How much does it cost to care for a horse where you live?
When it comes to knowing how much horses cost and if you can afford one, you need to start crunching numbers early. From housing and feed to vet care and regular shoeing, these animals are a lot of responsibility.
Yet, the “payoff” of having a wonderful horse in your life is, well, priceless! Read on to learn about key expenses you need to be prepared for, as well as a detailed breakdown of typical costs for each state.
*Cover photo provided by Brittney Chambers
Summary of estimated* annual cost of basic horse care by state:
| State | Average Annual Cost |
| Alabama | $8,448 |
| Alaska | $10,226 |
| Arizona | $9,341 |
| Arkansas | $8,522 |
| California | $11,040 |
| Colorado | $10,015 |
| Connecticut | $10,560 |
| Delaware | $9,715 |
| Florida | $9,619 |
| Georgia | $8,995 |
| Hawaii | $11,565 |
| Idaho | $9,079 |
| Illinois | $9,715 |
| Indiana | $8,832 |
| Iowa | $8,752 |
| Kansas | $8,752 |
| Kentucky | $8,597 |
| Louisiana | $8,832 |
| Maine | $9,525 |
| Maryland | $10,676 |
| Massachusetts | $10,335 |
| Michigan | $9,079 |
| Minnesota | $9,432 |
| Mississippi | $8,375 |
| Missouri | $8,674 |
| Montana | $9,252 |
| Nebraska | $8,832 |
| Nevada | $9,525 |
| New Hampshire | $10,226 |
| New Jersey | $11,040 |
| New Mexico | $9,165 |
| New York | $11,167 |
| North Carolina | $8,832 |
| North Dakota | $8,995 |
| Ohio | $8,674 |
| Oklahoma | $8,752 |
| Oregon | $9,619 |
| Pennsylvania | $9,525 |
| Rhode Island | $9,619 |
| South Carolina | $8,752 |
| South Dakota | $8,597 |
| Tennessee | $8,752 |
| Texas | $9,432 |
| Utah | $9,432 |
| Vermont | $9,913 |
| Virginia | $9,913 |
| Washington | $10,226 |
| West Virginia | $8,674 |
| Wisconsin | $9,079 |
| Wyoming | $9,341 |
Typically, the most affordable states for horse ownership are:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
Typically, the most expensive states for horse ownership are:
- Hawaii
- New York
- California
- Ne
w Jersey
*Note to Readers
It’s important to remember the numbers in this article are only estimates.
Costs vary widely based on your particular horse, its health needs, where you house it, and what type of activities you like to do together. We started with the averages in our horse ownership cost article and applied state-specific values of the dollar to arrive at estimated expenses.
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Horse Care Categories
There are a lot of factors that can influence your equine bottom line. Purchasing your horse, buying a horse trailer, taking horseback riding lessons, and competing can all inflate your expenses (and deflate your bank account).
For this article, we focus on six basic horse care components:
Housing
Image courtesy of Canva
There are a variety of housing options to choose from, including keeping your horse at home or at a boarding facility. Full, board, partial board, self-care board, and pasture board are all sub-categories of housing your horse at another facility.
Learn more about how much it costs to board a horse.
Feed (Grain & Hay)
Horse feed costs vary depending on your location and the individual horse. For our purposes, we estimated average grain and hay costs for one year.
Learn more about how much it costs to feed a horse.
Read our Horse Hay FAQs.
See How Much Hay to Feed Your Horse During Winter.
Routine Vet Care
Horses require routine “vet care” every year, including vaccinations, an annual checkup, regular deworming, and typically a fecal egg count.
If you are planning on traveling with and showing your horse, you will need a Coggins test and (potentially) a health certificate.
Learn more about how much vet care costs for a horse.
Farrier
Image courtesy of Canva
Most horses require shoeing every 4-6 weeks. Even if your horse is barefoot, (i.e., doesn’t wear shoes) still need to be trimmed regularly.
Learn more about how much it costs to shoe a horse.
