How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Horse
I recently saw a post in an equestrian group on Facebook asking, how much does it cost to keep a horse for a year? Many people responded. My favorite answer was 'your heart and soul'. That pretty much sums up the life of an equestrian. But, it got me thinking. Horses and the sports that go along with them are, for most of us, far more than a hobby they are a way of life.
I would hazard to guess that not many equestrians know how much they spend annually on their passion. They will know how much they spend on board, farrier, and the vet but don't always take into account clothes, necessary tack, unnecessary extras such as treats, blingy browbands, the latest style of saddle pad, or any other accompaniments that equestrian brands tell us we must have.
Below I have attempted to put together a list of expenses relating to keeping a horse. It shows three varying options. The lower end includes the basics, the middle range covers possible unforeseen expenses, and the latter has all the bells and whistles. I have then averaged out these prices. Of course, I can not include all scenarios and these prices are subject to fluctuation depending on the type of horse, discipline, and location. I have also not included the cost of a truck and trailer to get your horse to shows etc.
I would love to hear your opinions and have some feedback.
Annual Cost to Keep a Horse*
| Service | Pasture Board |
Basic Full Board |
Full Board in a Show Barn |
Average |
| Board | $3,000 | $6,000 | $11,400 | $6,800 |
| Lessons | $0 don't take lessons |
$3,380 one lesson per week |
$8,320 for one lesson and one trainer ride per week |
$3,900 |
| Farrier | $433 barefoot every 6 weeks |
$1,300 full-set every 6 weeks |
$2,340 full-set every 4 weeks from the best farrier in town |
$1,358 |
| Vet | $500 shots and teeth floating |
$3,000 basics plus unexpected lameness |
$8,000 basics, lameness, chiro, Magna Wave |
$3,834 |
| Tack | $500 basic needs | $2,500 basic needs and upgrades |
$7,500 basic needs, upgrades, plus new top-of-the-range saddle as the horse's physique has changed due to training |
$3,500 |
| Clothes | $500 barn boots, pants, etc. |
$2,800 boots, new riding clothes |
$5,500 basics plus latest fashion trends |
$2,934 |
| Showing | $0 do not show | $800 a few local shows |
$10,500 six rated shows including entries, accommodation, trainer, etc. |
$3,767 |
| Misc. Expenses |
$800 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $2,267 |
| TOTAL | $5,733 | $21,780 | $57,560 | $28,358 |
I will admit to being frugal when it comes to spending money so it is possible that these prices are on the low side. No matter what kind of barn you board at, whether or not you show, or how often you buy new clothes, one thing is very clear, the decision to buy a horse should be given a great deal of thought and you must be sure you can afford to cover all your known and unexpected expenses.
How much do you think it costs to keep a horse for a year?
*Prices are per annum based on average prices around the Charlotte, NC area in the summer of 2021 and are subject to change.
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The decision to take the barn was scary and one I didn't rush into. I crunched the numbers every which way I could and stepped outside my comfort zone but knew it was something I just had to do. There were highs and lows. Getting a 70 at my first rated show with White Rose Fandango (Annie) was one of the highs. The biggest low was telling my riders that I wasn't going to renew the lease.