Broke Horse Moms

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 showsWhat kids learn beyond ribbonsThe real costs behind running a showWhy volunteer support mattersWhat happens if grassroots associations disappearIf you’re a non-horsey horse mom trying to understand the ecosystem you just joined… his one’s for you.Resources MentionedCVSJAhttps://www.cvsja.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cvsjashows/ Broke Horse MomsJoin 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 barnWhy gas station hot chocolate is sometimes the answerThings 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 momsLessons WE can teach our kids when the rings are frozen overIf you’re cold, tired, and still showing up, this one’s for you.Helpful links & resources:Broke Horse Moms newsletter: brokhorsemoms.com/newsletterNewsletter archives (in case you sign up AFTER we send the email with links): https://brokehorsemoms.kit.com/profilehttps://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 EpisodeHow to know when riding has moved beyond “just a phase”The difference between emotional readiness and financial readinessWhy leasing first can be helpful, but isn’t the only pathWhat parents often underestimate about horse ownershipHow to evaluate fit between horse, rider, trainer, and barnWhy “waiting” can sometimes be the smartest decisionWhat surprised Angie most after buying a horseHelpful Resources Mentioned📝 Broke Horse Moms Planning WorkbookA 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 PodcastIf 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/brokehorsemomsA Friendly ReminderThere 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. 🐎💙

Before the braids, before the entries, before the credit card panic...there’s planning...hopefully.In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie sits down with her daughter Chloe for an unfiltered planning conversation using the 2026 Broke Horse Moms Planning Workbook. Together, they reflect on 2025, set rider goals, set MOM goals, choose shows with intention, and define a couple of mom boundaries around time, money, and energy.This isn’t a “perfect plan” episode. It’s a practical, honest look at how horse families can plan a season together, without turning it into pressure, guilt, or a contract written in pencil and stress.You’ll hear how they:Reflect on what mattered in 2025 (the highs and the lows)Let the rider lead goal-setting without mom editing the answersCreate a realistic show wish list (and talk about the why)Do a reality check on time, budget, and family capacityPrepare for trainer conversations before show season startsDefine wins that aren’t tied to ribbonsIf you’ve ever thought, “I just want to feel a little more organized this year,” this episode and the workbook are for you.👉 Download the free 2026 Broke Horse Moms Planning Workbook at brokehorsemoms.com/2026

Episode SummaryIt’s that time of year — show season is winding down, leases are ending, and a LOT of families start wondering… Is it time to switch barns?In this episode, Angie cracks open one of the spiciest topics in the horse world: when, why, and how to switch barns without burning every bridge in sight.And yes — before hitting record, she even texted Chloe’s trainer to ask, “Should I even talk about this??” The trainer’s answer: “We can talk tonight… just keep it focused.”So we did. And here it is.Quick Favor? ⭐️If you love this podcast, the easiest free way to support it is by leaving a rating or review:How to Leave a Review on Apple PodcastsOpen Apple PodcastsSearch for and/or tap the show name (Broke Horse Moms)Scroll past the episodes to Ratings & ReviewsTap ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tap Write a Review and leave a note!How to Rate on SpotifyGo to the main Broke Horse Moms show pageTap the About tabTap the ⭐️ rating and select your stars — done!Want to Support the Show?If you’d like to help keep this podcast running and support this Broke Horse Mom you can make a small contribution at:👉 https://brokehorsemoms.com/shavingsEpisode HighlightsWhy so many families switch barns at the end of show seasonThe most common reasons people leave a barn (horses, money, goals, program fit, vibes)Why switching barns feels so emotional and personal for both parents and trainersAngie’s own experiences with two previous barn switches — one easy, one gut-wrenchingHow to leave a barn gracefully (honesty, kindness, communication)What to say, and what not to say, when making the transitionHow to avoid switching prematurely by choosing the right type of program from the startKey questions to ask yourself about goals, budget, horse needs, and your kid’s riding pathLinks MentionedSupport the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/bhmYouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@brokehorsemomsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Broke Horse Moms Newsletter: https://brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterThanks for Being Here 🤍If you enjoyed this conversation or it helped you feel less alone in your horse mom journey, share it with a fellow barn mom or tag me on IG. You’re part of this herd, and I’m so grateful you’re here.Trot on, friend. 🐴

In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie sits down with Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, co-author of the Show Strides series, and one of the most trusted voices in equestrian education.Together, they break down two of the biggest topics in the horse world: affordability and accessibility. What do those words actually mean? How do families realistically navigate a sport known for being intimidating, financially and culturally? And where can moms find options even when the “traditional” paths feel out of reach?The importance of having a 'teacher' in your trainerPiper's thoughts on how to make a sustainable living in this sportWhether you’re brand new to riding or knee-deep in breeches and lesson schedules, this conversation will help you understand how to create opportunity for your kid, without losing your mind or your entire savings.Plus, a Trainer Truth Bomb every new horse parent needs to hear.Resources + Links:The Plaid Horse: theplaidhorse.comShow Strides book series: https://amzn.to/480z37l (affiliate)Follow Piper: https://www.instagram.com/piperklemmphd/Follow The Plaid Horse Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag/