See Why Good Horseshoes Don’t Hurt Horses.
Read about Why Some Horses Wear Shoes And Others Don’t.
Dentist
Dental care is critical, but sadly often overlooked. Having the vet check teeth yearly, or twice per year if the horse is a senior or quite young. The vet will let you know if floating (i.e., evening out/filing teeth) is needed.
Learn more about how much it costs to float a horse’s teeth.
Horse Cost Estimates by State
Alabama
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,435 |
| Grain | $652 |
| Hay | $1,587 |
| Vet Care | $304 |
| Farrier | $1,326 |
| Dentist | $143 |
| TOTAL | $8,448 |
Alaska
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,368 |
| Grain | $789 |
| Hay | $1,921 |
| Vet Care | $368 |
| Farrier | $1,605 |
| Dentist | $174 |
| TOTAL | $10,226 |
Arizona
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,904 |
| Grain | $627 |
| Hay | $1,755 |
| Vet Care | $337 |
| Farrier | $1,466 |
| Dentist | $159 |
| TOTAL | $9,341 |
Arkansas
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,474 |
| Grain | $572 |
| Hay | $1,601 |
| Vet Care | $307 |
| Farrier | $1,338 |
| Dentist | $145 |
| TOTAL | $8,522 |
California
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,795 |
| Grain | $741 |
| Hay | $2,074 |
| Vet Care | $398 |
| Farrier | $1,733 |
| Dentist | $188 |
| TOTAL | $11,040 |
Colorado
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,258 |
| Grain | $672 |
| Hay | $1,881 |
| Vet Care | $361 |
| Farrier | $1,572 |
| Dentist | $170 |
| TOTAL | $10,015 |
Connecticut
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,543 |
| Grain | $709 |
| Hay | $1,984 |
| Vet Care | $380 |
| Farrier | $1,658 |
| Dentist | $179 |
| TOTAL | $10,560 |
Delaware
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,100 |
| Grain | $652 |
| Hay | $1,825 |
| Vet Care | $350 |
| Farrier | $1,525 |
| Dentist | $165 |
| TOTAL | $9,715 |
Florida
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,050 |
| Grain | $646 |
| Hay | $1,807 |
| Vet Care | $347 |
| Farrier | $1,510 |
| Dentist | $163 |
| TOTAL | $9,619 |
Georgia
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,722 |
| Grain | $604 |
| Hay | $1,690 |
| Vet Care | $324 |
| Farrier | $1,412 |
| Dentist | $153 |
| TOTAL | $8,995 |
Hawaii
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $6,071 |
| Grain | $776 |
| Hay | $2,173 |
| Vet Care | $417 |
| Farrier | $1,815 |
| Dentist | $196 |
| TOTAL | $11,565 |
Idaho
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,766 |
| Grain | $610 |
| Hay | $1,706 |
| Vet Care | $327 |
| Farrier | $1,425 |
| Dentist | $154 |
| TOTAL | $9,079 |
Illinois
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,100 |
| Grain | $652 |
| Hay | $1,825 |
| Vet Care | $350 |
| Farrier | $1,525 |
| Dentist | $165 |
| TOTAL | $9,715 |
Indiana
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,636 |
| Grain | $593 |
| Hay | $1,659 |
| Vet Care | $318 |
| Farrier | $1,386 |
| Dentist | $150 |
| TOTAL | $8,832 |
Iowa
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,595 |
| Grain | $588 |
| Hay | $1,644 |
| Vet Care | $315 |
| Farrier | $1,374 |
| Dentist | $149 |
| TOTAL | $8,752 |
Kansas
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,595 |
| Grain | $588 |
| Hay | $1,644 |
| Vet Care | $315 |
| Farrier | $1,374 |
| Dentist | $149 |
| TOTAL | $8,752 |
Kentucky
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,513 |
| Grain | $577 |
| Hay | $1,615 |
| Vet Care | $310 |
| Farrier | $1,350 |
| Dentist | $146 |
| TOTAL | $8,597 |
Louisiana
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,636 |
