Broke Horse Moms

Episode Summary

Moving to a new barn doesn’t end when the trailer pulls in. In this episode, I sit down with Magda Lubov, The Boujee Broke Mom, whose family moved barns in just three days. She gave notice on a Wednesday, and her horse was on the trailer that Saturday morning.

We talk about how she knew it was time to go, how she packed up so fast, what it took to settle her high-maintenance warmblood, and all the little things that work differently at a new barn. We also share the advice we’d give any mom facing a barn move, because if your kid keeps riding, there will probably be a second barn someday.

Key Takeaways

• Watch other barns at shows. How their horses look tells you a lot.
• Keep your things organized at the barn so a move takes one trip.
• Bring your horse’s current feed and supplements to make changes gradually.
• Move early in the day so you can stay and watch your horse settle in.
• Every barn has things you’ll love and things you won’t.

Guest Resources

• The Boujee Broke Mom on Instagram
• The Tack Room membership: Use code Fall2026 for 40% off for life.

Resources

• Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply: Use code BHM10 for an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• The Swag Barn: Use code BHM10 for 10% off your order.
• Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Special thanks to Steve Woodward, founder of The Podcasting Editor, for giving you all the best listening experience!

My friend Micah Fae Thomas has ridden for 30 years, owned horses for 20, and coached professionally for five. She is also the person who marched me, Chloe, and my mother-in-law through the tack shop aisle saying "need it, skip it, get that at CVS." Her rule: if it's for you, save. If it's for the horse, spend.

In this episode, we get into:

• What a brand-new lesson kid actually needs, and when to start buying it
• Why the most expensive helmet isn't automatically the safest
• The horse expenses Micah would never cut (training rides top the list)
• Brown mouthwash, diaper cream, maxi pads, and other swaps hiding at the drugstore
• The golf store hack for riding shirts
• When your kid is actually ready for a rated show (Micah has opinions)

Neither of us is a vet, so run any first aid swap past yours first.

If you've ever stood in a tack shop wondering why a hoof pick costs $70, this one's for you.

Links

Thanks to our sponsors!

Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply: https://www.bigdweb.com - use code BHM10

Guest Links

• Micah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just2junebugs
• Micah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@just2junebugs

Broke Horse Moms Links

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com
• Newsletter: https://brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/brokehorsemoms
• Voice notes: https://speakpipe.com/bhm

Resources Mentioned

• Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Equestrian Helmet Ratings: https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/equestrian-helmet-ratings.html
• Champion Saddlery, Richmond, VA: https://championsaddlery.com/
• Full show notes: https://brokehorsemoms.com/save-money-horse-supplies/

Chloe forgot her course. Then she fell off in the show ring. Then she got right back on, while I stood at the rail wondering why we weren't packing up the trailer.

This is my horse mom version of the "Let Them" mantra. It isn't the stop-controlling-everything version. It's the one where we let our kids muck stalls, wrap legs badly, clip off part of a horse's tail (sorry, Billy), ride the quirky ones, fall off, cry, and see just how big this horse world is.

I'm also covering how to open these doors (hint: ask) and how to afford them when shows are already eating the budget.

Plus, Broke Horse Moms is officially one year old! If this show has helped you at all, a review on your podcast player would mean the world. Tell me what you want to hear next.

Links

Thanks to our sponsors!

• Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply:https://www.bigdweb.com/https://www.bigdweb.com/ (use code BHM10)

Broke Horse Moms Links

• Website:https://brokehorsemoms.com/https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter:https://brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterhttps://brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram:https://instagram.com/brokehorsemomshttps://instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• Facebook:https://facebook.com/brokehorsemomshttps://facebook.com/brokehorsemoms
• Voice notes:https://speakpipe.com/bhmhttps://speakpipe.com/bhm

Resources Mentioned

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins:https://www.melrobbins.com/https://www.melrobbins.com
• United States Pony Clubs:https://www.ponyclub.org/https://www.ponyclub.org/
• Ep 19: Are We Raising Riders or Buying Ribbons: https://brokehorsemoms.com/united-dressage-jumping-club-david-reichert/

Grace Speckman tracked every single dollar she spent leasing a horse and still ended up $14,000 in the hole after four months. She's a certified financial planner. If it can catch her off guard, it can absolutely catch the rest of us. In this one, we get into the costs nobody warns you about (looking at you, saddle fitting), how to budget for a sport that thrives on surprise expenses, and the uncomfortable math Grace does on what it costs us long-term to keep saying yes to horses right now. I walked away from this conversation with an actual plan instead of just crossed fingers, and I think you will too.

