Responses to a horse-ownership survey from the University of Maine found that the average annual cost of horse ownership is $3,876 per horse, while the median cost is $2,419. That puts the average monthly expense anywhere from $200 to $325 – on par with a car payment.
- In general, it cost about $6,000 per year to own a horse, but expenses vary greatly depending on factors such as your horses’ health and age. Your location and whether you keep your horse in a stall or pasture also influence costs.
How much money do you need to own a horse?
The American Association of Equine Practitioners estimates the minimum annual cost of owning a healthy horse — not including stabling costs — to be at least $2,500. Other horse-related organizations estimate that figure to be at least $3,600.
How much does it cost to own a horse UK?
Expect to pay between £200 and £300 per month. With full livery, the livery yard is responsible for your horses’ needs including stabling, field access, exercising, feed, hay and bedding. Costs start from around £400 a month, though near London you could find yourself having to pay almost double this.
Is owning a horse worth it?
Owning a horse is both rewarding and challenging. Horse owners must be knowledgable, responsible, and have enough time in their schedules to take care of the daily needs of their horse. When done properly, owning a horse is a fun and therapeutic experience that greatly improves your life.
How much does a stallion cost?
The cost can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. For regular recreational use, the average cost is around $3,000, according to the University of Maine.
How much is a pony horse?
The Cost of Ponies The cost of a good pony can be the same or higher than a horse. Expect prices for suitable first ponies to be about $1,000 and upwards.
How much is a Shetland pony?
A Shetland pony will cost on average between $500 to $3,000. Champion show ponies and top breeding stallions may sell for $4,000 or more.
Is it difficult to own a horse?
Owning a horse is like taking care of a small child, and the costs associated with it can be very high. If you are looking to get a starter horse to help you get better at riding, you may end up spending $5,000 USD or less.
How do you price a horse?
Six main factors go into setting a price for your horse: age, height, intended job, temperament, performance record and soundness. There are always exceptions to the rule, but these are good general guidelines. Age: “Age can work against you or for you, depending on what people are looking for,” Courtney says.
How long does a horse live?
The cheapest horse breeds are:
- Wild Mustangs.
- Quarter Horses.
- Arabians.
- Thoroughbreds.
How much was a horse in 1800?
Most of the nineteenth century a trail horse was 10–15 dollars, a saddle 20–50 dollars. It always cost far more to feed a horse hay each year than the purchase price of the horse.
The Cost to Own a Horse? Plus 5 cost-saving tips!
Hoof abscesses can be a warning indication that the horse has suffered from laminitis and, as a result, is more susceptible to further episodes unless the animal’s diet condition is altered. Giving their horses a bucket of feed or goodies is something that all horse owners like doing, but it can lead to further complications. Sugary treats such as carrots, apples, sugar cubes, bread, and mints all contribute to the horse’s sugar consumption reaching dangerous levels (just like a diabetic). Instead, offer your horse a handful of sunflower seeds or a nice scratch/groom where they enjoy to be massaged — it’s far better for their health in the long run.
The development of a hoof abscess can be triggered by damage to the hoof caused by direct trauma, lack of trimming, or mechanical pressures.
If you notice any of the early indicators of laminitis, remove them from the grass and use your hoof trimmer to help ease the symptoms as soon as possible.
If you truly care about your horse, you will make an effort to learn new knowledge that will assist prevent them from suffering the effects of over or under feeding.
The costs associated with horse ownership.
Is it a dream of yours (or your child’s) to own and care for a horse? Equine ownership might be quite expensive, but if you have decided to purchase one, then congrats! Nothing compares to the satisfaction of having your own horse that you can love and care for. The costs of horse ownership are broken out in the table below on a yearly basis. When it was possible, I utilized the mean or the middle of the range of values.
| Item | Amount |
| The initial cost of buying | About $5000 (one time) |
| Horse boarding/stable | Approx. $2000 (initial cost – one time) |
| Stable accessories | $700-$1000 (one time cost) |
| Stabling and feeding equipment | $200 (initial cost) |
| Miscellaneous initial cost (Vet, horseshoeing, membership, vaccinations, transportation, etc.) | $2000 – $3000 |
| Total initial cost of horse ownership | $10000 – $ 15000 (first-year cost) |
| Riding lessons | $1000 – $1500 per year |
| Insurance | $450/year |
| Feed | $1500- $2000 per year |
| Bedding | $300 per year |
| Healthcare (Shoeing, deworming, vaccinations, dental care) | $2000 per year |
| Total cost of horse ownership per year | $6000-$7000 (per year after the first year) |
Equine care and expertise are extremely specialized since horses are such a unique species. Horses may be extremely expensive to purchase, maintain, and keep in a stable. People are finding it more difficult to buy horses as pets or as recreational sporting animals as the cost of living continues to climb. In this tutorial, I’ll assist you in breaking down the costs of horse ownership so that you can determine whether or not owning a horse is financially possible for you. I’ve also included a few amusing statistics as well as some money-saving pro advice that you might find useful.
For those of you coming from other countries, please take into consideration other resources.
In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a horse, there are several extra expenditures connected with maintaining a horse that may not be immediately apparent. So, without further ado, let’s get down to the business of calculating the costs of owning a horse.
The cost to buy a horse.
Equine care and expertise are quite specialized since horses are such a rare and distinctive species to begin with. Equine purchases, maintenance, and housing may be pricey. Horses as pets or as leisure sporting animals are becoming increasingly difficult to purchase due to increased living costs. The information in this article is intended to assist you in determining whether or not owning a horse is financially realistic. Along with that, I’ve included a couple of amusing statistics and some money-saving pro suggestions.
For those of you coming from different countries, please take into consideration other resources and methods of communication.
