I’ve been umming and arring about writing and sharing this. I think it probably opens me up to much judgement and criticism. BUT, for me anyway, money is a huge part of managing my mental health and a huge part of managing life with horses. So I thought the more openely we can talk about it, maybe, the more people will be comfortable sharing and helping eachother when it comes to horses and money. Plus it feels like everyone on the internet is #gifted or #ad so I think a dose of normal may be good for us!
Now my childhood was extremely lucky, my parents had land, built stables, I had my own ponies, went to competitions and not once thought about the financial implications, well at least not until I started representing Team GBR and knew that my Mum would set up a savings account every year (kudos Mum for believing in our ability to be selected so strongly) to pay for the trip to a Championship, which is a whole different budgeting story and in all honesty I would not be able to afford myself without a good couple of years saving.
I am so grateful for the support of my family, their money, time and patience and there has been more than one occasion where I have had a Mum and Dad bail out as a ‘grown-up’. More occasions actually than I would be willing to admit and for which I am so so lucky and thankful for, but also feel a bit guilty for not being a good enough adult. As I know many people do not have that financial and emotional safety net like I do.
However I have worked quite hard to get myself the wage I earn and an embarrassing amount of that I spend on the horses. Horses, I always say, are a lifestyle choice, I don’t eat out much, don’t shop for clothes or makeup much, I get excited about the haylage order and trips to the feed store when others would go on a night out out. So I have a monthly budget and a separate bank account that I have a standing order straight into which is purely for ‘horse stuff’. I’ve done this based on one horse as I thought it would be less complicated and I am well aware you can spend much more or much less…..but this is my budget, within my means (just) and the way I have chosen to do it and I’m sharing it as an insight not a guide!
Beth Endurance 