Questions about owning horse?

Question

What kind of horse in your opinion is best to for a first-time horse owner? Also, what is a good asking price for the the horse? How much is the yearly upkeep? I would probably rent a stable, because its not possible for me to live on an acreage, but they have a lot of stables here. What do you think of renting a stable if you have ever rented one? Overall, what kind of things do you think are important to know? I would probably not buy a horse right away, but maybe in a few years. Thanks.

I have read a lot of horse books so far. Just wanted to see what real people had to say about their real experiences with it. Also, I have not seen much financial details in the books. They are mostly about care and historical facts. Thanks.

Answer 1

There are lots of things to consider when buying a first time horse. The best type, in my opinion is one that is older, and very broke (a beginner horse). Typically you will find that these are the horses that people are marketing for kids horses, but they are also great companions. Breed shouldn't really be a huge factor in your decision at this point, although you may luck out and get your dream horse. It depends on where you are what a decent asking price is, however, be prepared to spend a bit of money ($750-2000 depending on location). Yearly upkeep can vary too. For your purposes try to find a location that has an indoor arena, and food (atleast hay) included in the board. Around here (in Manitoba CAN) board runs anywhere from $250 - $500/month including food and daily turnout. You can also look for outdoor board, which typically reduces your costs by about $100/month. I would definately recommend a stable for a first time owner, simply because of the people you can meet, and the opportunities that arise from being around knowledgeable people...Dont' be afraid to ask questions either, most people are more than happy to share their passion with newcomers. Before buying a horse, go around to various stables and check them out, decide on a vet, and on a price that you are willing to pay for a horse, that way you know your costs before you get in too deep (remember, you need something to ride with too, such as a saddle and a bridle, as well as a halter to lead the horse with). Another thing to remember is that you have to deworm on a regular schedule, get their feet trimmed (and shoed if needed) and they will need regular vaccines to keep them from getting sick. If you aren't looking to buy one right away, then you have plenty of time to look for a suitable horse for your experience level.

Answer 2

I recommend leasing a horse before owning one. When you lease, if you don't like having the horse anymore, it is SO much easier to just cancel the lease rather than try to sell a horse.

If you have taken lessons/have already leased a horse, then there are a few different things I would do if I was you. First of all, if you have a trainer/instructor, ask them to help you look for a horse. They have the knowledge to help you look for a horse. If you don't, your job will be tougher. Think about how you ride: are you aggressive? Are you nervous? What kind of thing do you want to do with the horse (western/english)? I would stay away from Arabians and Thoroughbreds because they generally tend to be a little hotter. There are always exceptions to the rule though. A good horse can be any size or breed. However, choose an older horse (a horse 12-18 years old maybe). Younger horses may not have enough experience and may need more training, older horses may have some health problems. However, horses are like people--some horses have health problems at an early age and some old horses are perfectly healthy.

The asking price for the horse depends on what you are looking for and where you live. Horses in some areas of the country/state cost more than others overall. Where I live (New York), there are a lot of good horses from $1250-$2500. I keep my horses at a sale barn and most of the horses go for those prices and they are very broke. Again, a trainer or instructor could help you make sure that the person selling the horse isn't asking a ridiculous price and the horse will be in your experience range. More money does not necessarily mean a better horse for you.

Yearly upkeep ranges depending on where you live. The farrier needs to trim the horse's hooves about every 6 weeks--this goes for about $20+. Shoes are more--about $40+. We have the vet out (at least) once a year for shots--this costs about $140/horse. If the vet needs to come out more, usually it is $30+ just for them to come to the barn. If your horse needs a different grain than what they have at your boarding facility, that will cost extra--maybe $20/month. Saddles, bridles, halters, lead ropes, brushes, etc. all cost a lot. To get all of these basic things for your horse, I would say it would cost $700+. Board where I live ranges from about $175/month to $300/month. And you will have to trailer your horse to the boarding facility (most likely) which, depending on how far away the horse is, will cost $60+.

