Owning a horse on your personnal property costs....??

Question

Hello,

I have leased a pony for the last four years and rode for eight. I may be moving and would like to purchase the pony. I know about ownership and don't tell me (PLEASE) that it just costs a lot. I figure it's around $4,000 a year. That is supplying vet, farrier and hay. What other expenses am I looking at, either then those or the horse? I know about ownership, do not warn me against it. I have a barn do not say I shouldn't buy a horse without careful consideration or knowing about the animal!

Thanks,

Answer 1

Congratulations on owning a new pony! It's always exciting getting a new horse or pony.
I run a boarding stable. On average you are looking at a bale a day/horse for hay other than the summer months if you have good pasture. If not, you are obviously looking at about $750/year for hay depending on prices per bale.

Average out your farrier visits at once every 4-6 week at about $25 for just a trim and you are looking at another $300.

Regular vet visits like vaccinations, etc. usually run at about $100 annually assuming there are no other problems or emengency visits.

Then you have wormer which runs at about $20 tube every 3 months which will give you another $100 round about.

That totals to $1250 annually but you have to be prepared to the unexpected. Your pony may need to have it's teeth floated annually which is around $100.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Well that is a trick question. You won't need a vet if your pony isn't sick (I was raised on a farm with many horses.) In 35 years, we never needed a vet for our horses. They don't need annual check ups (they really don't unless something. It depends on how much hay costs, around here it is $1.25 a bail. Since we only buy bails I cant help you with rounds. Roughly $500 for hay add in grain. Unless you trim the hooves yourself, figure at least $300 for the ferier. Under $4,000 since there is no boarding involved, is more than enough for your pony. However, some ponies and horses get lonley. You may eventually consider a companion of some kind. I had a horse who didn't like other horses, but loved the chickens. Go figure. Every animal is different.

You do not need to Float their teeth (unless there is a problem, that is crap. Shampoo, you can use your own) since moste pet shampoo's and cleaning items are actually human items relabled. If you invest in a good quality of grain, with tobacco, you don't need to worm. A cigarette once a month will do just the same thing.

How do I know, not only have I had horses ponies and mules all my life, my daughter is a vet and owns 35 horses. All healthy and happy. Don't let anyone try to sell you on all this crap you have to have. Keep your pony in good physical shape. Horses have lasted thousands of years without humans to "Care for them". Just be sure if you do suspect something seriously wrong, then call the vet.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Sounds like you have your bases covered. If you have a barn in good condition and are doing all the manual labor yourself (feeding, grooming, mucking) that covers a huge portion of your expence. It's the boarding fees that really can drive up the cost of horse ownership (in the NYC area, fees will be several hundred per month).

Other expenses that you'll need to keep in mind are for replacing tack that gets worn out, emergency vet bills, bedding and suppliments (like worming medication). Insurance is also important (both to cover injuries and death of your horse, and damage and injures your horse may cause to other people/property). Otherwise, since you've leased and have a good idea of what ownership involves, you seem to be good to go.

Good luck and have a wonderful life with your pony.

Answer 4

Depending on what state you're moving to, you may need to add the horse to your homeowner's insurance, so that you're covered if the horse damages someone else's property or injurs a person or animal. Plus, if you're anything like my mother, you've gotta figure in the cost of all the goodies you won't be able to resist giving your horse. My mom spends hundreds of dollars a year just on apples and carrots for her horses. Also, know that all signs point to hay and other feed becoming more and more expensive, at least over the next five years, as weird weather and development (the turning of farmland into housing communities, etc.) take their toll.

Answer 5

If I am understanding you correctly, you are looking for an itemized costs and what all needs to be done yearly? If this is correct, I just itemized this not long ago today on someone that wanted someone to help convince their parents to buy a horse.

farrier bill is about $45 every 6 to 8 weeks. $90 to $100 if shoed.
hay costs about $60 per month.
3 way injx, flu, flu/rhino, west nile (2ce a year), rabies, and strangles in high risk area. These are yearly injections.
Worming every other month (alternating between two different kinds)
Psyllium (sand removal feed) Dose should be doubled the amount recommended on the container.
Shampoo and other grooming equipment and material, including a hoof pick to clean out the hooves.
Teeth floating at least once a year by a vet (about $200)
A routine vet check at least once per year.

The above is a listed minumum horse needs requirement for owning your horse.

Answer 6

Median cost to feed a single horse is $1328.00 annually, this includes Hay, grain, minerals & salt. Maintenance cost, which includes, bedding, farrier services, worming, vaccines, Veterinarian services and medicines, horse care products, learning devices (books/magazines), training for horse or rider twice monthly; average cost per year $2400.00. Annual cost of non-boarded horse is $3728.00.

Please Note: The above mentioned numbers are a national average and may not be accurate in your area...Emergency care not incuded.

Answer 7

my wife is also looking at buying a horse. the biggest expenses could be vet bills/medicine if your horse gets sick or has an injury. Spend a few minutes with your vet to see if your are overlooking anything. If you have a pasture with grass , that helps a lot with food. also, don't forget to budget for accessories like blankets, harnesses, etc.

Answer 8

I think you've about got it covered. Will you feed grain, or is your pony good to go on just the hay? Does he need any supplements? Can he go barefoot in the winter? If you have others riding your pony, you should look into insurance. Will you need to get him companion (donkey, etc?)

Good luck with your pony!

Answer 9

OK well on my farm about two weeks cost for 3 horses cost 270 dollars .Thats only its hay,feed, but for its feet and shots all togther would cost 800 dollars. so for 1 horse it would be only 370 some dollars.

Answer 10

it varies from state