BlackStallion

First of all, how much does a horse costs? I know the horses that are for racings and equestrians are on the millions already. But how much does a normal horse, maybe just for a farm horse or a companion?

And how much is the average amount a horse owner spend each year for having even just one horse?

alexis

I am still trying to get ahold of my Aunt to check with the prices they have paid, they have had to horse since about Dec. I think. I will list prices when I know. I will post all her expensive after I talk to her, the horse she has is for a companion, not a work horse - I don't think I could see this horse doing anything but what she does best, eat everything in sight.

In the meantime, I did a little hunting and found this article from pet place.
What It Costs to Own a Horse

purplefdu

Prices can be vastly different depending on country, part of country, pedigree, training before purchase, wins before purchase, value of equine related work, etc. Some places have few equine related businesses and thus cost would increase to get the vet/farrier out, and to drive to purchase items/buy online and pay shipping.

A nice, sound animal of decent age would probably be between $1500-5000 USD where I live. Which would buy you a horse right around 10years old (8-12 years is a good first horse age in my mind) with some basic training thats not insane or hard to keep. Board is around $300-500 USD a month including hay/feed and ring usage, possibly more if it has indoor facilities or cross country courses and extensive trails. Vet/farrier fees vary but are $40+ USD per visit, possibly less if you have lots of horses or help out. My saddle was only $400 USD including girth/saddle pad/bridle/bit but I bought a synthetic bundled on sale since it was the previous years model. You can normally pick up a grooming set for $20 USD from most tack stores. Blankets/sheets/coolers go from $40-200 USD, but is dependent on conditions where you live. Lessons range from $20 USD an hour for a group lesson with 5 students to $50 USD an hour for a private lesson with a reasonably accomplished trainer. I'm not sure what training is running, as I've always been the trainer, never paid for one. You might also want insurance on your horse or health supplements. You also have to figure in suitable clothing for yourself if jeans aren't something you can ride in, which varies wildly based on quality and brand. I'm sure the quote from the article of $10,000 a year is pretty fair. But if you skip the gym membership you'll save some and actually workout as well.

BlackStallion

That was really a neat reply there purple. Thanks a lot for it. But $10,000 cannot be found in my pocket yet even in 2 years. But because I really love horses, I will start saving now and might someday be able to afford owning a horse.

What breed of horse do you recommend? The age is already mentioned so I have taken note of it already, 8-12 years old. I will just have to ride it for pleasure.

QuarterHorses

Another expense is a farrier. My farrier cost $120 per horse every 6 weeks. We also have shots in the fall and spring.

Tack can cost more than the horse. My saddle cost me $5,000 and some of my friends have custom saddles for $15,000. One quality bit costs $120 and a bridle can cost $500.

My favorite horse joke is:

purplefdu

Start out with leasing perhaps. A full or half lease can be had for a reasonable price. Normally this covers your share of board/vet/farrier and tack usage. You might have to get a lesson weekly with an owner approved trainer, but its what I used to do. Some busy stables offer a month-to-month lease so you can try out different horses each month until you find the right one. Half leases normally cover 2/3 days a week, full are 7 days. We never had much money when I was growing up, so being a geek I did all the research to try and "prove" to my parents we could afford a horse. Unfortunately I did just the opposite. Recently I've been looking at getting back into it, so I've been updating my numbers. Prices haven't changed much, but unfortunately I seem to be just as broke as ever.

UmYes?

I think that owning a horse could be quite costly.. You would have to have the bridle, sadle, horse blankets, and a lot more. Plus the cost of feeding them could be costly too.
-UmYes?

dcrivers

Wow. What great information. So many things I hadn't even thought about. I've always heard that horse raising is a rich man's sport, and I can see why.


Is the cost about the same regardless of whether you're keeping the horse at your place or at a stable? What type of price range is normal for stable fees? I would probably need a full service stable at first.

UmYes?

Well, first off, horseback riding isn't a rich mans sport in my opinion. Horseback riding can be for anyone, it's just that richer people would have better and more expensive things. And second, I think that a full service stable would be costly becuase you would have to pay for care for the horse and for food and water if I am correct.
-UmYes?

crazyhorse

Well, the price depends on what is purpose of your horse. A race horse could cost you at least $200,000 and up while a normal farm horse could cost only around 10,000 to 15,000 dollars.

For a better understanding, here is a sample of horse prices: http://www.equineline.com/samples/samp72.htm

Gizmo

When thinking of horses their initial cost, or the purchase price, is just the tip of the ice berg, at least that is what I have learned anyways. Having and keeping a horse is an expensive hobby, and I have seen several parents that have had to sell the horse, due to the costs involved.

So if you are looking at getting a horse, make sure you know how much it hit your monthly budget.

Speed Demon

Prices can vary greatly, depending on whom you are buying the horse from. Some breeders charge top dollar, and others are much more affordable. Just don't give up too quickly, until you have visited a number of different breeders. Better yet would be if you had a relative or friend who could give you a horse.

UmYes?

Really, I don't think that someone would just GIVE a horse away. Horses can be pretty costly. And no one would want to lose out on the money for the horse. But I think that your friend or family member would give you a reduced price like if the horse was 10,000$ then maybe you could get it for like 6,000 - 7,000$.
-UmYes?

QuarterHorses

I have given a horse to a friend before. I have estimated that it costs me about $500 per horse, per month. If the horse has a value of $2,000, then in 4 months I have spent the $2,000. It can take 6 months or more to sell a horse. So, is it better to wait 6 months and spend $3,000 and get $2,000 for the horse? No. That is why people will give away a horse.

alexis

I must say, all users are doing an amazing jobs with helping the new people out on the boards. Thank you bunches! I am still learning as I go myself, and some of the terms I kind of scratch my head at, so thank you again for explaining in full detail!

Also, here is a question for anyone that has leased a horse.
Where would be the cheapest place (in the US) that a horse can be leased at, does it vary from state to state? The reason I ask, I don't live in a "big city", I live in SC, and was wondering if it would be cheaper here, since its a "Cheaper" state to live in, etc.