Leasing
So you want a horse... eventually. What can You do to get that Horse-Owner feeling, without the commitment?
The answer is Leasing, there are two main types Partial and Feed, you can lease from your trainer, your barn or someone you met on the trail.
Partial Leasing
A Partial Lease is a low-cost way to sense the responsibility of Horse ownership. Lease prices range from $30-150 per day. You rent the horse and it's yours for the day. As a result, it comes with a lot of responsibility. Always meet with the person you are leasing from, sign a contract and follow their rules.
Feed Leasing
Feed Leasing is a little more intense, around the $300 price range you own the horse for a month, you pay for the feed the board, the vet bills. However, it's your horse for a month. As a result, it comes with a lot of responsibility. Always meet with the person you are leasing from, sign a contract and follow their rules.
So You are Ready to Buy a Horse
What do you need to know?
Before you Buy
The first thing you need to know is the cost of the horse, Horses cost about $1,000 a month, not including vet bills. What goes into this high cost?
On average:
Monthly costs
Boarding 300-400
Feed/cleaning 150
Hay 300
training 100
misc. gear 75
Horse insurance 200
Yearly Costs
Vet bills 400 2x a year
Next is the time commitment, Horses require 2-4 hours of attention a day, they need to see you, get some love and a ride, or turnout in.
The Buying Process
The first thing you should know about buying a horse, is horse sellers don't have to be honest. In many cases, they are completely lying about the quality of the horse.
Some red flags to watch out for:
If the horse is saddled and sweaty
If the horse is currently on drugs
Bring your trainer with you when going to look at a horse, Trainers know what to look for, that's why you pay them. They are going to look at its attitude see how it reacts, and see its training. Can it take the owner to where the owner wants to be?
Bring a vet that doesn't know the previous owner, and always do a vet check. A vet check will check for lameness and make sure the horse is sound.
The Cost of Buying a Horse
Many things can impact the cost of a horse.
Age
Training
Papers
Sound in body and mind
If you want a sound horse, expect to spend about $3,000 if you want a safe horse as well expect to spend about $7,000, if the horse has papers so you can show that can be another $2,000, If you want to show at an advanced level in your discipline, That number is only going to get bigger
A vet check normally costs around $500
and then the cost of transport to their new home 0-10,000 depending on their current location.
You Bought a horse - Now what?
Well, first you are going to need gear:
Brushes
soft brush
hard brush
curry comb
hoof pick
A saddle that fits you and your horse
Saddle pad
A bridle (bit bridle and reins)
Halter and lead rope
Leg protection
Bell boots
Treats
Toys (stall snacks, salt licks, Jolly Ball)
Fly Spray
Shampoo and Conditioner
Medical Supplies
betadine vet wrap
tefla-pads
thermometer