I'm also AOTE so I have to do all my own stunts... I mean work!
But... One year I had my amazing little stallion in with a trainer. She was awesome and my horse looked great. But I have to say, for me it was very un-rewarding to just take the lead at the in gate and go in, show and collect my ribbon. We won many championships and reserves and it just felt empty. I guess for me growing up as a working student for my whole horse career I just had too much time on my hands without work to do.
On the other hand, as to your question of what to pay, I can tell you what I did pay... (These fees were for 2009 but were pretty standard at the time)
Training Prices:
Halter Training………………………………………………………………………$350/mo.
Additional Fees for Horses in Full Training:
Lessons……………………………………………………………………………….$0/lesson ($25.00 for horses not in training)
Hoof Trims (4-6 week schedule, at Trainer’s discretion)…………………………$25/trim
Body Clip…………………………………………………………………………….$35/clip ($50.00 for horses not in training)
Razor Face…………………………………………………………………………...$15/shave ($25.00 for horses not in training)
Mane/Tail Enhancement……………………………………………………………$30/treatmt.
Handling (per day, Open Classes shown by Trainer)………………………….....$35/day
(per day, Amateur/Youth Classes shown by Owner)………………….$15/day
Reimbursable Expenses:
Fuel/Mileage:
Mileage to/from shows is charged at the rate of $.45 per mile for one horse. If more than one horse per owner is being hauled, the price drops to $.30 per mile, per horse. Cost is subject to change, due to unstable fuel prices.
Accommodation/Meal charges:
Charges are totaled and divided among the number of clients who have horses at any particular show. In addition, we occasionally stay an extra night, either before or after a show. EVERY effort is made to keep costs to a minimum.
Tack Room:
At each show, we have a Tack/Ready Room in order to prepare the horses. This fee is divided among Owners.
Entry/Stall Fees:
Entry/stall fees are the responsibility of the Owner. We will prepare your entries, and request the amount from you in advance of each show. Entry fees, stall fees, and any office fees, etc. WILL NOT be covered by **********, and will be billed back to you.