Your Horse Mom Questions, Answered: Leasing, Owning, Injuries, and More
This episode is all about your horse mom questions, the ones you’ve sent me in Instagram DMs and replies to the newsletter. I was going to do a show season recap, but your questions were too good not to tackle, even if I’m far from an expert.First, I share a note from a listener who heard my conversation with Magda from Boujee Broke Mom about switching barns. Her line about the grass at the next barn being spray-painted green made me laugh out loud.Then we get into the mailbag. A mom new to the horse world sent me a half lease offer and asked if the price was reasonable. I walk through each line item (the $600/month lease fee, the $600/month board, farrier, routine vet, and as-needed vet care) and share how I’d judge whether a lease fee makes sense for the horse you’re getting.Next, a family who just bought their first horse asked what they need to buy. I share why your first move is a meeting with the barn owner or manager, plus what to ask about and what to buy first.I also talk about something close to home: helping your kid come back from a serious riding injury. Chloe has had two bad falls, and I share what helped us, from talking with her trainer one-on-one first to choosing the safest horse and going slower than feels necessary.We wrap up with two questions I get all the time: what’s the difference between a coach and a trainer, and why are ponies so freakin’ expensive? (A $40,000 lease came up. For one year.)If you have your own horse mom questions, send them my way. I’d love to make this a regular thing.Key TakeawaysBefore you agree to a half lease, ask whether lessons are included, what kind of horse you’re getting, and what the as-needed vet bills looked like last year.A yearly lease fee often runs a third to half of the horse’s purchase price, so do the math and ask whether the horse is worth it.When you buy a horse, meet with the barn owner or manager first so you only buy what the barn doesn’t already supply.A tack trunk is a must. Blankets can be bought as you need them or on sale at the end of the season.After a serious injury, talk with the trainer privately first, then all together with your rider, so everyone follows the same plan.Start the comeback on the safest horse available, and let your rider rebuild confidence one positive ride at a time.If your horse needs work, look for a barn where the coach can also ride and train the horse.Resources MentionedLeave a voice message with your question: https://speakpipe.com/bhmBroke Horse MomsWebsite: https://brokehorsemoms.com/Newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsThe 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 the best listening experience!Mark Fagerburg, photographer extraordinaire, who shot the pic of this week's cover art. Support the legacy scholarship he and his wife have created in honor of their late daughter, Alia, at: https://www.cvsja.com/donate-scholarships
