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.
- The Upfront Costs Average Horse: $800-$4,000 Show Horse: $3,500-$8,000
How much does it cost to own a horse per month UK?
Expect to pay between £200 and £300 per month. With full livery, the livery yard is responsible for your horses’ needs including stabling, field access, exercising, feed, hay and bedding. Costs start from around £400 a month, though near London you could find yourself having to pay almost double this.
Is 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 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.
Can I keep a horse in my garden?
You cant keep horses and have a muck heap in your garden as this is certainly not acceptable so unless you prove you are going to get it taken away every month you will have a big problem there.
How much is a Shetland pony?
A Shetland pony will cost on average between $500 to $3,000. Champion show ponies and top breeding stallions may sell for $4,000 or more.
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.
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.
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 does a horse cost 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 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).
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? (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. Listed here is all you need to know about the costs of owning a horse, both immediately and over the long term.
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
Dental examinations for horses are required in the same way that physical examinations are required for humans. If they do not have their teeth cleaned by a professional on a regular basis, they risk developing cavities or developing other dental issues (like the need for a root canal).
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.
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.
According to a presentation given by Rutgers University, the average monthly boarding rate is $260, while some institutions charge as much as $600 in exceptional cases.
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.
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.
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 are available. A horse loan arrangement requires you to commit to the care and feeding of a horse without the long-term commitment that comes with horse ownership. Horse leases are often arranged for a specific amount of time, during which you are responsible for all of the expenditures associated with ownership, as outlined in the loan agreement
- They are also known as horse loans. A horse leasing arrangement is quite similar to a horse loan in that it is entered into with the horse owner, and you are responsible for many of the expenditures associated with horse ownership. The only difference is that you are required to pay a monthly fee to the horse owner in exchange for the usage of his or her animal. Horse Shares are similar to a vehicle lease, however they are for horses instead of cars. For situations in which two parties desire to acquire a horse but neither party wants to bear the whole financial burden of ownership, a horse share may be an option. Both parties own the horse and contribute to the costs of care, hence these arrangements are effectively shared ownership agreements
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.
It’s important to remember a few things before getting started with foster parenting:
- 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?
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.
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. A horse’s food costs around $150.00 per month on average, but if your horse is simply eating hay, the cost should be far lower than that.
- 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.
- 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 looking for a cheap horse, keep an eye out for one that’s been given away. It is now easier than ever to locate someone who needs to sell their horse, thanks to the proliferation of social media websites. You could purchase a grade or older horse for $500 to $50000, but the cheaper the horse, the more money you’d have to spend later on vet bills, 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.
If you live in a metropolitan location, you will almost certainly need to board your horse at a nearby stable.
Due to the fact that horses eat a lot and require a variety of vitamins and supplements, you should expect to spend more than $100 per month on horse food.
Horses also have hooves, which must be examined and trimmed by afarrier, who is a specialized professional.
In certain cases, a basic hoof trim costs as low as $25, but a whole shoeing might cost upwards of $100.
Horses require a range of treatments, ranging from vaccines to yearly dental cleanings, all of which can add $300 or more to your annual horse care expenditure.
Many horse owners obtain health insurance for their horses, which may cost as much as $350 or more per year, in order to protect themselves from catastrophic veterinary expenditures.
Saddles, equestrian apparel, bridles, bits, and brushes are examples of things that fall under this category.
As you can see, owning a horse can be a very expensive undertaking.
Stabling fees are not included in this estimate.
While owning a horse is not a cheap proposition, horse enthusiasts will tell you that they are well worth the investment they make.
Horses are one-of-a-kind and exceptional animals that may add value to their owners’ lives in ways that no other pet can. At the end of the day, only you can choose whether they are cheap and worth the money.
What is the Cost of Owning a Horse?
How much does it cost to keep and maintain a horse? That is dependent on a variety of things, including where you reside and how you want to care for your horse. Calculating expenses may be a challenging task. Here’s how to budget for a horse and what you should know about the costs of owning a horse. Costs related with horse board or lodging are often the most expensive expenses involved with horse ownership. Hay and feed expenditures are also among the most expensive, and their prices can change significantly depending on the weather and other circumstances.