When you acquire a horse, there are several additional costs connected with owning one that may not be immediately apparent.
The costs to feed a horse.
Horses are enormous, powerful creatures that require a great amount of food to maintain their health. A horse’s feed expenses vary widely based on the type of hay and grain used, as well on how frequently you choose to feed your horse during the day. There is also the option of alternating between feeding hay or grass and feeding grains such as oats and maize (most commercial operations use grains). If you want to keep your horse in a pasture with plenty of grass to graze on throughout the day, feeding your horse will be less expensive.
- Hay/forage 40 lb. supply – roughly $60 – $100 per month or approximately $900 per year
- Weight accelerator, vitamin supplements for one month – $80 – $100 (if necessary)
- 40 lb. supply – approximately $60 – $100 per month or approximately $900 per year
- Treats 4lb. of meat for $10-$20
The total cost of feeding an average-sized horse (weighing around 1,100 lb) each month is between $130 and $220 in food. Fun fact: An average-sized horse can easily consume 15 to 25 lb. of hay each day, which equates to around 15-30 bales of hay in a month.
The costs of boarding a horse.
For those who don’t have enough space to maintain a horse, the best thing they can do is board their horse at a stable. This provides your horse-loving pals with a middle-of-the-road solution for folks who desire a horse but don’t have the necessary space. Horse boarding can cost anywhere from $300 and $5,000 per month, depending on the services required. In order to accommodate your horse’s specific needs for special nutrition, grooming, and exercise, the price will be greater than if all that is necessary is shelter.
If you want an idea of estimated boarding fees, I propose that you call several nearby horse farm owners and horse training establishments.
It’s possible that you’ll have to charge sales tax in your location as well. Pro Tip: Simple pasture boarding is far less expensive than stable boarding. You may also sign up for rough board with a barn or choose self-care boarding to save even more money on your horse’s boarding expenses.
The costs to shoe a horse.
horses are large animals whose feet require a great deal of attention, including shoeing and trimming of their hooves, to keep them in good condition. In some cases, the expense of shoeing your horse can add up quickly depending on your horse and the sort of shoeing it requires. The yearly expenses to shoe horses vary from horse to horse since the frequency with which they will be ridden or worked, the type of shoe used, and the frequency with which they must be shod all influence the costs. Equine shoes are quite necessary to the majority of horses, and their feet would ache if they were not wearing them, especially while travelling over uneven terrain.
As a result, you should anticipate to spend at least $600 on horseshoeing each year.
How much you can expect to spend on vet bills for your horse.
Horses are a significant financial commitment, and many people are curious about how much they may anticipate to pay in vet expenses if they get a horse. The answer is that the cost of veterinary bills vary based on the age of your horse, where you reside, the kind of care your horse requires, and your overall health status. In general, if your horse is in good condition and simply requires regular care, you may expect to spend roughly $1,500 per year on vet costs, provided you are judicious about your spending.
- Routine checkups cost $50 to $75 (depending on your state)
- Deworming (four times a year) costs $75
- Vaccinations cost $200 plus vet expenses
- And deworming costs $75. Minor/non-emergency visits are subject to change. Dental checkup – $400 (for two yearly dental appointments)
- Emergency – variable
- Prescription – variable. The cost of insurance varies based on the value and age of your horse, but it may be as much as $500.
The total cost will range between $800 and $1500. Pro Tip: Become familiar with basic medical care to save money on vet costs.
Horse bedding and stabling costs.
Horse bedding and stabling prices might be a mystery to those who are unfamiliar with the industry. The average horse owner will spend around $1,000 per year just on bedding. Understanding all of the components that go into calculating how much money you’ll need for your stalls is critical to establishing your budget before purchasing any supplies or equipment for your stalls. This is often included in the price of your horse boarding facility. If you board your horse, you can deduct this expense from your total yearly horse ownership expenses.
If you buy four bags of wood pellets or pine shavings each week at a cost of around $5 per bag, the cost can be $20 per week or nearly $1000 per year if you buy four bags per week.
Throughout the year, some horse owners use very little bedding on their horses.
Miscellaneous Costs
Once again, if you board your Horse, you won’t have to fork out much money for them. Furthermore, the majority of them are one-time expenses:
- Blankets, rain sheets, and coolers range in price from $60 to $300
- Saddles (a one-time expense) — the cost of saddles varies from area to region, but you must have it adjusted on a regular basis. It might cost between $1500 and $2000 to purchase a high-quality saddle. It is possible to spend anything from $100 and $500 on a bridle, depending on the quality. Halter and lead – $50
- First aid kit – This is a must-have for every horse owner who wants to keep their animal safe. It should, at the at least, contain all of the necessary medications, bandages, wraps, gauze, cotton, and so on. The cost is around $150
- Transportation is approximately $1 per mile for distances less than 1000 miles.
The total ranges from $1850 to $5000.
FAQs
Horse ownership has a monthly cost that is comparable to auto payment installments, averaging roughly $500 per month depending on where you live in the country.
How much is the cheapest horse?
If you’re searching for an inexpensive horse, keep an eye out for one that’s been given away. It is now simpler than ever to locate someone who needs to sell their horse, thanks to the proliferation of social networking websites. You may get a grade or older horse for $500 to $50000, but the cheaper the horse, the more money you’d have to pay later on vet costs, training, and other expenses.
Which are the most expensive horse breeds?
The Akhal-Teke, the Friesian, the Dutch Warmblood, and the Thoroughbred are among the most costly horse breeds available.
Is it expensive to keep a horse?
Horses are a costly pastime, which is why you should budget for it in advance of getting started. Expect to make an investment of around $10,000 in the first year. In addition, the cost of annual maintenance will range between $6-7K!
