Broke Horse Moms

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.

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

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

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:

1. The winter clothing that’s earning its keep at the barn
2. Why gas station hot chocolate is sometimes the answer
3. Things that matter more than you expect when it’s icy (looking at you, low gears and manure)
4. Community-tested winter survival tips from other horse moms
5. 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:

1. Broke Horse Moms newsletter: brokhorsemoms.com/newsletter
2. Newsletter archives (in case you sign up AFTER we send the email with links): https://brokehorsemoms.kit.com/profile
3. 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.

• 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

📝 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

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. 🐎💙

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 answers
• Create a realistic show wish list (and talk about the why)
• Do a reality check on time, budget, and family capacity
• Prepare for trainer conversations before show season starts
• Define wins that aren’t tied to ribbons

If 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