3 Expenses To Consider Before Getting A Horse

29 September 2016 by Elijah Steward

Are you someone who has always dreamed of owning your own horse? Having a horse can certainly be a lot of fun, and horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting exercise. Before you get ready to make the purchase, however, you should be aware of these three expenses when it comes to owning a horse. 

Tack and Supplies

If you are thinking about getting a horse, chances are you want to be able to ride it, which means you will need to purchase tack (equipment and supplies needed for riding a horse). Before making the purchase, you'll need to decide what style you are going to be riding. There are two styles: English and Western. No matter which one you choose you will need the following:

• Saddle
• Saddle blanket
• Bridle
• Bit
• Reins

Tack can be expensive, especially the saddle. For instance, some recommend not spending less than $1,000 on a new Western saddle. Of course it is always an option to buy a used saddle but in order to stay as safe as possible, you need to make sure it fits both you and your horse just right. Besides tack, other things you will need to purchase include grooming supplies, first aid supplies, and riding gear for yourself such as boots and a helmet. 

Medical Care 

Another expense to consider is how much it's going to cost to keep your horse healthy. These are large animals and it takes a great amount of responsibility to care for them properly. Like other domesticated pets, horses need to have certain vaccinations. They may also need to be given certain supplements, and will need worming every couple of months. There is also hoof care, which includes trimming and shoes, and dental care.

If a horse gets injured or needs surgery, the cost of their medical care gets expensive in a hurry. One procedure called colic surgery can cost as much as $12,000. Because the medical care for a horse can be so expensive, some horse owners choose to have equine insurance. There are several types of equine insurance to choose from and some policies, such as major medical and mortality insurance, can cost $400-$800 a year. FOr more information about equine insurance, contact a company like Asset Equine & Ranch Insurance Agency.

Boarding

If you don't have a place to keep your horse, another thing you will have to pay for is boarding. This cost will largely depend on whether you live in a rural or more of a metropolitan area. Some boarding facilities closer to larger cities charge as much as $700 a month. 

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