| Grain | $593 |
| Hay | $1,659 |
| Vet Care | $318 |
| Farrier | $1,386 |
| Dentist | $150 |
| TOTAL | $8,832 |
Maine
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,000 |
| Grain | $639 |
| Hay | $1,789 |
| Vet Care | $343 |
| Farrier | $1,495 |
| Dentist | $162 |
| TOTAL | $9,525 |
Maryland
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,604 |
| Grain | $717 |
| Hay | $2,005 |
| Vet Care | $385 |
| Farrier | $1,676 |
| Dentist | $181 |
| TOTAL | $10,676 |
Massachusetts
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,426 |
| Grain | $694 |
| Hay | $1,941 |
| Vet Care | $372 |
| Farrier | $1,622 |
| Dentist | $176 |
| TOTAL | $10,335 |
Michigan
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,766 |
| Grain | $610 |
| Hay | $1,706 |
| Vet Care | $327 |
| Farrier | $1,425 |
| Dentist | $154 |
| TOTAL | $9,079 |
Minnesota
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,951 |
| Grain | $633 |
| Hay | $1,772 |
| Vet Care | $340 |
| Farrier | $1,481 |
| Dentist | $160 |
| TOTAL | $9,432 |
Mississippi
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,397 |
| Grain | $562 |
| Hay | $1,573 |
| Vet Care | $302 |
| Farrier | $1,315 |
| Dentist | $142 |
| TOTAL | $8,375 |
Missouri
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,554 |
| Grain | $582 |
| Hay | $1,629 |
| Vet Care | $313 |
| Farrier | $1,362 |
| Dentist | $147 |
| TOTAL | $8,674 |
Montana
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,857 |
| Grain | $621 |
| Hay | $1,738 |
| Vet Care | $333 |
| Farrier | $1,452 |
| Dentist | $157 |
| TOTAL | $9,252 |
*Want to see real horse expense reports from Montana? Check out what my horse costs!
Nebraska
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,636 |
| Grain | $593 |
| Hay | $1,659 |
| Vet Care | $318 |
| Farrier | $1,386 |
| Dentist | $150 |
| TOTAL | $8,832 |
Nevada
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,000 |
| Grain | $639 |
| Hay | $1,789 |
| Vet Care | $343 |
| Farrier | $1,495 |
| Dentist | $162 |
| TOTAL | $9,525 |
New Hampshire
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,368 |
| Grain | $686 |
| Hay | $1,921 |
| Vet Care | $368 |
| Farrier | $1,605 |
| Dentist | $174 |
| TOTAL | $10,226 |
New Jersey
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,795 |
| Grain | $741 |
| Hay | $2,074 |
| Vet Care | $398 |
| Farrier | $1,733 |
| Dentist | $188 |
| TOTAL | $11,040 |
New Mexico
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,811 |
| Grain | $615 |
| Hay | $1,722 |
| Vet Care | $330 |
| Farrier | $1,439 |
| Dentist | $156 |
| TOTAL | $9,165 |
New York
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,862 |
| Grain | $750 |
| Hay | $2,098 |
| Vet Care | $402 |
| Farrier | $1,753 |
| Dentist | $190 |
| TOTAL | $11,167 |
North Carolina
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,636 |
| Grain | $593 |
| Hay | $1,659 |
| Vet Care | $318 |
| Farrier | $1,386 |
| Dentist | $150 |
| TOTAL | $8,832 |
North Dakota
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,722 |
| Grain | $604 |
| Hay | $1,690 |
| Vet Care | $324 |
| Farrier | $1,412 |
| Dentist | $153 |
| TOTAL | $8,995 |
Ohio
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,554 |
| Grain | $582 |
| Hay | $1,629 |
| Vet Care | $313 |
| Farrier | $1,362 |
| Dentist | $147 |
| TOTAL | $8,674 |
Oklahoma
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,595 |
| Grain | $588 |
| Hay | $1,644 |
| Vet Care | $315 |
| Farrier | $1,374 |
| Dentist | $149 |
| TOTAL | $8,752 |
Oregon
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,050 |
| Grain | $646 |
