List of Horse Necessities & Costs

Tack and Equipment

• If you plan to ride your horse you need to purchase a quality saddle. You do not necessarily need to buy a new saddle, but you do need to make sure the saddle you buy is well made and in good condition. You should be able to find a quality used Western or English saddle for under $500. If you have your sights set on a brand new saddle, you can expect to spend up to $1,000 or even more.

  Even if you do not plan to ride, you need a quality halter and lead rope, as well as an assortment of brushes, a quality hoof pick and a shedding blade to help remove your horse's winter coat. A good breakaway halter costs about $20, and a good soft cotton lead rope should add about $15 or $20 to the total. A breakaway halter is important if you plan to turn your horse out in the pasture, since it is designed to break free if the horse becomes stuck on a fence post or tree limb. The grooming tools you need should cost between $30 and $50, depending on the extent of your needs.

Hay

• Hay is a necessity for every horse, but the price of hay varies widely depending on location and the type of hay you purchase. If you live in an area with plentiful hay fields, you might be able to find quality Timothy or orchard grass hay for as little as $2 to $2.50 per bale. If hay is scarce in your area, you might end up paying $5 a bale or more. When your horse has access to good pasture it should do fine on 1/4 bale a day, but when the winter months hit that hay consumption can easily rise to half a bale a day. A horse that works hard may also need a grain feeding once or twice a day. Generally oats are used, but you should consult your veterinarian, as the type and amount depends on the age and use of the horse. A white salt block should be available at all times, and these are inexpensive and readily available at feed stores.

Shoeing and Trimming

• Your horse's hooves need regular trimming, generally every eight weeks or so. Some horses also require shoes, which can increase the cost of hoof care. If your horse has very good and hard feet, it might not need shoes, but if it has soft hooves, or you plan to ride on rough ground, shoes are a good idea. The cost of a simple trim can be as little as $25 to $30 every eight weeks. If your horse needs shoes you can expect to spend about $50 to $70 for the initial shoeing and $30 to $45 for each eight-week trim and reset. It is important to check prices in your own area before you purchase a horse, since prices can vary by region. Ask current horse owners what they pay for farrier services, and call around to get prices as well.

Veterinary Care

• Horses are prone to a number of communicable diseases, and that means they need to have regular vaccinations and veterinary care to stay healthy. The vaccine schedule varies depending on which diseases are prevalent where you live, but most horses need shots twice a year. You can expect to pay between $100 and $150 each time the vet visits your property to give those vaccines. If you need emergency veterinary care, the cost can reach hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.

Board

• If you choose to board your horse instead of keeping it at home, you can avoid the costs of grain and hay, since those items should be included in your monthly board bill. You will still be responsible for the cost of shoeing, trimming and veterinary care. Board costs run the gamut, from very expensive for luxurious stables to affordable places that offer pasture board with outdoor shelters. If you want a boarding stable with a good outdoor and perhaps and indoor riding ring, you can expect to pay a minimum of $300 to $500 per month, and much more if you live in an expensive area or near a major city. Pasture board can be as little as $150 to $200 depending on the location and the amenities. No matter which type of board you choose, make sure the fencing is secure and safe, and that there is sufficient space for each horse.