Conclusion
Horses are a costly pastime, which is why you should budget for it in advance of getting involved. Expect to spend around $10,000 in the first year alone. The cost of annual maintenance will be between $6-7K as well.
What Does it Cost to Care for a Horse, Anyway?
Horses are quite expensive to maintain. The original purchase price of your horse, pony, donkey, or mule represents only a small portion of the total cost of the animal, and there is no such thing as a free horse in the world. Basic horse care might be the same price for horses costing $100 or $10,000, depending on their condition. Your horse need daily care, which may be expensive and subject to fluctuations in price owing to a variety of uncontrolled circumstances.
Basic Minimum Costs
The following is a summary of the very minimum expenditures you should expect to incur if you intend to keep your horse or pony on your own property. These expenses do not take into consideration the value of the property, land taxes, insurance, or property maintenance, which includes barns and fences. These expenses differ based on where you live. It is possible that the closer you live to a major metropolitan center such as New York or Toronto, or to horse-friendly states such as Kentucky or Florida, the more expensive horse ownership can become.
Other ways to save money include learning to clip your horse’s feet yourself and purchasing your own immunizations (not recommended).
- One-half bale of hay costs $3.00 every day
- However, hay can easily cost more in other areas, where bales might cost more than $10. Alternatively, your horse may require more than one-half bale. The cost of a six-month supply of loose mineral supplement is $30.00, or $0.17 per day
- Saltblock is $14.00, or $0.04 per day
- Two two-cup servings of inexpensiveconcentrate per day are $1.00
- Farrier every six weeks is $35 per trim, or 0.83 day
- Dewormer every three months is $0.20 per day
- Dentistry once a year is $125, or $0.35 per day
- The cost of annual basic core vaccinations for rabies, tetanus,
The bare minimum cost each day to retain one horse is $5.01 per day, which equates to $1,828.65 in annual expenses. Head of the Spruce / Elizabeth Spruce
Potential Cost Increases
- More costly concentrates or supplements are being fed to the animals. You’ve gotten a surprise charge from the veterinarian
- Other illnesses, such as West Nile Virus or Potomac Horse Fever, can be prevented by immunization. It is a horse that needs shoes and/or specific trimming. You are in a competition with your horse. an unwell or damaged horse
- And Afoal production is achieved by breeding your horse. Fuel costs are growing at an alarming rate. Because of drought or other factors, your generally nice pasture has become unusable, or the price of feed has increased as a result of severe weather or other factors.
Image courtesy of Caiaimage / Rafal Rodzoch / Getty Images
Boarding
For pasture board with no indoor stabling, it can cost as little as $100 per month, whereas barns with stalls, individual turn-out, indoor and outdoor ring arenas, and other facilities adjacent to metropolitan areas can cost as much as $1,000 per month. Additionally, extras such as farrier and veterinarian services, special foods, and care such as removing and re-applying blankets and fly masks will be billed to you separately.
While monthly board is less expensive at self-care facilities, you will be responsible for providing your own feed and bedding, as well as traveling to and from the facility to care for your horse on a daily basis. Head of the Spruce / Elizabeth Spruce
Vet Bills
For pasture board with no indoor stabling, it can cost as little as $100 per month, whereas barns with stalls, individual turn-out, indoor and outdoor aprons, and other facilities adjacent to metropolitan areas can cost as much as $1,000 per month. Extras such as farrier and veterinarian treatment, specialty foods, and services such as removing and putting on blankets and fly masks will be charged to you. Monthly board is less expensive at self-care facilities, but the horse will need to be fed and cared for on a daily basis, which means you will have to supply the feed and bedding.
How Much Does a Horse Cost? (2022 Update)
Horses are a lot of fun to have as a pet. They are beautiful to look at, fun to ride, and a pleasure to spend time with as a group. Owning a horse, on the other hand, entails a significant amount of financial obligation. The purchase of the horse itself is a relatively insignificant expense to be concerned about. In the United States, horses may live to be around 33 years old, which means they demand a considerably longer and more expensive commitment than other pets. When caring for a horse for an extended period of time, there are a number of expenses to consider.
Bringing a New Horse Home: One-Time Costs
The first thing to consider is how much the horse will actually cost to purchase. It is possible that costs will vary significantly depending on the age of the horse you purchase and where you buy it. If you are really fortunate, you may not have to spend anything at all. You could expect to pay upwards of $3,000-$5,000 for a horse with a distinguished lineage, on the other hand. Image courtesy of Anastasija Popova through Shutterstock.com
Free
The possibility of receiving a horse for free exists as long as you are prepared to put in the effort and are not worried about the age of the horse. You will not be taking your horse to a breeder or even a humane society; instead, your duty will be to locate someone who is seeking for a nice home to transfer their horse since they are no longer able to care for the horse themselves. Many people get too elderly to securely care for their horses, or their financial circumstances change, making it impossible for them to continue to provide for their horses.
Publish an ad in your local newspaper and go out to 4-H groups to connect with horse owners who are wanting to rehome their animals.
Adoption
It is necessary to collaborate with the humane society or another type of animal rescue facility in order to adopt a horse rather than purchase one. If horses are not often kept as pets in your area, you may need to go out to rescue organizations outside of your neighborhood in order to locate one that will take in stray horses. Adoption fees are typically charged to assist the rescue organization in recouping any expenses incurred while fostering the horse prior to adoption.
This charge can range from $25 to more than $500, based on a variety of criteria, including the length of time the horse has been housed, the sort of horse it is, and whether or not the horse has any special requirements. If the horse does have special needs, the fee will be higher.
