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| SO YOU WANT TO OWN A HORSE? |
| Owning a horse takes alot more than love. Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. Before you decide to take the step to become a horse owner consider the following: - Horses require ongoing financial commitment. The least of which is the cost of the horse. - They require a great deal of time and physical labor in daily care alone. 365 days a year, no matter what the weather, or how tired you are, they need clean water, food, stall cleaning, vetting, farrier services and attention. - Horses are herd animals, and do not like to be alone. They generally prefer the company of other horses over human companionship. - They can live to be over 40 years old with proper care. - There is a great deal of learning involved to properly care for a horse. If you want to own a horse... you may want to know what kind of financial responsibility you are in for... a. Where will you keep your horse? Boarding a horse can be expensive. - Full care stall board averages between $200-$500 in Maryland. - Full care field board averages between $125-$200 in Maryland. - Self care field board averages between $50-$125 per month (you do all the work.. feeding (grain costs between $7-$15/50 lb. bag. The average horse will eat about 3-6 lbs per day... hay averages $15-$30/750 lb round bale, or $2.50-3.25/square bale), grooming, worming, daily hoof care, blanketing during the winter, dressing wounds when required, etc.) b. Health care is of the utmost importance. Your horse will require yearly and possibly seasonal vaccinations, as well as worming every 6-8 weeks, and trimming/hoof care maintenance every 6-8 weeks. - Veterinaries charge between $20-35 just for their visit. Your yearly vaccinations can vary, but plan on spending at least $80 per visit, twice yearly. This is just for normal care. Emergency calls can be very expensive, depending on the time of the call and the nature of the injury. ($160/year) - Your horses teeth should be checked at least twice yearly also. The average dental check-up is approximately $25-$50, and should be done bi-annually. ($100/year) - Worming your horse for parasites should be done every 6-8 weeks. Wormer can vary in price from $8-$15 per tube (rotation of wormers is necessary to remove all types of parasites). ($98.00/year). c. Tack & Equipment - This can vary, depending on your budget. An english/western saddle could go for as little as $50 at an auction (but if you arent experienced in tack... you may be buying one with a broken tree or ripped seams... or even worse, one that doesnt properly fit your horse and causes him/her pain). You will require a saddle, a saddle pad, a girth, a bridle, and a bit. You will also need a halter & a lead. (The average cost for all of these items combined is: $300) d. Grooming Supplies - You will need, at a minimum, a curry comb, a hoof pick, a mane & tail comb, fly repellent & hoof care supplement. Combined, these items can cost approximately $24.00. |
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| The following information was provided courtesy of the Maryland Horse Council |
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