HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO OWN A HORSE?

Good question, and probably the best, most honest answer is, "as much as you're willing to spend on one."

Probably not that helpful, but you will find - if you haven't already - that horse prices can vary widely.  So do the people that shop for horses.  Some folks want impressive blood-lines.  Some are competing and so are looking for horse breeds used for a specific purpose.  Some want a horse that their child can safely ride. Some folks want to ride for pleasure.  Horses can range in prices from "free" to tens of thousands of dollars and more.

While I've seen some free and cheaper horses turn out wonderfully, know those are the exceptions - not the rule.  Generally speaking, you get what you pay for.  That doesn't mean you have to mortgage your home for a good horse.  But it does mean that you can expect to have to pay over $2,500 for a good horse.  In fact, if you get one for around that price and the horse works out well - consider yourself very fortunate.  That having been said, paying a lot of money for a horse does not guarantee you a great horse.  Sometimes situations occur that force a horse owner to sell an awesome horse for well under what it would sell for in a better market.

But don't go out there like a Wal-Mart shopper and expect to pay little for a super deal.  You'll get yourself in trouble in all likelihood.  Pay attention to the horse's behavior, note how well he leads, how good he is for the farrier, how well he rides.  Is he jumpy?  Is he pushy?  Does he bite?  These are all indicators of what the horse is like. 

Listen to the owner, but you better be watching the horse as well.  Bring along someone knowledgeable in horses whenever you go to see a horse.

If you are a beginning or average rider your needs for a horse will be different than those of a more experienced rider.  If you are going to be in stiff competitions you are looking at a horse with training, experience, or at least potential in that particular riding niche. 

If you want a horse ready to ride, what you expect and want in a horse is a well-broke, quiet, gentle horse that has already had riding experience. 

If you have the funds you can purchase a horse in need of training.  But, if you go that route, you will either need to train the horse yourself, or pay a trainer to do it for you. 

That will take months and money - which is okay as long as you are willing and able to have it done in that way.

Know the general habitat of a horse.  Know what it takes to house one.  Know how much hay to feed a horse.  The average horse requires around 15 to 25 pounds of hay daily.  That will, of course, vary according to the specific horse and how much exercise he gets.  The hay must be good quality hay as well.  Feeding moldy hay can cause colic and dusty hay can cause respiratory problems. 

That includes winter when water freezes.  Know the cost of food for a month. In the Northeast, for example, hay can run over $3.00 a 50-pound square bale.  It runs much higher in other areas.  Most horses are also fed grain.  A 50-pound bag of grain costs anywhere from $ 9.00 up to $ 30.00 or more - depending on what the horse requires.  Horses need to be feed no less than twice daily - the more often the better for the horse.  Your horse will need to receive a checkup from a vet at least annually.  The farrier will need to trim your horse’s feet regularly.  Shoes will cost more.

Add it all up, and you are easily looking at $1,200.00 a year or more – depending on your area - to feed, care, and maintain a healthy horse

They also need plenty of room to run.  While some horses, unfortunately, spend a great deal of time in a stall, the very best scenario is one in which they have 24/7 access to a pasture as well as a shelter they can get under to get out of cold rain and wind.  Stalls need to be large enough for a horse to comfortably turn around and lay down in.

Ask any horse owner.  The cost of a horse - the right horse - is well worth it.  Just make sure you can afford it.  So, when you are shopping, be sure to get information on a horse in all the above areas; it's training, it's temperament, it's diet (how much grain, what type of grain, any special dietary needs, etc.).  Be sure to ask about its medical history.  Have the horse vet-checked before you agree to buy it.  In fact, we highly recommend you get this checklist suggested by Equine Legal Solutions.  Download it and put it to use when considering any horse for purchase.

We are certainly not trying to deter you from becoming a proud horse-owner.  As horse-owners, ourselves, we know the joy that comes from having a horse.  We just want you to go about it the right way; with your eyes wide open. 

We already know your heart is.

There's a very good checklist we recommend you use that we found at Equine Legal Solutions' website.  Their Horse Buying Checklist is very detailed and well worth downloading.

It's a good idea to do your homework before you purchase your horse - particularly if it will be your first horse.  "Horses 101" is one suggestion.  Simply click on the book pictured at left for more information.

We recommend you browse through lots of books on horses and horsemanship. 
So read up, ask around, look around and learn to look for what really counts in a good horse. Take advantage of anything you can get your hands on and anyone
with knowledge about horses whose ear you can bend. 

"My treasures do not sparkle or glitter, they shine in the sun and neigh in the night."
– Gladdagh Gypsies of Galway


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