Thanks to our sponsors!

• Thanks to Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/ for their continued support of Broke Horse Moms. Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order.

Grace's Links

• The Thoughtful Equestrian's Guide to Protect, Grow, and Pass on Wealth
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollarsandhorsesense/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraceSpeckman
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-speckman/

Broke Horse Moms Links

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemoms
• Leave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm

Resources Mentioned

• YNAB (You Need A Budget) budgeting app

We all know the feeling: standing at the rail, trying not to visibly panic, while our kid looks completely calm in the saddle. Turns out that might not be as harmless as it feels.

This week I’m talking with Courtenay Baber, a licensed professional counselor, lifelong rider, and founder of Gray Horse Counseling, about the mental side of riding for our kids, and for us. We get into why kids’ self-talk turns into a hamster wheel so fast, what to actually say (and not say) before a big ride, and a simple grounding trick Courtenay uses at the in-gate herself.

I also get honest about a moment heading into Pony Finals this year when I realized I was putting pressure on my daughter without meaning to and what changed once I named it.

This episode is sponsored by Courtenay and Gray Horse Counseling.

If this one hits home, hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next and if you’ve got two minutes, a quick rating helps other horse moms find the show.

Thanks to our sponsors!

• This episode is sponsored by Courtenay Baber and Gray Horse Counseling, Courtenay’s own practice.
• Thanks to Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/ for their continued support of Broke Horse Moms. Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms Links

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemoms
• Leave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply

This episode is sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply, a trusted source for tack, riding apparel, horse care products, barn essentials, and all the random things horse moms somehow end up needing at the last minute. Shop online at bigdweb.com.

Before Pony Finals, I thought we knew horse shows. We had rated shows under our belt. We'd qualified for a national championship. I had even made an entire episode about what first-timers need to know. Then we got to Kentucky, and I realized this was a completely different world.

In this episode, I'm walking you through all the myths I believed going into Pony Finals and what I now know to be true after watching Chloe and her pony Phoebe place 13th out of 97 in their division.

I thought we packed everything we needed. We didn't, and I ended up buying a broom, ulcer guard, and hoof packing within the first hour of being there. I thought it would just be a bigger version of the horse shows we already knew. It wasn't, not even close, from the scoring format to the size of the crowd to the pressure of every single round counting. I thought once we got there, it would all make sense. It didn't, and I had to track down someone in person just to understand how a winner was even determined.

I also talk about the moment I realized grooms aren't just for people who don't want to do the work themselves, why we will never again call this trip a family vacation, and the question I'm still sitting with: is a show like this worth it if your kid and pony aren't fully ready for it?

If your kid is headed to Pony Finals one day, if you're moving from schooling shows to rated shows, or if you just recently learned what a lead change is, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Pack more than you think you need. A bridle bag, garment bag, extra hooks, ulcer guard, and hoof packing all turned out to be essential, not extra.
• Pony Finals is not just a bigger version of a rated show. The scoring format, crowd size, and pressure of every round make it a different experience entirely.
• Ask questions early. Even experienced horse show families can find the scoring and format confusing, so don't assume it'll make sense once you arrive.
• Grooms aren't just for big-budget barns. Having a dedicated person to help with the horse freed up everyone else to focus on their actual job.
• Don't plan this as a vacation. Between prep, riding, and recovery, there's very little time or energy left for sightseeing.
• Readiness matters more than the invitation. Whether a show like this feels "worth it" often comes down to whether your rider and horse are truly prepared for that level of competition.

Resources

Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply: https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 for an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• The Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn Use code BHM10 for 10% off your order.

Special thanks to Steve Woodward, founder of The Podcasting Editor, for giving you all the best listening experience!

Nobody told me that gradually, week by week, I would stop being the center of Chloe's horse life. A few weeks ago she got her driver's license, and almost overnight, everything about my role at the barn changed. She drives herself to lessons now. She works there without me. She signs up for her own shows. I knew it would change my schedule, but I didn't realize how much it would change my job.

In this episode, I'm talking through the moment this really hit me, the milestones I didn't recognize until I looked back, and why I think every horse mom eventually faces some version of this, whether it's a license or something else entirely. If you've ever felt your role at the barn quietly shifting under you, this one's for you, friend.

• https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/
• Join our virtual barn family: brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter

Thanks to our sponsor Big Dee's Tack and Vet Supply - Use code BHM10 at checkout for an additional 10% off your order.

Special thanks to our podcast editor, Steve Woodward. If you're thinking about starting a podcast, find him at podcastingeditor.com.

