Planning Equine Event Budgets

Why getting your equine event budget right matters to you and Australia’s economy.

The significant economic strength of the Australian equine sector was highlighted in the 2025 Australian Horse Industry Council report titled Size and Scope of the Australian Equine Sector (Non-Racing). Activities like travelling to and attending equine events, contributed toward a direct spend of $11.3 billion across the non-racing sector in Australia in 2024. Your single event is an important part of a much larger financial framework advantaging the nation.

Nail down your equine event financial framework early. Revisit your agreed objectives and be clear on the financial intentions for the event. Do you just want to recover costs, or do you want to see the event return a profit for future investment into returning events, growth, an improved venue or just provide you a return on investment?

The size and nature of your event will dictate the amount of money you need to run it successfully. Be mindful of the total cost of event nomination for your competitors. Your first option should always be to try and keep costs to competitors as reasonable as possible. Be transparent up front on the additional costs they will be expected to pay (like stabling fees or venue specific fees) so they can make informed decisions on their ability to nominate and attend.

In developing your budget your revenue line items to be considered will include:

·         Event nominations,

·         sponsorship,

·         merchandise and advertising earnings,

·         grant funding,

·         webcast earnings,

·         potential venue earnings like parking, stabling and camping,

·         event vendors like trade sites, produce suppliers or food and beverage operators,

·         spectator ticketing where relevant

 Of course, it is just as important to bring together a realistic estimate of each of the costs you will incur and these will include:

·         Event discipline affiliation to state and or national bodies,

·         external advisors,

·         insurance needs,

·         nomination and entry system costs,

·         venue charges including those relating to participants,

·         catering costs,

·         additional infrastructure requirements like stabling or yards,

·         marketing your event including programs,

·         event day staff including volunteers’ costs (like food or drinks provided),

·         event judges’ costs including travel and accommodation,

·         emergency medical providers,

·         prizemoney, trophies and ribbons,

·         merchandise costs,

·         costs to deliver sponsorship commitments,

·         ticketing charges,

·         cancellation or postponement costs

 In addition, it helps set aside a contingency fund for last minute unforeseen expenditures. Importantly, make sure you can and do deliver on promised or advertised prize money payouts or trophies. Legalities aside, no event wants the reputation of being poor payers and few who gain that reputation are sustainable.

Get your financial planning right and move forward with the confidence that your event will be one of the many across Australia that contribute, not just to the emotional and competitive wellbeing of participants but to the broader economic health of our nation.