How Much Does It Cost To Have A Horse? (Best solution)

Costs to Keep a Horse

	Average Cost	Median Cost
Bedding	$275	$125
Building Maintenance	$1,169	$200
Training	$192	$250
Total	$3,876	$2,419

Horses can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 depending on its pedigree, performance record, and good manners. The bigger the budget, the more options you have as a horse owner to choose from. Besides the initial purchase of the horse itself, there are costs towards hay, feed, veterinary exams, training, and grooming.

How much does it cost to own a horse per month?

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.

How much does it cost to feed a horse per week?

They often only require a small amount per day – around 1 to 1.5 pounds for the average 1,000-pound horse. If a 50-pound bag of balancer costs you $35 you may only spend $0.70 per day, $4.90 a week, or $19.60 a month.

How much does a horse cost to buy and maintain?

These costs of horse ownership can vary depending on where you live and the size of your property. Once you purchase your horse, it will cost you between $2500 – $3800 a year to maintain a healthy horse.

Is it cheap to own a horse?

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. You may think owning a horse is expensive, but that’s not always the case; horses are often more affordable than people believe.

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 can I afford a horse?

How to Afford a Horse – Save Money on Horse Ownership

Buy the Best Quality Hay you can Find.
Reduce your boarding expenses.
Check your Supplements.
Buy in Bulk Whenever Possible.
Provide Care and Maintenance for your Horse.
Reduce your Training or Lesson Costs.
Buy Used when Possible.
Repair Instead of Buying New.

Can I have a horse on 1 acre?

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). With excellent management, one horse can live on as little as one mud-free acre.

Can a horse live off just grass?

Horses can survive on grass, because that is what they were born to do in the wild, but wild horses only live about 10 years. Horses, if in work, need lots of vitamins and minerals that grass alone can’t give them. Many horse owners will feed them hay, and grain and a salt block to give them those nutritions.

What is the cheapest horse breed?

The cheapest horse breeds on average are the Quarter horse, Mustang, Paint horse, Thoroughbred, and Standardbred. Though prices will vary depending on the horse, there are often many budget-friendly horses for sale within these breeds.

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.

Why are horses expensive?

The reason why horses are so expensive is that horses require daily care, which may be pricey and varies according to a variety of unpredictable circumstances. A horse requires housing and bedding as well. Other expenses that contribute to this cost include hoof care, shoeing, and grooming.

How do you start a horse for beginners?

Quick tips for the beginner horse owner:

Get a horse with a calm temperament and sound conformation.
Use proper fitting tack.
Wear the right riding clothes.
Have a suitable place to keep your horse.
Learn about feeding, health, and grooming of horses.

Annual Cost of Owning a Horse and 6 Alternatives to Buying

Parents of horse enthusiasts should be on the lookout. Once your youngster realizes that he or she wants a pony, it’s only a matter of time until they start begging for one. I should know, since I was once that youngster. Every major event, such as a birthday, Christmas, Easter, or other holiday, all I asked for was a horse. Horses were the subject of my dreams. Toy horses were the only things I could find to play with. So I could envision myself purchasing a saddle and bridle from the local country store, which was one of my favorite outings when growing up.

Horse ownership is expensive, and children are not usually dedicated to a single activity or passion.

Instead, take into consideration the annual expenditures and begin with one of the numerous cost-effective alternatives to purchasing a horse that are available.

The Costs of Horse Ownership

You’re undoubtedly aware that the initial cost of acquiring a horse is little compared to the long-term expenses associated with horse ownership. Consequently, while you may be able to obtain a rescue pony for under two hundred dollars, do not be fooled into thinking that you are getting a bargain. According to the results of a horse-ownership study conducted by the University of Maine, the average yearly cost of horse ownership is $3,876 per horse, with the median cost being $2,419 per horse.

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Food

If you’re wondering where all of that money is going, a significant amount of it is going toward food. The average horse weighs 1,100 pounds and requires a daily intake of hay and grain averaging 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent of its body weight in order to maintain its health. While a bale of hay or a bag of grain may not cost you back much money, the bale or bag of grain will not last you for very lengthy periods of time. The cost of food alone accounts for around one-third to one-half of the overall cost of horse ownership, amounting to more than $1,000 per year on average.

Vet and Farrier

The combination of veterinary and farrier expenses is another big price to factor in. A horse need regular maintenance and care in the same way that your dog or cat does – and it does it at a far higher expense than caring for a tiny pet. Fees for veterinary treatment alone total around $485 per year, which includes basic check-ups, vaccines, and testing, four yearly dewormings, and minor care for non-emergency accidents, among other things. If your horse requires emergency treatment, you should anticipate vet bills to skyrocket considerably.