I have always boarded my horses and the best pieces of advice are these: you get what you pay for (low board=low care/not-so-great facilities) and board at a larger boarding facility. Cheaper board (in my experience) seemed to be okay at first, but soon I realized that my horses were not getting cared for very well. Also, more boarders + a full barn of horses = a place that probably cares for the horses well. Talk to the other boarders, aske them how long they have been boarding at the facility. Some people at the barn I board at now have been there for 10 or more years! In addition, there is hardly ever an empty stall and there is a waiting list for stalls. This is a good indication that the barn staff will take good care of your horse.

Knowing about costs is really important! Plus, remember your horse still needs you to brush him or her in the winter time and it is cold and you don't feel like going out to the barn! My number one recommendation is to lease a horse or take lessons and have your instructor help you buy a horse.

Good luck!

Answer 3

To start off in my opinion anything with quarter horse in it blood makes an excellent beginner horse. The price varies greatly on what type of riding you want to do. If you want a older good broke horse to just ride around look to spend $1500-$3000. If you want something to be able to take to local shows it raises to $3000-5000. For regional breed shows $5000-$10,000. And for the top class show horse $7500 all the way up in the hundreds of thousands.
Believe it or not the cheap part is buying the horse! Depending where you live, prices vary. Where I live the average cost to own a horse is i'll say $500 a month. I'll break it down for you so you get a better idea of what i mean:
board (this should include feed, if it doesn't add another $75): minimum of $200 a month.
Shoes:For my horse to get aluminum shoes on all his feet it cost $140. Just a trim can cost $35. The feet need done every 6 weeks.
deworming: $4-$13 every 8weeks
Annual shots: expect to pay at least $100.
Unexpected vet bills: I've had to pay $1000 for a single incident. ALWAYS have emergency funds available.
well I know i'm forgetting things but you get the picture.
If you plan to show, there are many other things you'll need. As for Renting your own farm, I don't recommend it only because more then likely you would live there and it would be a pain to drive there 3 times a day to feed and worse if something happens to the horse. Boarding is much easier (and ends up being cheaper) because you don't need to worry about those things. What i would do is find a reputable trainer in your area and start taking riding lessons and they would be able to help you if you bought a horse.

Answer 4

In the best interest of horses everywhere, if you buy one, go to a horse rescue facility. The owners of these facilities normally know the horses very well and can help you choose one that is right for you. The asking price is based on the age and condition of the horse and the horse's experience. In the northeast, you can expect $700.00 and up for a horse. Yearly upkeep is well over $2000/year. I have never rented a stable but know people who have. Make sure you get references, at least five, before renting a stable. You need to make sure the person you are renting from has a genuine concern for horses. You need to know general care to medical concerns to be alert for, and basic teeth and hoof care. Also, dietary concerns are very important for a healthy horse. Obtain a good source of information to learn all you need to know. Being that you are not looking to buy a horse right away, now would be the time to do some learning. Volunteer at a farm, (horse rescue or such) and get hands on experience. You'll also meet people who are more than happy to share their knowledge with you.

Answer 5

Well, the horse is the cheapest part! lol, the feed depends on the month and seasons. And stables can vary in price due to if the help look after the horse, or if its just a shelter.

I would say a 14 to 15 hands horse is te best way to go, unless you have kids tahtw ant to ride, then about 13.3 or 14.1 hands.
Look around and look for bargain saddles etc, peole are always selling gear.

hear is an example of tehyearly pricing etc


Horse free to $20,000.00, (mostly around $1500.00
Feed $100 per week
Saddle and cloth $700
Bridle and Bit $100
Grooming gear $30
Rugs $200
Vet $anything goes depending on problem
First Aid$100
The love and fun you have priceless

The feed and vet are each year, but the saddle you buy as a 1 off, same as bridle and grooming gear. You dont need a rug unless its really cold or you are showing the horse.
Hope this helps

Answer 6

I don’t mean to condemn anyone who has given answers so far but you need to be careful in what advice you follow. There are so many factors in purchasing/owning a horse that need to be considered. First, how much experience do you have with horses? Actual experience? It is a good idea to visit one or several of the local stables, offer to help out around the barns in exchange for basic knowledge. Reading it in a book and actually handling a horse are two different things and most horse people are more than willing to help out.