| Hay | $1,807 |
| Vet Care | $347 |
| Farrier | $1,510 |
| Dentist | $163 |
| TOTAL | $9,619 |
Pennsylvania
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,000 |
| Grain | $639 |
| Hay | $1,789 |
| Vet Care | $343 |
| Farrier | $1,495 |
| Dentist | $162 |
| TOTAL | $9,525 |
Rhode Island
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,050 |
| Grain | $646 |
| Hay | $1,807 |
| Vet Care | $347 |
| Farrier | $1,510 |
| Dentist | $163 |
| TOTAL | $9,619 |
South Carolina
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,595 |
| Grain | $588 |
| Hay | $1,644 |
| Vet Care | $315 |
| Farrier | $1,374 |
| Dentist | $149 |
| TOTAL | $8,752 |
South Dakota
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,513 |
| Grain | $577 |
| Hay | $1,615 |
| Vet Care | $1,615 |
| Farrier | $1,350 |
| Dentist | $146 |
| TOTAL | $8,597 |
Tennessee
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,595 |
| Grain | $588 |
| Hay | $1,644 |
| Vet Care | $315 |
| Farrier | $1,374 |
| Dentist | $149 |
| TOTAL | $8,752 |
Texas
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,951 |
| Grain | $633 |
| Hay | $1,772 |
| Vet Care | $340 |
| Farrier | $1,481 |
| Dentist | $160 |
| TOTAL | $9,432 |
Utah
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,951 |
| Grain | $633 |
| Hay | $1,772 |
| Vet Care | $340 |
| Farrier | $1,481 |
| Dentist | $160 |
| TOTAL | $9,432 |
Vermont
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,204 |
| Grain | $665 |
| Hay | $1,862 |
| Vet Care | $357 |
| Farrier | $357 |
| Dentist | $168 |
| TOTAL | $9,913 |
Virginia
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,204 |
| Grain | $665 |
| Hay | $1,862 |
| Vet Care | $357 |
| Farrier | $357 |
| Dentist | $168 |
| TOTAL | $9,913 |
Washington
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $5,368 |
| Grain | $686 |
| Hay | $1,921 |
| Vet Care | $368 |
| Farrier | $1,605 |
| Dentist | $174 |
| TOTAL | $10,226 |
West Virginia
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,554 |
| Grain | $582 |
| Hay | $1,629 |
| Vet Care | $313 |
| Farrier | $1,362 |
| Dentist | $147 |
| TOTAL | $8,674 |
Wisconsin
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,766 |
| Grain | $610 |
| Hay | $1,706 |
| Vet Care | $327 |
| Farrier | $1,425 |
| Dentist | $154 |
| TOTAL | $9,079 |
Wyoming
| Category | Annual Cost |
| Housing | $4,904 |
| Grain | $627 |
| Hay | $1,755 |
| Vet Care | $337 |
| Farrier | $1,466 |
| Dentist | $159 |
| TOTAL | $9,341 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do horses cost so much?
Horses are a living breathing animal with needs, just like us. They need proper feed, housing, veterinary care, and farrier care to stay happy and healthy. As we’ve just covered, the cost of all of these items does vary by state, but they can also vary a bit by horse and your situation.
Many horse owners choose to save on boarding costs by keeping their horse at home, though that comes with a different set of expenses.
Preventative vet care also helps to reduce unexpected medical costs, which is why keeping your horse up to date on vaccinations, teeth, and hoof care is important.
Do you have to be rich to have a horse?
No! You do not need to be rich to have a horse (though it certainly helps). Owning a horse can be achievable for many income levels, especially if you create a budget of anticipated expenses—and stick to it.
Thinking ahead will save you a lot of money in the long run. Purchasing used equipment and tack, or getting vaccines done during an on-farm vaccination clinic, are also great ways to reduce your horse costs.