Episode Summary

When we qualified for Pony Jumper Finals, I quickly realized that the official information answered plenty of competition questions but almost none of my horse mom questions.

When should we arrive? Do we really need a golf cart? What happens when we pull into the Kentucky Horse Park? How do we know where to go? What should we pack that no one tells us about?

So I invited Laura Greenstreet, mom to Pony Jumper rider Cora Greenstreet and founder of the Pony Jumpers USA Facebook group, to answer the questions every first-time Pony Finals family is asking.

Laura has been exactly where many of us are now. Even though she grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, she still found herself overwhelmed the first time her family attended Pony Finals. Since then, she's built an incredible community where parents help one another navigate one of the biggest events in youth equestrian sports.

Whether you're headed to Pony Finals this year or you're simply curious about what happens behind the scenes at a national championship, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest perspective, and plenty of reassurance that none of us are supposed to know all of this from the beginning.

In This Episode

• What to do before you leave home, including EventPass and required health paperwork
• What to expect when you first arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park
• Whether you really need a golf cart (spoiler: probably yes)
• Packing tips that experienced Pony Finals parents swear by
• How to find braiders, bodyworkers, grooming help, and other services
• What first-time families often wish they'd known before arriving
• How to navigate schooling, training rounds, and the team competition
• Family activities and events you won't want to miss throughout the week
• Why Pony Jumper Finals is about so much more than ribbons

Resources Mentioned

Thanks to our sponsor!

Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/: Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms Links

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemoms
• Leave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm

Download the Unofficial 2026 Pony Jumper Finals Parent Guide at:

https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals2026

Connect with Laura and the Pony Jumpers community:

• Pony Jumpers USA Facebook Group
• @corarides on Instagram

Thanks for Listening

If this episode helped you feel a little more prepared or simply reminded you that none of us started out knowing all of this, I hope you'll share it with another horse mom.

And if you're enjoying Broke Horse Moms, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show and leave a rating or review. It helps more horse families find the community they're looking for.

Episode Summary

When my recent article in The Plaid Horse about how confusing the horse world can be for new families was published, one comment kept popping up:

"Just ask questions."

Great suggestion! The problem is, when you're new to horses, you don't know what questions to ask.

So in this episode, I'm sharing 10 simple questions that can save you time, money, frustration, and a whole lot of second-guessing. These aren't embarrassing beginner questions - they're conversation starters that will help you better understand the horse world and feel more confident supporting your rider.

Whether you've been a horse mom for six months or six years, I think you'll walk away with at least one question you hadn't thought to ask.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "just ask questions" isn't enough for new horse families
• Who to ask besides your trainer
• 10 questions to help jump start your own education in this sport
• Why building your own "horse mom village" matters

Mentioned in this episode

• The Plaid Horse article: The Biggest Barrier for Non-Horse Families Entering the Sport Is Understanding
• Episode 22: Horse Trainer vs. Parent: Who Decides What?(Jen Wood & Karen from The Scope Podcast)
• Episode 15: How to Build Your Broke Horse Mom Village

Resources

Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/: Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms

Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/

Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokehorsemoms

Leave me a voice note about a question you'd like answered: https://speakpipe.com/bhm

When your child starts riding, you expect to make decisions about schedules, budgets, and maybe when they get their first pair of tall boots. What you don't expect is that before long you'll be making decisions about trainers, horse shows, safety, horses, and thousands of dollars in equipment for a sport you barely understand.

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Barker and Karen Tanner, hosts of The Scope Podcast, to tackle one of the biggest challenges horse moms face: figuring out who gets to make the big decisions.

We discuss everything from choosing a trainer and evaluating barn safety to deciding when a rider is ready to move up divisions, return after a fall, start working at the barn, or take on greater responsibility in the sport. Jen brings the trainer perspective, while Karen shares insights from her experience as a horse mom with two riders.

One theme comes up again and again throughout our conversation: trust. How do you build trust with a trainer when you're brand new to the horse world? When should you rely on their expertise? And when should you ask more questions?

If you've ever wondered where your role as a parent ends and your trainer's role begins, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Trust is built through communication, not blind agreement.
• Trainers should guide horse and competition decisions, but parents should be part of the conversation.
• Safety discussions evolve as riders progress in the sport.
• Horsemanship involves much more than simply riding.
• Parents should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding the "why" behind decisions.
• Clear goals help trainers and families stay aligned.
• Strong trainer-parent partnerships make the sport more enjoyable for everyone.

