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Location: Cocoa, Florida | I guess my question is how many of you are out there like me single, 32 female trying to make it on your own and live this extravagant lifestyle?
My question is what do you do to make it by yourself on a single income and still be able to have horses and run rodeos/barrel races?
Life has been tough for me, no family support when it came to my horse obsession. Mother says its more of a burden when I see it as more of a blessing. Horse life has taught me to work 110% harder then I have to. I am a weekend warrior and train a colt Here and there, season and sell to make some extra cash savings.
My dreams are bigger then my wallet!!!!
I am a full time hair dresser, I have an education but I've built such an extensive clientele that i'm doing pretty well now. I live by myself in a studious single wide with my dog on 35 acres. I have one horse i always keep for myself to run the other two are for sale. As much as I get attached i need to make a savings for myself.
Sometimes I get lonely and wonder where will life take me but I trust in God for helping direct my pathway to success.
So I guess the point of this is....how many of you out there are like me and making it on your own? What do you do to survive?
Edited by RnRJack 2015-05-12 8:24 AM
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
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Location: Kansas | Try being a single mother as well.....I budget to make things work. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 667
| I am exactly like you. I am 27. I have an amazing full time career that I work about 50 hours a week at. I have 5 horses right now. TOOOOOO MANY!
I bought my own home almost 2 years ago. I have a 2014 Truck and Trailer. And I have been completely on my own since I was 18 when it comes to my horses and my bills. I have no family support when it comes to them. As a matter of fact, they say that I need to get rid of them all because it wears me thing. My dreams are way bigger than my wallet as well. I bust my a** for everything that I have.
I would love to be able to go buy a 20K barrel horse right now but financially, I can't. I trade around some on colts that I break. Sell something here or there and make a little cash. But this addiction consumes me. But it is also the only thing that truely makes me happy.
It gets lonely, yes. Would it be nice to have someone to help. Yes! Would it be nice to have two incomes and support, Heck yes! What you said about your horses giving you work ethinc is correct. You are a strong independent woman and making it on your own. That is something to be extremely proud of. Look around. There are people twice your age that still have nothing to show for themselves. You are out supporting you and your horses and living part of your dream. Embrace it. Lonely sometimes... but rewarding as well. Work hard to play hard. Someone will walk into your life that genuinely appreciates it.
**Edited to add: I would be RICH if I didn't have horses** 
Edited by TNcowgirl88 2015-05-12 8:33 AM
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-05-12 8:26 AM
Try being a single mother as well.....I budget to make things work.
I am still learning to budget, I have given up going to eat with my girlfriends (sometimes they don't understand) shopping at the mall, (my local goodwill is actually really nice) don't get me wrong I have my share of grace and mismee jeans, but ive brought all that to a halt lately.
Buying groceries and eating at home is a must as well. I hate cooking for just myself but it really saves me money and I can take leftovers to work.
I have also stopped the dreaded Starbucks drivethru. | |
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Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | RnRJack - 2015-05-12 8:42 AM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-05-12 8:26 AM Try being a single mother as well.....I budget to make things work. I am still learning to budget, I have given up going to eat with my girlfriends (sometimes they don't understand ) shopping at the mall, (my local goodwill is actually really nice ) don't get me wrong I have my share of grace and mismee jeans, but ive brought all that to a halt lately. Buying groceries and eating at home is a must as well. I hate cooking for just myself but it really saves me money and I can take leftovers to work. I have also stopped the dreaded Starbucks drivethru.
I use pinterest to make pre-planned meals. Also coupons help as well!!!! | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| I am 31 and have been paying all my own bills since I was 19 and moved out of the house. My family supports me, but not financially. They listen to me complain, lend a compassionate shoulder, and come to the major shows when they can to cheer me on. The SO/fiance' has been in my life for 5 years, but he is not financially responsible for my bills.
So - my keys ... #1 BUDGET and build an emergency fund that you don't touch unless it is a true emergency (ex: horse accident, water heater in house blows up, pickup transmission goes out, etc) #2 Buy USED items, that brand new truck is much cheaper as 2 or 3 years old with 50k miles on it and will still do everything the brand new one will. #3 Make time for friends. I budgeted $40 a week for myself to blow on whatever, so when the gals call for drinks I go and enjoy my pals. #4 WORK - I currently hold a full time job with great benefits, but I also work for cash on the side with a few locals building fence, feeding while they are gone, barn/animal sitting, etc. #5 Don't be afraid to just tell people you can't afford something b/c that money is earmarked for something else. True friends totally understand your determination and goals!
Chin up and GOOD LUCK! You can do it! | |
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 On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | I am 29. I have one horse and a dog that lives with me, my old horse still lives at my moms. I bought a house about a yr and a half ago.
I don't go shopping, I buy the necessities. I splurdge here and there. I don't live in debt at all. I have a car note and my house note. I make decent money, but I pick and choose where I go; I don't go as much as I did when I was little. My friends usually get mad at me because I won't go out with them, but that is a waste of money in my perspective. I will go to dinner with them maybe once a week, if they are lucky. I am a home body I guess you could say.
