How Much Does Owning A Horse Cost Per Month
Introduction
There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right horse for you, including location, gender, age and breed. You’ll also want to figure out how much it costs to take care of a horse before you get one.
In this article we’ll describe what factors play into the price of owning a horse, and provide an estimate of how much your monthly costs will be.
How much does owning a horse cost per month?
The answer to this question is different for everyone, but here are some things you might want to consider when calculating how much owning a horse costs per month:
- Cost of feed: This is the most obvious expense, but it’s also the most variable. The cost of hay fluctuates depending on where you live and what type of hay is available at your local feed store. If you keep your horse at home and buy all the food they need from them (just like I do!) then there will be no additional transportation costs associated with getting their feed delivered. However, if using an online grocery delivery service or having someone deliver bulk amounts (such as 40 lb bags) isn’t feasible then that means extra time finding storage spaces around the barn or in your home and making sure that those spaces stay dry enough for storing grain for long periods of time—plus any extra gas used driving back and forth from wherever said storage space is located!
The truth is that it can cost as little or as much as you want.
The truth is that it can cost as little or as much as you want.
You can find a horse for less than $1,000, but if you want to show at the local shows, your mare will need to be in good condition. A horse that’s not properly cared for will become lame and too hard to handle. If you want your horse to stand at stud and sire offspring with multiple qualities, they must be healthy and well-cared for.
The cost of owning a horse depends on the type of animal you choose as well as where they live, whether they’re kept indoors or outdoors (horses need ample space), how often they’re ridden/worked out each week — among other factors like veterinary care costs (which can vary widely depending on location).
The three biggest factors when it comes to horse costs are feed, supplements and vet care.
The three biggest factors when it comes to horse costs are feed, supplements and vet care. Horse feed is obviously the biggest cost, but it’s also the one you can control most.
Supplements are a necessity. Horses need a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids in their diet because they cannot produce them on their own, but they’re not always easily available in commercial feeds. You can buy supplements separately or choose a feed that has them built right into it (but remember that this will increase your monthly bill).
Veterinary care is also important for your horse’s health—and yours! The sooner you get your vet involved when you notice something wrong with your horse, the less expensive any treatment will be later on down the line
There’s no way around these three costs.
The first two are unavoidable. Your horse needs food and water, and he also needs medical care. Vet visits, supplements and other routine costs can add up fast.
You can’t avoid the cost of your time either. The hours you spend with your horse are a big part of the equation—even if you own him outright and don’t take pay for those hours (which we’ll touch on later).
Then there’s the cost of their time: If you’re boarding at all or hiring help to train them, this is money in exchange for their services as well as any extra perks like training, grooming and riding lessons that come along with owning a horse.
You’ll also have to factor in the cost of your time.
You’re going to have to be prepared for what you think is a reasonable price tag. It may seem like an extravagant expense, but think about it this way: time is money, and if you ever plan on making any money from your horse, that means he has to be properly cared for and trained.
The cost of owning a horse includes everything from the purchase price of the horse itself (which can range widely), vet bills for vaccinations or medical emergencies (which will happen), feed and water costs (another variable), grooming costs (and tack maintenance), training fees, tack maintenance fees…the list goes on. And then there’s your own time—how much are you willing to spend? In reality you’re probably spending more than just $1 per day because it takes at least a few hours each week just maintaining your steed’s health and upkeep alone!
Owning a horse is not the best financial investment, but it can be worth it if you know what you are getting into and are prepared to accept the costs that come along with owning a horse.
Owning a horse is not the best financial investment, but it can be worth it if you know what you are getting into and are prepared to accept the costs that come along with owning a horse.
If you have never owned a horse before, know that there are several expenses associated with taking care of one. These include:
- Feeding and watering every day (more than once per day)
- Veterinary care when needed
Conclusion
Owning a horse is not the best financial investment, but it can be worth it if you know what you are getting into and are prepared to accept the costs that come along with owning a horse.