| $ $ Primary Expenses: $500 - $5,8K | $ $ $ Continuous Expenses: $3,8K - $11,2K |
Horses are large muscular mammals that were first domesticated around 6,000 years ago.
They became an essential element in the development of human societies.
They helped with crops, transporting people and things, and they played an important role in invasions and wars, as well.
Nowadays, horses are still helping humans in different tasks, competitions, and as pets or companions.
But because of their large size, it can be difficult to have a horse as a pet. In the next few sections, we’ll discuss this subject and how much you will have to spend if you get one.
Table of Contents
Is A Horse The Right Choice For Me?
The answer to this question depends on what’s the main reason for getting one.
Do you want it to help you with work at a farm, to ride, or to keep as a pet?
This will also have an impact on the cost and the equipment you’ll have to purchase for your horse.
Another important question would be, do you have a big enough yard or outdoor space to keep your horse in good shape?
Or do you have a separate property where your horse can live?
Not all horses are large animals, but even a pony, the smallest of them, needs enough space to live, run and exercise.
They are highly active animals, their bodies are pure muscle, so their health greatly depends on their physical activity.
Time is also an important factor when having a horse as a pet.
They need proper care, food, exercise, grooming, to stay healthy and happy.
Horses can live between 20 and 30 years, so they’re truly a lifetime commitment.
Primary Expenses
Here you’ll find the main expenses when first getting a horse.
Adopting Or Buying A Horse
There are farms and rescue groups that have horses for adoption.
These tend to be horses that previous owners couldn’t afford anymore or that were rescued from cruel situations.
If it was rescued, it’s important to check if it has been rehabilitated and can be around other humans.
The price for adopting a horse will vary depending on the breed and if was trained before.
Adopting a horse can generally cost from $200 to $2,000.
If you prefer buying a horse, the price will be determined by the breed, pedigree, if it has been trained, and the breeder you choose.
Buying a horse from a breeder usually costs from $500 to $5,000, but some breeds can cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands.
Horse Tack
The basic equipment for a horse includes a saddle, saddle pad or blanket, bridle with reins, girth, stirrups, halter, lead rope, and a bit.
This equipment tends to cost from $250 to $750, but the price could increase according to the quality and brand you prefer.
Continuous Expenses
These are the basic things you’ll have to buy either monthly or annually if you want to have a horse as a pet.
Food
Horses are herbivores, they feed on hay or pasture, but they might need other supplements -like salt and mineral blocks or prepared grain mixes- depending on their breed or individual nutritional requirements.
On average, you’ll be spending between $200 and $850 per year.
Boarding
This could be a great option if you don’t have the space on your property to have a horse.
You can either take a full boarding package, where they will feed and look after your horse’s needs, or a basic package, where they only provide the space for your horse and you will have to get the food, keep its area clean and go every day to take good care of your horse.
The cost of boarding a horse can vary greatly depending on where you live and what you’ll need, but it generally costs from $3,000 to $9,000 per year.
Farrier
A farrier will be in charge of trimming the hooves of your horse every couple of months.
This costs from $300 to $800 per year.
Vet Visits
Horses need regular vet check-ups, at least twice a year.
Besides vaccinations against common diseases like tetanus, rabies, or influenza, they’ll also need deworming and dental treatments.
In addition, the vet will have to go to where your horse is, which generally costs extra.
You’ll be paying between $300 to $500 per year for basic check-ups.
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