The thought of owning a horse is a dream that fills the hearts of countless equestrians and aspiring equestrians worldwide. But as enchanting as the prospect may be, they are also well aware that horse ownership isn't a small financial responsibility. If you're considering bringing a horse into your life, it is crucial to understand the costs involved so you can adequately budget for the life you want to give your equine partner. In this post, we'll discuss the main costs that you may incur on a monthly basis as a horse owner.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Horse Per Month Table of Contents
To understand how much it will cost to own a horse per month, it's important first to break down the primary contributing cost factors. These can be divided into fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs are consistent, predictable monthly expenses, while variable costs occur less frequently or may fluctuate monthly. Let's dive deeper into these costs.
1. Fixed Costs
- Boarding: The expense of boarding your horse at a stable or equestrian facility is one of the main fixed costs to consider. The pricing depends on the location, quality, and services offered by the facility. A regular boarding fee includes a stall, daily feeding, and access to amenities such as arenas or trails. This cost can vary from $250 to $1,000 per month depending on factors such as stall size, turnout, and additional services like grooming and exercising.
- Farrier: Hoof care is essential to maintain your horse's overall health. Horses require trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, depending on their work level and environment. A farrier's fee varies based on the type of work done (trimming or shoeing) and regional pricing but expect to pay between $30 to $150 per visit. Monthly, this would translate to approximately $30 to $75.
- Grain and hay: Feeding your horse a nutritious and well-balanced diet is a priority when it comes to maintaining overall health. The amount you spend on hay and grain will depend on the quality, nutritional requirements of your horse, and geographic location. A rough estimate of grain and hay expenses can range from $100 to $250 per month.
- Insurance: Equine insurance is recommended to protect from unexpected veterinary costs or other unforeseen issues. While specific rates will depend on the breed, age, and value of your horse, basic insurance premiums can average $50 to $100 per month.
2. Variable Costs
- Veterinary care: The cost of veterinary care can vary depending on the health of your horse and the services needed. Annual costs such as routine vaccinations, dental check-ups, and parasite control will need to be budgeted for, and any potential emergency situations should be considered.
- Tack and equipment: Investing in good quality tack and equipment is essential for the comfort and safety of your horse. Saddles, bridles, halters, and other grooming supplies will require occasional replacement or upgrade. This cost can be spread out over multiple months as needed.
- Training: Whether you're investing in professional training for yourself or your horse, this is an essential part of horse ownership. Monthly costs can range from $50 to $1,000, depending on the level of training needed and the expertise of the trainer.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Horse Per Month? Example
Let's say you've got a horse that boards at a mid-range facility for $400 per month, sees a farrier every six weeks for a trim/shoe combo at $80, eats about $150 worth of grain and hay monthly, and has a basic insurance premium of $70 per month. Your fixed costs alone would total roughly $700 per month. To this, you'll need to add any variable or emergency costs you've budgeted for, such as vet expenses, tack, training or riding lessons for yourself, and competition fees if you plan to compete—pushing the total cost upward.
So, how much does it cost to own a horse per month? As we've shown, the answer isn't straightforward, as numerous factors contribute to the overall price, and each horse owner's situation is unique. However, this post should give you a solid understanding of the recurring expenses that go into proper horse care. As you prepare to join the ranks of horse owners, be sure to budget for the long haul, and don't forget to check out our other comprehensive guides on horse ownership on the How to Own A Horse blog!
