Back in 2011 I posted this article on the cost of horse care. A lot of things have happened since then and costs have gone up.
Image: 2011 K. Blocksdorf I know I'm paying more for the farrier to trim my horse's hooves. The cost of hay and feed grains has gone up--in some places radically, thanks to drought conditions. Until recently, transportation was getting more and more expensive and this was reflected in almost everything we bought. How have the price feeds and items for your horse changed lately? How would you price hay, supplements, farrier services and other items and services for your horse. How should I change these costs to reflect what a new horse owner can expect today?
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Comments
Whoa! It depends what country and what region> in North America hay costs vary hugely from region to region–from $2.50 in the Northeast to $15.00 in Calif for sm squares. Vet costs vary as areas have vastly diff regulations re what is mandatory vaccinations our equines require.A vet visit under$100-?? Farrier rates also differ region to region–it seems the more horses a region has —the more $$$ farriers charge:$25 for a trim–like 20 years ago! If you are only paying that –you are lucky.
I have found that it is costing me about $135 per month per horse (as long as they stay healthy). This covers my routine vet, farrier and feed. This is up from previous years due to last years sharp increase in feed, fuel, and hay. I hope this year will see a decrease.
I live in southern United States. I am fortunate enough to have land and don’t pay boarding. I spend about $50 / month for hay and feed for one horse. I pay about $30.00 per hoof trim. A vet visit is at minimum $70.00 and varies with location and services. Wormers, mineral supplements and grooming items together are about $200.00/year. He’s a healthy, beautiful animal!
I would jump up and down for these prices. I live in a nice suburban neighborhood and our hunt club is over 100+years old. It is also the ONLY place to board within 40 densly poplulated miles. I pay $690 in board and feed a mo, with equal that in dues to the club. The ferrier charges $150 every 6 weeks for 2 alum.shoes. $80 if it’s just a clip and re-shoe. Vet calls start at $250+vaccinations or whatever else is needed. The next closest barn is also a club and they charge $980/mo. and the Michigan economy is one of the worst in the country.