Caring for a horse can cost anywhere between $200 to $325 per month – an annual average of $3,876, according to finance consulting site Money Crashers. Some of these costs include: Grain/feed. Hay.
- Monthly costs for a horse Approximate total costs (in the example calculation) range from a minimum $ 4,180 to a maximum $ 9,940 in one year. If you divide this amount by 12 months, you have a price range of $ 348,30 to $ 868,50 in monthly expenses for a horse.
How much does 1 horse cost monthly?
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.
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.
What is the cheapest horse?
The cheapest horse breeds are:
- Wild Mustangs.
- Quarter Horses.
- Arabians.
- Thoroughbreds.
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 long does a horse live?
Price Range: From about $4,000 to several million dollars. A black stallion named Totilas was sold for approximately 11 million Euros to a German trainer.
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 much land is needed for a horse?
In general, professionals recommend two acres for the first horse and an additional acre for each additional horse (e.g., five acres for four horses). And, of course, more land is always better depending on the foraging quality of your particular property (70% vegetative cover is recommended).
Is riding horse cruel?
So, is horse riding cruel? Horse riding is not cruel if it is done or supervised by an experienced rider who puts the horse’s needs first. If we are not careful and pay attention to every detail of our horses’ care, health and behavior, then horse riding can easily become cruel.
Is it expensive to maintain a horse?
Caring for a horse can cost anywhere between $200 to $325 per month – an annual average of $3,876, according to finance consulting site Money Crashers. Some of these costs include: Grain/feed. Hay.
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.
Vet Bills
Unexpected veterinary expenditures are one item that may truly put a wrench in your financial plans. In addition, the cost of after-hours calls may be quite expensive, and operations such as colic surgery can run into the hundreds or even tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the procedures you pick. It’s a good idea to prepare ahead and figure out how you’re going to handle a high vet expense.
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. Let’s have a look at this.
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.
So, let’s have a look at some of your alternatives for keeping your horse happy and safe:
Annual costs for a horse
| Purpose | Overall costs |
| Horse | $4,000 on average |
| Purchasing process | $850 to $900 |
| Housing | $1,200 to $9,000 |
| Feeding | Up to $3,650 for hay and up to $1,500 for grain |
| Supplements | $840 |
| Salt block | $14 |
| Equipment | $265 |
| Tack | $740 |
| Rider training | $2,800 |
| Horse training | $600 |
| Professional help | $250 |
| Farrier | $450 to $2,800 |
| Veterinary care | $200 to $550 |
| Vaccines | $95 |
| Dentist | $100 to $250 |
| Deworming | $30 |
| Insurance | $400 to $1,000 |
| End of life cost | $600 to $4,000 |
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.
- $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
- And
All of these goods will total roughly $750 in total cost.
Horse Food Cost
Everything listed above will set you back between $700 to $1000.
Daily costs for a horse
| Daily expenses | |
| One-half bale of hay | $3 to $5 |
| Two-cup concentrate servings | $1 or more |
| Supplements | $0.17 |
| Salt blocks | $0.04 |
| Farrier | $0.83 |
| Routine vaccines | $0.27 |
| Dentist | $0.35 |
| Deworming | $0.20 |
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. It amounts to virtually nothing when it comes to something as essential as water.
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.
- 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.
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.
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. After that, there are expenditures to consider, such as vaccination fees. These are simply rough figures for an average-sized 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
The final line is that horse ownership is prohibitively expensive. Never know when an unforeseen expense can come, and even if there are no surprises, it can cost thousands of dollars each year to provide a horse with the bare necessities.
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.
Learn the True Cost of a Horse – Equine.com
If you’re thinking about purchasing horses, you’ve probably already determined how much money you’re willing and able to spend on a new equine friend. However, the purchase price is only a portion of the total cost of owning a horse. Horse ownership may be quite expensive, depending on the breed, age, and disposition of your horse, as well as your location, where you intend to keep the horse, and what sort of job you intend to undertake with the horse. Before purchasing a horse, it’s crucial to consider all of the expenses that will be connected with your new companion.
