Average Cost Of Owning A Horse Per Year

Introduction

Costs of owning a horse vary depending on their size, breed, diet, and other factors. However, most horses will have some expenses in common. Let’s take a look at the most common expenses that go into owning a horse, as well as how you can reduce them:

Boarding

As with most things, the cost of boarding your horse can vary depending on where you live. For example, the average cost of boarding a horse in New York City is $2,700 per month; whereas if you live in South Dakota, your average monthly bill will come down to $1,490. In addition to geographical location and facility type (stall or pasture), there are other factors that affect how much you spend on board each month:

Your horse’s age
If he/she has been previously broken in by another rider
The level at which he/she is being trained
Your own skill as a rider

Food

What is the average cost of food for a horse?

The first step in determining how much you’ll spend on food for your horse is to determine what type of feed your horse needs and how much it will need. Different types of horses require different ratios of nutrients, while some are more active than others. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to an experienced veterinarian or local trainer who can help advise you on the best type of feed for your animal.

Most owners feed their horses two or three times per day with hay (about 60% moisture content) as well as grain (approximately 12% moisture content). The most popular types of grains used include oats, barley and wheat—all inexpensive options that still provide plenty of energy for your steed’s exercise regime!

Medical Care

One of the most important aspects of owning a horse is medical care. A healthy horse can live for more than 30 years, but it’s important to keep them in tip-top shape. Vet bills can be expensive, so it’s best to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario and plan ahead by knowing what your average vet bills per year are likely to be.

The average cost of veterinary services varies depending on where you live, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national average cost is between $120-$150 per visit (2014). The AVMA also reports that annual mortality rates are higher among horses than cats or dogs, with an estimated 1/4 million deaths each year due to illness or injury.

For example: if you were going out with friends one night and saw two guys fighting outside a bar—and one guy got really hurt—you wouldn’t hesitate before calling 911 because he might die from his injuries if someone doesn’t get him help soon enough. But when it comes time for your prized four-legged friend who has been living under your roof for twenty years (and who never once made himself at home on your couch) needs surgery after being kicked by another horse last week at his stable party? Suddenly there’s no need for concern as long as “someone else” takes care of this expense instead!

Dental Care

Dental care is one of the most important aspects of horse ownership. As you can imagine, it’s not just about cleaning your horse’s teeth; it’s about preventing problems and keeping your animal healthy, comfortable and happy. Proper dental care helps to prevent common ailments such as colic or laminitis (founder).

The average annual cost for dental cleaning is around $300-$600 per year depending on the age of your horse and where you live in North America. The initial cost may be higher if there are issues that need to be addressed immediately such as a tooth abscess or loose crowns on molars which require more extensive procedures requiring anesthesia and sedation during treatment.

Shoeing

Shoeing is a necessity for a horse’s health, but it can be an expensive endeavor.
There are two types of shoes: metal and plastic.
Metal shoes are usually made from aluminum or copper. They tend to be more durable than plastic ones, but they also tend to be heavier and put more strain on the hoof when worn over long periods of time. Plastic or synthetic materials may not last as long as metal ones, but they’re lighter and easier on your horse’s feet overall; however, they do cost more than their traditional counterparts because they’re manufactured by injection molding instead of forging or casting like with metals (which means there’s less wastage).
You can purchase them online or through local shops that specialize in equine equipment—just make sure that you purchase the right size before purchasing! If too small then your horse will have trouble walking properly while if too big then they’ll slip off easily when galloping around outdoors so always check size first before buying anything else!

Initial Purchase Costs

The cost of the horse itself should be the first thing you consider when budgeting for your new four-legged friend. A decent mount can cost anywhere from less than $1,000 to more than $100,000, depending on whether you’re looking at a show horse or an all-purpose trail/pleasure animal.
You’ll also need to factor in additional costs like purchasing a trailer (to transport them), tack (saddles and bridles), veterinary care and farrier services. All told these initial expenses will add up quickly:

• Vet checkup – $75-$250

• Farrier checkup – $50-$150

• Tack and equipment – $500-$2,500+

• Training – Varies widely depending on type of training

Recreational Expenses

Per year, the average person spends $1,000 on riding lessons.
The typical rider spends between $400 and $500 per year on horse equipment. This includes saddles, reins and halters (especially if you’re into fancy leather), blankets and pads, bits and spurs—the list goes on.
Horse show entry fees can add up quickly for those who compete often. If you’re planning to show your horse in competitions at least once a month throughout the year, expect to spend roughly $600 on entry fees alone!

Gear and Equipment

The most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a saddle, which will cost anywhere from $300 to $5,000. You may also need a bridle, blanket and/or halter depending on the type of riding you’re doing. Other necessary items include boots and helmets if you’re going to be in an area where there are hazards like rocks or cactus spines. This can cost another $400-$600 depending on how often you go riding and what type of materials your boots are made out of (e.g., leather vs rubber).

Owning a horse can be expensive, but it can also be rewarding.

Owning a horse is a long-term commitment. Horses need to be fed, cared for, and trained. The cost of horse ownership can vary greatly depending on the breed and age of your horse, but it’s important to remember that horses are not just animals; they’re also investments that will last you many years if cared for properly.

Horse ownership can also be rewarding because they offer so much in terms of companionship and exercise opportunities. If you live in an area where it’s safe to ride your horse on trails or participate in rodeo events like barrel racing, owning a horse can help provide an opportunity for new experiences with family members or friends who may not have had any interest in riding before meeting their four-legged pal!

Conclusion

Owning a horse is a great way to get exercise, spend time with other people, and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re interested in owning your own horse, you should know that it’s an expensive proposition with some unexpected costs. There are many unexpected costs of owning a horse that most people don’t think about when they first start looking for one to buy. For example, the average cost of owning a horse is $3 000 per year. If you’re considering getting into this hobby but not sure if you have enough money saved up yet then take our quiz now!