Additionally, the expense of foot upkeep must be addressed in addition to veterinarian fees.

Poor hoof care can result in infection, joint hyperextension, and even permanent disability if not addressed immediately.

Trimming costs around $350 per year, however shoeing can cost substantially more, depending on how many hooves are shoed and how often they are changed out.

General Maintenance

If you’re keeping a horse on your own property, you’ll have to spend money on routine upkeep to maintain everything in good condition and working properly. This category includes the upkeep of a barn, stable, or shelter, the maintenance of equipment and fences, and the maintenance of a trailer’s vehicle. If your horse is being kept in an indoor stable, you will also need to provide bedding for it. All things considered, these expenditures pile up. Horse owners should expect to spend more than $800 per year on maintenance, depending on the size of their property and the amount of upkeep necessary.

Boarding

Do you believe that owning a horse is already prohibitively expensive? If you have to board your animal on someone else’s land, the cost increases significantly. Boarding costs are quite variable and depend on the expectations of the boarding facility in question. In certain cases, it may be possible to board your horse in a pasture for less than $100 per month if you do not anticipate your horse to get any exercise, food, or other amenities during his or her stay. As a general rule, though, if you want to board your horse in a stable with food, new bedding, regular exercise, and other facilities, you can expect to pay a significant amount of money.

One-Time or Occasional Expenses

In addition to the continuous expenses associated with horse ownership, there are some one-time or sporadic fees that you should be prepared to pay. For example, you’ll need to acquire horse equipment and grooming materials, such as saddles, bridles, halters, brushes, shampoo, horse blankets, and lead lines, as well as other accessories. Each of them demands an initial outlay of funds and, depending on how they are used, will necessitate periodic upkeep or replacement over time. Another expenditure that is sometimes ignored is training.

However, even if you acquire a horse that has already undergone basic training, it may require more training in order to be able to interact well with your child.
In the same vein, it’s possible that your youngster may require training.
This will make the experience more gratifying for everyone involved.
Helmets, riding boots, chaps or riding breeches, spurs or crops, and gloves are just a few of the accessories that your youngster may require when horseback riding.

His or her requirements will vary depending on the sort of riding done and the level of competition, but you should be prepared to budget for and acquire a couple of the items on this list in advance.

Horse Ownership Alternatives

In the event that you’ve counted the statistics and concluded that horse ownership is prohibitively expensive, there are a variety of options to consider. Even if you’d like to provide your son or daughter with a horse or pony, it may not be feasible from a financial standpoint. Try to satisfy your child’s desire for horses by providing opportunities for them to interact with them without the long-term commitment and price of ownership.

1. Horseback Riding Lessons

Look for horseback riding classes and training in your local region by visiting stables in your neighborhood. Learning to ride and do basic horse maintenance under the supervision of a certified instructor is a wonderful way to introduce your child to horseback riding and horse care. A selection of riding styles falling within the general English or Western riding categories are now available for you to pick and choose from as well. Dressage, show jumping, and polo are examples of sub-specialties in English riding, whereas reining, cutting, and rodeo are examples of sub-specialties in Western riding.

The majority of group courses cost between $15 and $50 each lesson, however individual training can cost as much as $100 or more per hour depending on the instructor.

2. 4-H Club

While the majority of 4-H club members own their own animals, it’s still a good idea to contact your local 4-H Horse chapter to see if the horse program has any horses available for young riders to ride with them. Students in grades 3 through 12 can participate in 4-H programs that provide equine training that includes everything from basic horse care to the ins and outs of presenting your horse. If your local branch can give hands-on experience to students who do not have access to horses, it might be the ideal and most cost-effective alternative.

3. Volunteerism

Check with your local stables, horse rescues, and horse therapy programs to see if any of them are need for volunteers at the present time. Horseback riding lessons or riding time are provided by certain groups in return for assistance around the stables. Even if the organization does not give lessons or ride time, your child may still find it rewarding to donate his or her time to groom, wash, and generally care for the horses at the facility.

4. Horse Camp

When summertime rolls around, offer your child the opportunity of a lifetime by enrolling him or her in a summer horse camp program. Day programs are likely to be offered by local stables, while overnight camps provide a more immersive learning experience. A kid is assigned to a horse for a week or two at most horse camps, and the youngster is responsible for caring for, grooming, riding, and feeding the horse while at camp. Because horse camp is the closest thing your child will come to experience horse ownership without actually bringing a horse into your life, it is highly recommended.