Second, purchasing a horse from a rescue is a noble idea, but not always a good one. Why is the horse in the rescue in the first place? Was he a bucker or striker? Was someone seriously injured on the horse and no longer wanted it? Even if the horse is rehabbed, those behaviors are still in them and a novice handler can bring them back out even with the best of intentions.

Purchasing a horse for 200-300 dollars? What are you expecting to get here? Maybe a pasture mate that can not be ridden or a horse that is not yet broke. If you are inexperienced this is a very bad idea not only for your safety but the well being of the horse.

When purchasing a new horse, be realistic in what your expectation are. Do you want to show, trial, just putts around? Would you like to do eventing, dressage, contesting, jumping? It’s a good idea to take someone with you who is experienced in horses. Unfortunately there are a lot of dealer out there will sell you a horse that is not appropriate for you. Always, ALWAYS ask to have the horse on a seven day trial, if the horse was drugged, or overworked to seem calm and manageable you’ll have the opportunity to see what he/she is really like in that time period. If it’s too much for you, send them back. Horses are way too expensive to keep to have one that doesn’t work for you.

If you are going to board your horse you need to consider not only the boarding fees to keep a healthy horse but several other expenses that go along with it. Horses need their hooves trimmed and/or shod every 4-6 weeks. Depending on the ferrier you can count on about $20 per trim and $80 per shoeing. Horses require an equine dentist to float their teeth at least once a year costing around $75 per horse. Vet bills can be outrageous. For the vet to show up at the barn is cost you around $50 and that doesn’t include the examination, medications, etc. that may be required, and I guarantee you, you’ll be good friends with the happy neighborhood vet if you own a horse. Since you are boarding the hay, grain, and bedding should be included in your fees, but what about lessons? Also, make sure you don’t go for a bargain when choosing a boarding facility. When it comes to horses, you may get a break on boarding, but what standard of care will your horse receive? How often and what are they fed? Check the hay they are feeding to make sure it is high quality horse hay. If it’s not a good stable, increase vet costs because your horse will need it.

When choosing a horse there are breeds that tend to be calmer than others, but each horse has there own personality. I would suggest a gelding over a mare or stallion. Stallions are usually too stubborn for beginners and mares in heat can be a treat to handle. Age is also important. If I were to suggest anything it would be a Quarter Horse (or paint) between 10 and 15 who has had training and proper handling. Make sure the horse is not an ex-racer. And please, have some experienced join you before purchasing.

Sorry so lengthy, but I own a horse farm and have seen too many people get into trouble because they don't fully understand everything it takes to own a horse.

Answer 7

I prefer quarter horses. For a first time horse owner I would get an older horse maybe 10+ years. Make sure the horse isnt lame or has any other problems like that. A good asking price is around $1,000 - $3,000 that all depends on how the horse looks its age and how it responds to cues. The yearly upkeep varies depending on where you live how much you ride and feed it etc. Sorry but Ive never rented a stable I keep my horse on my own land. Some important things to know are can you really handle the horse you have? If you ever have problems with it will you be able to take control or your horse and fix what you or the horse did wrong? I like to remeber these few quotes. Most of the blame sits on you the rider so think about what you do or did on the horse.I might be a little bit crazy But it keeps me from losing my mind.I might be a little bit crazy But a little bit crazy's all right! Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
Both tears and sweat are salty, but render a different result, tears will get you sympathy, sweat will get you change.
They always say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
A real cowgirl knows how to keep her calves together.
When you cant have what you want its time to start wanting what you have.
The bad thing about experience is that it teaches you the stuff you dont want to know
You cant have light without darkness to brighten
Lord grant that I might always aspire to more than I can accomplish
It is better to dare mighty things than to take rank with those poor, timid spirits who know neither victory nor defeat
"Heros Get Remembered, But Legends Never Die."
Spunk: A cowgirl gets up in the morning, decides what she wants to do and does it.
Somebodies got to be unafraid to lead the freak parade...
Sometimes we put up walls...not to block people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down...
Just cowgirl up!!!