I have never been on a vacation so I am going, once I am out for the summer. Trip is booked and I am getting excited. | |
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 Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
Posts: 5530
Location: OH | I don't really have anything to add, just wanted to say that I admire you girls for chasing your dreams. | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 538
Location: Central Texas | Only thing I'm going to add is that you learn to pick and choose which barrel races you want to go to. You can go every weekend to the small shows, or you can go to one or two larger shows a month. Thankfully I have a job that pays well and I have parents who still help me out when I need it. I'm 30 with 2 horses 2 dogs, 2 vehicles, and a house. | |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | I did it for many years......i loved being single and having my own space......enjoy it......there will come a time when you will look back and realize how nice it was.......:)......m | |
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Posts: 288
| Well I'm not single and young but was seperated from my husband for almost 2 yrs. So here's my advice.
Buy the best quality hay you can afford. Feed it free choice and you won't have to feed very much grain. If any.
Get on a good basis with your vet so you can have a revolving credit account if possible. Make your payments METICULOUSLY so if a catastrophe happens you will have the ability to deal with it and your vet will take care of you.
Look at your shoing program and figure out if barefoot or only shoing the fronts will work for you. You will save money there. Or even better learn to trim yourself. It's not hard
Don't spend $150 on cowgirl tuff jeans. Or any other clothing item for that matter.
Trim the fat anywhere humanly possible. Be brutally honest about your priorities and do not do anything to sabotage them
Oh....and this one was hard but important for me. Do NOT beat yourself up about not having the latest BOT sheet, softrides, razr shoes or whatever the trend du jour is. Your horse absolutely will be fine on great hay (no grain), cold hosed (wwith no soft rides), etc. There might come a time when you can afford luxeries but if that time is not now don't feel down about it. Do the best with what you have
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On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | txcajuncowgirl - 2015-05-12 9:09 AM Only thing I'm going to add is that you learn to pick and choose which barrel races you want to go to. You can go every weekend to the small shows, or you can go to one or two larger shows a month. Thankfully I have a job that pays well and I have parents who still help me out when I need it. I'm 30 with 2 horses 2 dogs, 2 vehicles, and a house.
 Ditto. I go to may 2 a month, or one bigger one a month.
My mom will help with my animals if I go away for the weekend. I love my mom to death! She will have my animals for pretty much all of June. I am so thankful to have her. Week vacation, and my 2 week summer job. | |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Did it until I was 33......and had a lot of fun.
Streamline & Budget - if it's not helping get you to your end goal, don't do it. This goes for how you allocate your money and time.
Quality over quantity of horses.
Just because you're not married doesn't mean to wait to do the 'grown up stuff'. I paid my neighbor to help with some of the guy stuff around my house that was tough for me.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 667
| wickedstepmother - 2015-05-12 9:25 AM
Well I'm not single and young but was seperated from my husband for almost 2 yrs. So here's my advice.
Buy the best quality hay you can afford. Feed it free choice and you won't have to feed very much grain. If any.
Get on a good basis with your vet so you can have a revolving credit account if possible. Make your payments METICULOUSLY so if a catastrophe happens you will have the ability to deal with it and your vet will take care of you.
Look at your shoing program and figure out if barefoot or only shoing the fronts will work for you. You will save money there. Or even better learn to trim yourself. It's not hard
Don't spend $150 on cowgirl tuff jeans. Or any other clothing item for that matter.
Trim the fat anywhere humanly possible. Be brutally honest about your priorities and do not do anything to sabotage them
Oh....and this one was hard but important for me. Do NOT beat yourself up about not having the latest BOT sheet, softrides, razr shoes or whatever the trend du jour is. Your horse absolutely will be fine on great hay (no grain), cold hosed (wwith no soft rides), etc. There might come a time when you can afford luxeries but if that time is not now don't feel down about it. Do the best with what you have
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I have a friend who is going through this very thing, only she is 50. She is tired of working 2 jobs to pay for 4 horses, dually truck and nice living quarters trailer. She is in the process of selling all but her reiner, downsizing to a 1/2 ton truck and a nice bumper pull trailer. She knows that in 6 months to a year she is going to need a more talented reiner and she also knows to afford the better horse she will have to make major changes. If I were young and unmarried, I would sell all my current horses and buy the best horse I could afford. I would do what my friend is doing except I would get a 3/4 ton nondually truck and a smaller gooseneck trailer so I would have 2 less payments. This may not apply to you at all, just sharing my friend's experience. I am sure you will figure it out, you are an intelligent young woman. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 288
| GLP - 2015-05-12 8:22 AM
I have a friend who is going through this very thing, only she is 50. She is tired of working 2 jobs to pay for 4 horses, dually truck and nice living quarters trailer. She is in the process of selling all but her reiner, downsizing to a 1/2 ton truck and a nice bumper pull trailer. She knows that in 6 months to a year she is going to need a more talented reiner and she also knows to afford the better horse she will have to make major changes. If I were young and unmarried, I would sell all my current horses and buy the best horse I could afford. I would do what my friend is doing except I would get a 3/4 ton nondually truck and a smaller gooseneck trailer so I would have 2 less payments. This may not apply to you at all, just sharing my friend's experience. I am sure you will figure it out, you are an intelligent young woman.
