How much work and money does it cost to have a horse?

Question

I have 3 young kids (under 10) who would like a horse. They have all ridden horses and love them very much. I would just get them riding lessons or lease someone else's horse part time, but no place has any openings. I have thought about purchasing a small horse and having it barned at someone else's stable; however, how much does that normally cost? Do full service barns provide enough attention for a horse? I would love a horse and have always wanted one, so would my children; however, I don't think we could give it nearly the attention it needs.. am I wrong? Are horses content with just being around other horses? Thanks.

Answer 1

Please please please dont get a horse for young kids under 10.
They will more than likely lose interest after a few years or after the novelty has worn off, and if they get them they have to be expected to care for them properly, and this is a serious amount of work, if you cant find anywhere to keep them and look after them you do realise you will have to be there to take care of them at around 7am every morning to clean out their stables, feed them, groom them, fresh water, let them out if necessary, take them out for exercise, check them for any medical issues everyday, this is a huge amount of work alone and a huge cost, the equipment, vets bills for horses are extremly expensive, even the basic vaccinations cost alot, upkeep, the food, new riding gear for your kids, insurance etc etc.
The cost usually varies depending on how much the person wants to charge, my family kept horses at our stables and we charged upwards of 300 a month to look after them, and this was a few years ago.
Horses are content being around other horses, however they need the attention from their owners aswell, just like dogs, they need regular exercise, something they dont get with other horses in a field, they need grooming care everyday to prevent lice, matting etc.
Horses are a tremendous amount of work and effort and cost.
You would be much better off waiting until they are older and more able to take on some of the responsibility of caring for the horse themselves, i dont know how many riding lessons they have taken but for safety reasons i would say that it is sensible for them to have alot of experience around horses before getting one, i know some places offer volunteer openings during the summer, or if u have to pay that extra more for riding lessons it would be in the long run alot more effective.

and to the girl above, horses cannot be trained to stay in any set area without a fence, or if you know a way to do that, sell it and make millions and ponies are fine but turn into big 600lbs horses real quick, the smaller horses [shetlands] would be fine until your kids start to get too big for it then.

Answer 2

Horses are a huge time and financial commitment. Not only are they very expensive initially, but they are expensive to feed and keep healthy.

The most important thing with finding the right horse is looking for the right "fit" as far as personality and training, etc goes, not so much size. Ponies are great for young kids, depending on the training they've had. A good pony that is safe for a child is every bit as expensive as a big horse. Even if you do invest the money into a safe animal for your child, you should still do so with the guidance of an expert. Horses and ponies are large animals that can easily hurt you, even without meaning to.

Yes, horses are herd animals and usually more content with a "friend" or two. I have however, over the years, kept single horses from time to time and they've done just fine. A full service boarding facility is extremely expensive, but yes, a good one will provide all the attention that your horse requires. It costs anywhere from $100-$500+ a month for boarding, depending on how much care you expect the barn owner to give to your horse.

Having a horse in the backyard seems like a great idea, and for lots of folks it works out great, but just remember that you should ideally plan for at least 2 acres of pasture per horse, they need a water source, either a pond or stream, or you're going to be providing fresh, clean water, and a shelter to get them out of the elements. Fencing materials are pretty expensive, and I think we all know the cost of lumber. A good book to read is "Horsekeeping on a small acreage" There are lots of good ideas in there for getting your place started, if keeping it at home is what you want.

Do your homework, for sure. The initial cost of setting up your own barn or shed and pasture is pretty high, but then will save money in the long run, but if horses are not going to be a family activity which you and your husband also are actively involved in, I'd probably opt for boarding.

Remember...Pony does not equal kid safe. Seek professional advice. And go with your gut instinct. Don't buy the "pretty horse that looks just like black beauty" if your gut and a horse expert is telling you that he's not safe for your child.

Answer 3

If you buy a middle aged to older horse and keep it at a boarding stable that feeds, cleans stalls, etc, it will really not need that much attention.
If you buy your children a low mantinance, sound 14+ year old retired show or trail horse, then coming out to groom and ride it a couple times a week would be fine providing it is left at a full service, reputable boarding stable. The owners of the farm should call you asap if they notice anything wrong with your horse. Boarding cost really depends on where you are located. Where I am from a stable that includes daily feeding, stall cleaning, turn out, etc can cost anywhere from $200-525 a month. Vet fees, ferrier, tack, brushes, supplements, and riding lessons (it is very important to have your children to take riding lessons) will all be extra costs.
I would recomend that if you were to buy a horse, purchase one with the help of a trainer, and buy one that could be half leased to someone that will help cover costs, give the horse exersize and disipline to help maintain its training and mannors (keeping it safe for your kids). Make sure to get a horse that has been around the bock, a younger inexperianced horse requires a lot more attention to maintain its training.

Answer 4

Costs: if you are in the midwest, it is about $5,000 to care for a horse a year, including everything but emergencies. If you board the horse at your house though, it chops the cost down to about 1200 a year.

