Cost of Owning a Horse: October 2022 Expense Report

How much do horses cost? Here’s my answer for October.

These reports are intended to be a tool for horse enthusiasts who are considering buying (or leasing) a horse and want a transparent look at the real cost of horse ownership.

(If you’re new to these expense reports, make sure to read the “reminders” section here for background on my finances.)

Here’s the recap of where my horse funds went for October:

• 18% Education
• 37% Stabling
• 48% Health
• -13% Gear
• 5% Insurance
• 4% Travel
• 1% Fun

Remember that if you’re not exploring barter opportunities, you need to start! Sign up for our email list to get 7 ways to trade for horse expenses and lower your cash out-of-pocket burden.

Cost of Owning a Horse This Month

$490 // Education

• $260 // Lessons (Bartered down to $0)
• $40 // Training Ride (Jumping pony)
• $100 // Eventing Clinic
• $40 // Show Coaching
• $40 // Spooky Jump Fun Day (Bartered for event management)

If you’re taking lessons (or about to start), check out our 13 best horseback riding boots for lessons.

$1,352.15 // Health

• $685.68 – Vet invoice for strep zoo infection (Insurance paid $60.97)
• $350.00 – Fall vaccines (jumping pony + cow horse)
• $96.99 – Equioxx refill
• $46.67 – SmartPak – EquiThrive Essential (cow horse)
• $46.39 – SmartPak – SmartDigest Ultra (cow horse)
• $26.47 – SmartPak – SmartDigest Ultra (mini horse)
• $99.95 – SmartPak – SmartGI Ultra (pony)

-$349.05 // Gear

• -$50.00 // Sold a girth
• $29.00 // Kerrits mesh gloves (backup pair)
• $23.00 // Base layer shirt
• $30.00 // PS Sweden belt
• $33.00 // Oversize black brow band for dressage bridle
• $84.00 // SmartPak pony cooler
• $15.00 // Bit guards
• $5.00 // Used dressage whip
• $32.00 // Western spur straps
• $90.00 // Comfort mouth bit (store credit brought it down to $13)
• $50.00 // Halter and lead rope
• $42.00 // Organizational bins for tack locker
• -$140.00 // Tack consignment sales
• -$75.00 // Sold breeches
• -$710.05 // Sold dressage saddle
• $142.00 // 3 ExpertBits bits
• $51.00 // Jump saddle pad

$144.08 // Insurance

• $14.58 – Equisure Liability
• $129.50 – Berkley Mortality & Major Medical

$1,050 // Stabling

• $525 – Cow Horse (Bartered to $0 for clinic management services)
• $525 – Jumping Pony (Bartered down to $0 for lesson system management services)

$107.52 // Travel

• $107.52 – Mileage to the barn

$6.50 // Fun

• $6.50 – Treats!

GRAND TOTALS

• TOTAL (Before Adjustments) = $2,801.20
• TOTAL (After Adjustments) = $1,274.23
• Under-budget by $725.77

Note: I doubled my budget for 2022 now that I have two boarded horses.

Wonder how expensive horses are where you live? We break down the average horse cost in all 50 states. 

Remember, if you’re surprised how expensive horses are, remember that there are plenty of other ways to get your horse fix besides ownership.

Happy Trails!

P.S. If you hate buyer’s remorse too, check out our Horse Rookie Must Haves on Amazon for equestrian gear that’s worth every penny!

P.P.S. Buying your first horse? Check out 60 Questions to Ask When Buying the Horse of Your Dreams and our Beginner’s Guide to the Best Equine Insurance. 

Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:

• 9 Best Online Equine Courses (Care, Training, Riding)
• Horse Rookie’s Monthly Horse Expense Reports
• How Much Horses Cost & How Can You Afford One?
• Estimate Your Average Horse Cost (State by State)
• I Want a Horse But Can’t Afford One (Now What?)
• How to Ride & Show Horses Without a Trust Fund
• 7 Ways to Barter for Horse Expenses

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