Horse expenses?

Question

i know horses are a lot of money but what does it cost per year?

- i live in ontario

- would have to pay for board ( the barn i am looking at isnt very expensive) ( includes feed and turnout and everything)

- would want to have someone lease my horse

what would be the cheapest way to own a horse?

Answer 1

It depends on a lot of factors--If you don't care about having the fanciest horse or the fanciest barn and tack you can save a lot of money! I'll lay out my expenses and how I save money on my horse for you and hope it helps

--Horse: $3500 because I bought him from a barn that I have spent MANY summers at, and where they know me very well and were glad to know where the horse was going

--Tack (Saddle $700, Bridle $10, Reins $80, Bit $20, Leathers $80, Stirrups $10, Girth $100, Martingale $15)

If you can determine the fit without seeing what your buying then Ebay is PERFECT! I acquired an excellent used leather martingale and bridle there and a reduced price demo saddle that had been ridden in about 3 times!) That also leaves money to splurge on other pieces.

--Board: $250 a month--using field board is cheaper and gives you a happier horse, albeit a fatter one.

--Shoes: $40-$100 for hind trim and front shoes--depends on the farrier

--Spring Shots: $80--group rates if you find one vet to come give shots to all the horses at your barn

--Dental Work: I'm not positive but leave a few hundred dollars for that--VERY IMPORTANT

--Trailer (optional): If you don't use it often then you can find a very old one in working condition for under $3,000

--Dewormer: $40 per year

--Feed: really depends on how much and what kind the horse gets!

--Other stuff like brushes, buckets, lunge line, whips, blankets, fly spray, ointments, hoof oil, shampoo, horse boots--when it comes to these things I'm cheap, I usually go for the cheaper brand and find that it works as well as the most expensive. Also you need to compulsively scan your Dover catalogs for their closeout sales--or if you live near a Dover saddlery check out their summer tent sale!

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My estimate NOT including the horse itself, a trailer, and your set of tack (but adding around $500 a year for miscellaneous horse needs like a new blanket) and using my $250 board charge as the basis it is around $4500 a year for me to keep my horse

There ya go!

Answer 2

I live in Ontario as well, and due to rising gas prices and hay prices among other things, rates have been rising all over the place. I can't give you a definite answer, if your horse has a veterinary emergency that could put you in the hole pretty quickly. Per year, I'd say about $6,000 - $12,000 depending on what area of Ontario you live in (boarding in Toronto is going to cost more than Pickle Lake).

edit: I didn't see the cheapest way thing, if you're going to own a horse you have to do it right. I mean, of course there are ways to save money but there isnt any way around the big expenses like hay, tack, vet, board, equipment, gas, etc.

Answer 3

The upkeep for horses these days is much more expensive than in previous years.  And even more so to haul to shows and various events if this is what you like to do.

Everyone is complaining about this!!  It costs me roughly between $2,000 - $3,000 a year just to maintain, vet checked, shots etc.  This does not cover the hay I have hauled in from another state because we did not get much rain this year.