How much does owning a horse cost

While it is entirely possible to pay only horse-related expenses; if you intend to ride or drive your horse, there will be human costs.

Appropriate clothing is a must to stay safe around the barn. You will need a helmet, gloves, breeches or jeans and a boot or shoe with a low wedge heel. While you need not buy expensive clothing, safety is a must. If you are planning on showing your horse, be prepared to get out your cheque book.

Show fees increase as one moves up through the levels. Horses take a toll on more than just your wallet; you will need to invest emotional and physical resources, as well as your time. Driving to the barn, grooming and working your horse can require upwards of two hours each time.

For most horse owners this is a three to six day a week commitment. Are you capable of staying up all night with a sick horse — or are you willing to pay somebody else to take on that responsibility? If you get injured by your horse, can you afford to take time off work to heal? Could you handle choosing between an expensive surgery or euthanasia if the situation arises? Horse owners often have to make tough decisions that impact more than their bank account. As you can see, the cost of horse ownership has a number of variables.

Written by Horse Rookie. How much does it cost to care for a horse where you live? Click to see this useful resource at Amazon. Article Quick Links show. Horse Care Categories Housing. Routine Vet Care. Horse Cost Estimates by State Alabama. New Hampshire. New Jersey. New Mexico. New York. North Carolina. North Dakota. Rhode Island. South Carolina. South Dakota. West Virginia. Frequently Asked Questions Why do horses cost so much?

Do you have to be rich to have a horse? How much money do you need to get a horse? What is the cheapest horse? How can I get a free horse? Regardless of where the horse is purchased, it is important to obtain as much information on the current horse market as possible.

This may entail as little as visiting with other owners in your locale or as much as hiring an expert to help locate and purchase a horse for you. Going to shows and sales, attending functions at different clubs and organizations, and visiting with horse owners are ways to increase your knowledge of the horse market before buying. Horses are cared for under many different management styles. Some are housed in barns or stables on a full-time basis, whereas others are managed continuously in pastures.

As a prospective owner, one of the first decisions to make is where to house the horse. Many owners have the ability to house and care for a horse where they live, whether it be in suburban-type housing, with small acreages zoned for horse use, or large agricultural acreages. On-site housing has many advantages related to the convenience of daily horse care and use. This is especially important for those owning horses as part of a youth development project.

Many new owners stable their horses at a commercial facility. Stables provide a variety of services that ease the daily chore of horse care. Also, stabling facilities have the advantage of increased interaction with other owners. Facilities at stables may allow for more horse use than is available with on-site housing such as a covered arena for use during inclement weather , and many stables have organized horse activities for those boarding horses.

How and where the horse care is provided will have a large impact on the needs for equipment and facilities. This also will affect daily operation costs, such as feed, veterinary care, and farrier services. Prospective owners should acquaint themselves with the associated costs of horse ownership before buying, so they can maximize the net benefits sought from horse ownership. The types of costs will vary because of the diversity of horse uses and ways horses are managed.

Also, many owners do not include the cost of buying land, because they want to own land regardless of horse interest. If your horse needs emergency care, expect vet expenses to jump significantly.

In addition to vet fees, the cost of hoof maintenance must be considered. Poor hoof care can lead to infection, joint hyper-extension, and even permanent lameness. In addition to daily care by the owner, horses should be seen by a certified farrier every six to eight weeks to be trimmed or shoed.

Upkeep of the barn, stable, or shelter, maintenance of equipment and fencing, and vehicle maintenance of a trailer all fall into this category. All-in-all, these expenses add up. Do you think horse ownership already sounds expensive? Boarding fees vary extensively based on the expectations of the boarding facility.

That said, if you want to board your horse in a stable, with food, water, fresh bedding, regular exercise, and other amenities, expect to pay a lot more. In addition to the ongoing costs of horse ownership, there are occasional or one-time expenses you should be prepared to pay. Each of these requires an upfront investment, and depending on use, will require maintenance or replacement from time to time. Another commonly overlooked expense is training.

If you want your child to be able to ride the horse you purchased, the horse must be broke to ride. Some horses are ornery or headstrong, and you need to feel confident that the horse will listen to and obey the commands your child provides.

In the same light, your child may need training as well. And lastly, there are equipment expenses for the rider. Helmets, riding boots, chaps or riding breeches, spurs or crops, and gloves are only several of the items your child may need. His or her needs will vary based on the type of riding performed and the level of competition, but you should be prepared to budget for and purchase a few of these items.

Check your local area for stables offering horseback riding lessons and instruction. Lessons are a great way to introduce your child to riding and basic horse maintenance under the tutelage of a qualified instructor.