Most boarding stables feed your horse, clean the stall, provide hay, and turn out your horse- that is included in the fee. You shouldn't have to worry about your horse being cared for. If you do, that stable should be shut down.
As for attention, you should expect to get out there at least twice a week. It may be hard during winter, so there may be skipped weeks then (if it was anything like when I was in school) but expect to spend most of the summer at the barn, esp if your kids are true horse lovers. When I was in grade/hs, our family drove out to ride maybe once a week in the winter and 6 days a week in the summer.

Right now, I manage about 3 days a week as a full time college student with a 30 hr a week job.


Horses are content being by other horses (as long as you board your horse in a group setting- not in individual pastures). The main problem with leaving a horse alone for too long is that some tend to forget their training- not something you want with a horse for a young kid.

If possible, you could always lease out your horse as well- set certain days that they can ride, and days you will go out. That way, your horse gets exercise, attention, and you can split the costs of caring for it.

Answer 5

Horses are indeed very expensive. Boarding a horse is by FAR the easiest thing to do but it can cost $400 a month or more. BUT, if you have full board, you can rest assured that your horse is happy, safe and cared for (as long as you have him at a GOOD place), whether or not you visit him. I boarded my horse for 26 years and was always pleased with the experience. I could go away on vacation knowing that he was fine.

Of course you want to spend time with him and get to know him -- why else would you have him? I think that having a horse for the family is a GREAT idea, as long as you know that it's YOU who are responsible for providing for him, whether that's choosing the barn where he'll live or taking care of him on your own property.

If you can't visit him regularly, you will have to be very careful not to exercise him too much when you DO visit. Perhaps you could let the barn use him for lessons, in return for a lower boarding fee? That way he will get consistent exercise and be kept in shape. Or you could half-lease him, cutting your costs in half. These arrangements worked out well for me over the years.

I suggest that you NOT get a pony. They can be very stubborn and even if you get a good one, it's so heartbreaking when he is eventually outgrown. Besides, it sounds to me that YOU'D like to ride too. Smaller horses aren't necessarily better horses. You need to pick the horse that suits you and your family the best, no matter what size he is. DO NOT make the mistake that so many people make and buy a young horse, thinking that the horse and kids will grow up together!! This is the WORST thing you can do! You need to buy a quiet, fully trained, willing, friendly animal. Yes, you'll pay more but it's the ONLY way to be safe and really enjoy your horse.

Another good reason for boarding -- there will be experienced people around who can help you and the kids learn all there is to know about horse care.

Be very careful when picking out your horse. I suggest you hire someone to help and advise you. I'd bet that more than HALF of the horses at boarding stables are owned by people who are afraid of thier own horse -- it's very sad.

Other things to consider... If you live where there are lots of rocks your horse will need shoes. Shoes are ridiculously expensive -- sometimes costing more than $100 -- EVERY SIX WEEKS. Plus there will be vet bills and all the other things your horse needs, like fly spray, wormers and treats.

The actual purchase price of the horse is nothing compared to the upkeep. Depending on where you live, you might be able to find a good horse for as little as $1000 -- or you might have to pay $5000 -- or more.

Yes, horses are expensive. But if you can afford one -- and if you get the RIGHT one -- it will be the experience of a lifetime, for all of you.


Good luck!

Answer 6

Horses can be extremely expensive and time consuming. Stables can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 a month, or more depending on where you live and what you want the stable to do (feed, clean stall, exercise). You also have vet bills, shoes, tack,toys etc. Horses should be taken out at least twice a week for a couple hours. The more time you spend with it the more it will love you. Horses can be wonderful companions, but with three young kids on your hands you might want to wait a few years so they can help handle the responsibility.

Answer 7

I have a 28 year old horse named dancer. My moms had him since he was a baby. Truthfully I don't think it costs much more than the average horse, but dance is in great health and condition. Truthfully I don't think it should matter. If you LOVE this horse you'd do anything for him. He should be priceless in your eyes. As long as you give him a great home, clean water & bedding, quality food & keep him exercising & lots of love he should stay healthy & not be 'more expensive'. He made need a few vet visits as he gets older like dental visits because teeth may fall out. But 11 is still VERY young. No need to worry he still has plenty of years!!! Horses are NEVER a waste of money!

Answer 8

Horses are alot of dedication and time so it becomes alot of work. Also they cost ALOT. Boarding at a barn will cost you, then the feed, and all the tack, grooming equipment, wormer, vaccinations and those are just the basics. ... not too mention if they get sick or hurt. They can be alot of fun but I'm not sure I'd get a horse for kids under ten, unless it was a family horse and everyone woud spend time with it and take care of it. The thing with horses, you can't just play with them and feed them and be done. You need to spend time getting to know their personality....and for them to get used to you too. Horses are very sensitive and can feel human emotions. Goodluck.

Answer 9

Yes! Horses are heard animals! If you dont think so, try seperating a horse thats used to being with other horses! Maybe you should try finding a barn that offers trail rides, then go from there! Heres a site www.everycowgirlsdream.com

Answer 10

try getting a pony I do not know how big you kids are but they a very loyal and if you train them right they will stay in your back yard you may not even need a fence i do not know how big your yard is but this way you a) do not have to pay someone else to care for it b) Know it will be treated right c) they are cheeper than a horse and take up less room d) think about the gas you would save from have to drive to it