Showing Dressage on a Budget

               Over the last few years, the cost of horse shows has been increasing steadily. However, recently with gas prices and the state of the economy, many riders have been forced to reevaluate their show schedules. Although most riders are passionate about dressage and enjoy spending weekends immersed in the competition world, not everyone has unlimited finances. Horse showing is not impossible, but many riders must begin to establish a show budget and realistically analyze their horse’s progress and readiness to show.

                Ideally, during the winter months, each rider should begin to think about and formulate specific goals for the upcoming show season. At what level is your horse ready to compete? How many rated shows would you like to attend? How many shows can you afford? Do you want to try to qualify for Regionals or any other large championship? Would you like to try and earn enough scores for USDF year-end awards? Are you working towards getting the necessary scores for a USDF medal? Once a rider begins to answer these questions, a rough and flexible plan can be created. The winter months are also a good time to begin setting aside money for the upcoming show season.

The following are some suggestions for evaluating showing and minimizing expenses:

• Number of riders- how many other people from your barn or area are going to the show? When possible, make sure the trailers are full. The price of gas is more reasonable when divided among several people. Also, multiple riders can share a tack stall to reduce showing costs.

• Sleeping arrangements- share hotel rooms with other riders in order to minimize the cost. As long as the hotel is close to the show grounds, provides good service, and is clean you don’t have to stay at the most expensive hotel. Remember that aside from sleeping, you will spend most of the weekend at the show grounds.   Also, check the specific show ground facilities. Can you sleep in the trailer and use the show ground showers and restrooms? Do you have friends who live near the show? Could you sleep at their house for the weekend?

• Food- if you are considering staying in a hotel, try to find one that offers a free breakfast. Also, bring the majority of your food from home so that you are not eating out all weekend.

• Two shows in one weekend- if you look carefully, there are facilities that hold two shows in one weekend. Although you will pay a double office and drug fee, this arrangement allows you to save money and come away with more scores that can be used towards qualifying for championships as well as applying them to year-end awards.

• Jackpot classes- although you are not guaranteed to win money, consider entering your horse in a jackpot class if you have been consistently scoring well. Any winnings that you receive can be used to pay for future showing expenses.

• Showing close to home- figure out what is most cost effective. When possible, showing close to home will allow you to forgo hotel expenses, eating out, and long hauling fee.

• Showing further away- not everyone can show close to home throughout the season. Most riders will have to travel further at least once during the year. Carefully plan for out of town shows. Also, remember that out of state shows require a health certificate. Each certificate is good for only 30 days after the veterinarian examines your horse. 

               Many riders must analyze their riding goals and financial situation numerous times throughout the show season. Because rated shows are expensive, a horse and rider can benefit immensely from attending schooling shows or clinics instead of rated shows. A rider can attend multiple clinics and schooling shows for the price of one rated show.  Also, be sure to register for year-end awards with your Group Member Organization (GMO). Most organizations have an awards presentation or a banquet at the end of the show season and their awards programs do not require as many scores as the USDF awards program. During slower competition years, riders should remember that scores for the USDF medals can be accumulated over multiple years with multiple horses. When not competing, riders should consider volunteering at shows. Helping behind the scenes can prove to be an eye opening experience and the help is greatly appreciated by show management. Each rider’s financial position and show schedule can change from year to year. As a result, riders should be flexible with their plans and creative in finding ways to expand their knowledge and experiences with the horses around them.