Breeder
Purchasing a horse from a breeder is the most expensive, but it is also the most flexible choice. You will be paying for the pedigree, the showmanship, and the breeder’s knowledge and experience. From a breeder, you should expect to pay anything from $500 to more than $5,000 for a horse. Pricing will vary from breeder to breeder, so it’s always a good idea to browse around before making a decision.
List of 4-8 Breeds and the Average Cost
| Standardbred | $500-$3,000 |
| Arabian | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Holsteiner | $3,000-$10,000 |
| Oldenburg | $4,000-$20,000 |
Supplies
Image courtesy of Margo Harrison/Shutterstock
| Food (Hay, Fruits, Veggies, Salt, etc.) | $100-$300/Month |
| Feed Pan | $10-$30 |
| Water Trough | $25-$100 |
| Halter | $25-$200 |
| Lead Ropes | $10-$50 |
| Hoof Pick | $2-$10 |
| Grooming Brush and Comb | $5-$20 |
| Fly Repellent | $5-$30 |
| Saddle | $100-$500 |
| Bridle and Bit | $50-$250 |
| Stirrups | $20-$100 |
| Lead Ropes | $10-$30 |
| Blanket | $50-$150 |
| Washing Accessories | $25-$50 |
Annual Expenses
When selecting whether or not to adopt a horse, there are several yearly expenditures to consider. Because these expenses will continue throughout the horse’s life, careful consideration should be given to whether or not recurrent annual fees will become a hardship at some point in the future. You should be aware of the costs associated with owning a horse on a yearly basis, as detailed below.
Health Care
Due to the fact that annual healthcare costs can mount up rapidly, you should budget $300 to $600 each year to cover all of your needs. First and foremost, your horse will most certainly require dental treatment costing around $100 each year for the rest of his or her life. Checkups might cost anywhere from $200 to $300 each year, depending on the provider. Then there are considerations such as the cost of vaccinations to consider. These are only rough estimates for the cost of a healthy horse.
Fortunately, when horses are properly cared for, they rarely require emergency or significant treatment.
Check-Ups
Horses need to be checked twice or three times a year by a veterinarian. Each visit should cost approximately $100 unless an illness or injury needs to be handled and treated, in which case the expense might be significantly more. Scheduling frequent checks is a vital step that should be performed in order to discover issues early, before they become too expensive or hard to resolve. Image courtesy of Olga i, Shutterstock
Vaccinations
Providing horses with a deworming drug every two or three months, which costs around $15 per horse, is recommended. Vaccinations, which include boosters for illnesses such as influenza and tetanus, are normally provided twice a year, on the first and third days of the month. Vaccination booster appointments might cost anything from $25 and $50 each visit.
Dental
Horses require dental examinations on a regular basis, just as they require medical examinations. They must get their teeth cleaned by a professional on a regular basis, otherwise they risk developing cavities or developing other dental disorders (like the need for a root canal).
Emergencies
Emergencies never happen on a scheduled basis. Some horses can live their whole lives without ever requiring emergency care, but others may require emergency treatment on a number of occasions before reaching the age of retirement.
Everything is dependent on the genes, food, health, happiness, and overall quality of life that a horse has. Emergency treatment can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Some services, like as surgery, can cost as much as $10,000 or more.
Insurance
Although horse owners can obtain equine insurance coverage, the type of coverage and the cost of coverage might differ based on the type of horse that the owner wishes to insure. Pet insurance plans that cover medical emergencies, death, or both can be obtained via veterinarians and independent insurance firms, among other sources. Equine insurance premiums are normally determined by the worth of the horse that will be insured. Image courtesy of ulleo and pixabay.
Food
Throughout their lives, the average horse may consume between $100 and $300 worth of hay bales every month, depending on their size. Horses, like humans, like eating fruits and vegetables to boost their nutritional needs. Depending on their availability to fresh meals, they may also require salt and, in certain instances, supplements. This adds an additional $25 to $50 to your monthly food expenses.
Environment Maintenance
When it comes to owning a horse, there are just a few maintenance expenditures to consider in terms of the environment. The most expensive item would be boarding, if and when it becomes necessary to do so. If horse owners do not opt to board their horses and instead want to keep them at home, the costs of fence installation, upkeep, and repair will be incurred. It is also recommended that toys be acquired and offered to horses for the purpose of mental stimulation and exercise.
| Boarding | $18/year |
| Fencing Maintenance/Repair | $20-$100/year |
| Toys | $20-$50/year |
Total Annual Cost of Owning a Horse
When it comes to horse ownership, there are just a few environmental upkeep charges to consider. In the event that boarding becomes necessary, the most expensive option would be to rent a room. The expenditures of fence installation, upkeep, and repair are inescapable if horse owners do not opt to board their horses and instead keep them at home. For horses’ mental stimulation and exercise, it is recommended that they be given with toys.
Owning a Horse on a Budget
You might not want to consider horse ownership if you’re working with a limited financial budget. It is likely that there are too many financial variables at play at any given time, making it difficult to satisfy the demands of a horse at any time. Instead, renting a horse for infrequent rides or participating in a horseback trip once or twice a year may be the most appropriate choice.
Saving Money on Horse Care
As a horse owner, there aren’t many options for saving money. You may save money, though, by allowing your horse to forage for food on his own terms rather than forcing him to rely exclusively on you. They will not require nearly as much hay, fruits, or veggies as you will be required to purchase. The savings that may be realized by allowing your horse to go free can build up over the course of a year.
- Related Reading: What Exactly Was the Equusite Horse Site?
Conclusion
You should now have a good understanding of how much it will cost you in the long run to purchase and care for a horse. A horse is a large investment, and making the decision to acquire or adopt one is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. However, the benefits of having a horse outweigh the time and money commitment that it entails, on both an emotional and financial level.