She had just returned from boarding her horse at a neighboring boarding stable and had brought her horse home to her Florida property.
“It’s one of the benefits of having a horse at home.” In fact, it’s something that some horse owners, particularly those who are considering purchasing a horse, fantasize about.
In addition, maintaining one anywhere—whether on a farm or in a boarding barn—is not a cheap endeavor.
Your Costs May Vary
The costs of horsekeeping vary greatly from year to year. Listed below is a high-level overview of the primary costs and how much they will cost each year on the low and high ends of the cost of keeping a horse.
Expense
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.
Farms who have the ability to purchase hay by the ton will typically save money on their feed expenditures.
Cost of Owning a Horse: Horse Feed
A horse’s nutritional requirements vary depending on its breed, exercise level, and age, according to the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC). Equine athletes with rigorous training and show schedules, for example, require far more feed and forage than horses that are just sporadically exercised or who do not ride at all. In the same way, elderly horses may require more food simply to maintain a healthy bodily condition. In general, a healthy horse should ingest grass equal to at least 1.5 percent of his body weight on a daily basis.
- However, the cost of hay varies based on your location, the volume of the local hay harvest, and the distance that the hay has to be shipped.
- In the words of Daniel H.
- Meanwhile, trainer Clarissa Cupolo recalls purchasing hay by the ton on an annual basis.
- The cost of fodder for six horses for a year would be $2,000, according to the author.
- It is also possible that these expenses will differ based on where the feed is processed and where the components are grown.
- Please remember to include in the cost of any supplements you feed, which can vary greatly in price.
- Some horse owners prefer to insurance their horses against the possibility of such occurrences.
Cost of Owning a Horse: Hoof Care and Veterinary Expenses
Aside from 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.
As she points out, “If your horse becomes lame or develops foot issues, he may require more regular farrier treatment or the services of an expert, both of which would be significantly more expensive.”
Unexpected Vet Emergencies
However, even if owners plan for the finest regular care possible, all horses are at danger of injury or disease at any time. A veterinarian’s visit to an emergency farm can cost as much as $100 before the animal’s ailment is even assessed by the veterinarian or treated by him or her. Transportation to an equine clinic for more serious therapy, or possibly surgery, may be required for a horse in need of more serious care. That’s something Yakin-Palmer learnt the hard way when Cera needed surgery following a severe colic episode.
As a result, if at all possible, individuals should set aside an emergency money for their horses.
Veterinary equine practices provide one form of service directly to owners, in which owners pay a yearly fee that includes basic care such as vaccines and farm visits, in addition to lower “deductibles” for operations and other costly procedures.
Some supplement companies, like as SmartPak and Platinum Performance, provide a program that will reimburse you for the expenses of colic surgery if you place a qualified order and have regular wellness checks from your veterinarian.
Costs of Boarding vs. Home Horsekeeping
Some first-time horse owners feel that keeping the animal at home rather than boarding it at a nearby barn would result in reduced horsekeeping expenditures for the animal. However, according to McLean, this is not always the case. Owners who wish to keep their horses at home must take in the expenses of real estate into the horsekeeping equation and weigh these expenditures against the costs of boarding their horses. “For example, if you want to build your own horse facility, real estate expenses might range from $700,000 to $1 million for 2 acres,” says McLean, who lives in the state of California.
Horse boarding barns for Olympic-level horses can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month,” says the author.
The blanketing and holding of a horse for a farrier or veterinarian are also included in certain facilities, according to Clarissa Cupolo, owner of Gemini Performance Horses, a facility in Florida.
Horse handling services are provided to owners on an hourly or per-service basis in other locations.
According to McLean, if you have to travel for work, you might want to consider boarding your horses while away.
Yakin- Palmer, who boarded both of her horses before bringing them home, is well aware of these issues.
“You must be available at all times and maintain a flexible schedule.
In order to do so, Maubert-Walukewicz recommends that potential horse owners solicit input from other horse owners in the area before making a purchase.
For her, the decision was straightforward.
“I’m the one who feeds them, cares for them, and interacts with them on a daily basis, so I know them much better than I would if they were boarded.” However, even though the cost is the same for both options, that option is not suitable for everyone.
Whatever you do, you must always consider the horse’s best interests.”