It’s that time of year again — when the wish lists start rolling in and you realize your rider “needs” new breeches, a heated vest, and possibly an entire LeMieux set. Don’t worry, I’ve got you.In this episode, I’m breaking down our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide EARLY so that you have a list of items to hand out and choose from yourself. From fun rider finds and practical mom must-haves to gifts that will make your trainer actually smile, this guide keeps it real, affordable-ish, and useful.Plus, I’ll share a little mom math on why buying the bigger-ticket horse things now actually saves you money later and a behind-the-scenes update on how you can support Broke Horse Moms so we grow to better support you. Featured Brands & Links(Find full details and discount codes in the newsletter!)SmartPak Equine: brokehorsemoms.com/smartequine - Get $20 off your first orderFree Ride Equestrian: shopfre.com/bhm or use code BHM at checkout for 10% offArmor Equestrian: Horseshoe earrings, stencils, glitter, candles, and more - Use code BHM for 15% offGet the Full 2025 Holiday Gift GuideSubscribe to the newsletter and get the complete list (with links + codes!) sent right to your inbox the day this episode drops OR embedded in the welcome email if you're taking your sweet ole time:👉 brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter☕ Support the ShowIf something in this episode made you laugh, helped you save, or made you feel a little less alone in this horse-crazy life, you can support the show for the cost of a bag of shavings:👉 brokehorsemoms.com/shavings🐴 Connect with Broke Horse MomsWebsite: brokehorsemoms.comInstagram: @brokehorsemomsYouTube: Broke Horse Moms

What happens when your kid’s dream of riding in college actually comes true? In this episode, Angie sits down with Elizabeth Howell, marketing and media expert, lifelong horse lover, and proud mom of an NCAA equestrian, to unpack what it really looks like when your family’s years of early mornings, long show days, and endless barn bills finally pay off.Elizabeth shares her daughter Samantha’s journey from pony kid to Division I athlete, including how they navigated the financial reality of competitive riding, what it took to earn scholarship money, and what life is like on a collegiate equestrian team. Spoiler: the recognition and opportunities NCAA riders get might surprise you.Whether your child is just starting lessons or already dreaming of riding under stadium lights, this episode offers hope, honesty, and hard-earned insight from a mom who’s been there.In This Episode:How Elizabeth and her family juggled multiple jobs to keep their daughter in the saddleThe process that led to 66% of Samantha’s college tuition being covered through scholarshipsWhy NCAA equestrian matters for visibility and respect within college sportsHow being a horse mom opened unexpected career doors for ElizabethWhat moms should know early on if their kid might want to ride in collegeAbout Elizabeth HowellElizabeth is the founder of Howell Media and a marketing and media strategist who helps entrepreneurs and executives leverage LinkedIn and podcast guesting to grow their visibility. Before building her business, she spent nearly two decades supporting her daughter’s equestrian career, from braiding horses at 2 a.m. and managing horse shows to running her own mobile equestrian gift store, She Rides I Pay. Elizabeth has also worked with top equestrian media brands and helped NCAA Equestrian build its early social media and sponsorship programs.Links & Resourceshttps://collegiateequestrian.com/https://collegiateequestrian.com/sports/2020/7/10/recruiting%20101.aspxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/euh24/🧡 Stay in the HerdIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share it with your favorite barn mom, or leave a review letting us know what part of Elizabeth’s story hit home.https://brokehorsemoms.com/https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/https://www.youtube.com/@brokehorsemoms

In this follow-up to our first episode on Leasing a Horse, Angie digs into what really matters once you’ve decided to lease - the agreement itself. Because when it comes to horse leasing, the details can make or break your experience.Angie covers:• What’s typically included in a lease (board, vet, farrier, feed, lessons, insurance)• What you’re allowed to do, like showing, hauling, and off-property rides• How lease pricing is structured and what’s negotiable• The clauses to consider before signing on the dotted line (purchase price, substitution, media use, notice period)If you’re about to sign or start negotiating a lease, this episode will help you spot the red flags and protect your wallet and your sanity.✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the show, and share this episode with another horse mom about to enter the world of equine fine print!