Answer 8

for a first horse you should stay away from young or green broke horses. what kind of horse you get depends on your discipline and experiance. for a begginer rider a quarter horse would be best because they are so laid back and since they are so versatile it would be easier if you are not completely decided on what disipline you want to excell in. if you are experianced and you know what you want you could do any sort of horse that is good at your discipline. for example: arabians are great endurance horses but are hot headed so they will require a experianced rider. thouroughbreds are good jumpers but are a lot of horse. and then if your lucky you maybe able to find a calm all around horse that will still do wht you want.

renting a stable? do you mean boarding?? if so boarding is easier but can also be exapensive. you pay a monthly fee that could be anywhere from, $100 to $400. at most stables your board will include stall cleaning, fees, water, turn out and use of the facilities. as a first time owner it would be better to board where there are trainers and proffesionals around the area who can offer you advice.

in buying a horse it is important to know what a horse w/ ideal confirmation would look like, what kind of orse you want, and how to suspeat wether or not the horse is sound. you should get a vet check b4 buying.

make sure you know how to handle and care for a horse

good luck!!!!

Answer 9

American Quarter Horses are the best horses for beginners. I am not a beginner and I will always choose a Quarter over any other breed. My favorite horse right now is a Quarter named Romeo. He is my baby.
There are a lot of differnt prices out there depening on what you want. A good place to compare prices is www.horsetrader.com.
Yearly up keep differs on where you keep the horse and what you feed it. Some of the things you have to take into consideration are farrier bill, vet bills, and all of your extra things like flyspray and shampoo.
I currently keep my horses in my back yard but I have rented in the past. It is great for a first time owner to rent beacse there are so many nice people at stables willing to help out if you have a question. Renting ranges from 150 dollars to 1,000 dollars. Average is about 300 dollars.
There are a lot of important things to know so keep reading books and start taking riding lessons at one of your local stables. Have fun!

Answer 10

Your horse should be:
(1) "bombproof" -- you'll need an experienced horseperson along to help you determine this; often this is an older horse
(2) healthy -- get a vet check ("pre-purchase exam") before you hand over any money
(3) trained (in addition to being bombproof), unless you have trained (not just ridden!!) horses before

Your horse should not be
(1) young (under 4 years)
(2) sick (emotionally or physically) -- this is too much to deal with for a first-time horse owner
(3) an Arabian (contrary to one answer); nor should it be a thoroughbred. -- As a side note, I have owned Arabians, and they are the only breed of horse I will ever own, so it is not a dislike of the breed that leads me to suggest an Arabian for only more-experienced owners or handlers. However, most of them (and excepting the old and exceptionally well trained) are hot, flighty, sensitive and wholly unsuitable for newer owners.

For boarding expenses (which is what you would call it unless you actually plan to rent the entire facility), I would call around your neighborhood. The prices might range from $150 (bare-bones) to $1500 or more (dressage prima donna barn) per month.

Finally, on the other costs, I would suggest calling the following people:
(1) an equine vet
(2) a farrier (for their feet)
(3) an equine dentist (seriously, they do need dentistry!)

I would ask each of these people:
(1) "what's the least I could expect to spend on vet (or hooves or dentistry) in a year and still be a responsible horse owner?"
(2) "what does an average horse owner spend in a year?"
(3) "what's the most you've ever seen someone spend in a year?"

They'll hem and haw about "variability of prices" and how hard it is to guess. Keep at them. Ask "$100 per year?" "$500?" etc. until they at least say, "well, probably between X and Y per year, but no guarantees!"

Get some lessons. Get used to being around horses. I spend about $10,000 per year on my current horse (yeah, yeah, my husband is astounded, too), so don't think they're cheap.

Costs for a horse: free to millions. Most people's first horse: $1,000 to $2,000. The purchase price is nothing compared to the upkeep.

Good luck!!

~DancesWithHorses~