How much does it cost to train a filly?

Question

Given that I live in Massachusetts and would be buying a 1-2 year old filly.

I'm looking for prices of high quality (not luxury, but solid) training.

Thanks so much!

I'd want her trained Western.

Thanks for the input so far, guys!

The reason for the question is because I'm looking into buying a mare whose owner will not sell her without her filly.

Answer 1

Average training for a horse (regardless of sex) is around $500-$600 per month (depending on if you or the trainer supplies feed) in Texas.

Specialized training for reiners, barrels, cutting cost more and this is after the horse is already solid on its basic's.

Your best bet is to talk with several Veterinarians, go to local shows and talk with folks on who trains, how they train and then go and interview several trainers. Be sure to pick the one that will supply references and answers all your questions.

Good luck on finding a trainer.

Answer 2

Depends on the type of training you are wishing for your horse to be disciplined in. There are different types of training and different types of trainers. Depending on the track record, show record, and winning experience a good quality trainer could range any where from $400(I haven't heard of anyone doing any less) to over $4000 a month. I know it seems pricey but several trainers I know in NY and down here in Texas charge an upwards of $3000 if not more. But they have won futurities, high stakes, and several gold medals under their belt. I personally charge $1500 a month which includes everything. Feed, Hay, farrier, vet care, insurance, and the initial training.
The normal range for a trainer to keep a horse is no less than 3 months. I've rarely kept a horse less than 3 months, maybe once in a blue moon. And I don't accept any horse's that are lame, sore, or not in good health. Just because it's a waste of time. A sore horse won't learn and tolerate training well, therefore its a waste of the owners money and a waste of my time. But there have been times I've kept a horse and got them back into shape, which can take an upwards of 3 months.

Now depending on training, most trainers want to put 60-90 days on a horse. And if you choose a discipline it could be 120-160 days.

My advice is if you don't have the money, look for a horse that's already trained in what you would like to do. It may look like it's more expensive than buying a green younger horse. But remember you would have to pay for the training, making the horse more expensive than a already trained 4 year old.

Answer 3

I live in South Dakota and here, most trainers charge by the 30 day, 60 day or 90 day. I know a good trainer here who charges $600 for 60 days on a horse...from the first time being saddled to riding and very basic reining. I know he has rates for 30 days and 90 days too, after that you are talking some money if he's going to take your horse to the higher levels. But he's young but he's good. Gentle as can be with a horse. Why don't you just buy a trained horse? With the crappy horse market by the time you buy a youngster and pay to have her/him trained, you'll be spending the same money anyways. Just a thought...Happy trails =)

Whoops...forgot to mention...for this trainer, it's the horse owner that supplies feed. He does that so the he doesn't have to worry about what certain people feed their horses.

Answer 4

Last spring the best starter charged $250 to get on started. Afterwards they would stand when mounted, walk trot etc, on command, side step, back, etc.

He required a contract stating you would ride at least X number of times a week for X months (sorry can't remember the details there) but guaranteed satisfaction. He also had you come check after he finished starting them to see if you thought they were started well enough to satisfy you.

The man is very good. The only thing he does not do is put the miles and miles needed for a good trail horse. But he does start them well. I am drawing a blank on his name but he lives south of Mountain Grove Missouri.

Oh he charged to start not by time. He told me he has done it in as little as 2 or 3 weeks to as much as 6 or 7. Always charges the same price. If you get lucky and have an easy one to train so does he.

Answer 5

It depends on many things , where you live , what disicpline you want her broke to , who you want to break her , level of breaking you want , and whether you want soemone reputable or someone cheap to do it. Here in TN prices range from 350.00 per 30 days to 1100 per 30 days. I am one of the ones who charges on the lower end b/c I feel like i'm ripping someone off if I charge 1100. Not that I'm not good at what I do, one horse I broke and trained is currently a state champ , I just think it's silly to charge so much to do something I love doing. average price around here is about 500.00 atleast that's what most folks are willing to pay. Yeah you'll come across the ocassional person who sees the 1100 price tagod getting a horse green broke and thinks wow! That horse trainer must be GREAT! they send the horse to them for 30 days and get back a green horse, something they could have easily done themselves or found someone cheaper to do Me persoanlly if I didn't break and train myself for a foundation I'd go with someone in the 500 range and save the 1100 person for finishing for a specific event. Shop around and most importantly go see this trainer work before you send your horse to them. I had a friend when I was younger who sent both her studs off to some woman here in TN the woman had a rule of you couldn't come visit your own horse with out an appt. She tried and tried to get an appt but the woamn was never available. So my friend just up and went down there one day to find both studs tied in their stalls which were so filthy they were standing ankle deep in mud and manure, their coats were dirty and matted and the water buckets empty tot he point there was a coating of dust in the bottom, one stud was so hungry he was eating his own manure!!!! Definately throughly check the background of ANY trainer talk to former clients and make sure they are happy with what they got.Don't be afraid to "interview" them and ask for refrences.

Answer 6

Well where I live, there is a VERY wide range. For instance, you can get very mediocre training for $250-$350 per month. OK training for $400-$500 per month, or Really good training for $600-$900 per month. Sorry I couldn't be more of a help, You just have to shop around.

Answer 7

i also live in MA, but i live close to Boston.

For me, to have a trainer and board it is $650 for board, $165 for shoes, and a trainer is $45 for every day she rides (for how ever long it takes)

You might be able to work off board or trainer fees, and the way my trainer does it she just keeps working with said horse until you say stop.. so you can judge how much training you want.

Answer 8

Boarding around 300/month, training is another 250-300 a month usually, so plan on spending 500-600/month while she's in training.

Answer 9

I wouldent suggest buying a 1 yr old because it sounds like you want to find something to train and ride now and cant start breaking a horse till at least two.

Answer 10

Every stable probably has a different price, so just call around and ask people. I'm sure most trainers at the stables are good or they wouldn't have a job there!