In this episode, Angie sits down with Jennifer Connor, co-founder of Riders Rent, to decode the often-confusing world of show apparel.Whether you’re a first-time horse show mom staring down breeches, jodhpurs, and tall boots, or a seasoned rider wondering what’s tradition vs. what’s truly required, this episode will help you breathe easier.Together, Angie and Jennifer cover:Breeches vs. jodhpurs - who wears what and whyWhen kids transition from paddock boots to tall bootsThe role of jackets in hunters, jumpers, and equitationThe truth about shirts, ties, belts, gloves, and bowsWhere most moms overspend too soon on apparelBorrowing, renting, and consignment hacks to save moneyWhy Riders Rent is changing the game for Broke Horse MomsAlong the way, Angie shares her own horse mom missteps (hello, bows that never saw the ring), while Jennifer brings her deep equestrian experience and her practical advice for moms who want their kids to look the part without emptying the wallet.Watch the video here: http://youtube.com/@brokehorsemoms/Connect with Jenn and Rider's Rent: https://www.ridersrent.com/https://www.instagram.com/ridersrent/https://www.instagram.com/jconnor611/Connect with Angie and other Broke Horse Moms: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/http://youtube.com/@brokehorsemoms/✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with another horse mom who needs to hear she’s not alone in this wild, wallet-draining sport!

What does it really mean to lease a horse and why do so many people recommend it?In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie kicks off our Barn Basics series with a crash course in horse leasing: the what, the why, and the different ways families approach this “horse renting” option before diving into ownership.Angie covers:What a lease actually is (and why non-horse people look at you funny when you say you’re doing it)When it makes sense to lease instead of just taking lessons OR instead of buying outrightThe key differences between care leases and paid leasesOnsite vs. offsite leases and how location affects flexibility and responsibilityThe pros and cons of full vs. partial leases, including how schedules and show plans come into playWhether you’re weighing your first lease, debating whether it’s worth it, or just trying to understand barn lingo, this episode will leave you feeling more prepared (and less confused) when the topic comes up at your barn.💡 Stay tuned for Horse Renting 102: Inside the Lease Agreement where Angie gets into contracts, costs, and what to look out for before signing on the dotted line.✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with another horse mom who’s figuring out whether to lease, buy, or just keep lessoning her way through this wild, wallet-draining sport!

What happens when supporting your kid’s horse dreams sparks your own?In this episode of Broke Horse Moms, Angie sits down with fellow horse mom (and rider!) Jen Nelson, co-founder of Armor Equestrian, to talk about carving out your own joy in the horse world, even when the sport starts as “just your kid’s thing.”Jen shares:How her daughter Taylor’s first lesson turned into a lifelong mother-daughter bonding experienceWhat it’s really like to lease a horse vs. buy one (and how Roh-Bear came into their lives)Why she decided jumping wasn’t for her, and how to find what you love most about ridingThe truth about balancing show costs, point chasing, and family budgetsHow Armor Equestrian was born out of barn heartbreak and became a brand that brings sparkle, fun, and joy back into ridingA hilarious first installment of our new segment: Trainer Truth BombsWhether you’re considering a lease, wondering how other moms afford the show circuit, or simply looking for permission to find your own barn-time joy, this episode is packed with real talk (and plenty of laughs).Special for listeners: Armor Equestrian is offering 15% off with code BHM → shop here.✨ Don’t forget: rate and review the podcast, and share this episode with another horse mom who needs to hear she’s not alone in this wild, wallet-draining sport!

In this first episode of Broke Horse Moms, I’m turning the mic on myself to share how we stumbled into this sport, what it’s meant for my family, and why this community matters so much.From Chloe’s very first pony ride at the county fair, to her first falls (and my first ringside heart attacks), to finding Phoebe, the opinionated pony who changed everything, I’ll take you through the highs, the wipeouts, and the unexpected ways horses transformed not just Chloe, but me too.This is the story behind Broke Horse Moms: the lessons, the friendships, and the dreams being chased.If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating barn life without a map, this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How our family accidentally fell into horse lifeThe role Chloe’s uncle and grandparents played in keeping horses in the familyThe bumpy road of lessons, leases, and falls (including broken bones and stitches)How Phoebe became Chloe’s heart pony and show partnerThe incredible growth I’ve seen in Chloe (and myself) through this journeyWhy I created Broke Horse MomsLinks & Resources:✉️ Join our virtual barn family (weekly newsletter): https://brokehorsemoms.kit.com/56f40ee3d1📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Check out what else is going on: www.brokehorsemoms.com

Broke Horse Moms is the podcast for every horse-show-tired, muck-boot-wearing mama raising a kid in the equestrian world.Hosted by Angie Trueblood, proud horse mom and member of the “I-thought-this-was-just-a-phase” club, we share the real talk, laughs, and lessons that help moms navigate barn life, horse shows, and big equestrian dreams, without losing our minds (or all our money).From learning the lingo to surviving your first show season or even what comes next for your teen rider, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re brand new or barn-seasoned, this is your place to connect, learn, and laugh with moms who get it.Subscribe now and join our virtual barn family at brokehorsemoms.com.