To be honest, the name, personality, and affection I shared with a horse at horse camp over two decades ago are still fresh in my mind. Brown Jug will always have a special place in my heart.

5. Horse Loans, Leases, or Shares

Horse loans, leases, and shares are arrangements entered into with a horse owner in order to acquire access to his or her horse. These agreements are a logical step down from horse ownership.

Horse loans, leases, and shares are arrangements entered into with a horse owner in order to acquire access to his or her horse. These agreements are a logical step down from full ownership of horses.

If you decide to pursue a loan, lease, or share, you should consider having an agreement set out by a lawyer in order to safeguard your interests as well as the interests of the other party in the transaction. It’s important to avoid any confusion regarding whose costs are the responsibility of whom.

6. Horse Fostering

Many horses are abandoned, mistreated, or just unloved by their owners, which is a sad reality that must be addressed. Horse rescue groups regularly look for foster homes to assist them in the care of horses that have been surrendered to their care. Horse fostering may be the ideal alternative for you if you have the necessary facilities and space to care for a horse in your house. While rescue groups often cover the majority of the costs of ownership, such as veterinarian fees and training, as well as corrective farrier appointments, foster homes typically cover the price of food, shelter, and other regular care.

Adoption of the foster horse is possible at any moment. Before committing to foster care, be certain that your kid understands the dynamics at play. Some of the foster horses are unable to be ridden. The disappointment that your child may experience if you give him or her a horse that is lame, unwell, or untrained may be due to the fact that the horse is placed in your care because of these factors: Some foster horses are not excellent with children, for whatever reason. The majority of horses are not suited for young children, even if they have been broken to ride them. In the same vein, if your youngster desires a horse for riding, he or she may be disappointed.

Fostering is a significant commitment that should not be taken lightly. You are consenting to devote your time, energy, and resources to the care and nourishment of an animal who may be sick or starving as a result of your actions. It’s sure to present some difficulties, but it also has the potential to be one of the most satisfying things you ever accomplish in your life. It is a lovely and heartwarming experience to witness a horse come into your care, regain health, learn to trust humans, and eventually find a forever home for itself.

Final Word

To be honest, if your youngster expresses an interest in owning a horse, you’re unlikely to hear the last of the story. Having said that, there are alternatives to quench the urge by providing frequent horse experiences that do not require the same financial investment as actual horse ownership. Don’t be afraid to explain to your child why you are unable to provide him or her with a horse. Provide him or her with a budget breakdown of the costs and explain that one day, when he or she will have an income, the decision to acquire a horse will be his or hers.

My financial situation has improved enough that I am now able to care for a horse on my own property.

Horses may live for up to 25 years, so unless you’re prepared to spend $3,000 or more every year for the next 20 years, you’re probably not ready to make the commitment to owning a horse.

Are there any additional strategies you employ to keep your youngster happy?

What Does it Cost to Care for a Horse, Anyway?

To be honest, if your youngster expresses an interest in owning a horse, you’re unlikely to hear the last of the story from them. Although genuine horse ownership is too expensive, there are methods to quench the urge by providing frequent horse experiences that are less expensive than actual ownership. Explain to your youngster why you are unable to purchase a horse for him or her without causing embarrassment. Provide him or her with a budget breakdown of the costs and explain that one day, when he or she will have a wage, the decision to buy a horse will be his or hers.

My financial situation has improved enough that I am now able to care for a horse on my own property; yet, I am not yet ready to commit to the monthly expenditure of keeping one.

If so, what kind of horse do you want for your child? What additional strategies do you employ to keep your youngster content?

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? (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. Then there are considerations such as the cost of vaccinations to consider. These are only rough estimates for the cost of a healthy horse.

Depending on whether or not your horse has surgery or physical treatment, you might be looking at thousands of dollars in medical expenditures before the year is over. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Expenses associated with horse bedding and stabling might be a surprise to those who are not familiar with the industry. Just on bedding, the average horse owner will spend around $1,000 per year. Understanding all of the aspects 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 business. This is often included in the price of your horse boarding facility’s service. If you board your horse, you can deduct this expense from your total yearly horse ownership expenses.

In the case of wood pellets or pine shavings, if you buy four bags per week and pay $5 for each bag, the cost per week can be $20 and the total cost per year can be $1000.

The amount of bedding required is determined by the amount of stall time your horse receives and the efficiency with which you clean out your horse’s stall. A small amount of bedding is used by some horse owners all year.

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.

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.

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

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. 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

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.

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.