Owning a horse is by no means cheap. It is associated with a lot if expenses and a lot of responsibilities. Continuous care and attention and boarding your horse are examples of the responsibilities you will be facing when you decide to buy a horse. You can board your horse either by paying only for the stall and do the necessary work or pay for a full boarding.

Boarding rates can depend on where you live or the local market in your area. For example, if you are in an area where you must import your hay, it will be more expensive than if the hay is grown locally. You should call around and ask the different barns in the area what they charge and what that fee includes. You should also consider the distance of the barn from your house, because the nearer the better.

Horse riding lesson is an important part of your training or your childs horsemanship education. Therefore, you should hire a reputable instructor who can teach you or your child proper training. Not only will you be able to learn more, you will also learn how to avoid problems with your horse. Lessons can cost $1,000 to $2,500 a year.

Trimming and shoeing is also important for your horse. About every 6 to 8 weeks, the horses hooves need to be trimmed, which costs between $75 and $125 each time. Corrective shoeing, which costs even higher, may sometimes be required. This is also important as it will keep your horse sound.

You will have to spend for veterinary care, even if your horse is not sick. Veterinary cost is rather nominal, $30 bucks or so for routine care. Additional fees include vaccinations twice a year, de-worming every six to eight weeks, and having your horse’s teeth floated once a year. All in all, a typical, normal, healthy horse will cost about $500 per year.

One of the necessary tacks that you must buy your horse is a saddle. Riding on a horse without a saddle can cause back sore to your horse, so you must use a saddle that is appropriate for the discipline you or your child is learning. Other equipments that you must buy are bridle, saddle pad and bits. These tacks can cost a total of about less than $750.

You will need grooming equipment and tack such as brushes, hoof picks, fly spray, ointments for small injuries, leg wraps, shampoos, blankets and sheets. If you do not want to haul these grooming supplies out to the barn each time, you can purchase a tack trunk. Ask the professional in the barn for help in getting these things. He or she can provide you with information on where to get cheaper products.

You must also be financially ready for unexpected expenses that may arise. It can be supplements for your horses specific needs. It can be buying new equipments because your horse managed to chew them or your horse suddenly got sick.

Tags: Horses