Part 2 of 5

Now that we have a list of what we need for the kid, it’s time to prepare the beast for show season. The unseasonably nice weather in Vermont continues, along with my anticipation for show season. Our first show is about seven weeks away, the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) show in Woodstock. 

My eagerness is still alive, a certain naiveté, motivated largely by the fact that I have yet to face, nor even acknowledge, the financial realities that show season brings. Horse shows—what fun! Long days spent outside doing something I love with family, friends and favorite beasts. I have been planning all along for the economic realities, but now the money part sits on the back shelf, as to not disturb my current delicate state of joy.

The beast. Horse or pony? If you’re moving up from one to the other this year, prepare to spend. Pity the parents who don’t know much about horses. They are utterly shocked to learn that the trunk full of thousands of dollars of tack and clothing will not fit the next beast. It has to be what the rest of us experience when we go to the auto shop and are told to pay large amounts of money for things like wheel bearings and transmission coolant systems.

Again, my best advice for saving money is two-fold: start early and see what you can buy or trade with others in your barn or area. In Vermont, we have very few tack shops, so it makes it more challenging to find what you need at a reasonable price. That’s not the case in many other areas. Some of you may think that all this “ask now!” and “plan ahead!” is just the ramblings of a super-type-A-control-freak-mother. Alas, no. I live in the boonies. When I travel, I envy the strip malls and chain restaurants, the good take-out and plentiful Dunkin Donuts. If you are blessed with a competitive tack shop market, life is easier. Make friends with the staff. They are a excellent resource for learning about tack and equipment and getting good deals.

Saddle. As soon as you’re fairly certain about which beast your kid is likely to show this year, start asking about said beast’s trousseau. First up, and probably the biggest expense: the saddle. Your kid may own a saddle, but it may or may not fit the horse she’s riding. ASK NOW. Some saddles have adjustable gullet systems so that the saddle can fit different horses. Other saddles may need to be adjusted and restuffed by a certified saddle fitter.

Tack. You’ll also need a bridle, martingale and girth. Ask your trainer if what you’re using for everyday is in good enough condition to be used for shows. If you invest early on in good quality tack and clean it meticulously, you should be able to use it for everyday and show.

Bits. You’ll likely need more than one. Again, ask now. Say this, “Trainer, are there any other bits you’d like us to have in the tack trunk for Merrylegs for show season? Something stronger for when she’s frisky?” This can save you an emergency trip to the mobile tack shop at the horse show.

Saddle pad. You’ll want to have at least two high-quality, super clean saddle pads at your disposal. These are to be used ONLY FOR HORSE SHOWS. Teach the kid that these are never-ever-to-be-used-other-than-at-a-horse-show-violations-to-be-punishable-by-removal-of-cell-phone. Why? Check out the prices of show saddle pads. It will give you heart palpations. Shop around. Riders and trainers get quite particular about their saddle pads, so ask your trainer for his or her quirks, ah hem, preferences. Consider hiding clean show saddle pads at home rather than storing in the tack trunk. Some horses require gel pads in addition to saddle pads, or other orthopedic-like pads, so (repetitive, I know) ask now.

We’ll talk about blankets, boots, rain sheets, wraps and more next week. As always, please comment with your money-saving ideas or drop me an email Elizabeth@sheridesIpay.com