How much does a horse cost per year if it's on working livery?

Question

I know that alot of people ask "how much does a horse cost per year" but I wanna know about when it's on working livery? I have a riding school near to me that does working livery where I get a percentage of the cost of each riding lesson that my soon-to-be horse does. I was wondering if anyone knew if most yards will do working livery and still supply food and things.....(when i say things i don't mean tack and rugs)

Answer 1

I am a little unclear, but i can say this:

It will always cost more to have your horse stay in a stable than on your own farm. Board can vary and can indeed include feeding. There is 3 types of board

Full- the horse is fed, cleaned, mucked, turned out, water, etc. This can range from 450-1200 dollars

Rough/partial-Reduced rate but you are responsible for food, feeding, watering, and cleaning. $200-400

Pasture- Your horse as a shelter in a pasture. You pay every expense and upkeep. The cheapest. $100-200 (PER MONTH)

Paying for a horse out right in cash or check is always more cost effective than paying over time. They are milking you for lessons plus a horse over a VERY LONG TIME. keeping your business theirs and not someone elses.

If you can PAY for the horse out right. If you can, have it on your property, if not (depending on the breed) choose a board option that is cheap. Ponies and cold bloods can do great in pasture board and often thrive in it. TB's and Arabs however would do best stalled in cold weather.

In all a year's board alone can be from 5k-12k a year OR as low as 1.2k a year.

Food must always be the HIGHEST quailty. It is cheaper to buy a good food than a cheap, unbalanced one, because they can cost more in vet bills for illness, coat, and they can be harder to work. Sounthern States is a reasonablity priced feeds that have always worked great for me they cost about $11 for a 50lbs bag. If he is the average eater he will eat about 1 bag a week. so in a month it is abut $45. If you are paying for the feed it will cost about $540 a year.

Vet bills you will always be responsible for. If he doesn't get injured or sick he will need 2 vet visits a years. Spring and winter shots and a coggins. To cut on cost, learn to give shots your self and you can order them. A vet bill will be about $175 for shots. if you order the vaccine and give yourself the medicine will run you about $75. (NOTE- the vaccine has several doses so if other's wish to do this you can split the cost and bring it down even more) you will need a coggins however and general exam. Bringing the bill to about $50 a $25 saver.

Cost for vet- $350 per year

Max cost if you do it- $250 (you can reduce this)

Farrier cost vary if the horse needs shoes or is fine bare foot. Bare foot, just a trim, can run from $20-30 bucks. they need a trim ever 6-8 weeks. Shoes can run from $100-200 depending on what is needed but are general on the lower end of the cost scale.

Trims-$240 at most per year

Shoes-$1600 max per year.

Firstr aid can prevent a vet bill. $20 of supplies from a Wal Mart can save you $100.

I know you do not want the cost of tack added in however i must warn that even if you have a saddle, If you want ANY longevity out of your horse, then you will make sure the saddle fits him properly:

1 Take a peice of mold-able wire (like copper) and cut it into a 30 inch strip. Bend it over his back, behind the scapula and mold it to his body.

2 Take that mold and trace it on a peice of carboard.

3. Flip your current saddle upside down and fit the mold into it. If it does not fit nicely with room for padding your in trouble. This can seriously injure a horse and render him lame if severe enough. If it is Too wide the saddle will slide around and make him sore and again lame.

4. If it does not fit get rid of the saddle. Some times you can sell it by posting it in the barn's bulletin board. If not, go to the tack store and ask to but it on cosignment. Sell it that if is needed (not recommended) and then buy a saddle that fits him.

5. No saddle fits every horse. DO NOT fall into this ad that a type of saddle will fit any horse or comform to him. a tree is a tree and it is perminate forever no matter the material.

6. Cheap saddle runs from $200-450, high ender can be up to $3000.

7. Check the local papers for used saddles. As long as it is in good condition you can slip your mold in and if it fits you can pay as little as $50.

Costs per year:

board: $1,200- 12,000

food: $540

vet $250-$350 (just shots and coggins)

Farrier:$240-1,600

First Aid-$20 (replace supplies)

Saddle: $50-3,000

Total (w/o saddle): $2,250 Cheapest

                               : $14,510 Expensive

Total w/saddle: $2,300-5,250

                         : $14,560-17,510

Always Expect the unexpected. Shop around for the best price! Happy Equine Owning, its a great experience!

If you do work for reduced rates you will most likely still be responsible for feed, vet, etc. and only get a break on board.