Barn Budgeting: Making the Numbers Work for Passion and Profit
- afenner
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
People don’t get into horses for the money. We get into it for the passion, the purpose, the adrenaline rush, and the love of the lifestyle. But if you’re not paying attention to the numbers? That dream can turn into a debt spiral faster than a colt can spook at a flag.
At Rad Rodeo, we believe you can love horses and run a smart business. It’s not about squeezing every penny — it’s about intentional decisions that let us keep doing what we love, without losing sleep.
Start With Reality, Not Romance
We’ve all done it: bought a horse we couldn’t quite afford, entered too many jackpots, splurged on that fancy new tack just because it sparkled. (Guilty. Still don’t regret the fringe.)
But the foundation of good barn budgeting is honesty.
What does it really cost to feed, shoe, and vet every horse?
What do entries, fuel, and meals actually add up to per month?
What is your breeding program bringing in vs. spending out?
Putting it all on paper can be sobering — but it’s also empowering. Because then you know exactly what you’re working with.
Build a Budget That Reflects Your Priorities
Our budget reflects what we care about:
We invest in breeding and young horse development.
We prioritize coaching and experiences for our kids.
We set aside for vet bills, even when everything’s going right.
We cut corners intentionally — never on safety, never on health. But maybe on eating out.
Every family’s numbers will look different, and that’s okay. The key is knowing where your dollars go — and making sure they match your values.
Track It Like a Business (Because It Is One)
Even if your ranch isn’t incorporated, it’s still a business when money changes hands. We:
Keep digital records of all expenses and income.
Track horses and kids winnings for records in the future
Evaluate each year: what worked, what didn’t, what needs adjusting.
Treating it like a real operation helps us make smarter decisions — and it keeps the passion sustainable.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Money
There’s this weird guilt sometimes in the horse world — like if you’re making money, you’re not “in it for the right reasons.”
We reject that.
You can love the horses and be profitable. You can breed ethically, coach compassionately, and still charge for it. You’re not greedy for building a business — you’re smart.
Final Thoughts
At Rad Rodeo, we’re not running a hobby. We’re running a vision. And that means budgeting with purpose, not just hope.
Because when the books are balanced, the horses are happy, and the kids are learning — that’s when the dream really works.
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Ann-Marie Fenner
Ranch Manager, Breeder, Rodeo Mom
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