What the Industry Counts vs. What She Actually Spends
Annual equestrian spend, adult amateur on a half-lease with occasional schooling shows
Standard industry figure — direct horse costs only
Board$4,200
Feed & hay$1,800
Veterinary (routine)$500
Farrier$1,200
Training$2,400
Insurance$335
Apparel & gear—
Clinics—
Entry fees—
Industry average cited$11,335
Real adult amateur spend — full picture
Half-lease (12 months)$12,000
Lessons (2x/week)$6,240
Tall boots$500
Breeches (3–4 pairs)$600
Helmet + safety vest$700
Show coats, shirts, gloves$500
Schooling shows (4–6)$2,400
Clinics$800
Misc. tack & accessories$600
Realistic total$24,340
2.1x
The real spend of an active adult amateur is more than twice the industry's standard figure — and she is funding every dollar of it herself, with no parent's credit card and no sponsorship subsidy.
Industry average: U.S. equine market data. Adult amateur estimate: representative spend model based on 2025 market rates for half-lease, lessons, and gear.