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July 17, 2018 by Lisa

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show?

close up of a rider in a horse show

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

The Real Cost To Show A Horse

I love horse shows. Ok, I am obsessed with horse shows. Online shows, real, live horse shows. Western, Hunter-Jumper, it doesn’t matter what kind of show, I just love horse shows. And the area where I live there are a lot of horse shows. I am lucky enough to live close by a show ground that hosts a summer long series of hunter jumper shows. And every year, I go to these shows as a spectator.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

Yep, that’s me at the Colorado Horse Park. Standing next to one of the 6 foot tall standards they use in the Grand Prix. And yes, I have a pretty awesome farmer’s tan going on. And yes, I look like a dork. But I am just so happy to be this close to the International arena at the Colorado Horse Park. #don’tjudge

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

But one of my bucket list goals is to be able to go to this series as a competitor. This has been a dream of mine for as long as I have been going to these shows. But they aren’t inexpensive. In fact, they are expensive, really expensive in my opinion. So before I go to said shows, I wanted to figure out what the real cost will be and I thought I would share that with you. You now, in case you were wondering how much it would cost to go to an A rated hunter/jumper show.

The Hunter Division

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

When I try and decide which division I would enter, my heart is drawn to the jumpers, but I wonder if I would be better to start in the hunter division. I have been told that Frisby would make a nice hunter. And he has a very ‘pretty’ jumping style. But he has his faults, like a large lump on his back leg that isn’t so pretty, and I think that would hinder him in placing in a hunter class.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

I would be more likely to show with Ethan, and he is a great horse, but I just don’t think he has what it takes to be a hunter. I could be wrong. Maybe in the next several months when I can ride again and get him jumping, he might surprise me. But I prefer the objective judging, like against a timer rather than the subjective judging of a hunter judge.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

And while there is a certain beauty in the hunter division, I like a little more creative freedom that the jumper ring allows. So I think we can count out that I will be showing in the hunter ring.

The Jumper Division

This is where I really want to compete. And I think the modified low jumpers would be a good place to start. The fences aren’t too tall with a max jumping height of 3’1″ and they even offer a low jumper classic class each week. The classes are affordable at $50.00 per class, and the classic would be $125.00 entry fee. Again, not horrible, considering you do have the potential to earn a little bit of money as they add money back for each class. This means you have the opportunity to win a little bit of money.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

I think this would be the best series to enter for me and my horses, especially for the first “big” show.

The Real Costs

But, the class entry fees aren’t the only cost for the shows. There are a lot of other fees that need to be considered:

  • Office fee: $50.00
  • Medic fee: $15.00
  • Stall fee: $275.00
  • USEF Drug fee: $16.00
  • USHJA Fee: $7.00
  • Night watch fee: $14.00
  • Shavings: $7.00 a bag (x 9 bags = $63.00)

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

Total additional weekly fees: $440.00

And then there are the memberships that need to be paid each year:

USEF Membership: $55.00

USHJA Membership: $85.00

CHJA Membership: $60.00

So the total cost for each week of shows would be: $865.00, per week making the grand total for all 7 weeks, and the memberships would be a total cost of $6255.00. That is crazy expensive! Well, it is for me. That is to enter 7 classes a week, and keep my horse on the show grounds! And that doesn’t take into consideration the cost of working with a trainer, that is all extra money.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

And then if I want to school at home, I will need to have (or make) big jumps, so I can perfect my skills and nurture my horses ability at home, before we get to the fancy-schmancy show.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

Holy. Cow.

Going to an A rated show is going to cost a lot of money. And honestly for me, right now I can’t really justify that. But if I could break even, you know, win enough money at the horse show to offset the cost, then yeah, I think I can justify it. And after all, it is a bucket list wish, so you need to be able to do it at least one time right? Am I wrong in my justification? I think not.

How Much Does It Cost To Enter A Hunter/Jumper Show

And It’s good to have a goal to work towards. It might take me a year or two to be able to realize this goal, but one day, I want to achieve it. #goals.

 

 

 

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Category: ArticlesTag: diy horse jumps, equestrian, equipment, horse show, horse shows, my favorites

About Lisa

I am horse crazy and love DIY projects, and finding great deals on everything horse related. When I have a new idea, or find a great deal I love sharing this information with you……..AND just to have FULL Disclosure:

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the blog posts on my site will allow you to purchase different products and services online provided by other merchants, and not myself. Some of the links that I post on my site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission.* I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn a commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
*Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katy

    January 9, 2020 at 6:54 AM

    Thank you for this! My daughter is considering moving up to a rated show after competing in schooling shows and IEA for the past four years and it’s good to have an idea of the costs – which are , well, I guess YIKES best sums up my thoughts on this 🙂

    Reply
  2. SC

    March 7, 2023 at 6:17 AM

    I had no idea! Thank you. I didnt know they lasted 7 weeks! That’t crazy! How can people afford to not have income for that long? Not only hemorrhaging money like that.

    Reply

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