How much money do you need to get a horse?
Make sure you have enough money for the anticipated ongoing care expenses, not only the purchase price of the horse. If you take a look at our state-by-state calculations above, it will give you a good idea of what your horse will cost on a monthly and yearly basis.
You should also allocate for one-time or infrequent expenses like tack, blankets, building housing and fencing (if the horse is staying on your property), a horse trailer, and a vehicle to haul your trailer.
Keep in mind, all of these items are not necessarily required. Many depend on your situation, what you are planning on doing with your horse, and where your animal is housed.
What is the cheapest horse?
Horses can be purchased from many places, including auctions, for low prices. While there are some amazing horses to be found in these unfortunate situations, be very cautious.
Have your veterinarian do a complete health check to discover any health or soundness issues.
If you are able, it is also nice to spend some time with the horse and get a better idea of its personality. Often, you will not be able to find out much about the horse’s background or training at an auction, but a calm personality can tell you a lot.
Do your due diligence to make sure your cheap horse doesn’t become a very expensive vet or training bill once you get it home.
How can I get a free horse?
Horses can sometimes be adopted or rehomed for “free.” A note of caution on all “free” horses — they do not stay free. You will have the same general expenses for any horse, regardless of the purchase price.
Learn what you can about the horse’s situation and history.
Unfortunately, some of these horses have behavior issues or past injuries that prompted the original owners to give them away. This is not always the case, but it is certainly something to look into before you make a commitment.
Is it hard to own a horse?
Owning a horse takes time, hard work, and a solid budget. If you are unable to commit to any of these areas, it will be much harder to own a horse. Carefully consider the resources available for a horse prior to purchase.
While you may not need to go to a boarding facility every day, if your horse is at home, you are fully committed to at least two meals a day and daily stall cleaning.
How can you afford a horse in college?
Affording a horse in college can be challenging. If you are close to home, you can offer to work at the barn cleaning stalls, doing repairs, or even exercising horses for reduced board. Many barn owners are willing to work with students and get creative.
Depending on your horse, you can also consider a partial lease or ask your trainer to add your horse to their lesson program to help with the expenses while you are in school.
If you are going to school far away, you could offer a full lease to a friend or your trainer. Some lease agreements will cover all of the expenses of the horse.
How much does a baby horse cost?
The cost of a baby horse depends on several factors. Their sex (colt or filly), color, pedigree, and manners all make a difference. A foal by a top-performing stallion and a mare with an excellent performance record can easily be $20,000.
Not to worry, as foals can often go for much less. If the mother isn’t registered or if the stallion is average, the price may be in the $500-$2,000 range.
Some foals may be cheaper the younger they are. For example, buying a horse right after he’s weaned versus just before his first birthday could be the difference between $1,000 and $10,000!
How much does it cost to feed a horse for a year?
There are a few elements to consider here, starting with the size of your horse. Feeding a miniature pony versus a draft horse will leave you with two very different bills!
Forage, or hay, should make up the majority of your horse’s diet. Depending on where you live and what kind of hay you choose, a bale can run from $5 to $50. Most owners also feed grain, which can range from $25 to $40 a bag.
On average, plan for about $300 a month in feed costs, or about $3,600 a year.
Go Forth and Pinch Those Pennies
Now that you have a better idea what it will cost to care for a horse in your area, you can start to budget accordingly. If you want to see how this all shakes out in real life, check out my monthly horse expense reports that track my spending down to the penny!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- How Much Horses Cost & How Can You Afford One?
- Horse Boarding 101 (What it Costs, Types, FAQs)
- 100 American Horse Rescues (State by State Directory)
- I Want a Horse But Can’t Afford One (Now What?)
- How to Ride & Show Horses Without a Trust Fund
- Horse Rookie’s Monthly Horse Expense Reports
- Horse Hay FAQs
- Why Good Horseshoes Don’t Hurt Horses
- Don’t Drink & Ride: Understanding Horseback DUIs
