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What can I expect for monthly expenses2007-11-24 21:21:21

I'm considering becoming a first time horse owner and was just wondering if someone could give me a ballpark figure on what my general expenses would be, for one horse. Thanks! Any input would be helpful!!

Answers:

Congratulations. Owning a horse is one of the most rewarding experiences, and I applaud you for seeking knowledge before buying one. You need to first check out the local boarding stables- I would recommend one that lets you work of some of your board, to make payments easier on you. If you are a minor, and your parents are going to pay for the horse, try and help out any way you can. If you are old enough, get a job near you and pay farrier/vet/dentist bills. You could also ask for tack and grooming supplies for your birthday, which would be easier on your parents, since they wouldn't have to buy the items AND a birthday present. You can offer to do things around the house like weed, garden, cut the grass, clean. If you are not a minor, I apologize. If you do have a job, then start saving your money. Board can be anywhere from $175 a month for field board to $600 a month stall board. Working off board would include cleaning stalls and possibly feeding and turning out. You should have the vet come out once a year for a check up and for your shots, if you don't feel comfortable giving them yourself. This will cost about $200- $250. Farrier visits should run every 4-8 weeks depending on how fast your horse's hooves grow. This can cost between $30 and $50. Have an experienced horse person recommend a good farrier- a horse is only as good as its feet. Worming needs to be done every other month, and your horse should be on a rotational worming schedule- which means you rotate between usually 3 wormers throughout the year. Ask the previous owners about the horse's worming, or ask your vet for an ideal schedule. Wormers run $8-$15 a tube for one dose. Make sure you get a pre purchase vet exam before you buy the horse. They will tell you whether the horse is sound enough for your selected discipline. This costs around $150-$200 depending on what the vet requires be done, and the vet will let you know if the horse should have X rays done. (around $75 per X-ray) New owners should buy second hand tack, until you have absolutely decided your discipline, but make sure you know what size saddle and bridle you need before buying anything. You will need a saddle pad ($15-$30) Grooming supplies are pretty cheap- going for less than $5 per item. You need a hard brush, a soft brush, a curry comb, a shedding blade, a mane and tail comb, and a hoof pick minimum, and a box for it all. You also need a halter- breakaways are best ($15-$35) and a lead rope ($10). All of the prices I have given you are close estimates. Make sure you will be financially able to own a horse, and make sure you will have time to ride it at the very least 3 times a week. Have fun horse shopping and I hope this helped!

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I don't know. Sorry!

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board at my barn is about 400 for full board and 280 for outdoor board per month. This includes food etc. I also tend to spend all my extra cash on stuff for her so i think that my average spendings per month on my horse including vet, farrier, lessons, equippment, and board is about 600/month, but if your horse is on pasture board about 450/month. If you don't spend as much as i do at greenhawk then you could probably get the price down.

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A lot!!