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:

1. What a collegiate club team is and how it differs from NCAA/NCEA
2. How IHSA works and why catch riding matters
3. Costs, funding, and scholarship realities
4. What coaches look for beyond talent
5. Time commitment and what “student-athlete” really means in this sport
6. Confidence, nerves, and the role of sports psychology
7. How fear develops and how to prevent it
8. What parents often get wrong (and how to better support their riders)
9. How to start exploring college riding programs
10. When to begin the process (timeline for high school riders)

Resources Mentioned

College Riding Exploration

1. Equestrian Talent Search (ETS Clinics): https://rideincollege.com/equestrian-talent-search
2. Tournament of Champions Series: https://rideincollege.com/tournament-of-champions

Organizations & Competition

1. IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association): https://www.ihsainc.com/
2. NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association): https://collegiateequestrian.com/
3. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): https://www.ncaa.org/

Virginia Tech Equestrian

1. VT Equestrian Team: https://vatechequestrian.weebly.com/
2. VT Equestrian Team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiatechequestrian
3. VT Animal Science (Equine Program): https://www.apsc.vt.edu/

Broke Horse Moms

1. Join the newsletter https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter
2. 2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026
3. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms