It’s Time to Write Your Healing Horse Girl Money Story by Christa Meyers of Equestrian Entrepreneur

The broke horse girl story? That’s old news. As equestrians, we can all agree that our lives would be much more enjoyable without the constant cycle of spending money on horses and always feeling broke.

From the moment we enter the equestrian world, especially as women, we’re hit with a barrage of discouraging messages:

• "You’re going to be poor forever."

• "You’ll need to marry rich."

• "Make sure you get a high-paying job to support your passion."

• "If you want to make a million dollars in horses, you’ll have to start with two million."

• "There’s no money in horses."

• "Keep your love for horses a hobby; you need stable income."

Horses are sentient creatures, often behaving like suicidal toddlers, expecting you to pay their endless bills—because they sure won’t. Whether you’re an equestrian for pleasure or sport, it’s an expensive lifestyle.

But here’s a secret: My life changed when I started spending what I could on horses, not what I felt I should.

I know, horses come with unexpected bills—I own a mare who’s no stranger to the vet. But instead of shouting from the rooftops that you’re a broke horse girl and continuing the same habits that keep you broke, here are some tips to help you break the cycle and start improving your relationship with money.

Money Meetings for the Equestrian

Schedule meetings—yes, actually put them in your calendar—with yourself weekly or bi-weekly to check in on your financial reality. You can download the Equestrian Entrepreneur Money Meeting Guide from my website and adapt it to your life as an equestrian.

The purpose of these meetings is a blend of mindset and money management, so you know what’s happening, can make informed decisions, and see your progress toward your goals.

Write down all your bank account and credit card balances, and then add your expected income and expenses for the week. That’s your reality—now make a plan. Allocate money towards savings, debt, and investing goals. Don’t forget to budget for fun—otherwise, you’ll feel restricted and bolt straight to the nearest tack shop. Take note of the feelings that come up during these money meetings; they’ll be useful for the next step.

Challenge Your Money Mindset

We started this post with some of the stereotypical statements we hear about money in the horse world. There’s no denying that equestrians are surrounded by negative thoughts about money.

In a sport where many believe money trumps talent, I used to think I’d always find a way to make things work—my horses would always be cared for, but it would be a struggle, and I’d never feel financially secure.

Money always felt like a weight on my chest. No matter how much I worked, my checking account was a revolving door to my credit card. It wasn’t until I started having regular money meetings and challenging my money mindset that I began to break free from being a broke horse girl. I paid off debt, started saving, and little by little, gained financial stability. Today, as a 20-something who runs her own business, fully funds her bills and horses, and has control over her schedule, I’m not a millionaire—but I’m financially stable. And it didn’t happen without a lot of tears, unlearning limiting beliefs and unhealthy habits, and relearning ones that supported what I actually wanted from life - not just a quick dopamine hit. 

Here are some of my top suggestions for challenging your money mindset—without spending a dime:

• Pick up a book: Rich as Fck* by Amanda Frances is still one of my favorite money mindset books, one I’ve reread as I continue my money journey.

• Listen to a podcast: The Deeper than Money Podcast with Chloe Elise covers various money topics—I’d recommend starting with “7 Things I Do When I Get the Urge to Impulse Spend.”

• Read a blog post: Shameless plug, but I write posts that apply to equestrians, not just entrepreneurs. Here’s the link.

• Have a conversation: Talk to a fellow equestrian—about money, of course. The horse world would feel a lot less turbulent and isolated if we had more conversations about the topics that cause us pain or struggle. You might even find an accountability partner. 

The only way I could afford to chase my horse girl dreams as a kid was to work in exchange for access to horses, whether that was volunteering, working every hour that I wasn’t at school or eventually a “real” job in high school - I was at the barn working to learn and be around horses. I resented money and always felt trapped by it.  That story is familiar to most equestrians - but it’s not one you have to continue. My story is not a miracle, it’s one of strategy over sacrifice and taking a step back and slowing down, so I can go further. It’s your story too, if you’re willing to embrace a different perspective. 

I’m not so far away from being a “broke horse girl” that I forget what it feels like to be in a toxic cycle with money - especially when it’s something tied to your dreams and happiness. I do what I do because I know the peace that comes with improving your finances - and being able to realistically chase your dreams while affording reality. Your dreams need to be bigger than your bank account, but you’ll need to use your budget to make them a reality.

All things horse girl dreams and revenue streams,

Christa Myers