Do you have any plans to purchase a horse in the near future? If you agree or disagree, please explain your reasoning in the comments area below. Image credit for the featured image: Photograph courtesy of touristgirl via Shutterstock
How Much Does It Cost To Own a Horse?
Do you happen to have any pets? It’s possible that you have a petdog or a petcat, if you’re like many youngsters all around the world. Perhaps you have something a little more exotic, such as a turtle, lizard, or snake in your home. If you live in the country, though, it’s possible that you have a pet that you can ride! What exactly are we discussing? Of course, it’s a horse! When children are young, they are often taken in by horses and become obsessed with them. It appears to be quite enjoyable to have a pet that you can saddle up and ride.
- Should you purchase one?
- The expense of having a horse is one factor that adults may find objectionable.
- Owning a horse may be quite expensive, depending on a number of factors, including where you live, where the horse will reside, what sort of horse it is, and other factors.
- Housing, food, and health care are just a few examples of the numerous aspects you’ll have to consider as you prepare for your new life.
- The price of the horse itself might vary substantially depending on where you live.
- On the other side, you could be interested in a certain breed or kind of horse, which might cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the breed or type.
- If you decide to keep it on your property, you’ll need a couple of acres of fenced-in land with enough barn space for the animals.
If you live in a metropolitan location, you will almost certainly need to board your horse at a nearby stable.
Due to the fact that horses eat a lot and require a variety of vitamins and supplements, you should expect to spend more than $100 per month on horse food.
Horses also have hooves, which must be examined and trimmed by afarrier, who is a specialized professional.
In certain cases, a basic hoof trim costs as low as $25, but a whole shoeing might cost upwards of $100.
Horses require a range of treatments, ranging from vaccines to yearly dental cleanings, all of which can add $300 or more to your annual horse care expenditure.
Many horse owners obtain health insurance for their horses, which may cost as much as $350 or more per year, in order to protect themselves from catastrophic veterinary expenditures.
Saddles, equestrian apparel, bridles, bits, and brushes are examples of things that fall under this category.
As you can see, owning a horse can be a very expensive undertaking.
Stabling fees are not included in this estimate.
While owning a horse is not a cheap proposition, horse enthusiasts will tell you that they are well worth the investment they make.
Horses are one-of-a-kind and exceptional animals that may add value to their owners’ lives in ways that no other pet can. At the end of the day, only you can choose whether they are cheap and worth the money.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Horse?
Have you been taking horseback riding classes or leased a horse for a time and think you’re ready to make the leap into horse ownership? Owning a horse is a wonderful experience, but it also entails a tremendous deal of responsibility and may be quite expensive. Listed here is a basic estimate of how much it will cost to buy a horse, as well as an explanation of where your money will be spent after you become a horse owner.
Cost of buying the horse: $0 to… millions (once)
When it comes to horse buying, it all comes down to how much you want to spend on the horse itself and the discipline you are interested in. Horses that are already broken and have well-known pedigrees will fetch sums in the high hundreds to four and five figures. Horses used for performance competitions may fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Housing: $0 to $1200 (a month)
What kind of home will you be providing for your horse? If you will be hosting it in your own house, consider yourself fortunate! It will be necessary to board our horses someplace for the rest of us who use Pinterest to design our fantasy horse property. If your horse will require a stall and you will need someone else to care for him, boarding facilities can range in price from $150 to $1200 per month, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes you may labor at the barn in return for a portion of your boarding expenses, or perhaps all of them.
Veterinarian/Preventative Care: $200-$400 (yearly)
Your horse will require yearly vaccinations, and before those shots can be administered, a veterinarian will need to examine your horse to verify that he or she is in good physical condition. Accidents happen, and unexpected veterinary costs can rapidly pile up in cost. While this figure provides an approximate figure for preventative care, it does not provide a figure for treatment of a sick or wounded horse. It’s advisable to have an emergency money set up to deal with these kind of circumstances.
Check out our post on the 7 Mistakes First-Time Horse Owners Should Avoid for more information.
Farrier: $45 – $130 (every 6-8 weeks)
If you own a horse, the amount you pay your farrier is also taken into consideration when calculating the cost of owning a horse. “There is no horse without a hoof,” as the proverb goes. Farrier visits on a regular basis are a vital requirement. Depending on the lifestyle, the type of shoe, and any other additives that are required, prices might vary significantly.
Feed: Average $200 (monthly)
When it comes to owning a horse, feed is a changeable expenditure because it is dependent on the owner’s living arrangements. Most boarding facilities include feeding expenditures in their boarding rates, and if the horse is on pasture, he or she may only require hay in the winter months, if at all. Whether or not your horse is fed grain or pellets also has an impact on the cost of his or her diet. If your horse is on supplements, this category will be more expensive than the others.
Dentistry: $80 to $250 (yearly to every 6 months)
When it comes to owning a horse, feed is a changeable expenditure because it is dependent on the owner’s living circumstances. In most cases, boarding facilities include feeding expenditures in their boarding rates, and if the horse is on pasture, he or she may only require hay in the winter months.
Whether or whether your horse is fed grain or pellets also has an impact on the cost of his diet. This category will be greater if your horse is receiving supplements.
All the extras in the cost of owning a horse (tack, show fees, horse trailer, and gas to transport horse): variable
Because the average annual cost of owning a horse (after purchasing the horse) is around $2800, and this does not include all of the extras like new boots and beautiful bridles, all of those jokes about a horse eating money are not joking around. However, not all horse-owning lifestyles are the same, and the cost of having a horse can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the individual. In any case, owning a horse is essentially the same as paying a monthly automobile loan payment.
What is the Cost of Owning a Horse?