^^ this! we have had 10 to 15 head FOREVER as we trained and sold horses for our business. But this year we bought a house in town and my town pasture is pushing it at 5 horses. That is still about 2 to many but we can't get rid of my daughters old guy. He'll expire sooner rather than later and she's already riding his replacement. I also have a sweet sweet gelding that will be sold in a couple years after he builds my confidence back up and my 3 yr old gets broke. For now I'll barrel race on my sons appy who is so sweet and will be a 4d horse which is what I need right now. The point being, do NOT keep the extras, ones that might have potential, whatever. I was dumping horses left and right this winter and I have never felt less stress in my life! And having a plan to get down to 3 in a couple years feels even better. Only keep the ones you absolutely need to do what you are doing now. horses are easily replaceable. Don't keep the yearling with 1D potential if you can only afford to feed and ride the 15 yr old that wins you money in the 4D every race you go to
Edited by wickedstepmother 2015-05-12 10:32 AM
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 Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | I just got put in this category with the death of my dad last year. I am 29 and lived with him; and my father and I had an agreement that I would look after him and do the running around (he was in a wheelchair) and in turn I got to live for less; I always thought I had the perfect life, and my dad was my best friend too. I could come and go whenever I wanted and I paid my own horsie bills, cell phone and car bills. I live on 403 acres and am now handling it solo with gasp 14 horses and all the other pets we have. I had savings which went to paying taxes to get the farm in my name (thankfully it's paid off), pay the funeral and handle the lawyer and other expenses for the estate since they managed to tie his money up for 8 months. The government and banks also managed to take 60% of what my dad had in savings besides the farm (and the rest we split between my brother and I, but it didn't even come close to my bills for the time) so it was lucky I had it and I was so worried about the farm until it got signed over. Now I budget and plan carefully, my SO does live with me but he only pays half the monthly house bills, if he didn't I could cut them down a lot more because I don't watch TV and could cut back on other items too, he thinks the rest is worthless basically. My horses and anything for the farm come out of my own pocket. I have a few I will sell but a lot of our breeding stock I won't because dad knew and I had a dream and he was so proud of what I had done . I have given up going out, planted a garden to lower food bills, turned my heat down a few degrees and put a sweater on in the winter (my power bill is $600 a month in the dead of winter with everything running), and budgeted to the penny... but I am going to do this. I start to waitress again at night in 2 weeks to save for next winter on top of what I do already, and still be able to buy another horse to expand what I love too here and there. I have come to terms with shows can wait for now too and am fortunate hay is free because I have an agreement with the neighboring farm to take it off and I get a 1/3rd. The number one thing is budget though and have contingency funds for anything factored in.
ETA: I have learned to trim my guys myself, I only shop bargain for myself (clothes, shoes, etc) if I absolutely need it. My horses get free choice hay and pasture, and I only grain what I need too. Price shop and compare bulk to individual if you know your going to use it all and not waste it.
Edited by ndiehl 2015-05-12 11:03 AM
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | hoofs_in_motion - 2015-05-12 8:45 AM RnRJack - 2015-05-12 8:42 AM hoofs_in_motion - 2015-05-12 8:26 AM Try being a single mother as well.....I budget to make things work. I am still learning to budget, I have given up going to eat with my girlfriends (sometimes they don't understand ) shopping at the mall, (my local goodwill is actually really nice ) don't get me wrong I have my share of grace and mismee jeans, but ive brought all that to a halt lately. Buying groceries and eating at home is a must as well. I hate cooking for just myself but it really saves me money and I can take leftovers to work. I have also stopped the dreaded Starbucks drivethru.
Well I am a busy wife and mom of 2 and sold all my horses lol. I can say though if you are looking for easy cheap meals use a crock pot. I spent a few hours one day writing down recipes for frozen crock pot dinners, and trying to find things that wouldn't require me to buy a ton of different ingredients or wasting something because I had to buy a certain amount but didn't have a meal planned for the left over chicken or whatever. You bag all of the ingredients up, put them in the freezer with cook times or ingredients you need to add at the end etc. So in the morning you grab a bag out of the freezer, throw it in the crock pot and breath a sigh of relief because that is one less thing you have to do that night. Also try to set out your meals so you can put left overs in the next meal. For instance if I make soft tacos one night, all of the left over meat will go in a crock pot of beans the next day. So the meat isn't wasted. If I just make a pot of beans then the left over beans will be mashed up and we will have bean burritos the next day. If there are still left over beans (which usually isn't much) we will add them to something like our fajitas as a filler and to make our dinner stretch further. We eat like a bunch of starving teenagers, so cheap fillers are a big plus to me.
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 Expert
Posts: 2013
Location: Piedmont, OK | I am waaayyyyy older than 20 or 30. lol. But I am single. Went thru a divorce at 36 and still single and loving it at 43. I didn't own horses until my divorce he was not a horse person. I manage it by first and foremost trusting God and praying about EVERYTHING. There is not a horse I own that I do not pray about before purchasing or breeding for. I also working a full time job. I have a small 3 horse with a weekender that is paid for. I don't pull up in the nicest truck and trailer but it gets the job done. I try to pick BBR races or NBHA races that I am a member of and need points for. I don't go to every single show in OK. My daughter also barrel races and we do the same for her. I have 2 broodmares. I keep one foal and sell the other every year. basically the one I sell pays for the re-breeding every year. But I also cannot afford a high powered high dollar barrel horse so we make our own. And sell a few along the way.
