The estimations for the cost to own a horse vary wildly. Most people will give you different answers regarding the exact amount that a horse costs, but everyone agrees that horses are expensive. The initial cost of a horse is far from the complete cost of owning a horse. There are many factors that are involved in owning a horse.
Board
Board can be one of the most expensive costs of owning a horse. You can likely find board for around $100 a month, but board that includes more services may cost upward of $1,000 per month. You may be able to save costs by housing the horse on your property, but you will be required to provide proper maintenance for the property, as well as perform all of the daily care tasks.
Feed
Keeping a horse fed can be extremely expensive. Unsurprisingly, horses eat a lot! One bale of hay isn’t extraordinarily costly, but it won’t last your horse very long. The expense of feeding your horse will add up.
Medical Bills
Medical bills are expenses that you can’t always plan for. Ensure that you have savings in place for unexpected veterinarian costs.
Hoof Care
Hoof care isn’t an optional service. The services of a farrier will have to be obtained approximately every 6 weeks.
Equipment
The proper equipment is necessary to safely ride your horse. You will need to buy saddles, bridles, and other necessary equipment. This includes equipment for yourself, as well. You need to wear helmets and boots whenever you ride, to ensure that you are safe.
There are many factors that impact the overall cost of owning a horse. Estimates vary, but it generally costs anywhere from $2,500-4,000 annually. Horses live upward of 25 years, so it is important to ensure that you know what you are signing up for prior to making such a huge commitment!
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