How much does it cost to keep and maintain a horse? That is dependent on a variety of things, including where you reside and how you want to care for your horse. Calculating expenses may be a challenging task. Here’s how to budget for a horse and what you should know about the costs of owning a horse. Costs related with horse board or lodging are often the most expensive expenses involved with horse ownership. Hay and feed expenditures are also among the most expensive, and their prices can change significantly depending on the weather and other circumstances.
She had just returned from boarding her horse at a neighboring boarding stable and had brought her horse home to her Florida property.
“It’s one of the benefits of having a horse at home.” In fact, it’s something that some horse owners, particularly those who are considering purchasing a horse, fantasize about.
In addition, maintaining one anywhere—whether on a farm or in a boarding barn—is not a cheap endeavor.
Your Costs May Vary
The costs of horsekeeping vary greatly from year to year. Listed below is a high-level overview of the primary costs and how much they will cost each year on the low and high ends of the cost of keeping a horse.
Expense
| Basic full-care board (includes feedhay) | $4,800 | $9,600 |
| Keeping a horse at home | You’ll need to factor in the cost of property, fencing and shelter. Recurring annual expenses include electricity, repairs, insurance, pasture maintenance, hay and grain. | |
| Farrier | $600-$1,200 (barefoot trims) | $1,200-$3,600 (four regular steel shoes; more for specialty shoes) |
| Routine Vet Care | $350 | Veterinary emergencies are unpredicable and can escalate into the thousands. |
| Tack, Gear, and Riding Clothes | Turnout blankets, fly spray and other items need regular replacement. Some things, such as a saddle, may last a lifetime with good care. | |
| Equine Insurance | Although optional, some owners purchase equine medical and mortality insurance for at least $600 annually. | |
| Lessons, ClinicsShows | The sky is the limit, but outside assistance can be vital to keep riding safe and enjoyable. | |
| Transportation | If you own a truck and trailer, annual maintenance, fuel and payments (if financing) will cost thousands per year. |
Cost of Owning a Horse
Nicole Maubert-Walukewicz, founder of the Palmetto Equine Awareness and Rescue League (PEARL) in Anderson, S.C., says that the most common reason for horses to be placed in rescue or sold is because individuals discover they cannot afford them. According to the vast majority of horse owners, the expense of maintaining a horse is frequently larger than the cost of acquiring one. Dr. Amy McLean, Ph.D., equine lecturer (PSOE) at the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of California argues that the horse’s purchase price will be “the lowest expense a horse owner will have to spend.” “You’re going to have to put in more time taking care of it.” So, how much should horse owners anticipate to spend on horse maintenance?
While certain expenditures, such as basic veterinarian and farrier bills, are relatively steady over time, others, like as feed and hay, fluctuate from state to state, region to region, and year to year, depending on the season.
Farms who have the ability to purchase hay by the ton will typically save money on their feed expenditures.
Cost of Owning a Horse: Horse Feed
A horse’s nutritional requirements vary depending on its breed, exercise level, and age, according to the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC). Equine athletes with rigorous training and show schedules, for example, require far more feed and forage than horses that are just sporadically exercised or who do not ride at all. In the same way, elderly horses may require more food simply to maintain a healthy bodily condition. In general, a healthy horse should ingest grass equal to at least 1.5 percent of his body weight on a daily basis.
- However, the cost of hay varies based on your location, the volume of the local hay harvest, and the distance that the hay has to be shipped.
- In the words of Daniel H.
- Meanwhile, trainer Clarissa Cupolo recalls purchasing hay by the ton on an annual basis.
- The cost of fodder for six horses for a year would be $2,000, according to the author.
- It is also possible that these expenses will differ based on where the feed is processed and where the components are grown.
- Please remember to include in the cost of any supplements you feed, which can vary greatly in price.
- Some horse owners prefer to insurance their horses against the possibility of such occurrences.
Cost of Owning a Horse: Hoof Care and Veterinary Expenses
Aside from meeting their horses’ nutritional requirements, owners must also provide routine veterinary and other professional care to ensure that their animals remain in good physical and mental health. In general, those costs do not vary significantly from one month to the next or from one year to the next. Having a plan in place to cover these expenses, on the other hand, is essential. The cost of traveling to the horse’s location is covered by the $25 to $75 charged by veterinarians for a basic farm call, which is a standard service.
In most cases, once the veterinarian has arrived and performed the necessary procedures, routine vaccinations such as those for rabies, tetanus, West Nile, EEE and WEE cost between $75 and $150, according to Jennifer Williams, Ph.D., executive director and founder of the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society and author of How To Start and Run A Rescue.
- Teeth floating should be included in general health-care costs at a rate of $50 to $150 per year.
- Every four to eight weeks, set aside money for regular hoof care.
- Whether or not a horse is shod, it requires routine farrier care every four to eight weeks, regardless of its condition.
- She estimates that the cost of routine farrier care for shod horses is between $50 and $150 per visit, or $300 to $1,200 per year.
As she points out, “If your horse becomes lame or develops foot problems, he may require more frequent farrier work or the assistance of a specialist, both of which will be significantly more expensive.”
Unexpected Vet Emergencies
However, even if owners plan for the finest regular care possible, all horses are at danger of injury or disease at any time. A veterinarian’s visit to an emergency farm can cost as much as $100 before the animal’s ailment is even assessed by the veterinarian or treated by him or her. Transportation to an equine clinic for more serious therapy, or possibly surgery, may be required for a horse in need of more serious care. That’s something Yakin-Palmer learnt the hard way when Cera needed surgery following a severe colic episode.
As a result, if at all possible, individuals should set aside an emergency money for their horses.
Veterinary equine practices provide one form of service directly to owners, in which owners pay a yearly fee that includes basic care such as vaccines and farm visits, in addition to lower “deductibles” for operations and other costly procedures.
