Consider the money factor. Buying your horse is a one-time expense. You know what you can afford. Now take a moment and consider; where will your horse live? Can you keep him in your yard? This might be the least expensive route if you have enough room but it will require fencing, a shelter and routine maintenance to the area. Also consider who will take care of him if you become sick or go away on vacation.
The next option might be a “rough board” facility. This is where someone provides the place for a set price and the horse owner does all the work; feeding, watering, turnout and mucking. If you opt for your yard or rough board, you’ll need to figure in your cost for hay, feed and bedding. The next choice is “full board”. The farm provides hay, feed, water, turnout, stall and sometimes other services, all included in a set price. This is the most expensive. Prices will vary depending on what services are offered, location and amenities. All you need to do is show up and spend some time with your horse.
More Money
Additional financial considerations include riding and horse handling experience. Do you and/or the horse need lessons? You will also need all the equipment that goes with having a horse; halter, lead rope, saddle, bridle, saddle pad, blanket and grooming tools. Horses require routine hoof care by a knowledgeable farrier. Keeping the horse barefoot with just trimming is $25 - $45 approximately every 6 weeks. If you opt for shoes, it can run $65 and up, about every 6 weeks.
Your horse’s health also requires routine veterinarian exams, vaccinations, and dental care. Without any emergencies, illnesses, injuries or complications, the annual cost for the vet is $200 and up. Horse also require regular parasite control. Deworming every 8 weeks is about $10 each time. These are primary expenses with approximate pricing. Make inquiries in your area before you get your horse.
Considering Time
After the money factor, consider time. Do you have enough time? Time is a major consideration. There is more to owning a horse than just riding. Having a horse in your life is a major commitment. Feeding, watering, and mucking can take as little as 15 minutes twice a day, but your horse needs more to be truly happy and healthy. Horses are very sensitive, intelligent, social herd animals. In the wild, they get plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. They play, fight, groom each other and move around a lot. Domestic horses, for the most part, are kept very differently. In various facilities, horses are only offered a few hours of turnout a day. Many are kept separate from other horses, with much of their day spent in a stall. This is a direct contradiction to the nature of horses.
If you are truly thinking of getting a horse, please consider this; horses need horses. They need room to move around with each other. Turnout with a buddy will help, but, horses easily become bored. Behavior issues or vices can arise from boredom. Horses enjoy having something to do and need mental stimulation. Do you have the time to spend grooming, playing, going for walks or even just hanging out? Your horse’s well-being depends on it. Another “time” consideration is the fact that horses can live into their 20s or even 30s. Are you prepared to care for your horse for the rest of his life? If not you, who?
Worth the Time and Money
Having horses in one’s life can be an inspirational and rewarding experience or it can become an expensive, painful disaster. Before jumping heart first into horse ownership, try to experience and experiment gradually. Take riding lessons, read books, watch videos and volunteer at a horse rescue/shelter. Get a feel for all that’s involved. Take your time, make sure it’s the right thing and the right time – a horse’s life depends on it.