On another note, I became a rep for Animal Element so I could afford supplements for my horse and it turns out people seek me out at races and buy from me. It now pays for my horses supplements and most of the time pays most of my entry fees too.
I am not saying any of this would work for someone else but it's what works for me. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 696
| I wish i had some advice to add but i'm one of the ones needing the advice! please excuse me if i rant a little on your post but it's the same topic and i just need to vent... i was one that always had my priorities straight. i was in college full time. worked part-time (sometimes 2 or 3 part time jobs) and lived at home with mom and dad. my bills were always paid on time or early. at the age of 20 or 21 (i don't remember exactly) i was able to finance my good ole used diesel truck all by myself with insurance in my name and all was great. fast forward to 23 years old... my mom passed away in september. in december i met my husband. in march we bought the house we are in now. in april we found out we were pregnant with twins... we have been behind on bills and all ever since then. if it weren't for my dad STILL helping us, we would never make it. the bad part is often times i feel like i would be happier with just me and my kids but i have no way to do it on my own even without horses (and most of you know how miserable a life without horses is). i just FINALLY got a horse that is good enough to be able to be very competitive on and the thought of giving that up just makes me even more miserable than i thought possible. i literally don't see any way to do it on my own until my girls are in school (which is 4.5 years from now) with daycare being $1100 per month!! anyway, no bashing please i just had to get it off my chest because i seriously envy those of you that are doing it on your own even though it isn't easy for anyone. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 113
| I guess I've never known anything different. I come from a non-horsey family and have always been told if I want horses, it's on me.
Good hay, good feed and safe equipment are #1.
I'm a meticulous budget-er. I budget for everything from birthday gifts, night outs etc. I do get slack sometimes from my family members or friends, "Oh c'mon, it's an extra $20." But, I stick to my guns. It all adds up.
However, I think my budgeting is a bit different than other folks. I budget for each paycheck and update it all the time. If I end up having lunch provided for me for several days in a week, I take that cash and put it to something else (usually EFs!). Granted, I do typically bring my own lunch. I make casseroles or prepare some type of meat I can eat on for a week.
I use Google docs for my budget and I look at it an analyze almost every day. I also have an online savings account where I auto transfer $25 each week. I use this to save up for the bigger shows or tack I want to buy. It's not much, but $100/month comes in handy every now and then.
Also, I think it's extremely important to be realistic about your budget. If you're going to a one day jackpot, don't just budget for your fees and fuel. You will always spend money on the little things and they will add up and throw you off.
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 Veteran
Posts: 234
Location: Oklahoma | Well I work hard I have a pretty darn good job. I am a single mom so it makes things a little tougher but I get it done. I also sell 1 or 2 horses on the side and ride for other people for extra income. Its not easy and can be done it all comes down to how hard you wanna work for what you want. I may not get to go as much as I want and have as nice of things as I want. I go about once a weekend, I budget everything. If its not needed or extra I dont get it. The baby comes first she is always taken care of then the horses then me. I am finally getting to the point I can start putting some money back into my savings account. Its not easy but it can be done and it wont happen right away it takes time. | |
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 Go Canada!
Posts: 2954
| runaround - 2015-05-12 11:38 AM I guess I've never known anything different. I come from a non-horsey family and have always been told if I want horses, it's on me. Good hay, good feed and safe equipment are #1. I'm a meticulous budget-er. I budget for everything from birthday gifts, night outs etc. I do get slack sometimes from my family members or friends, "Oh c'mon, it's an extra $20." But, I stick to my guns. It all adds up. However, I think my budgeting is a bit different than other folks. I budget for each paycheck and update it all the time. If I end up having lunch provided for me for several days in a week, I take that cash and put it to something else (usually EFs!). Granted, I do typically bring my own lunch. I make casseroles or prepare some type of meat I can eat on for a week. I use Google docs for my budget and I look at it an analyze almost every day. I also have an online savings account where I auto transfer $25 each week. I use this to save up for the bigger shows or tack I want to buy. It's not much, but $100/month comes in handy every now and then. Also, I think it's extremely important to be realistic about your budget. If you're going to a one day jackpot, don't just budget for your fees and fuel. You will always spend money on the little things and they will add up and throw you off.
I started keeping a very in detail budget last winter and this part is huge. I have a spreadsheet that I will add expenses/purchases into and can see how it will affect me 6 months down the road. I also make sure to fill in the actual cost for bills etc once I have paid them which improves my future budgeting. I have "flexible" items which I can adjust to balance out my budget (groceries, gas and misc) and the essential items which I build my budget around (mortgage, phone bill, hydro etc). If I'm uncertain about something I will work out different scenarios and see which will cost me more in the long run.
I also have a seperate spreadsheet and budget for my horse stuff (entry fees, diesel, tack etc) and do not take any money budgeted for bills to use towards this.
