What Is The Real Cost Of Owning A Horse?
So, you are thinking about buying a horse? Well, owning a horse is something that requires a lot of research and hard work, so it is important to know some things before you commit.
One thing is to love being around horses and another thing is to own and actually take care of one. So, before you saddle up, let’s talk about the real cost of owning a horse, and it isn’t cheap, let me tell you that.
Yes, having your own horse that you can ride is fun, but it can leave a hole in your wallet, especially if you are not prepared.
Let’s go through some of the costs that magically appear the second you buy this 1,000-pound animal.
Starting Costs – Buying the Horse
First of all, you have to buy the horse and no, you can’t pick one up from your local pet store. The price of the horse can vary quite a bit. You have basic horses that can go anywhere from $500 to $5,000. These are usually untrained or older horses.
You can go a step further and get a more decent and well-trained horse with a good pedigree.
Of course, you can go bold and choose a show-quality or competition horse and this cost $20,000 and above (sky is the limit). But of course, these are usually racehorses. So, if you have a lot of spare money, maybe you can buy a racehorse and attempt to enter the Kentucky Derby.
Who knows, maybe you can bet money on your horse and win. Since we are talking about Kentucky Derby betting online, it is worth mentioning that it is quite difficult to win a race with that high of a pedigree.
So, a horse can cost you a couple of thousand dollars to six figures, depending on the age, bloodline, and use of the horse.
The Ongoing Costs
Okay, so you’ve bought the horse. Now what? Well, horses aren’t like goldfish—you can’t just toss them some food and call it a day. Here’s a breakdown of the ongoing costs:
1. Board and Stabling
Unless you’ve got a sprawling estate with a barn, you’ll need to pay for boarding. The cost depends on where you live and the type of facility:
• Pasture Board:
• $100 to $400 per month. Your horse lives outdoors with minimal supervision.
• Partial Board:
• $300 to $700 per month. Your horse gets a stall at night and pasture during the day.
• Full Board:
• $500 to $1,500+ per month. Your horse gets a stall, regular meals, and daily care.
2. Feed and Hay
Horses eat. A lot. On average, a horse consumes 2% of its body weight in food every day. For a 1,000-pound horse, that’s 20 pounds of hay and grain daily.
• Hay:
• $5 to $15 per bale (a bale lasts about 2-3 days).
• Grain:
• $15 to $30 per bag (lasts about a month).
Annual Cost: $1,000 to $2,500.
3. Veterinary Care
Horses need regular check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care. And let’s not forget emergencies—because horses are basically accident magnets.
• Routine Care:
• $300 to $600 per year.
• Emergency Care:
• $500 to $5,000+ (or more) per incident.
Pro Tip: Consider equine insurance. It can help cover major medical expenses, but it’ll cost you around $300 to $1,000 per year.
4. Farrier Services
Horses need their hooves trimmed and shooed every 6-8 weeks. Think of it as a pedicure, but way more expensive.
• Trimming:
• 30 to 50 per session.
• Shoeing:
• 100 to 300 per session.
Annual Cost: $500 to $1,200.
5. Tack and Equipment
You can’t ride a horse without the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Saddle:
• $300 to $3,000.
• Bridle:
• $50 to $300.
• Blankets:
• $50 to $200 each.
• Grooming Supplies:
• $50 to $100.
And don’t forget tack wears out and needs to be replaced every few years.
6. Training and Lessons
If you’re new to horse ownership, you’ll probably need lessons. And if your horse needs training, that’s another expense.
• Lessons:
• $50 to $100 per hour.
• Training:
• $500to $1,500 per month.
Hidden Costs
Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, horses have a way of throwing curveballs. Here are some hidden costs to keep in mind:
• Transportation: Moving a horse isn’t cheap. Hiring a horse trailer can cost 1 to 3 per mile.
• Barn Supplies: Shovels, wheelbarrows, buckets—it all adds up.
• Show Fees: If you’re into competitive riding, entry fees, travel, and grooming costs can quickly spiral out of control.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Horse toys, treats, fly spray, and the occasional “oops, my horse ate the fence” repair bill.
The Emotional Cost
Let’s not forget the emotional investment. Horses are sensitive, intelligent creatures that require time, patience, and love. They can get sick, injured, or just have a bad day. And when they do, it can be heartbreaking. Owning a horse is a commitment—not just to your wallet, but to your heart.
How Big is the Annual Cost for a Horse?
Before you take the plunge, sit down and crunch the numbers. Here’s a quick annual estimate for owning a horse:
• Board:
• 6,000 to $18,000
• Feed:
• 1,000 to $2,500
• Vet Care:
• 300 to $600 (plus emergencies)
• Farrier:
• 500 to $1,200
• Tack and Equipment:
• 500 to $1,000 (initial)
• Training/Lessons:
• 600 to $3,600
Total Annual Cost: $8,900 to $26,900+
So, it is quite expensive to own a horse, right? Even if you manage to get the lowest cost (which is not up to you to manage sometimes), you still need to pay around $9,000 per year. So, make sure you have enough bread before committing to buying a horse.