Some supplement companies, like as SmartPak and Platinum Performance, provide a program that will reimburse you for the expenses of colic surgery if you place a qualified order and have regular wellness checks from your veterinarian.
Costs of Boarding vs. Home Horsekeeping
Some first-time horse owners feel that keeping the animal at home rather than boarding it at a nearby barn would result in reduced horsekeeping expenditures for the animal. However, according to McLean, this is not always the case. Owners who wish to keep their horses at home must take in the expenses of real estate into the horsekeeping equation and weigh these expenditures against the costs of boarding their horses. “For example, if you want to build your own horse facility, real estate expenses might range from $700,000 to $1 million for 2 acres,” says McLean, who lives in the state of California.
- Horse boarding barns for Olympic-level horses can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month,” says the author.
- The blanketing and holding of a horse for a farrier or veterinarian are also included in certain facilities, according to Clarissa Cupolo, owner of Gemini Performance Horses, a facility in Florida.
- Horse handling services are provided to owners on an hourly or per-service basis in other locations.
- According to McLean, if you have to travel for work, you might want to consider boarding your horses while away.
- Yakin- Palmer, who boarded both of her horses before bringing them home, is well aware of these issues.
- “You must be available at all times and maintain a flexible schedule.
- In order to do so, Maubert-Walukewicz recommends that potential horse owners solicit input from other horse owners in the area before making a purchase.
- For her, the decision was straightforward.
- “I’m the one who feeds them, cares for them, and interacts with them on a daily basis, so I know them much better than I would if they were boarded.” However, even though the cost is the same for both options, that option is not suitable for everyone.
Whatever you do, you must always consider the horse’s best interests.”
How Much Does a Horse Cost? (Buy, Board, Training, Insurance & Daily Costs)
Before you purchase a horse, you should research how much a horse costs and determine your financial capabilities. Believe it or not, it is not as exclusive as many people believe it to be anymore. In reality, about 7.2 million Americans are responsible for the upkeep of their horses. Despite the fact that owning a horse is a costly investment, the direct expenditures you must consider include the state in where you live and the manner in which you choose to care for your animal. There are significant differences between owning a ranch in Texas and living in New York and needing to locate adequate accommodations for your horse.
The Costs of Horse Ownership
It is difficult to estimate how much money you will require to purchase a horse. It might be completely free, or it can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars to obtain the greatest animals. If you are new to this activity, it will be sufficient to set aside $5,000 to $10,000 in order to purchase a respectable horse. The final price of a horse will be determined by the following factors:
- Your location
- The horse’s breed, pedigree, age, sex, health state, purpose, and training level
- And any other information you may provide. Animals that are available
An average horse for riding practice is typically priced at $4,250, which is a reasonable estimate.
Purchasing process
It is unfortunate that the amount you must pay for your new horse is not the only expenditure you will be responsible for. It is advised that you begin with a pre-purchase examination first. You must get the horse examined by a veterinarian to ensure that it is in good health. Despite the fact that you have a more affordable two-stage vetting procedure, the complete and more thorough five-stage vetting process is the more secure alternative and will provide you with all of the pertinent information about the horse’s health and condition.
- The following step is to arrange for transportation.
- If you are hauling your own trailer, you will need to purchase gasoline.
- Keep in mind that if you want to travel over state borders, you will be required to present a health certificate as well as a Coggins test.
- If you need to travel across two borders, you will need to meet the standards for each state line you will be crossing.
Costs After Buying a Horse
As you can expect, boarding prices are substantial, but they also vary greatly according on the boarding facility. The type of shelter you pick is always determined by the horse, its intended use and quality, as well as your financial constraints. Keep in mind that the cost of a boarding facility or stable will vary based on the location where you reside, whether you want full or partial care, and how much attention is paid to feeding and cleaning the animals. When you require comprehensive care, you may expect to spend roughly $250 to $500 each month on an average.
Self-care is far more economical than medical treatment, thus you should expect to pay only $100 per month in this situation. So, let’s have a look at some of your alternatives for keeping your horse happy and safe:
Annual costs for a horse
Full board
When you pay for a stall with included stall cleaning, food, water, feeding, turnout, energy costs, and maintenance, you are referred to as a full boarder (or full boarder). This option also covers regular farrier, veterinarian, and dental appointments, as well as a percentage of the farm call expenses for each of these services. You may also apply for trainers and instructors who will work with both you and your horse at the same time. Depending on the arrangement, the total cost ranges from $4,800 to $9,000 each year, or $400 to $750 per month.
Partial board
This option entails paying for a stall that does not include any additional services or facilities. In this situation, you will be responsible for providing food for your horse, feeding it on a regular basis, and cleaning the stall. Staff, on the other hand, can assist you if you reach an arrangement with them. This alternative is less expensive, and you have more control over the care of your horse. It will most likely cost you between $3,000 and $6,000 a year, or between $250 and $500 every month.
Self-care board
In this situation, you will be responsible for the cost of a stall and paddock, but you will not be responsible for the horse’s care. You shouldn’t anticipate any assistance and should be prepared to complete the entire task on your own. As a result, you should purchase feed and shavings, fill the water bucket, feed and turn out the horse, muck stables, and schedule veterinarian and farrier visits as needed. Depending on your location, this arrangement will cost you between $2,400 and $3,600 each year, or $200 and $300 per month.
Pasture board
It is a low-cost option that provides your horse with a wonderful opportunity to spend the entire day outside. Furthermore, it will only cost you $1,200 to $3,600 each year, or $100 to $300 every month. Don’t forget to inspect the pasture for safety and fences, as well as for adequate water and the quality of the sheltering material available.
