How to Get Cash Back on Hay, Fuel, and Even Your Entry Fees!

Let’s face it, being a horse owner isn’t cheap. Between buying feed, hay, shavings, filling up your truck to haul the horses, and paying for entry fees, the costs can stack up quicker than a pile of muck in a stall. But guess what? You can actually get paid back for some of that spending!

Yep, you read that right. Through cash-back programs like Rakuten and Upside (plus your trusty rewards credit cards), you could be earning cash back on stuff you're already buying. And who doesn’t love a little extra cash in their pocket?

You’re Already Spending Money, Why Not Get Some Back?

Let’s break it down. Say you’re dropping $10,000 a year on your horse habit. Even if you’re only earning 1% cash back, that’s still a cool $100 back in your pocket. And let’s be real, most programs give more than that. So instead of earning zero cash back (which is what you’re doing now if you’re not signed up for these programs), why not start getting paid just for spending?

Double Dip on Rewards: Credit Cards + Cash-Back Programs

Now here’s where it gets fun. You can double up on rewards by stacking credit card cash-back programs with apps like Rakuten and Upside. Yup, you heard me right. It’s like a buy-one-get-one-free deal, but for cash-back!

Start with any credit card that offers cash-back rewards on purchases like feed, fuel, and supplies. But if you’re looking for a solid recommendation, I suggest Capital One. You can earn cash back on essentials from stores like Tractor Supply, and then stack those rewards with Rakuten when you shop through their portal. Boom! Double the rewards, double the fun.

Sign up for Capital One here! They offer a great starter card.

Rakuten: Earn Cash Back While You Shop

If you’re not using Rakuten, you’re missing out on free money. Seriously. All you gotta do is sign up, shop at your favorite places like Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply and even Walmart, and they’ll send you cash back just for doing what you’re already doing. It’s like someone handing you cash just for being awesome. Why wouldn’t you want that?

Sign up for Rakuten and start earning today!

Upside: Fuel Up and Get Paid

If you’re hauling horses all over creation, you’re spending a small fortune on fuel. Enter Upside—an app that gives you cash back on gas and other purchases. The more you haul, the more you earn! Plus, combine it with your Capital One card and suddenly, you’re getting cash back from two places at once. It’s like turning your truck into a money-making machine.

Grab Upside here and use my code for extra savings on your first fill-up!

Get Smart: Stack Those Rewards!

The best part? You can combine these programs to maximize your cash back. Imagine this: you’re heading to a race, you fuel up using Upside, pay with your Capital One card, then stop by Tractor Supply and shop through Rakuten—you’re stacking rewards like a pro. It’s free money coming at you from every direction!

Manage Debt & Maximize Your Cash Back

While earning cash back is a great way to stretch your dollar, remember—it's only beneficial if you're spending what you can afford. The key to maximizing your rewards is using credit responsibly. Pay off your balance in full each month (or every day) to avoid interest charges that can quickly outweigh any rewards you earn. Spend within your means, stick to your budget, and you’ll make the most of these cash-back programs without digging yourself into debt.

By managing your spending wisely, you’ll not only keep your finances healthy but also enjoy all the extra cash you’ve earned for those horse-related expenses you’re already covering. Happy saving!