooming expenses came to $178.65 My membership fees to USEF were $55 and to CDS/USDF were $70. I took thirty-three lessons which cost $1,195. Here's a show by show breakdown:

Total for Show # 1 (schooling in Ojai) ... $250.76
$65.00 - Show premium for two tests
$110 - gas
$68.76 - Tekna bridle (it's my every day bridle, but I also use it for shows)
$7.00 - lunch

Total for Show # 2 (Triple-Rated in Bakersfield) ... $191.89
$82.00 - Show premium for two tests
$0 - gas: since the show is only minutes from the barn, I am not counting gas expenses. I have driven MUCH farther for lessons.
$24.95 - EQ Body Wash: this is the best stuff. Had to have it.
$84.94 - Roma Sheepskin Show Pad - used exclusively for showing.
$0 - lunch: I brought some Gatorade and snacks from the 'fridge. I didn't even eat them at the show. I waited until I got home!

Total for Show #3 (1 Star-Rated in Tehachapi) ... $136.00
$87 - Show Premium for two tests
$49 - Gas
$0 - lunch: I just brought some stuff from the 'fridge

Total for Show #4 (schooling in Moorpark) ... $187.83
$70 - Show premium for two tests
$117.83 - Gas
$0 - lunch: I really just like to eat whatever's in the 'fridge!

Total for Show #5 (1 Star-Rated in Tehachapi) ... $136.00
$87 - Show Premium for two tests
$49 - Gas
$0 - lunch: more stuff from the 'fridge

Total for Show #6 (1 Star-Rated in Tehachapi) ... $129.00
$87 - Show Premium for two tests
$42 - Gas
$0 - lunch: more stuff from the 'fridge

Total for Show #7 (1Star-Rated in Tehachapi) ... $146
$87 - Show Premium for two tests
$50 - Gas
$9 - chips and deli sandwiches for Taz's mom and myself

Total for Show #8 (the Ride-a-Test) ... $37.58
$25 - Fee for two tests
$12.58 - Gas
$0 - lunch: I made a peanut butter sandwich to eat once I was back at the barn

Total for Show #9 (3 Star-Rated in Clovis) ... $226.14
$122 - Show Premium for Two Tests
$101.14 - Gas
$3.00 - show snack, I packed a lunch

Total for Show #10 (1 Star-Rated in Bakersfield) ... $171.80
$77 - Show Premium for Two Tests
$14.80 - Gas
$80 - Clinic with Peggy Klump (Show Judge/Clinician)

Is $2,800 a lot? I think so. I mean it's a mortgage payment. And when I add this amount to what I spend on daily upkeep, it becomes a much larger number. Showing is not as cheap as I thought it would be. I feel as though I got my money's worth though, and I am looking forward to the 2012 show season.

Does anyone feel like sharing their expenses? I have a feeling my costs were fairly cheap since I didn't do very many triple-rated shows. I'd like to know what the "average" adult amateur spends ....

martina peterson

12/31/2011 02:44:37 am

obviously I don't spend any but if I did it would probably be on FOOD You hardly eat at all. Whenever we go anywhere it is like an obsession to find good things to munch on. But I guess in your case the money is better spent. Have fun next season as you advance yourself up the ladder. You are certainly organized in documenting your expenditures. Sort of scary when you look at the whole picture but as you say worth every penny. I am so glad that you live out your dreams and make them happen. love mom

Karen

12/31/2011 07:35:29 am

Thanks, Mom! Glad you approve. Thank you for reading and sharing. I really appreciate all of your support and encouragement. Hugs!

Sandy Orloff

12/31/2011 02:59:18 am

Compared to some hobbies I don't think that's a lot. And I have to ask do you have some program that you keep all your info in to get those breakdown? I need to get one. Cheers to the show season to come!!!

~ Sandy

12/31/2011 07:37:12 am

Sandy - nope, no special program. I just kept a running list all year. There were only ten shows so it wasn't that hard to keep up. For 2012 I am going to track every single equine expenditure to see what it comes up to. I have an idea, but I think it's going to be higher than I think! I'll let you all know how it goes as the year progresses.

Erica link

12/31/2011 09:19:23 am

For as many shows as you attended, I think you got a good bang for your buck! I've never kept a running total of my expenses...but I don't think I want to; if you know what I mean! After reading this, I will definitely be more aware of my horse-related expenditures.

12/31/2011 09:44:28 am

Erica - after looking at my costs, it seems as though lessons and gas are what cost a lot. The shows in and of themselves aren't really that pricey. Getting there is what costs a lot! I don't mind the price of lessons. They're what make it all worth it!

hammerhorses link

1/2/2012 02:08:59 am

I'm not sure what my costs are going to be - but I'll defenitely keep track this year! I'm sooo excited to start showing my pony this year.

I have an offer to take on a half-arabian pinto mare that I've trained and ridden a lot before. I leased her for a year, but her owner missed her and wanted her back, then realized she was way too "english" for her western riding preference and has been begging me to take her back ever since. I'm contemplating... :) She's a VERY fancy mover...

As far as general expenses go, having them at home makes it a million times more affordable for me. I do my own shots, rasp their feet in between trimmings to keep their tootsies pretty, and feed a basic, well-balanced diet with loads of turn out.

I should do a post on the costs of my basic horse care expenses. I might be surprised at home much or how little it costs... hmmm... I'm inspired! :)

1/2/2012 05:48:05 am

I like my Arabian for dressage! One thing that he has that not all other breeds come with is a long, stretchy neck. I love that about him.

This year I am giving a meticulous list of every equine expenditure and I am doing a monthly post about those costs. I really want to see how much it costs for an amateur to own and show two horses. It will either freak people out, or make them feel as though showing at rated shows is possible on a budget.

I'd be interested in reading about your expenses!

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Show Costs - Part 3

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