Your own home
The best solution, in most cases, is to keep your horse on your personal property. Although it is not the most expensive choice available, you should be aware that it is not the most economical alternative available to you. For such a vast amount of land, as well as the requisite horse facilities, you must plan on paying property taxes.
For example, a nice arena and fencing will cost you at least $20,000 to purchase and install. Then, for a barn, it is required to add at least $3,000 to $50,000 to the whole cost. You can also rely on the following:
- $4 to $5 each bag of shavings
- $20 to $25 for putting up the stall
- $8 to $20 every week to maintain the stall neat
- $4 to $5 per bag of shavings
- $20 to $25 for setting up the stall
Additionally, you must maintain outbuildings on an irregular basis, which may include:
- Roof replacement, siding painting, fence repair, fertilizing and sowing pastures, and weed control are all examples of what we do.
At the end of the day, you should compute daily costs such as:
- A truck’s fuel
- Necessary equipment
- Tractors
- Power tools
- Manure spreaders
- Etc.
Unfortunately, the list is not complete, and your bills might be really expensive.
General maintenance
When you have a horse on your property, you will have to pay more than $800 in general upkeep, which includes things like:
- Cleaning and upkeep of the barn
- Equipment and fencing maintenance
- Vehicle and trailer maintenance
Horse Tack Cost
The bare essentials for your horse will set you back the following amount:
- The following items are included: a low-end saddle, a $20 saddle pad, a $60 bridle with reins, $25 stirrups, $30 for a halter and lead rope, $40 for stirrup leathers, $30 for a girth, and $35 for a bit.
All of these goods will total roughly $750 in total cost.
Horse Food Cost
Horse feed expenses can vary greatly based on the breed and kind of horse, as well as your geographic region. A horse weighing 1,000 pounds (453.5 kg) requires around 20 pounds (9 kg) of hay per day to maintain its weight. It costs between $4 and $20 every bale of hay weighing 30 to 50 pounds (13.5 – 22.5 kg), depending on the quality. You will require between $750 and $3,650 every year, according to an educated guess. It’s important to remember that grain and lush pasture might help to lessen the need for hay during certain months.
Daily costs for a horse
Supplements
There are dozens of various horse supplements available on the market that can help to preserve joints, promote hoof health, and even assist digestion. Their rates range from $0.40 to $5 per day, depending on the service. As a result, these costs range from $30 to $100 each month, or up to $1,200 per year.
Water
As you may guess, a typical horse consumes a significant amount of water each day. If you decide to keep it in the pasture, it will require around 6 gallons (22.7 l) of water every day. A mare nursing a foal, on the other hand, will require at least 20 gallons (75.5 l) of water each day. It is difficult to estimate the cost of water. If you have a well, you will only have to pay $0.06 per month for the water requirements of one horse. The cost of using city water is $2.17 every 748 gallons (2,831.5 l) plus $4 for the meter if you choose to do so.
Vet care
Regular checks, deworming, and vaccines are all part of a horse’s annual vet care regimen (rabies, equine influenza, tetanus). You will be required to pay between $45 and $60 for each appointment, with immunizations costing between $65 and $235 every year. In addition, your animal will require regular dental treatment. In addition to the regular fee of $50 to $175 for tooth filing (teeth floating), you will be charged an additional $45 to $60 for the farm call. The cost of a fecal test is $30, and the cost of an annual deworming is between $20 and $50.
The cost of a Coggins test ranges from $35 to $90 dollars.
It’s also a good idea to set aside some money for unanticipated medical bills like as injuries, lameness, abscesses, colic, or infections.
A first aid package for horses can cost you between $100 and $300. Some drugs might cost you as much as $30 each day. Basically, you have no way of predicting these costs.
Farrier
Your horse will require a routine farrier visit once every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how much work he puts in. The cost of clipping a horse ranges from $30 to $80 per horse, or around $300 to $800 annually. Front shoes will set you back $75 to $160 every pair, or at the very least $750 to $1,600 per year. To get all four shoes changed on a regular basis, you must pay $95 to $275, or around $950 to 2,750 each year.
Horse Training Cost
Riding lessons are priced between $35 to $75 per hour for conventional sessions, and $50 per hour for individual instruction. As a result, you will need to budget $2,400 every year for this reason.
The horse
Each month, the cost of a training board fluctuates between around $600 and $1,800 dollars. Traveling trainers often charge between $40 and $75 per hour, but a regular trainer would cost you around $650 per month on average.
Trailer and additional equipment
If you want to get a new two-horse bumper, it will cost you between $15,000 and $30,000, but a used bumper will cost you between $5,000 and $9,000. A new vehicle costs over $50,000, but you can find a secondhand one for as little as $6,000 on Craigslist. Another alternative is to hire a trailer, and the total cost will be determined by the distance traveled and the services required. It is also necessary to purchase certain equipment, thus you should budget for the following:
- For a medium turnout blanket, the cost is $95
- For a turnout sheet, the cost is $70. Other costs include: $20 for a bottle of fly spray, $29 for a fly mask, $40 for a grooming package, $20 for shampoo, and so on.
The expected annual expenses for this purpose are around $265.
Horse Insurance Cost
It is advisable to obtain insurance that may be used for the following purposes:
- Mortality, whether total or restricted
- Major medical
- Surgical
- Personal responsibility
- A loss of use of one’s own property
Insurance costs are estimated to be $400 to $1,000 per year for a home with a value of at least $15,000.
Summary
As you can see, owning a horse might be quite expensive, yet it is most likely less expensive than you anticipated. The total cost will be determined by the animal you pick, as well as the method of feeding and boarding it. Furthermore, they will differ depending on your location and equipment. On the other side, you might decide to lease a horse if you want a more affordable choice. You may ride it every week for a fair charge, and you won’t have to worry about incurring additional expenses for your own horse.