Newsdate: Mon, 14 May 2012 - 06:54 am
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According to Horse Cent$ Magazine, it is possible to lower the costs of participating in horse shows. Waiting until the last minute to make your plans for a horse show directly affects your overall costs.  Planning and organizing is one of the best ways to avoid spending more than necessary. 

Save $$ by planning ahead

Top 5 Ways To Lower Your Horse Show Costs.

Here are the Top 5 Ways To Lower Your Horse Show Costs, according to Horse Cent$ Magazine editor Laurie Cerny.

1. Make sure your papers in order.  Have copies of your horse's registration papers, proof of annual shots, current Coggins, and membership/amateur cards.  Have these things together at least one month prior to the show, otherwise you might have to pay rush charges, or may not be able to show at all.
2. Reserve stalls and camping by the deadline.  Advance registrations for stalls and camping are usually cheaper than paying for them at the last minute, or at the show. Some shows also offer discounted pre-pay registration for classes.  Don't reserve more stalls then you need and write down the cancellation refund date.  Overbooking stalls can be costly, as well as not being aware of the date when you can cancel and get your money back (useful if you have a horse that comes up lame, or a family commitment that makes it impossible to attend the show).
3. Take more bedding then you need.  Bagged shavings sold at shows are usually very expensive.  If space in your rig allows, always take an extra bag or two.  You'll be glad you did if a storm comes through and floods your stalls.
4. Make sure you have all grooming supplies and clothes and tack you'll need.  Purchasing grooming supplies at a show will usually cost you 10-20% more.  At a recent show it was shocking to see a tack shop (actually a brick and mortar, permanent store located on the grounds) charging $5-$10 more for everything from fly spray to hoof dressing. 
5. Check your truck and trailer.  This means the fluids in your truck, lights, brakes, and tires, as well as having a full tank of gas/diesel.  Breaking down on the road can be both costly and dangerous.  Likewise, finding out the morning of the show that your rig isn't ready to go can also result in losing your stall and camping reservation money, etc.