Guest Resources

The Scope Podcast

• The Scope Podcast website: https://www.thescopepodcast.com/
• Listen on Apple podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.scope.podcast/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.scope.podcast

Resources

Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply:

• https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms

• Website: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• The Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order.

Special thanks to Steve Woodward, founder of The Podcasting Editor, for giving you all the best listening experience!

You know what's weird? Attending a webinar to learn how to attend a horse show.

In this episode, I tackle what I believe is one of the biggest barriers to growing equestrian sports: understandability.

While conversations about accessibility often focus on cost, there's another challenge that doesn't get discussed nearly enough. Horse shows, divisions, memberships, qualifications, prize lists, entries, and billing can feel like a foreign language to families who didn't grow up in the horse world.

In this episode, I share:

• Why I attended a horse show webinar
• The difference between affordability and understandability
• Why so much equestrian knowledge is word of mouth
• How confusion impacts participation and retention
• Practical ideas that could make the sport easier for new families to navigate

If you've ever nodded politely while secretly Googling horse show terminology, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned

Our Presenting Sponsor, Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplies

https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms

• Join our virtual barn family! https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• The Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order.

If you’ve been anywhere near horse social media lately, you’ve probably seen the conversations around Dover Saddlery’s closures and liquidation sales. But what actually happened behind the scenes? And what does it reveal about the future of the equestrian industry?

In this episode, I’m joined by Orchid Bertelsen, writer of the Substack Back in the Saddle, to break down the Dover story from both an economic and rider perspective.

With a background in e-commerce, consumer marketing, and brand strategy, Orchid offers a fascinating look at why equestrian retail has struggled to evolve, what this means for local tack shops and brands, and why adult amateurs and horse moms are often overlooked despite driving so much spending in the sport.

We also talk about:

• Why equestrian e-commerce still feels stuck in 2008
• How trainers influence buying decisions
• The challenges local tack shops face
• Why discoverability is a huge issue in the horse world
• What horse businesses can learn from modern retail
• And why there’s still reason to feel hopeful about the future of the industry

If you’ve ever struggled to buy boots online, wondered why horse businesses are so hard to find, or felt like the horse world makes things harder than they need to be, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned

Presenting Sponsor: Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplies

• https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order.

Orchid Bertelsen, Back in the Saddle

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchidinthesaddle/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orchidinthesaddle
• Substack: https://orchidinthesaddle.substack.com/

Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplies

• https://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order.

Broke Horse Moms

• Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms
• The Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order.

Are horse shows teaching kids to become better riders or just rewarding expensive horses and polished rounds?

In this episode, Angie sits down with David Reichert, founder of the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC), to talk about the gaps he sees in the current U.S. equestrian system and why he created an alternative focused on horsemanship, rider development, affordability, and grit.

David shares his perspective on everything from hunter and jumper culture to dressage fundamentals, horse show costs, trainer influence, rider education, and why he believes kids should learn multiple disciplines instead of specializing too early.

They also discuss:

• Whether horse shows are rewarding horses more than riders
• Why many kids aren’t learning horsemanship fundamentals
• Why “grit” matters more than convenience in this sport
• The pressure trainers face within the current system
• How UDJC approaches rider development differently
• Why parents often feel overwhelmed entering the horse world
• What horse moms should actually focus on long term

Whether you agree with all of David’s opinions or not, this conversation raises important questions about what we want our kids to gain from this sport and how the horse world could evolve moving forward.

Resources Mentioned

United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC)

• https://udjc.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/udjclub/

Broke Horse Moms

• Web: https://brokehorsemoms.com/
• Join the newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/
• Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemoms

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Ashley Winch to walk through what happened when our rated show at HITS Culpeper came to an abrupt end after a horse stabled in the same barn as us tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) and developed Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

What followed was confusion, a lot of unanswered questions, and a mandatory quarantine that completely changed our plans, and honestly, our perspective.

We cover:

• What actually happens when a horse tests positive for EHV-1 at a show
• What quarantine looks like in real life (not just on paper)
• The emotional side of navigating risk, uncertainty, and “what ifs”
• What we had to scramble to figure out (supplies, logistics, care)
• The role of communication—and where things felt unclear
• What I wish I had known before this ever happened

If you’re a non-horsey horse mom trying to understand the parts of this world no one explains…this one is for you.