You’ll be able to budget for the additional expenditure this way, rather of being caught off guard later on. Do you require assistance in formulating your thoughts? With the help of this guide from Equine.com, you can budget for the real expense of owning a horse.
The Cost of Keeping a Horse: Board, Pasture and More
Boarding a horse on your own property is the most cost-effective method of keeping the expense of a horse low. But if you live in an urban location or if you don’t have the necessary facilities to properly board and pasture a horse, you’ll have to look for a stable in the region that will accept him. Costs associated with owning a horse vary greatly based on where you reside and the degree of service provided by your horse’s stable. Simple pasture boarding might be as little as $100 per month for a small number of animals.
If you intend to keep your horse on your own property, you’ll need to examine whether or not the property is suitably suited for the task.
You’ll also want barn space that is well-maintained, which is especially important if you live in a cold region.
The Cost of Owning a Horse: Feed, Maintenance and Healthcare Needs
Amounts spent on hay, salt, and supplements range from $60 to $100 per month for most horse owners, with some spending far more, particularly if they give grain to their horses. The cost of maintaining your horse’s hooves is an additional expense to consider when purchasing a horse. Regardless of whether you want to shoe your horse, you’ll need to have his hooves checked and trimmed by a farrier every two to three months or so. In most cases, this will cost you roughly $25 or $30. When you factor in shoeing, you may be looking at a bill of $80 to $100 every two months.
If your horse is in good health, this can cost as little as $300 each year.
Despite the fact that such fees are impossible to forecast, you should prepare yourself for the potential before purchasing a horse.
The Cost of a Horse is Worth Every Cent
You should remember that there is no alternative for having an equine friend, even if all of these prices, as well as optional charges such as equipment, riding lessons, and show entrance fees, make purchasing your first horse seem overwhelming. Despite the fact that owning a horse is not inexpensive, the benefits are substantial. As long as you’ve prepared ahead of time and are able to finance your horse, you won’t be disappointed – so go ahead and start browsing theEquine.com horse ads right now.
The Cost to Own a Horse? Plus 5 cost-saving tips!
Any links on this page that direct you to things on Amazon are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a compensation. Thank you in advance for your assistance — I much appreciate it! What does it cost to buy a horse come to mind? This is perhaps one of the most often asked questions I receive from folks who are interested in purchasing their first horse. The answer is not clear due to the large number of variables that come into play while owning a horse. Ownership of a horse typically costs around $6,000 per year, however costs can vary substantially based on factors such as your horse’s health and age, among other things.
You might imagine that owning a horse is prohibitively expensive, but this is not always the case; horses are frequently more inexpensive than people realize. However, some expenses are necessary, and you must be aware of these prices before making the decision to purchase one.
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.
The cost to buy a horse.
I recently purchased the three-year-old filly in the photograph for $6,000. She is a thoroughbred that I discovered for sale after she had just finished last in her first race, and the owner did not want to spend any more money training her. The initial cost of purchasing a horse is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of expenses. A horse, mule, or pony can range in price from $500 to more than $50000, depending on the horse’s age, breed, gender, and pedigree, among other factors. The average cost of owning a horse for recreational purposes is around $3000 dollars.
Pro Tip: If you are seeking to save money, horse auctions are a great place to look.
A wide variety of auctions and horses are available, including American Quarter horses, Mustangs, rescue horses and Arabians, to name a few.
Fun fact: Fusaichi Pegasus was the most expensive horse ever sold when he was purchased by Coolmore Stud for a stunning $60 million immediately after winning the Kentucky Derby. He was a stud in Kentucky until he was forced to retire at the end of 2020.
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.
Pro Tip: Simple pasture boarding is far less expensive than stable boarding.
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. The following is a breakdown of the costs of veterinary care for horses:
- 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
Horse ownership is highly gratifying, but it also demands careful planning and budgeting. I computed the prices using national averages, my geographic location, and the use of common horse breeds. Always have a portion of your savings set up for unforeseen costs, like as unanticipated vet bills. I hope this article gave you a better understanding of the costs associated with horse ownership.
