Let’s be real. Balancing uni life, a part-time job, and equestrian dreams can feel like mission impossible. But here’s the good news: with some savvy planning and smart choices, you can make it work without living on two-minute noodles forever!
Arena Saddles provide riders with quality saddles at an affordable price point.
THE GEAR GAME
We have to give a very shameless plug to the biggest game-changer for budget-conscious riders. When Arena Saddles, built from European leather, with HART (the same technology for horse and rider comfort found in some of our other favourite brands) hit the Australian market at $1995, our jaws dropped. These saddles pack all the premium features of saddles costing twice as much.
The HART technology (including the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution and CAIR Cushion System) means your saddle can grow with your horse. No more expensive saddle fitter visits or trying to sell a saddle that no longer fits when you move to a new lease.
“The HART technology
means your saddle can
grow with your horse…”
SMART SAVING STRATEGIES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
- Consider joining Pony Club – the coaching and competition
fees are often more affordable.
- Share the load: Split travel costs with mates heading to the same events.
- Skip the fancy show day plaiting – learn to do it yourself (YouTube is your friend!).
- Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales for rugs and gear.
Quality equipment that grows with you is worth the investment.
TRAINING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
You don’t need weekly private lessons to improve. Mix up your training with:
- Group lessons (split the cost with friends).
- Video your rides and join online critique groups.
- Volunteer at big events to watch and learn from top riders.
- Share lessons with a mate – watch each other’s sessions and discuss.
COMPETITION COSTS
Instead of hitting every major event, create a strategic competition calendar:
- Focus on local competitions to build experience.
- Choose a few key EA events as season goals.
- Look for venues that allow day parking instead of stabling.
- Pack your own food and drinks (showground prices are brutal!).
“Quality equipment
that grows with you is
worth the investment.”
THE EQUIPMENT EDGE
Quality equipment that grows with you is worth the investment. This is where choices like Arena Saddles shine – their EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution means one saddle can adapt through multiple fitness phases and even work with different horses. Getting premium features like HART technology and European leather at this price point makes good financial sense for uni students and young riders working their way up the grades. They have an amazing range of girths, bridles, stirrup leathers and other accessories that won’t break the bank either!
Smart budgeting doesn’t mean missing out – it means making clever choices about where to invest and where to save. With thoughtful planning and strategic investments in adaptable equipment like Arena Saddles, the dream of eventing can be more accessible than you might think. After all, some of Australia’s best eventers started out juggling study, work, and competing. You’ve got this! EQ
This article was written in conjunction with Arena Saddles. Click here to find out more about their range.
Related articles
Four years ago, Larissa Tweedie started the Lara Tweedie brand with $10,000 and a baby. Fast forward to today and the Lara Tweedie brand has not only garnered attention from international dressage stars but is now going to be the very first equestrian brand in the world to bring the wonder of Disney’s Frozen to Australian riders, with the upcoming Lara Tweedie Disney’s Frozen collection!
Innovation and a commitment to practicality and comfort have led to a unique line of horse coaches that not only meet and exceed the expectations of equestrian competitors and families, but have also generated a world-leading capability for creating all sorts of specialist vehicles. This is what happens when horse sports meet motorsports in New Zealand.