With all the buzz at the moment about the upcoming Grand National, we want to have a little look at the costs of keeping a horse. There is a lot to think about, and it can be eye-watering for new owners. Depending on the situation, you will be looking at hundreds of pounds of expenses every month. It can easily get into the thousands though, especially if you compete or have to navigate healthcare needs. From livery to horse feed, healthcare to insurance, let’s have a look.

Livery

In many cases livery will be the biggest monthly cost, unless you can keep your horse at home. Even then, it won’t be completely free.

The most cost effective option is DIY grass livery. Here you basically pay for a field for your horse to live in, without a stable. You will be responsible for every part of looking after the horse. At the other end of the spectrum, you could stable your horse at a livery yard. The facilities and services will vary depending on how much you want to spend, but can include stables, training, and much more.

A key thing to think about is the cost can vary massively depending on your location. Generally prices are higher in London and South East England, especially if you want full livery.

Feed

Typically the second biggest expense is horse feed. This includes everything from hay to supplements and specialist complete feeds.

The key thing to keep in mind is every horse is different so it’s difficult to give an estimate of the monthly costs. For example, you may have a good-doer and get away with lower costs. On the other hand, you could have much higher costs for a competitor or a horse that struggles to maintain weight.

Insurance

Insuring your horse is one of the most important things to think about. It’s also likely to be another of the big monthly costs. You need to look at different things here and what you want to cover, including health and vets fees, theft, straying, and rider/tack insurance. Additionally, legally owners are now liable for any damages horses cause. It’s a good idea to look at third party and public liability insurance.

Healthcare

The right horse feed and good health management are crucial if you want to keep horses in fantastic shape. There can be significant monthly costs for the latter though, especially when you factor everything in.

The main ongoing health costs to consider include vaccinations, dentistry, bedding, and worming. Many horse owners will work with a physio as well, especially if there are specific problems to address. You could also include saddle fitting and adjustments.

Farriery

One more think you need to keep in mind is the shoeing options. This is another factor where your location can have a big impact on the costs. Plus, it will depend on what you choose for your horse, including barefoot, front shoes, or full sets. Any remedial, corrective or therapeutic shoeing will be more costly.

Speak to us about horse feed

As you can see, there are many costs to think about with keeping a horse. Monthly expenses will be in the hundreds, maybe over a thousand. In fact, the average annual cost is around £8,000. Many prices fluctuate massively too, especially feeds and bedding.

If you do need to order different products for horses, including high quality horse feed, you can rely on JS Hubbuck Ltd. We’re based in Hexham and provide an excellent service for every client. So, contact us today.