Resources Mentioned

• Join the Broke Horse Mom newsletter(quarantine breakdown + resources)
• Follow on Instagram
• Horse Radio Network
• The Quarter Horse Podcast

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

• Learn more here: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals/
• Contribute directly (business sponsorships available): Venmo @BrokeHorseMoms

🔗 Resources & Links

• Join the newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

In this episode, I’m joined by Beth Sheely, head coach of the Virginia Tech Equestrian Team, to break down what collegiate club teams really look like and why they might be the best-kept secret for riders who want to continue in college.

We talk about everything from how these teams are structured and funded to what coaches are actually looking for, plus real, actionable ways to start exploring options for your rider.

We cover:

• What a collegiate club team is and how it differs from NCAA/NCEA
• How IHSA works and why catch riding matters
• Costs, funding, and scholarship realities
• What coaches look for beyond talent
• Time commitment and what “student-athlete” really means in this sport
• Confidence, nerves, and the role of sports psychology
• How fear develops and how to prevent it
• What parents often get wrong (and how to better support their riders)
• How to start exploring college riding programs
• When to begin the process (timeline for high school riders)

Resources Mentioned

College Riding Exploration

• Equestrian Talent Search (ETS Clinics): https://rideincollege.com/equestrian-talent-search
• Tournament of Champions Series: https://rideincollege.com/tournament-of-champions

Organizations & Competition

• IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association): https://www.ihsainc.com/
• NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association): https://collegiateequestrian.com/
• NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): https://www.ncaa.org/

Virginia Tech Equestrian

• VT Equestrian Team: https://vatechequestrian.weebly.com/
• VT Equestrian Team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiatechequestrian
• VT Animal Science (Equine Program): https://www.apsc.vt.edu/

Broke Horse Moms

• Join the newsletter https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• 2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026
• Follow 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 support
• The importance of building your own support system
• The 7 types of people every horse mom needs in her village
• How other parents can help you see your rider more clearly
• Why connecting with other horse families changes the entire experience
• Simple ways to start building your barn community

Resources Mentioned

• Join the BHM newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• 2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026
• Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemoms

Huge thanks to Steve Woodward, The Podcasting Editor, for his masterful post-production and helping make this episode sound its best.

What exactly is a local show association and why does it matter?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly Gannon, adult amateur rider and volunteer of the Central Virginia Show Jumping Association (CVSJA), to talk about how local horse shows actually run, from costs and volunteers to why they’re critical for young riders and adult amateurs alike.

We cover:

• Local vs rated horse shows
• What kids learn beyond ribbons
• The real costs behind running a show
• Why volunteer support matters
• What happens if grassroots associations disappear

If you’re a non-horsey horse mom trying to understand the ecosystem you just joined… his one’s for you.

Resources Mentioned

CVSJA

• https://www.cvsja.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/cvsjashows/

Broke Horse Moms

• Join the BHM newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

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 barn
• Why gas station hot chocolate is sometimes the answer
• Things 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 moms
• Lessons WE can teach our kids when the rings are frozen over

If you’re cold, tired, and still showing up, this one’s for you.

Helpful links & resources:

• Broke Horse Moms newsletter: brokhorsemoms.com/newsletter
• Newsletter archives (in case you sign up AFTER we send the email with links): https://brokehorsemoms.kit.com/profile
• https://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.

Buying a horse can feel like the most exciting and terrifying decision you’ll ever make as a horse mom. In this episode, Angie shares the real-life considerations that went into buying her daughter’s horse and the questions every family should ask before making the leap.

Whether you’re leasing, half-leasing, riding lesson horses, or just starting to wonder what’s next, this conversation is for moms navigating big decisions without a horse background or unlimited resources.

What We Cover in This Episode

• How to know when riding has moved beyond “just a phase”
• The difference between emotional readiness and financial readiness
• Why leasing first can be helpful, but isn’t the only path
• What parents often underestimate about horse ownership
• How to evaluate fit between horse, rider, trainer, and barn
• Why “waiting” can sometimes be the smartest decision
• What surprised Angie most after buying a horse

Helpful Resources Mentioned

📝 Broke Horse Moms Planning Workbook

A practical tool to help you think through goals, logistics, schedules, and finances before making big horse-related decisions.

👉 https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026

☕ Support the Podcast

If this episode helped you feel more grounded or less alone, you can support the show with a small contribution. Every bit helps keep Broke Horse Moms going.

👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemoms

A Friendly Reminder

There is no “right” timeline for buying a horse. Leasing longer, waiting another season, or deciding not to buy at all doesn’t mean you’re less committed. It means you’re making thoughtful decisions for your family.

If you loved this episode, please consider following the show, leaving a rating or review, or sharing it with another horse mom who’s quietly doing the same mental math right now. 🐎💙