Looking for a horse to buy?
If you’re looking to purchase a horse, you will want to do some research. There are a few questions you should ask:
- Can I afford this horse?
- Where can I find a quality horse for my budget?
- What is the best way to evaluate a potential purchase?
Be aware that most private sellers won’t have done pre-purchase exams on the horses they are selling. It is up to you, as the buyer, to have one done by an independent veterinarian. You will also want to ask the seller if they have any health issues or history with colic or lameness. A seller who is honest about these things is more likely to be reliable and trustworthy in general.
Make sure your finances are in order before starting your horse search. While it may be difficult not to get too attached during this process (I’m speaking from experience here), don’t feel rushed into buying a particular horse. Take time and make sure you’re making the right choice for both yourself and your family!
Buying a horse
When purchasing a horse, there are many factors to consider. How much will it cost to purchase the horse? What about the costs of maintaining and caring for the horse? Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you plan for these costs.
The American Horse Council Foundation has created a budget tool that accounts for horse care, facilities, feed and nutrition, farrier and vet care, riding equipment and supplies, lessons/training/boarding, transportation, insurance and miscellaneous expenses. Additionally, The University of Minnesota has developed a budget calculator specifically for horses in an effort to help people who are considering buying or leasing a horse.
Other factors that may influence your decision include housing availability — can you keep the animal on your property? — as well as local zoning regulations. For example: Can you legally keep a horse on your property? Are there other restrictions associated with keeping horses where you live (e.g., noise ordinances)?
Owning a horse
Owning a horse can be extremely expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable. The cost of owning a horse varies greatly depending on factors such as the amount of time you spend with your horse, its age and the cost of boarding facilities in your area. Horses are prone to injuries, which means you may have to pay for their care or even buy a new horse if one becomes injured and can’t recover.
It’s important to budget for all the costs associated with owning a horse before purchasing one.
Maintaining a horse
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Competing with your horse
Competing with your horse can get expensive. Not only do you need to pay for training, you also have to pay for showing and traveling with your horse.
Trainers charge $150+ for a one-hour private lesson and $75+ for a group lesson.
The cost of showing varies greatly from one show to another. The average show charges somewhere between $300-$500 per day in addition to stabling fees (usually $30-$50 per night) and travel expenses. Overnight stabling might not be available at the show grounds, which means you’ll have to rent a trailer or board your horse at a nearby stable for the duration of the event. If you prefer to board at home, make sure that there are no “show only” stables near where you live; if there are, they may require competitors be boarded elsewhere while competing in their shows.
To transport your horse yourself, allow roughly 30-40 gallons of diesel fuel (at an estimated 4 MPG) and two nights in hotels (and possibly some meals). You’ll also want someone to accompany you on the trip in order to help out or just enjoy the experience!
How much does it cost to feed a horse?
Perhaps the most important element of a horse’s diet is forage, or grass, which makes up between 50 and 90% of a horse’s daily intake. This can be pasture grass (if the weather permits), hay, or haylage. As mentioned above, it is recommended that horses eat about 2% of their body weight in dry forage each day.
Grass alone may not be able to provide adequate nutrition; many horses require some grain or feed on top of a diet rich in fiber from forage to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Corn and oats are among the more common grains fed to horses today and are high in calories and carbohydrates, but if your horse isn’t getting much exercise you should avoid them as they can get fat quickly. Pelleted feed is another option and combines healthy grains with essential vitamins and minerals like selenium and vitamin E—talk to your vet about what would work best for your horse’s needs.
How long do horses live?
Horses are pretty long-lived animals. The average life span of a domestic horse is between 25 and 30 years, though some live much longer. If you plan to own a horse, it’s important to consider the financial costs that go along with owning an animal for that long.
Understanding how much your horse costs on an annual basis can help you create accurate budgets and plan ahead.
It’s important to understand how much a horse costs on an annual basis because it will help you create accurate budgets and plan ahead.
Some of the costs associated with owning a horse include:
- boarding your horse at a stable (this can be the most expensive cost, but can vary depending on whether you board at a full-service stable or pasture board)
- medical care (veterinary bills)
- grooming tools, feeders, and buckets
- tack (saddle, bridle, etc.)
Horses are fun and expensive.
Horses are fun, but they can be expensive. From feed and supplements to vet care, farrier work, dental work and training horses can have a lot of hidden costs. However, horses also bring a great deal of joy and satisfaction to their owners (and trainers).