Edited by tj135 2015-05-12 12:10 PM
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| Amen to all you hard working ladies! I needed to see someone else in the same boat.
I am 25 and have been blessed with an incredible well paying job. I have 1 horse and a trailer. I borrow my parents truck. I have been house shopping for a place with land so i can buy another horse and finally have them at home. I board currently.
I budget every penny I have. I plan out meals, lunches, breakfasts ... I plan out gas, oil changes, farrier, and other reoccuring bills. Its not easy but I would like to think it will work itself out in the end.
Finding a house in my price range is exhausting and my gelding is getting older... so I feel the pressure right now. Boarding two just seems silly to me.
ETA - have stepped down my competitions. I limit myself to 1 big bash a year and then I just do local jackpots and playdays. I choose places where I know I can win my money back (if I have a good run). I cant afford to haul to the tiny races.
Edited by stayceem 2015-05-12 12:08 PM
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | If anyone is looking for a budget spreadsheet I've made one that I feel like is pretty easy to operate and it helps you tinker with your budget. If you'd like one, PM me your email address and I'll send you one. Budgeting has SERIOUSLY helped my boyfriend and I. The reason I started budgeting is I was bringing my horse down here and needed to watch my money more carefully. Knowing how much you have to spend in each category is so nice. | |
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 Mature beyond Years
Posts: 10780
Location: North of the 49th Parallel | Add me to this list. I'm 21 and in college full time. One more year until I have my degree. I am still living at home so I'm not paying rent but I'm on my own with horses and everything else. My parents will sometimes help out with vet bills but other than that, I pay for everything myself. My dad and I share my truck (I make payments every other month) and I have an old dinky stock trailer that gets me from point A to point B. I find it really hard to budget because my paycheck fluctuates and it's never the same. Could be a lot, could be not much. I just moved my horse closer so I'm now paying board but just have the 1 horse. Have vet bills to pay right now. I'm looking at getting a second job to help out with expenses as well.
It's frustrating because my most of my friends are doing "decent" right now and always seem to have money to go on vacations.... and then there's me, who always seems to be broke because of horses. | |
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On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | stayceem - 2015-05-12 12:06 PM
Amen to all you hard working ladies! I needed to see someone else in the same boat.
I am 25 and have been blessed with an incredible well paying job. I have 1 horse and a trailer. I borrow my parents truck. I have been house shopping for a place with land so i can buy another horse and finally have them at home. I board currently.
I budget every penny I have. I plan out meals, lunches, breakfasts ... I plan out gas, oil changes, farrier, and other reoccuring bills. Its not easy but I would like to think it will work itself out in the end.
Finding a house in my price range is exhausting and my gelding is getting older... so I feel the pressure right now. Boarding two just seems silly to me.
ETA - have stepped down my competitions. I limit myself to 1 big bash a year and then I just do local jackpots and playdays. I choose places where I know I can win my money back (if I have a good run). I cant afford to haul to the tiny races.
Keep looking you will find something. I looked for a year. Had houses sale out from under me, got into bidding wars, etc. I found my house, not exactly where I wanted but it is perfect for me. Had to build fence and some type of stall but I got what I wanted. I have had to work on it, and need to work on it some more but it was in my price range, where the realtors wanted to show me everything the finance company said I could afford. I gutted the bathroom first, and updated it. Tax refund I put new doors in. I will save some more money and will do windows next. | |
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 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | I'm in this group too :) I'm 30, divorced, and have a few too many horse. lol
I don't do jackpots and rodeos though, my good horse got hurt and is now retired. I have a 2 yo coming along that I bred and raised, I hope to futurity him as a 4 yo. I'm more of a breeder than a rider. I want to raise the next best thing :) I have busted my butt, scrimped, saved, and been flat busted broke to have what I have. Admittedly, it would be MUCH easier without the divorce, not saying I wanted to stay married but my divorce costed me a FORTUNE. As in, I'm still paying for the dang thing. Really makes you rethink every getting remarried.....needless to say if I ever do, there will be a prenump a mile long and I'll be keeping my last name either way.
Anyway, my family is not supportive, they think I'd be better off without the horses. I don't even know what I'd do without them though. Take up knitting???
I have a budget that I try very hard to stick to, sometimes things don't pan out the way I'd like them to but that's just the name of the game. You get back up and you just keep trying. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| RnRJack - 2015-05-12 6:20 AM
I guess my question is how many of you are out there like me single, 32 female trying to make it on your own and live this extravagant lifestyle?
My question is what do you do to make it by yourself on a single income and still be able to have horses and run rodeos/barrel races?
Life has been tough for me, no family support when it came to my horse obsession. Mother says its more of a burden when I see it as more of a blessing. Horse life has taught me to work 110% harder then I have to. I am a weekend warrior and train a colt Here and there, season and sell to make some extra cash savings.
My dreams are bigger then my wallet!!!!
I am a full time hair dresser, I have an education but I've built such an extensive clientele that i'm doing pretty well now. I live by myself in a studious single wide with my dog on 35 acres. I have one horse i always keep for myself to run the other two are for sale. As much as I get attached i need to make a savings for myself.
