Episode 17

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Published on:

14th Apr 2026

Real Talk About Horse Shows: Costs, Chaos, and What No One Tells You

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 Covered

  • The 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 mean
  • The real costs of showing—before, during, and the hidden extras
  • Trainer fees, stalls, tack stalls, memberships, and all the add-ons
  • The time warp that is horse show scheduling (and why nothing runs on time)
  • How I’ve simplified our setup to save my sanity
  • Where 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 progress

I 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 Journey

🔗 Resources & Links

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About the Podcast

Broke Horse Moms
Barn life, horse shows, big decisions, and the price of it all
Broke Horse Moms is the podcast for every muck boot-wearing, Venmo-draining mama raising a kid who rides. Hosted by Angie Trueblood, proud horse mom and founding member of the ‘I thought this was just a phase’ club, each episode brings real talk, expert guests, and fellow horse moms who’ve lived through what we’re still Googling. We cover everything from barn life, budgeting, and decoding show rules and point systems to horse ownership, college riding, and *gulp* what to do if they want to make this a career. It’s a journey filled with learning, laughter, and a few tears, and we’re here for all of it, together. Subscribe and join the herd!

About your host

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Angie Trueblood

Host Angie Trueblood is a podcast strategist and brand partnership expert with over a decade of experience in podcast marketing and sales, where she’s helped hundreds of brands grow through podcasting. Her deep industry knowledge and sales expertise ensure Broke Horse Moms is built not just to resonate, but to convert.

The brand has already gained impressive traction, with over 200 subscribers joining the newsletter in its first 30 days, a clear signal of the demand and connection this audience craves.

A proud horse mom herself, Angie created Broke Horse Moms to spotlight the women behind the scenes, the ones filling water buckets, writing checks, and building barn-family bonds. She brings humor, honesty, and a deep understanding of the community she serves.

Interested in partnership opportunities? Email Angie at angie@brokehorsemoms.com.