The Reality of Horse Costs
Have you ever wondered what the costs of a horse really are beyond the purchase price? It can go far beyond the necessities of hay, grain and water. Some horses require daily supplements or medications to keep them healthy while others require special shoes or pads from the farrier. All of these things and more can raise the monthly and yearly costs of owning a horse.
Hay prices can vary widely depending on where you live in the US and the access you have to hay resources. In Maine, a small square bale (about 40lbs) in 2019 was averaging around $3 a bale. This year they are $9 a bale which is a significant raise per bale. Hay prices have many changing variables with the biggest one being the weather. If there is little rain there is little hay and if there is too much rain it can also ruin the hay which can cause horse and livestock owners to have to buy hay from out of state and ship it in. Grain prices can vary as well but the swing in pricing is not nearly as drastic as hay.
Just like humans, horses also require a physical examination every year in which they get yearly vaccinations. Depending on where you live and if your horse leaves your property for shows, events etc. will determine what vaccinations your horse needs. For example it is recommended that for horses that live in Maine receive vaccines for these core diseases; rabies, tetanus and Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis. However, a horse that lives in Texas it is recommended that they get; rabies, tetanus, West Nile Virus, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis and Equine Influenza (if the horse doesn’t live in a closed herd).
Check out this video below where we walk through some basic horse care costs to consider when thinking about buying a horse. We will be coming out with a longer more in depth video of pricing, horse purchase prices as well as how pricing can vary depending on the state you live in. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have on our Facebook, email, or below in the comments!
