Inside the Numbers: Cost Breakdown of an A Show in Texas

Photo © ES EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY || EVELYN SZCZEPANEK

BY TPH STAFF

It’s no secret that horse shows are expensive. There’s really no cap on what you can spend. We think it’s important to be transparent when possible on real line-item costs.

Some people will look at the below line items and say, You can do it cheaper! And others will roll their eyes and say, There’s no way this was so affordable. The range of reactions is a commentary itself on the different types of riders our sport contains. But here is one rider’s exact, cost breakdown of an A show.

The Scenario

Our rider here is an adult amateur that lives in Texas a few hours away from the horse show. These numbers are for one horse doing two divisions (one pro division, and one amateur division) at an A rated show.

Office Fees

  • USHJA Hunters Division Fee: $100
  • Amateur Hunter Division Fee: $160
  • Warm-Up Classes: $40 x 3 = $120
  • Office fee: $75
  • Stall: $250
  • Trainer split: $136
  • USEF/USHJA Fee: $30
  • Ringside Amenities: $40
  • Night Watch: $20
  • Total to office: $913

Training and Care Costs

  • Hauling – 300 miles: $320
  • Day Fees: $75/day x 5: $375
  • Hotel/Groom split: $170
  • Braiding (2 manes, 1 tail): $230
  • Groom tip: $120
  • Total Care: $1,215

Rider/Owner Costs

  • Gas: $90
  • Hotel: $90/night x 3: $360
  • Meals & Incidentals: $175
  • Show videos: $40
  • Show photography: $55
  • Total Owner Costs: $720

Total Cost to Horse Show: $2,848

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