In her newest H&H column, Anna Ross highlighted the monetary pressures dealing with riders – from hovering insurance coverage to mounting enterprise prices – and the way these hurdles can block progress for these with out deep pockets.
However whereas the panorama is hard, some riders are discovering good, sustainable methods to maintain competing. You won’t be purchasing for the following Valegro – few are – however that doesn’t imply your goals are out of attain.
Right here’s the way to keep within the sport with real-world methods for having fun with dressage on a funds.
Actual riders share how they handle dressage on a funds
Worldwide grand prix rider Steph Croxford is aware of what it’s wish to compete on a shoestring – and nonetheless stand out.
“We now have no cash by any means, however I’ve managed to coach and compete a number of horses for over 25 years now,” she says.
“With entry charges and diesel prices rising, I solely compete once I have to. It’s the identical with classes – one journey can price £150, so I make each rely.
“I be taught what I can from my fabulous coach, go residence and practise, and ebook one other lesson once I want a nudge.”
At residence, she cuts prices wherever potential.
“I don’t have fancy matchy-matchy outfits, and most of my tack is from eBay,” she says. “When my horses had been on shavings, I obtained them free from the sawmill – I simply needed to bag them.
“Now they’re on chopped rape straw from an area farm, which is less expensive.”
Steph feeds all her horses arduous feed from her native provider, and, with no workers, retains horse numbers reasonable.
“We now have 4 – that’s sufficient mucking out for me!” she laughs. “All of us pitch in earlier than and after work and college. Meaning 6am begins, driving at 7am, then again within the night for yard jobs.”
“Spend your cash on the horse, not the extras”
Worldwide small tour rider Stef Eardley has reached nationwide grand prix stage on a funds.
“I actually take care of my stuff and get rugs repaired – some are over 30 years previous,” she says. “I discover bargains on Fb Market and eBay. If I would like one thing new, I look ahead to the sale.”
Flashy gear isn’t a precedence for Stef.
“Spend your cash on good feed, good shoeing, good physio, and driving the horse correctly,” she says. “These are my non-negotiables. For those who’ve obtained cash to spend, spend money on actually good coaching.”
Even her lorry displays that ethos.
“I’ve the world’s worst-looking lorry – nevertheless it’s dependable, has been overseas, and drives properly,” she says. “I saved up for it. At first it didn’t have electrical energy, so I purchased a tenting cable I hang around the window. I exploit charity store blankets as a center layer between rugs.”
She additionally plans forward. “I save month-to-month right into a horse account, so I at all times have one thing in hand for vet payments,” she says.
“You don’t have to spend a mortgage on a horse. My most costly was £8,500, however I’ve had large success with free ones nobody else may experience. One went to grand prix, one other to inter I.”
“Make each penny rely”
Secondary college instructor and BHS coach Katherine Loupart has competed to medium stage – usually beginning with horses others neglected.
“My cash is hard-earned, so I’ve to make use of it properly,” she says. “I’ve by no means purchased a ready-made horse. All of mine had been just-backed or began by me – two had been discovered at a market and have become my greatest.”
Till just lately, she didn’t even have an enviornment.
“Most of my education has been completed on bridleways,” she says. “I exploit transitions, leg-yield, shoulder-in, canter strike-offs and hills. I’d rent an enviornment as soon as a fortnight and mix it with a centered lesson. I at all times come again with homework.”
She competes month-to-month – except she’s chasing {qualifications}.
“The horses acquire expertise at unaffiliated stage. I solely affiliate once we’re prepared,” she says.
She’s clear on what issues: “I by no means minimize corners on physio, dental care, or feed – together with dietary supplements.
“However I skip the extras. Fancy saddle cloths can price greater than a lesson or competitors, they usually don’t change how your horse goes. eBay and Market are my go-to – and it’s higher for the atmosphere, too.”
Do you have got any ideas to assist maintain your horse prices down? Share them with us by emailing us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and county, for the possibility to your letter to look in a forthcoming situation of the journal
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Credit score: Jon Stroud Media
Credit score: FEI/Lukasz Kowalski
Credit score: Future
H&H dressage and sport horse editor
Oscar graduated from York St John College with a grasp’s diploma in Literature in 2021 and joined Horse & Hound in October 2023. Oscar labored for prime dressage rider Emile Faurie for 4 years after ending an equine administration course in school. Underneath Emile’s tutelage, Oscar competed on the 2015 Nationwide Dressage Championships and travelled with Emile’s horses to CDIs at Aachen, Vidauban, Saumur and Achlieiten. Oscar continues to compete in dressage, alongside his day job.
