stephwin
Walking the driveway
I know the prices will vary based on location and individual vets/farriers/etc., but I would like to get a general idea of costs per year for a horse. Just for a reference, I’m located in Texas north of Dallas. I already have tack and grooming supplies, so I’m not really interested in up-front costs, just more of the ongoing costs with just owning a horse.
I’m in no hurry and I will definitely not get a horse for a few years at least, but I’m a big planner and I like to know what I’m potentially getting myself into. I started riding at age 6 and rode up until about 16, when I got busy in high school. I did ride during the summers after that and taught at a horse camp during the summer. I’ve never owned my own horse so I’m not sure what to expect in terms of cost.
What I do know:
Boarding – Pasture boarding in this area ranges anywhere from $220 - $400 per month. This includes all feed and use of any facilities. So for my example I’m going to choose the $400 board just for a worst case scenario.
Lessons – Range anywhere from $30-$50 each. For this example I will just say $50. So $200 for the month at 1 lesson per week.
So as of right now I’m looking at $600 a month, or $7200 a year. My car payment isn’t even that much! But again, that is worst case for my area.
The unknowns:
Farrier – I am interested in knowing the price with and without shoes. Hopefully my horse wouldn’t need shoes but that’s not a guarantee.
Vet – Like the cost of annannual exam, shots, teeth floating, coggins test, and things like that. Has anyone ever had an emergency visit, like for colic, and how much did that end up costing?
Insurance – is it worth it? What does everyone pay?
Anything else I’m missing?
Not applicable:
Trailering or showing costs
Finally, just as a personal question. Say you live in a different city than where you will be boarding your horse. Facility A is about a 20 minute drive and is $400 a month for pasture board and group lessons cost $50 each. Facility B is about a 40 minute drive and is $300 a month for pasture board and group lessons are $30 each. Assume I would take lessons 1x per week but probably visit the barn 2x a week. Both facilities have equal amenities as far as the arenas and overall condition of the barns and pastures. Which would you choose?
Thanks!
I’m in no hurry and I will definitely not get a horse for a few years at least, but I’m a big planner and I like to know what I’m potentially getting myself into. I started riding at age 6 and rode up until about 16, when I got busy in high school. I did ride during the summers after that and taught at a horse camp during the summer. I’ve never owned my own horse so I’m not sure what to expect in terms of cost.
What I do know:
Boarding – Pasture boarding in this area ranges anywhere from $220 - $400 per month. This includes all feed and use of any facilities. So for my example I’m going to choose the $400 board just for a worst case scenario.
Lessons – Range anywhere from $30-$50 each. For this example I will just say $50. So $200 for the month at 1 lesson per week.
So as of right now I’m looking at $600 a month, or $7200 a year. My car payment isn’t even that much! But again, that is worst case for my area.
The unknowns:
Farrier – I am interested in knowing the price with and without shoes. Hopefully my horse wouldn’t need shoes but that’s not a guarantee.
Vet – Like the cost of annannual exam, shots, teeth floating, coggins test, and things like that. Has anyone ever had an emergency visit, like for colic, and how much did that end up costing?
Insurance – is it worth it? What does everyone pay?
Anything else I’m missing?
Not applicable:
Trailering or showing costs
Finally, just as a personal question. Say you live in a different city than where you will be boarding your horse. Facility A is about a 20 minute drive and is $400 a month for pasture board and group lessons cost $50 each. Facility B is about a 40 minute drive and is $300 a month for pasture board and group lessons are $30 each. Assume I would take lessons 1x per week but probably visit the barn 2x a week. Both facilities have equal amenities as far as the arenas and overall condition of the barns and pastures. Which would you choose?
Thanks!