Sometimes I get lonely and wonder where will life take me but I trust in God for helping direct my pathway to success.
So I guess the point of this is....how many of you out there are like me and making it on your own? What do you do to survive?
I was like you until I turned 34 and married the man of my dreams who is also devoted to living the simple life so we can barrel race and team rope. LOL
I went without a lot of the other things that women find to be absolute musts like nails, hair, shiny baubules, going out to bars and clubs that have cover charges and $14 drinks. I also lived in a caretaker's studio at a boarding stable. Since I fed all the horses in the am before I went off to work, one of mine got to board for free. I also half-lease one of my other horses to offset costs and keep her legged up. The other girl does not compete but if she did she would pay half of the mare's grain and maintenence like chiro, injections, etc.
Instead of my Starbucks addiction I started drinking coffee at home. Much cheaper and my waistline is much smaller, too. Wal-Mart and Target have cute clothes if I want to shop, and if I think I NEED a new pair of Miss Me's or CGT's...I never buy them unless they are at least half off the original price. I am also not abject to eating leftovers for several nights in a row. This may sound boring but it has really afforded me more barrel races and lessons/clinics that I otherwise may not have been able to afford. | |
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 A Gopher's Worst Nightmare
Posts: 5094
Location: Southern Oregon | I did 100% better when I WAS single!!! A single mother at that. I budgeted my money. I worked a good job that is considered part time, only because I make my own schedule, I work more then full time plus 20 hours a week. My daughter is just as much if not more horse crazy then I am so we did what ever it took to make it work. We LOVED our lives! Then I went and got attached to a man, had another kid and things have changed alot. He has LOTS of expensive hobbies and we still have our horses. We do what ever we can when we can, but I wish we had more money and more time. Trying to get back to budgeting my time and money to make it happen like it use to. TIME is the big thing right now. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | It is very awesome and inspiring to read all the different stories of people just like me, and getting great advice from others that may not be in the same boat but can help by suggesting simple things such as meal preps!
I'm glad I started this thread, there's so many others like me out there I just don't see it a lot!
Thanks everyone and keep sharing! | |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| scamper - 2015-05-12 2:15 PM
stayceem - 2015-05-12 12:06 PM
Amen to all you hard working ladies! I needed to see someone else in the same boat.
I am 25 and have been blessed with an incredible well paying job. I have 1 horse and a trailer. I borrow my parents truck. I have been house shopping for a place with land so i can buy another horse and finally have them at home. I board currently.
I budget every penny I have. I plan out meals, lunches, breakfasts ... I plan out gas, oil changes, farrier, and other reoccuring bills. Its not easy but I would like to think it will work itself out in the end.
Finding a house in my price range is exhausting and my gelding is getting older... so I feel the pressure right now. Boarding two just seems silly to me.
ETA - have stepped down my competitions. I limit myself to 1 big bash a year and then I just do local jackpots and playdays. I choose places where I know I can win my money back (if I have a good run). I cant afford to haul to the tiny races.
Keep looking you will find something. I looked for a year. Had houses sale out from under me, got into bidding wars, etc. I found my house, not exactly where I wanted but it is perfect for me. Had to build fence and some type of stall but I got what I wanted. I have had to work on it, and need to work on it some more but it was in my price range, where the realtors wanted to show me everything the finance company said I could afford. I gutted the bathroom first, and updated it. Tax refund I put new doors in. I will save some more money and will do windows next.
I sure hope so... I had an offer in on the perfect little place and we got in a bidding way and i lost. Just had a house sold from underneath me on Monday. So I need to realize I am not the only one. I dont need anything beautiful or glamorous. Just a small little place where I can have my horses and be comfortable. I like projects and doing work. | |
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On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | stayceem - 2015-05-13 8:29 AM scamper - 2015-05-12 2:15 PM stayceem - 2015-05-12 12:06 PM Amen to all you hard working ladies! I needed to see someone else in the same boat. I am 25 and have been blessed with an incredible well paying job. I have 1 horse and a trailer. I borrow my parents truck. I have been house shopping for a place with land so i can buy another horse and finally have them at home. I board currently. I budget every penny I have. I plan out meals, lunches, breakfasts ... I plan out gas, oil changes, farrier, and other reoccuring bills. Its not easy but I would like to think it will work itself out in the end. Finding a house in my price range is exhausting and my gelding is getting older... so I feel the pressure right now. Boarding two just seems silly to me. ETA - have stepped down my competitions. I limit myself to 1 big bash a year and then I just do local jackpots and playdays. I choose places where I know I can win my money back (if I have a good run). I cant afford to haul to the tiny races. Keep looking you will find something. I looked for a year. Had houses sale out from under me, got into bidding wars, etc. I found my house, not exactly where I wanted but it is perfect for me. Had to build fence and some type of stall but I got what I wanted. I have had to work on it, and need to work on it some more but it was in my price range, where the realtors wanted to show me everything the finance company said I could afford. I gutted the bathroom first, and updated it. Tax refund I put new doors in. I will save some more money and will do windows next. I sure hope so... I had an offer in on the perfect little place and we got in a bidding way and i lost. Just had a house sold from underneath me on Monday. So I need to realize I am not the only one. I dont need anything beautiful or glamorous. Just a small little place where I can have my horses and be comfortable. I like projects and doing work.
