| For most of us, one of the big factors affecting our | | | | distance between your prospective stable and your |
| answer to the question "Do you really want a horse?" | | | | home or job when considering overall cost. The barn |
| is money. What is the average cost of owning | | | | you like may cost more money but if it saves you on |
| horses? Well the fact of the matter is I can't give you | | | | gas its something to consider, it may be very well |
| a definite answer due to the fact that cost depends | | | | worth it. Remember you are buying a horse for you |
| on many different things. Owning a horse can be a | | | | pleasure and enjoyment. If a barn is too far from |
| very expensive hobby or be managed on a very | | | | home or work, boarding your horse could discourage |
| modest budget. It not so much the initial cost as it is the | | | | you from riding. Always take our time and keep looking |
| cost for upkeep | | | | until you find a horse stable that best suit you and your |
| If you hire someone to build a fancy horse stable, build | | | | horses needs. |
| a high dollar fence, purchase a registered sport horse | | | | You're gonna constantly need tack supplies. The |
| with an established show record, keep a vet on hand | | | | biggest expense for horses, is gonna be the purchase |
| for the slightest lil thing, buy and expensive horse trailer | | | | of a saddle. If you buy a cheaply made saddle you're |
| to show in, and a nice big truck to pull it with. Then you | | | | gonna end up having to purchase another one. Take it |
| are looking at a nice chunk of change and the cost for | | | | from me, you get what you pay for. A decent saddle |
| upkeep is going to be through the roof. On the other | | | | can run you anywhere from a $1000 - $3000 or more. |
| hand all that hoopla is not necessary. | | | | You may also want to buy extra bedding for your |
| If you keep you horse at home with suitable basic | | | | horse each month @ $6-$10 a bag. You my need to |
| arrangements, then your monthly expenses will likely | | | | buy a different type of hay for your horse than what |
| be lower than they would if you boarded your horse | | | | a boarding stable is feeding, and then you're looking at |
| at a full service barn. The cost in time and effort on | | | | around $15-$20 a bale. Oh and don't for get about |
| the other hand will be higher, due to all the chores that | | | | hoof trimming & shoeing every 6-8 weeks this |
| come with keeping a horse at home. If you have a | | | | could cost anywhere from $50 for a trim to $200 for |
| schedule that permits you some time & you plan | | | | shoes. It depends on whose trimming and shoeing your |
| well then this arrangement can be very enjoyable. | | | | horse, once again you get what you pay for. Lastly if |
| A good stable cost money great services and facilities | | | | you want to supplement your horse the cost can be |
| aren't free. Cost of boarding in the suburbs is | | | | anywhere from $10 - $30 for a 50lb bag of grain or |
| moderate to high depending on location and services | | | | feed. If you decide to keep your horse at home, all |
| provided. You could be possibly looking at anywhere | | | | these things you have to consider and more. I hope I |
| from $400 - $700 a month in expenses. A well run | | | | have been somewhat of a help to you, because there |
| barn is typically in demand, so don't be surprised if | | | | is so much more to consider depending on your needs. |
| there is a waiting list. Also take into account the | | | | |