Here at Young Rider, the No. 1 thing readers write in to ask about is how they can earn money for a horse. To help offset the cost of riding, whether you take lessons, lease or own, the great news is you can turn your determination and hard work into a paycheck.
The first thing you’ll need to do is get permission from your parents to work these types of odd jobs. Chances are, your parents will appreciate that you acknowledge the value of a dollar and your willingness to put in your own work to keep your horsey lifestyle funded.
Once you get the all-clear, look through the list below to create a list of work ideas you can confidently offer. These will depend on the jobs your parents, relatives, friends, neighbors, barn owner, and riding instructor value the most, what you prefer to do, and where your expertise lies—all of which is different for everyone.
Barn Job Ideas
For safety reasons, stick with duties that match your experience level. Depending on your age and strength, you may need to ask for a little help from grown-ups—especially when dealing with animals.
Barn Chores:
â—† Feed, water, fill hay nets, scrub buckets and tanks, clean feed and hay rooms, organize supplements
â—† Turn out and bring in horses
â—† Check fences and pastures for hazards
â—† Pick up rocks, trash, and manure from pastures and arenas
â—† Muck out and bed stalls, de-cobweb barn, sweep aisles
â—† Clean and organize feed and hay rooms
â—† Clean and organize tack room; clean and condition tack
â—† Clean and disinfect horse brushes and bits
â—† Clean wash rack and grooming areas, viewing area, barn bathroom and laundry room
â—† Launder horse blankets, sheets, saddle pads, leg wraps, fly masks and non-leather girths
â—† Clean out horse trailer(s) and organize contents of trailer tack room for the next road trip
â—† Re-paint fences and jumps
Barn Assistant:
â—† Help your trainer groom, bathe, give first-aid treatments, and tack and untack horses in training
â—† Longe, hand-walk, hand-graze, exercise and cool down horses
â—† Help tack and untack lesson horses for kids and beginners
â—† Demonstrate correct riding skills to younger and less experienced riders
â—† Keep young kids entertained so their parents can ride
◆ Help manage the barn’s social media pages with photos and advertising
â—† Be a junior camp counselor
â—† Be a groom for a show, rodeo or event
Get Creative on Ways to Earn Money
If you find chores to be a bore, you’re in luck! Here are some ideas to get your creativity rolling.
â—† Let your instructor use your horse for lessons with a written agreement
â—† Half- or quarter-lease your horse out (have parents draw up a contract for leaser)
â—† Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks to sell at the barn
â—† Re-sell, consign or trade outgrown or unused riding clothes and equipment
Start a Business
Maybe you’re more of an entrepreneur, and starting a business would be the most fulfilling way to earn extra money. Here are some ideas:
â—† Bake horse and dog treats
â—† Put together and sell equine first-aid kits
â—† Body clip horses in winter or offer face/leg touch-ups during show season
â—† Thin, cut, band or braid manes and tails
â—† Pet-sit or horse-sit for neighbors and boarders who are on vacation or busy at work
â—† Set up photo shoots for families and their horses
â—† Video older kids and adults during their rides, lessons and events
â—† Bake and sell treats for gifts and special occasions
â—† Bathe, groom and walk dogs
â—† Make a lemonade, hot cocoa, cookie or popcorn stand
â—† Make horse art or crafts to sell as gifts (paintings, drawings, jewelry, bookmarks, key chains, photo frames, wood carvings, decorated horse shoes, refurbished old tack)
Ways to Earn Money Around the House
Every household can use some extra hands to help. Make sure you have experience doing these types of tasks, and ask an adult you if you have any questions.
Get Cleaning:
â—† Tidy and clean the kitchen, mudroom, toy room, laundry and bathrooms
â—† Tidy and organize cupboards, pantries and closets
â—† Do dishes, dust, vacuum, sweep and mop floors
â—† Wash, dry, fold and put away clothing, sheets and towels
â—† Host a yard sale after helping organize/clean out house and garage
Be Handy:
â—† Pull weeds, mow, water plants and gardens, turn lawn sprinklers on/off, rake leaves, shovel snow
â—† Clean and organize shed
â—† Wash and vacuum out cars
â—† Collect and return recyclables
â—† Build and sell birdhouses, planters, yard games, photo frames, tack trunks and saddle racks
Use Your Talents:
â—† Help with meals and food prep
â—† Mentor and tutor kids in subjects you excel at
â—† Help at parties by watching kids; be in charge of activities, serve food, set up and clean up
Getting Started
You’re almost ready to dive in! There are a few more things to think about before you join the working ranks.
â—† Learn as much as you can about all kinds of jobs around the barn and house.
â—† Work with a friend who has experience and tips to share.
â—† Be realistic about the jobs you can safely do by yourself and with a friend.
â—† Ask if you can put up a flyer in local horse stables, neighborhoods and schools to help advertise. Only give out contact information after parents give you the go-ahead.
◆ Ask others to refer your work to people they know. Make sure to share any stranger’s information with your parents and take along a trusted adult when meeting and working for new people.
With some time and patience, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of working to help pay for your horse and riding. The good news is that there will always be plenty of things to do around the house, barn, and neighborhood that can help you earn some extra money!
| Tips for Saving Money Ask your parents to help you open a bank account so you have somewhere to deposit checks and cash and transfer digital payments for safekeeping. ◆ Make a budget of what you’re going to spend—and stick to it. ◆ Buy gently used horse items and riding clothes whenever possible. ◆ Watch for sales online and at tack stores. ◆ Take good care of your belongings and equipment to keep from needing to replace expensive items. |
This article about how to earn and save money for horses appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
