How To Budget With Horses

I understand what it’s like to try and budget with Horse expenses. It does seem overwhelming but once you get it written out it is easier to get it organized. Here is a basic list I have put together of categories you will need to price search for your local area as prices may vary where you live. There are more expenses than this but this is a list to start with.

Housing: You need to figure out where your horse will be housed.

Board: If you do not own your own property or barn you will need to find a place to board your horse. Cost of board vary per location so do some research to price out the monthly cost of board. Keep in mind if it is full board or self care board.

Property: If you own your own property you expenses to run the property will be the cost you need to include in the budget.

Feed:

Grow hay: If you grow your own hay it could be quite an investment upfront to get the equipment for it. But, if you grow enough you can also sell hay too.

Buy hay: Hay greatly varies in cost depending on where you live. When I lived in Florida I paid $24 per bale for orchard alfalfa. Now, where I live I pay $3-$5 per bale for grass hay.

Grain: Again, each bag of grain can vary. The one I fed was $19.99 per bag. Then keep track of how many pounds you feed vs. how many pounds the bag is to get your cost.

Medical:

Yearly Vaccines: You can get a cost estimate from your local veterinarian.

Dental: You horses teeth need to be floated at least once a year but even twice a year for some horses.

Coggins: This needs to be included in your yearly cost.

Farrier: My farrier comes out every 4-6 weeks. Call around and ask for an estimate with your local farrier. This will vary by area and if your horse is barefoot or not.

Emergency’s: It’s always a good idea to set aside money in case of an emergency situation with your horse. Emergency vet bills can be quite costly.