I found a house I loved. It had a small barn, 4 acres. It had been listed a day. I looked at it at 9, next ones looked at it at 10. I started above the asking price, and so did they. I lost it. I was mad and upset. Now I am so glad I didn't get it now, it was already at the top of my budget. | |
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Expert
Posts: 2457
| Oh my Lordy .... I have gone around and around on houses. I have had them sell out from under me; been told no thanks cause you're a single gal, and the crown jewel was a home on 5 acres in which the house was not legally situated on the acreage but the sellers didn't disclose this until I confronted them about it a week before closing (so I got to walk away due to the contingencies I put in the offer). I mean seriously - who builds a house that is half on the neighbors property and then leaves it for 10 years ???!!!?!?
My advice - Pray more than you think you should and DON'T GIVE UP!!! I swear that for every crappy house, bad realtor, or crummy seller I have run into - each experience has set me up to appreciate the 80 acres and great home that the SO and I are closing on here shortly. We have been living in a camper trailer for the last 8 months (that's another story of a crap landlord) and scrimping and saving our rear's off. I had my eye on this property long before the SO proposed and I fully believe that God's timing is perfect. The older couple contacted my SO after he sprayed their crops this spring and we have been chasing it ever since. | |
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On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | lindseylou2290 - 2015-05-13 9:13 AM Oh my Lordy .... I have gone around and around on houses. I have had them sell out from under me; been told no thanks cause you're a single gal, and the crown jewel was a home on 5 acres in which the house was not legally situated on the acreage but the sellers didn't disclose this until I confronted them about it a week before closing (so I got to walk away due to the contingencies I put in the offer). I mean seriously - who builds a house that is half on the neighbors property and then leaves it for 10 years ???!!!?!?
My advice - Pray more than you think you should and DON'T GIVE UP!!! I swear that for every crappy house, bad realtor, or crummy seller I have run into - each experience has set me up to appreciate the 80 acres and great home that the SO and I are closing on here shortly. We have been living in a camper trailer for the last 8 months (that's another story of a crap landlord) and scrimping and saving our rear's off. I had my eye on this property long before the SO proposed and I fully believe that God's timing is perfect. The older couple contacted my SO after he sprayed their crops this spring and we have been chasing it ever since.
The first house I wanted belonged to a elderly couple that had passed away. So the kids were having an estate sale. So my parents and I decided to go be nosey and see what they were selling and I could finally see in the garage. Mom started asking a daughter there questions about the house, I was in another room. Lady told my mom some young teacher with horses wanted the house and that she knew I couldn't afford it and that I needed to just come to the realization of it. My mom bit her tounge very well, I am surprised. They wanted about 20k more than the house even appraised for and wouldn't budge off the price for me. The house I bought is very similar to this house, I just wish I had the carport or garage the other house had. | |
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 I"m Jealous!
Posts: 1737
Location: Benton City, WA | I went to a lot of school- it allowed me to have the job I have but my student loan payments are also a large sum every month. I bought my own place ASAP out of school, so that I wouldn't have to rent/board horses. Since my break up last year, I had to get a roommate...my Ex used to train out of my place, so he would help pay half the mortgage every month. Without that money, my place was too much to afford. The roommate helps a lot with the money situation. I was in a bad spot last summer, until she moved in. If I don't have extra money, I don't go run barrels, shop or eat out. I'm A-OK eating top ramen and canned soup for lunch and dinner (gross I know).
I have never been concerned with the how nice my rig is...I upgraded from a 99' dodge to an 06' GMC 2 years ago- VERY exciting for me! Just in the last few months, I managed to trade in my bumper pull and get a 4 horse gooseneck, with the difference on a credit card. I have paid for my equine prospects with credit cards and student loans, depending on timing. Not the best, I know, but I wouldn't change a thing about my decisions. The colt I bought in school using loan money is even better than I ever dreamed he would be...I feel incredibly blessed all the time with my horses and my life in general. If I would just sell one, it could pay a lot of bills but I'm WAY too attached to the ones I have now. I use care credit for a lot of my equine vet bills... no interest. My modest commuter car (honda civic) is at 1.99 so great interest rate, and I don't have to waste money on fuel driving the dually to work.
I just try to be practical about everything- I don't take vacations or anything like that. I keep up on all my payments, so I have excellent credit, despite being spread very thin... That would probably be my best advice is build your credit. It has sure helped me do what I want to do.
Good luck!!! | |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| I am NOT single, but all of this sounds like how hubby and I live our lives in general. Both of us grew up "poor" but didn't really realize it at the time, both of us just figured that that is how life is. BECAUSE we have lived like this, we have been able to afford having horses. There was a time when he was a pickup man, that we each had 4 we were using regularly. Because we have lived like this he was able to take summers off to "live the dream" and be a full time pickup man as around here, you don't get paid what your horses are worth to do the job, but he loved it and got to do what he loved.
