Equinomics: Money Tips for Summer Horse Shows

It's summer, and for many of us who show, that means travel. How many of you horse show moms and dads are, once again, spending your summer vacation at your breed or discipline "big show"?

Family vacations are usually a big expenditure, but this year they tell us people are opting more for "stay-cations" than "play-cations." But what about if your traditional summer travel revolves around the horse show circuit? You know you're not going to give that up!

For us on the Arabian Circuit, summer means our Regional shows and the Youth National show. All our summer vacations, from middle school through high school, were spent at horse shows. We loved it, and we took extra steps to make sure it was not a budget-buster, so we could enjoy ourselves.

Here are some tips to keep costs down:

*Use those frequent-customer clubs! When our daughter was showing, I joined several hotel clubs, and when we stayed in hotels throughout the year for weekend shows, we used those chains. For regionals and national shows, we redeemed our points for free nights. If you or your spouse travels for work, you can build up points even faster.

*You need to stay hydrated at summer shows, but boy, are those bottles of water at the concession stand expensive! Fill plastic water bottles from home, freeze them, and use them in your cooler to keep sodas or food cool; then drink the water as it melts. It's a green and money-saving alternative.

*If you have a large family, consider booking a room in one of the affordable all-suite hotels. A suite not only offers more room for a longer stay, but give you a kitchenette where you can prepare meals or save leftovers. Many also offer free breakfast, another money-saver. You can also re-freeze your water bottles each night.

*Shop when you get to town, and even if you don't have a kitchen, keep some prepared food in a large cooler. Or ask for a mini-fridge for your room, it should cost less than eating out for several days. If you're flying to your destination, get an inexpensive styrofoam cooler and leave it behind when you go.

*Bunk in with another family and double the fun. In some cities, you might be able to rent a house for a short term for less than a hotel.

*If you love camping, combine the horse show vacation with the camping vacation!

*Find things to do in the city you're visiting, and check ahead online for discounts. See if your company offers discounts to some of the attractions in the city where you're going (water or theme parks, for example.)

*Shop the Internet for price deals. Use Priceline, or similar sites, to bid on a hotel room in a show city if you're not too limited in where you can stay, and the city is large enough to have multiple options.

*Remember last month's tip: check out deals and discounts via your breed or discipline association, and use them for hotels or rent cars.

*See if there are any money-making opportunities at the show. I served as a photographer's assistant for a day at one of the national shows. You or your child might be able to clean tack or braid to pick up extra money. If a vendor who takes consignments will be there, bring along unused tack or outgrown show clothes to consign. Offer to write a blurb on results for one of the horse magazines. Or simply see if you can do some networking for your business.

Most of all, have fun at the shows!