What Are the Costs of Keeping a Horse?

Owning a horse can be very rewarding. This beautiful creature can be your best friend. Horseback riding, barrel racing, rodeo riding, jumping and showing your horse are enjoyable activities that have a lot of health benefits. But there can be a down side. Many people who decide they want a horse don't realize the costs involved in having one. There's a reason horses are called "hay burners," and hay is only one of the many costs involved in keeping a horse.

  1. Time Frame

    • Breaking down the costs for a year of keeping a horse depends on your situation. Most people will pay at least $2,448.75 a year to keep a healthy horse. This includes 1/2 of a square bale of hay per day at $3.50 per bale for a cost of $638.75 a year and $292.00 per year for grain. Bedding costs are $6.50 a bag, with a bag lasting a week, for an annual total of $338.00. Veterinary care includes $100.00 for the vet to come out, $80.00 for immunizations, $90.00 for 6 dewormings, and $130.00 for dental and other health maintenance. Farrier calls are necessary if you have your horse shod or for trimming the hooves. Trimming is cheaper at $50 a call 3 times a year than shoeing at $105.00 a call 6 times a year.

    Geography

    • If you live in a rural farmland area, have your own stable and grazing land, and have the knowledge and ability to care for your own horse, you'll pay less. Owning farmland allows you to grow your own hay and grains, and having a grazing area for your horse cuts down on the amount of processed hay and grain your horse needs. If you live in an urban area, you'll have the additional cost of paying for boarding your horse. Living in an area that you can have your own well rather than having to pay water bills is a relatively new consideration that can make a huge difference in the cost of keeping a horse.

    Prevention/Solution

    • A solution to paying farrier costs is to learn to trim your horse's hooves yourself. You can also deworm and immunize your horse yourself, but you'll still have to buy the supplies. You can get away with buying less bedding if you keep your horse's stall and pen clean. Feeding and taking care of your horse's health on schedule can lower the cost of veterinary bills. Buying large round bales of hay rather than square bales can cost less in the long run.

    Considerations

    • All horses get older and can require more expensive grains, dental work and other veterinary care. Even the healthiest horses can be injured. Some horses need their hooves trimmed more often than three times a year. Droughts, floods, infestations and disease can destroy pastures and raise the price of feed. Boarding a horse can cost over $500.00 a month with stables. Blankets, halters, saddles, bits, papers, breeding and membership dues in horse associations can raise the cost of keeping a horse.

    Warning

    • The costs of keeping a horse can go up at any time. Prices tend to be higher on the east and west coasts, but even in the Midwest, you should add 5% each year to allow for inflation. In years with a shortage of crops, it will be more expensive. If you don't grow your own feed, you would be wise to contract with a local farmer for hay and feed so you won't run out.