Costs and Considerations of Caring For Your Horse
Horse enthusiasts will all agree that horses have a positive influence on their life. Aside from the obvious physical benefits that come with horse ownership, there are several psychological, emotional, and social factors that make purchasing a horse a wise investment.
Choosing between caring for your horses at home and having them boarded at a stable, on the other hand, is a difficult decision for many horse owners. If you’re still debating the advantages and downsides, have a look at the following considerations.
The Bare Necessities
According to the money advice website Money Crashers, maintaining a horse may cost anywhere from $200 to $325 each month, for a total yearly cost of $3,876, on average. Some of these expenses are as follows:
- Food and feed
- Hay and pasture
- Salts and minerals
- Farrier service
- Veterinary care
- Utilities
- Tack and supplies
- Bedding
- Insurance
- Riding lessons
- Purchase of a truck and trailer
It’s vital to keep in mind that, depending on where you reside, boarding fees might significantly increase these yearly forecasts. For example, boarding a horse outside of Portland might cost up to $600 per month, but a farm in a rich region of New York can charge up to $1,300 per month per horse. Although it is a less expensive choice, keeping a horse on your property requires a significant amount of feeding and daily upkeep, which can be both physically and financially stressful. A budget should be created before acquiring a horse, and it should be based on the amount of money you anticipate spending annually on housing and care.
How Much Does a Horse Eat?
Every horse is an individual, and each requires a varied amount of food. Having said that, roughage, such as high-quality hay or pasture, should always provide the majority of a horse’s calories. Approximately 1 percent of their body weight in hay or pasture grasses and legumes is advised for horses on a daily basis, according to the American Horse Society. Horses who eat hay as their primary source of food ingest between fifteen and twenty pounds of hay per day on average. A typical 1,000-pound horse fed hay and grain should consume around 20 to 25 pounds of hay and grain each day.
However, while grass is considered to be the most natural and optimum food source for horses, hay can be a perfectly acceptable substitute, provided that it is the appropriate hay for your horse.
How Often Do Horses Need to Exercise?
Horses require regular activity since they are grazers by nature. It is preferable if horse owners have a paddock or pasture where their animals may nibble and graze during the entire day. Horses that are allowed to wander around freely for the majority of the day require around 15 to 20 minutes of exercise each day on average. Horses housed in stalls require at least 30 minutes of exercise every day to maintain their health. A workout for your horse should be tailored to his or her specific demands, which should be determined by the sort of activity and amount of time he or she performs.
Whatever training program you choose for your horse, it is critical that you maintain consistency in your horse’s daily routine. Unexpected injuries can occur if a horse is not properly warmed up before returning to a full daily session without first warming up with a rider or other horse.
Grooming Considerations
Taking care of your horse’s appearance is an important element of horse ownership. Grooming horses on a daily basis helps them build a healthy, lustrous coat and helps their owners notice any wounds or irritations. The majority of horse owners who ride on a regular basis understand that brushing your horse before to riding is essential, because grit beneath the saddle or girth can irritate your horse’s skin and perhaps create saddle or girth sores. No matter how often you plan to ride your horse, it’s still a good idea to keep up with a regular grooming regimen.
- Coarse-bristled grooming mitt or curry comb, stiff-bristled body brush, mane and tail comb, soft-bristled finishing brush Picking up a hoof
- Sponge or soft cloth that has been well cleaned
- Grooming spray, hoof ointment, and scissors are all optional.
One of the most effective methods to begin grooming your horse is to examine his or her hooves for cracks or changes in condition. After that, you’ll want to remove any dirt or other foreign objects from your horse’s hoof. This will assist you in maintaining the health of your horse while also successfully eliminating anything that may hinder you from riding that day. After that, you’ll want to grab your curry comb and begin brushing your hair from the neck to the back. Cleaning your horse’s skin eliminates filth and promotes circulation, which in turn causes natural oils to be released from the horse’s skin.
