Diesel Is Over $6 a Gallon: 15 Completely Rational Things Equestrians Are About to Do
When fuel costs hit harder than your last vet bill, horse people don’t stay home. We just get resourceful, ridiculous, and really, really good at splitting diesel.
There are few things that will unite the horse world faster than outrage over hay prices, vet bills, and fuel. With diesel pushing past $6 per gallon in some states (and averaging around $5.65 nationwide), equestrians everywhere are doing what we do best: adapting, improvising, and making just enough questionable decisions to keep things interesting.
I mean, let’s get real. We’re not not going to the show. We’re just going to get a little … creative about it.
Here’s what that looks like.
1. Mentally invoicing your horse for poor performance
“That run cost me $120 in diesel. You could have at least picked up the correct lead.”
2. Falling deeply, passionately in love with “local” shows
That series 20 minutes down the road you used to skip?
Suddenly it’s giving five-star destination vibes.
“Honestly, I just love supporting the local community.”
3. Inventing the equestrian version of carpooling
One truck. One trailer. As many horses as physics and poor decision-making will allow.
Tack trunks stacked like Jenga. Some roughies thrown in the dressing room. Someone definitely sitting on a cooler.
No one knows whose halter is whose anymore, but we’re saving $40 each, so it’s fine.
4. Becoming aggressively social for fuel-sharing purposes
You haven’t spoken to this person in three years, but suddenly:
“Hey girl!! Miss you!! Totally random, but are you going to that show??”
5. Re-evaluating every single mile like it’s a life choice
You used to haul out for a lesson without thinking.
Now it’s “Is this a ‘worth $60 in diesel’ lesson or a ‘watch a YouTube video and cry’ lesson?”
6. Turning off the truck. NOW.
No more idling. None.
You pull in, shut it off immediately, and sit in silence like, “We’ll open the windows. Builds character.”
7. Removing anything that even hints at extra weight
Buckets? Gone. Extra hay? Horses will be fine without it.
Emotional baggage? Still present, unfortunately.
But if it’s not bolted down, it’s not making the trip.
8. Suddenly becoming an expert in fuel efficiency
You now know your truck’s MPG better than your horse’s birthday.
Wind resistance? A factor. Tire pressure? Monitored.
You’re basically an engineer now.
9. Hosting “clinics” at your own barn for totally selfless reasons
“I just think it’s important to bring education to our area.”
No, you just don’t want to drive three hours and sell a kidney to fuel the trip.
10. Eyeing up the local – ahem – establishments.
You know. Just to see if they’re hiring. After all, there has to be a niche market for dancers who are clothed in hay and smell like manure… right?
11. Packing food like you’re preparing for economic collapse (because you sort of are)
Drive-thru? Absolutely not.
You’ve got a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, drinks, backup snacks, and emotional support snacks.
We are not spending one extra dollar on this trip.
12. Considering whether your horse really needs to attend
“He’s been to shows before. He understands the concept.”
Honestly, maybe you just go and visualize.
13. Fantasizing about alternative transportation methods
Could you ride there?
Pony down the shoulder?
Convince a friend with a gas truck to switch lives with you?
14. Developing a deep, personal relationship with your fuel gauge
That little needle is now your emotional support system.
Half tank? Stress.
Quarter tank? Panic.
Gas light? Full existential crisis.
15. Still going anyway — just louder about it
Because here’s the what’s really going to happen.
We’re still hauling out. Still entering the class. Still chasing the next goal.
We’re just going to complain about diesel prices the entire time, split the fuel six ways, and bring enough snacks to emotionally recover from the trip before we even get home.
Because if there’s one thing equestrians are going to do, it’s figure it out.
Even if it costs $6 a gallon.
