Broke Horse Moms

Angie Trueblood

Broke Horse Moms is the podcast for every muck boot-wearing, Venmo-draining mama raising a kid who rides. Hosted by Angie Trueblood, proud horse mom and founding member of the ‘I thought this was just a phase’ club, each episode brings real talk, expert guests, and fellow horse moms who’ve lived through what we’re still Googling. We cover everything from barn life, budgeting, and decoding show rules and point systems to horse ownership, college riding, and *gulp* what to do if they want to make this a career. It’s a journey filled with learning, laughter, and a few tears, and we’re here for all of it, together. Subscribe and join the herd!

  1. What Dover’s Closing Reveals About Equestrian Retail w/Orchid Bertelsen

    3d ago

    What Dover’s Closing Reveals About Equestrian Retail w/Orchid Bertelsen

    If you’ve been anywhere near horse social media lately, you’ve probably seen the conversations around Dover Saddlery’s closures and liquidation sales. But what actually happened behind the scenes? And what does it reveal about the future of the equestrian industry? In this episode, I’m joined by Orchid Bertelsen, writer of the Substack Back in the Saddle, to break down the Dover story from both an economic and rider perspective. With a background in e-commerce, consumer marketing, and brand strategy, Orchid offers a fascinating look at why equestrian retail has struggled to evolve, what this means for local tack shops and brands, and why adult amateurs and horse moms are often overlooked despite driving so much spending in the sport. We also talk about: Why equestrian e-commerce still feels stuck in 2008How trainers influence buying decisionsThe challenges local tack shops faceWhy discoverability is a huge issue in the horse worldWhat horse businesses can learn from modern retailAnd why there’s still reason to feel hopeful about the future of the industry If you’ve ever struggled to buy boots online, wondered why horse businesses are so hard to find, or felt like the horse world makes things harder than they need to be, this episode is for you. Resources MentionedPresenting Sponsor: Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplieshttps://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order. Orchid Bertelsen, Back in the SaddleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchidinthesaddle/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orchidinthesaddleSubstack: https://orchidinthesaddle.substack.com/ Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supplieshttps://www.bigdweb.com/ Use code BHM10 to get an additional 10% off your order. Broke Horse MomsNewsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemomsThe Swag Barn: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/swagbarn - Use code BHM10 to get 10% off your order.

    49 min
  2. Are We Raising Riders or Buying Ribbons? with David Reichert of UDJC

    May 12

    Are We Raising Riders or Buying Ribbons? with David Reichert of UDJC

    Are horse shows teaching kids to become better riders or just rewarding expensive horses and polished rounds? In this episode, Angie sits down with David Reichert, founder of the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC), to talk about the gaps he sees in the current U.S. equestrian system and why he created an alternative focused on horsemanship, rider development, affordability, and grit. David shares his perspective on everything from hunter and jumper culture to dressage fundamentals, horse show costs, trainer influence, rider education, and why he believes kids should learn multiple disciplines instead of specializing too early. They also discuss: Whether horse shows are rewarding horses more than ridersWhy many kids aren’t learning horsemanship fundamentalsWhy “grit” matters more than convenience in this sportThe pressure trainers face within the current systemHow UDJC approaches rider development differentlyWhy parents often feel overwhelmed entering the horse worldWhat horse moms should actually focus on long term Whether you agree with all of David’s opinions or not, this conversation raises important questions about what we want our kids to gain from this sport and how the horse world could evolve moving forward. Resources MentionedUnited Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC)https://www.udjc.org/https://www.instagram.com/udjclub/ Broke Horse MomsWeb: https://brokehorsemoms.com/ Join the newsletter: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletterFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms/Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/brokehorsemoms Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply This episode is sponsored by Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply, a trusted source for tack, riding apparel, horse care products, barn essentials, and all the random things horse moms somehow end up needing at the last minute. Shop online at bigdweb.com.

    45 min
  3. Real Talk About Horse Shows: Costs, Chaos, and What No One Tells You

    Apr 14

    Real Talk About Horse Shows: Costs, Chaos, and What No One Tells You

    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 meanThe real costs of showing—before, during, and the hidden extrasTrainer fees, stalls, tack stalls, memberships, and all the add-onsThe time warp that is horse show scheduling (and why nothing runs on time)How I’ve simplified our setup to save my sanityWhere 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/newsletterFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

    31 min
  4. College Riding Options with Virginia Tech Coach Beth Sheely

    Mar 31

    College Riding Options with Virginia Tech Coach Beth Sheely

    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: What a collegiate club team is and how it differs from NCAA/NCEAHow IHSA works and why catch riding mattersCosts, funding, and scholarship realitiesWhat coaches look for beyond talentTime commitment and what “student-athlete” really means in this sportConfidence, nerves, and the role of sports psychologyHow fear develops and how to prevent itWhat parents often get wrong (and how to better support their riders)How to start exploring college riding programsWhen to begin the process (timeline for high school riders) Resources Mentioned College Riding Exploration Equestrian Talent Search (ETS Clinics): https://rideincollege.com/equestrian-talent-searchTournament of Champions Series: https://rideincollege.com/tournament-of-champions Organizations & Competition IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association): https://www.ihsainc.com/NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association): https://collegiateequestrian.com/NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): https://www.ncaa.org/ Virginia Tech Equestrian VT Equestrian Team: https://vatechequestrian.weebly.com/VT Equestrian Team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiatechequestrianVT Animal Science (Equine Program): https://www.apsc.vt.edu/ Broke Horse Moms Join the newsletter https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/newsletter2026 Planning Workbook: https://www.brokehorsemoms.com/2026Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokehorsemoms

    50 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Broke Horse Moms is the podcast for every muck boot-wearing, Venmo-draining mama raising a kid who rides. Hosted by Angie Trueblood, proud horse mom and founding member of the ‘I thought this was just a phase’ club, each episode brings real talk, expert guests, and fellow horse moms who’ve lived through what we’re still Googling. We cover everything from barn life, budgeting, and decoding show rules and point systems to horse ownership, college riding, and *gulp* what to do if they want to make this a career. It’s a journey filled with learning, laughter, and a few tears, and we’re here for all of it, together. Subscribe and join the herd!

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