You can make choices that make it a little less expensive (which it sounds like the OP has already done) like NO expensive jeans or shirts, not following trends and buying quality tack instead of the latest trend...I still have stuff from when I was in 4H! I bought one of the first aluminum trailers seen at rodeos in this area, a 16' stock combo with a 22 INCH short wall LQ that I share with saddles and tack, but I still pull that trailer which is now 22 years old and put a new subframe and axles underneath it because I still love pulling it and do not have another payment......LQ trailer payments these days are a 2nd mortgage!
Because we have lived like this, when the economy crashed, it had much less effect on us than it did for many. On the other hand, there wasn't much more cutting back we could do. I cut back tremendously on traveling when fuel went to $2 a gallon, so when it went to $4 a gallon, it didn't affect me as much as my friends. However, I got tired of NOT rodeoing so I cracked back out when fuel was at it's high point, just made sure I crewed up rather than haul by myself like I used to.
Hubby likes to say that everyone works for something, whether it is their kids, a nice house, vacations, or horses. Only the very fortunate get to have it all. Life is choices and horses are a hard, expensive choice, but one I would make again and again.
Chin up and kudos for doing it yourself! You can't worry about what others think about what you wear or pull up in. You are NOT alone in your struggles. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1599
| Oh my goodness...I could write a book on this I think. After I got divorced at 29 I definitely had to make some sacrifices to keep my horse. I was making half what I am now and picked up a job at Strarbucks after work. Got a ton of free food and coffee which helped keep me going! Had a roommate for a bit too.
After a year and a half at Starbucks I got a promotion and was able to quit. Kept working hard and a few more promotions later I can afford to live! But with a truck payment, trailer payment, and 400 bucks in feed a month it still seems to not go that far! I cook all the time, bring my lunch, and found a good farrier/vet (and nail salon) that does a great job and makes me feel like I am getting my money's worth.
I never want to have a trailer payment again, and if I can help it I will pay off my truck and trade it in for something for equal value or plus whatever cash I've saved. Brand new is NOT worth it, and I think that's the biggest thing that's helped me. I buy a lot off of FB sites etc for horse stuff, saved me hundreds, and just in general don't always have to have shiny and new as long as its in good shape.
It is SO worth it to me to learn that I can support myself. I do get twinges of jealousy when friends seem to get off easy and find someone to support themselves right away, but for ME, I know this was the best thing that could happen to me.
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Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Rodeoveteran I like your husbands philosophy.
I think I've sent my budget spreadsheet to almost everybody who asked. It works for me and how my brain operates. We still run very tight each month. I have an interview this Thursday for a pizza delivery job on the weekends. We NEED to get our emergency fusnd of $1000 built up.
I don't have a truck or trailer and I just trail ride nowadays. It costs me $325 a month but I am 100x more happy with my horse here. We have a lot of debt and are working on it diligently. I will say that we will never buy a new vehicle AGAIN. Our car is new and we are upside down, otherwise I'd sell it! I will always pay cash and never use a credit card again. Dave Ramsey has HAMMERED this into my brain. I recommend e Rhine struggling to listen to his free podcast on iTunes. There's 3 episodes a day and it really gives you a perspective on how other people live and the struggles they have. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | Love reading all of these! I really want to start budgeting after reading this, just need to figure out where to start. I am 22 years old and am completely on my own and have been since I was 18. I currently have a pretty amazing set up and couldn't ask for much more but I have really struggled before. I work for a trainer starting colts. My horses are kept here and fed for free which is a HUGE expense saver. I usually have 2-3 horses at a time of my own. I live on the property so I have no rent/utilities. I have a paid off trailer that is perfect, however, I did sell my truck a few months ago so I can't do much hauling right now. I am currently selling a horse so I can buy a new to me truck.
I do have quite a lot of bills: car payment, insurance, credit cards (used when I get behind or have an emergency) and student loans. I have spent over $3000 in vet bills in the last couple months which has destroyed my savings account and I also bought a new horse that broke its navicular bone a week later and I had to give away. So between the vets and losing a horse I am a bit stressed out right now but hoping to get back on my feet again here shortly. A huge benefit to my job is I can take in outside horses of my own and, as long as board is payed, I pocket the rest.
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | I've gotten into budgeting myself this year and it has helped me pick and choose which events to go to a LOT this year so far. I found some software made by a company called YOU Need A Budget aka YNAB. Completely customizable. 4 Rules to follow. Goes very similarly with Dave Ramsey and his followers. I can put it on my phone and when I buy something I can make 3 clicks to deduct it from my budget and keep everything current. Shows how much I have left to spend in that budget on my phone to help keep me and hubby accountable. I also have TOO many horses, but sadly feel that even if I sold 3 then nobody would want to take care of the old ladies like I would and they would end up in a bad place. Already have a managable hay budget and two of my cows had surviving calves that will actually pay for my horses hay this year (big yay since last year I had casualties of bad mommas and coyotes). I've got one mare being broke and ready to sell that I raised from a yearling (not making anything on her, but lightening the feed load and making her more marketable). It is painful because she is doing so awesome and the greedy me wants to keep her and try to make her my next champion. Realistic me says- I have too many horses. | |
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The Single 20-30s women making it with horses on your own?