Leasing in NY
Have you leased a horse in New York (Finger Lakes specifically) before? If so, what was the monthly bill?
I am getting ready to sign lease papers on a horse I am crazy about but I want to make sure that I am not getting a crappy deal here.
Answers:I'm not familiar with the Finger Lakes region but before I left New York I was talking with my trainer about a half lease on one of her former Olympic horses (she is a two time dressage gold medalist). She was asking about $700/mo for that half lease in Westchester county. The person who said NY is cheaper than NJ is not considering the proximity to Manhattan is what affects the pricing... The nearer you are the more you are going to pay. Lucky you for being way upstate!
It will really depend on your area and the quality of horse which you are looking to lease. A standard lease, outside of the New York City price bubble, should run about $300 to $600 for a full lease depending on the facility where the horse is kept and of course the horse itself. Generally you can understand if you are getting a good deal by knowing you can expect to pay the boarding bills no matter what. If the horse is a champion you may expect a 10-25% premium on the boarding fee. Best of luck signing your new lease mount!
I live in the NJ/NY area and ride in NJ. There is a person that use to live in Saratoga Springs and when she boarded at a farm near by, she told me it was a lot cheaper than in New Jersey. For example, she use to pay $60-80 for shoeing and now she and I pay about $220. I imagine it is a lot cheaper to ride and board and lease in NY. I really don't know of any places, but if I were you, I would check on some of the farm websites and see what the trainers and even the owners past experiances were. I know the prices soar when you are taking lessons from a professional ride (believe me I take lessons from a Grand Prix rider who is on the waiting list for the 2008 olympic games), but I have to omit I have never progressed so much in my riding and i have gotten 4 champion titles in some big horse show events. For the leasing part, I would reccomend an trainer to help you if you haven't already. You didn't state what disapline you do, but if you are an eventer and a jumper person, I reccomend a trainer to help you and to try out several horses. I hope my answers have answered your questions. I wish you luck in finding a barn that suits you :) . If you want me to add to this answer, I'll be more than happy to help you.