It is the dream of many, your own horse! But what does that cost now? Apart from unexpected (medical) costs, we make the costs of our own horse as expensive or cheap as we want. In addition to the purchase of a horse, the monthly costs must also be charged. A financial overview provides clarity …
All prices apply to the year 2017.
The purchase
Horse
The purchase price of a horse varies enormously per breed, age, level, … It is very important that you know what you want and check whether you have the financial means for it. The prices for ‘normal’ (leather) horses are nowadays between ?? 1500, – and the ?? 3500.-. You quickly pay for a sport horse of a decent level? 10,000 or more.
Saddle
Once you have your own horse, the saddle will of course follow. When you buy a horse you can sometimes buy the saddle with it, but if this is not the case, it is best to have a saddle adjuster come. A properly fitting saddle is essential to prevent back problems for the horse. Some saddle fiters have a bunch of new saddles and used saddles that they sell. There is also a huge price spectrum in the field of saddles! New saddles, of good quality, are soon over ?? 2000, -. Do you often already have a decent saddle for second-hand? 300.-.
Bridle
The new price of a bridle varies from ?? 30, – to ?? 200, -. Do you already have a bridle for second-hand? 15, -. A bit costs about ?? 20 to ?? 30, -.
Pads
Saddle pads cost (new or second-hand) between ?? 20, – and ?? 60, -.
Cleaning supplies
Usually you already have a nice collection of cleaning supplies in your possession before you buy your own horse, the price of a whole new set of brushes is about ?? 30, -.
Halter
A halter and rope cost about ?? 20, -. You can also purchase blankets, tendon boots and the like.
Monthly and regular costs
Storage
If you do not have the option to stable your horse at home, you should look for a stable or meadow. The price of a parking facility depends on its location and the possibilities that the parking facility offers. The more luxurious stables that have an indoor track, walker, solarium, … quickly cost more than ?? 300 per month. Renting a meadow with shelter and possibly an outdoor track will cost around ?? 50, – to ?? 150, – per month. A ‘normal’ barn, where, for example, an outdoor arena, barn and pasture are offered costs about ?? 200, -. Compare the prices of different parking facilities in your area to arrive at a realistic price idea.
Deworming
Worming should be done about four times a year (every 3 to 4 months) and costs between ?? 15, – and ?? 30, -, depending on the quality and type.
Farrier
The costs of the farrier also depend on the choices you make for your horse. If you choose to groom a horse you will be about ?? 25, – lay it down every three months (depending on the hoof growth of your horse, this can be viewed individually per horse). If you choose horseshoes, the farrier will have to visit on a more regular basis (every two months) and you will be between the two months. 50, – and ?? 100, – (depending on the fact that your horse is only shoed in front or square).
Veterinarian (vaccinations)
Your horse must also be vaccinated every year. This costs about ?? 40, -.
Dentist
This is an annual cost and is roughly around ?? 80, -.
Unexpected costs
A golden tip for unexpected costs is to have a ‘piggy bank’. Before purchasing your own horse, it is best to have already saved a nice pot. Does your horse need to be operated on? Then it is always useful to have a piggy bank on the side of about ?? 5000.-. Another possibility is that your parents can help with large costs, and that you may pay them back gradually.