After that, you’ll use your finishing brush to make long strokes from the neck to the rear of the chair to remove any leftover dust.
In the end, you’ll want to groom the mane and tail by combing little portions from the bottom to the top until you can brush the tail without snagging it on anything.
Boarding a Horse
Horse owners have a few boarding choices to choose from, the most common of which are partial boarding and full boarding, respectively. It’s vital to remember that persons who partially board their horses will no longer be considered the horse’s legal owner after doing so. As an alternative, you pay a portion of the board in exchange for the right to ride the horse for a specified number of hours per week and at defined times. Depending on the terms of the contract, you may also be liable for funding the costs of a veterinarian and a farrier.
Owners who prefer to board their horses full-time, on the other hand, may expect to pay a higher price in order to obtain all of the benefits of full boarding.
However, depending on your location, the number of horses you own, and whether or not your board includes lessons, arena access, and equipment use, this alternative can be prohibitively expensive.
If you decide that full boarding is the best choice for you, you should make arrangements to check on the horse on a regular basis to ensure that it is in excellent health.
Cost of Boarding a Horse
As previously said, the location of your home might have an impact on how much your boarding bills will be. Be prepared to pay extra taxes and land expenses if you reside near or in a metropolitan region, as taxes and land costs are often higher in urban areas. Other variables that might increase prices include the amount of competition for a stable, the number of facilities and amenities offered, the services supplied, and the cost of transportation to and from your horse’s location. If you live in or near an urban location and want to board your horse in a well-serviced stable that also offers lessons, you may end up paying more than $700 per month for boarding and lessons.
Housing Your Own Horse
Those who are confident in their skills to care for a horse full-time should examine the quantity of land that will be required in order to maintain their horses healthy and happy in their retirement. Amounts might vary based on the number of horses you own, the size of your horse, and your management plans for those horses. Horses may peacefully graze on as little as one acre of land with proper care, but two acres is typically considered optimal for most situations.
Cost of Housing Your Own Horse
You’ll almost certainly need your own barn in order to house your horse. Even if you already have a barn, you’ll want to make sure it’s in excellent shape and that it allows you to care for your horses in a way that’s both handy for you and healthy for them, as well as convenient for them. It’s crucial to remember that the minimum dimensions for a loose box stable is 10′ x 10′ to 12′ x 12′ in size, depending on the breed of horse. However, although this is OK for riding horses, it is not suggested for draft breeds or for pregnant mares who are expecting a foal in the near future.
Whether you’re just starting out or planning a move to a larger property, you’ll want to figure out what your typical monthly mortgage payment is going to be.
Take into consideration the expenditures of horse ownership before acquiring your horse so that you may adequately budget for any unforeseen expenses and protect the well-being of your new equine companion.
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.
A horse that is well-cared for may make all the difference between one that is flourishing and one that is on the verge of becoming a welfare statistic, regardless of whether or not the horse is a performance horse, trail horse, or companion equine.
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
Some things, such as a saddle, may last a lifetime with good care.
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.
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). For example, horses with significant training and show schedules often require more feed and forage than horses who are just sometimes under saddle or are not ridden 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. It is possible to spend up to $15,000 on unanticipated medical catastrophes such as colic surgery. 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 addressing their horses’ nutritional requirements, owners must also offer routine veterinarian and other professional care to ensure that their animals remain in good physical and mental condition. In general, such expenditures do not vary much from one month to the next or from one year to the next. Having a strategy in place to cover these expenses, on the other hand, is essential. The expense 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 charges at a rate of $50 to $150 every year.
- Every four to eight weeks, set aside money for routine foot care.
- Whether or whether a horse is shod, it need normal farrier treatment every four to eight weeks, regardless of its condition.
- She estimates that the cost of routine farrier care for shod horses is between $50 to $150 every visit, or $300 to $1,200 per year.
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.
The idea of having horses at home may seem like a fantasy, but it is necessary to maintain fences and meadows.
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.”