We all know how expensive it can be to own a horse. With feed, tack, vet bills, farrier costs, and everything in between, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the never-ending dollar signs. Being a horse owner will never be cheap, but there are ways to cut back on costs.
Here are 7 different ways that you can save money on a horse:
1. Sign Up for Rough Board
If possible, try to find a barn that offers rough board. Rough board is cheaper than the standard full board option, and while you’ll have to care for your horse yourself, it can help you save money on all your horse expenses.
Rough board can mean different things for different barns, but it typically refers to a facility with access to a pasture, run-in, and clean water. Anything besides those basic essentials are the horse owner's responsibility. You'll be in charge of your horse's everyday care including turn-out, feeding, mucking out, grooming, and everything else. It's more work, but time spent with your horse is always a good thing.
2. Buy Tack Used
Tack, including your saddle, can be one of the largest purchases you will have to make when you own a horse. Unless you want your horse to be a pretty pasture ornament, you'll need a saddle with a girth or cinch, bridle, bit, stirrups, helmet—the list goes on and on.
Rather than buying your tack new, try to find it offered used. Expensive tack items, like saddles, bridles, and bits, are frequently offered up for sale by owners who no longer need them. You can save a lot of money by buying these items used, rather than new.
You can even save money on a horse by buying a used trailer. Click here for tips on what to look for.
3. Buy Feed in Bulk
Horse feed is expensive, but sometimes you can get better deals by buying in bulk, particularly when you’re buying hay. Hay is typically cheapest right after the growing season. It tends to get more expensive later in the season as the supply gets low. Plus, it's easier to take large bales straight from the field to the customer, rather than transporting it to a storage facility and having to pick it up again later.
You'll face a larger upfront cost, but it will save you money in the long-run if you buy a year's worth of hay in the summer or fall during harvest time. If you don’t have the room to store a large amount of feed, see if you can add on to a larger barn’s order so that you can still get a discount.
4. Take Group Lessons
Whether you're a beginner rider or have been in the saddle for years, lessons are essential. Working with a professional trainer is the best way to improve your skills and stay safe. The only downside is that regular lessons aren't cheap. There are ways around this, however.
Ask your trainer if they offer a discount for group riding lessons. Then, see if you have a friend who is also looking to save money and who might be willing to take group lessons with you. Group lessons can be just as beneficial as private lessons, and they come with the added bonus of having fun with friends.
5. Go Without Blankets
The question of whether or not to blanket your horse in cold weather could be your key to saving money on your horse. A lot of horse owners blanket their horses even when it's not necessary. Depending on where you live and the weather, your horse's winter coat might be all they need to stay warm.
If your horse doesn’t need to wear winter blankets, then allowing him to go the season without them can save you from having to purchase multiple blankets. Click here to determine if your horse needs a blanket or not.
6. Get Groups Together For Vet Appointments
Out of all your horse-related expenses, vet bills are definitely at the top of the list. You can't avoid routine exams and procedures, and you can't plan for unexpected emergencies. Your vet might help you save money on your horse, however, if you can arrange a group appointment.
When having the vet out to your barn for routine care, see if you can get a group of horse owners together to have their horses treated on the same day. Your group can split the call fee, reducing the overall amount of each vet bill.
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
7. Give Your Horse Great Care
Emergency vet visits to treat illnesses are expensive and sometimes unavoidable. To reduce the chance of your horse needing emergency veterinary treatment, try to provide him with the best care possible. Keep him current on his vaccinations, give him the best quality feed possible, and ensure that he is seen by a farrier on a regular basis.
Going the extra mile for your horse's health might be more expensive at first, but if you plan on being a longtime horse owner, it will save you money with each passing year.
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