How much does a horse cost?
How much does a horse cost?
$1,000 – $5,000+ average cost (horse alone)
$1,500 – $7,000 average total cost (horse + equipment)
$250 – $2,500 average cost per month
Average horse cost
A horse costs $1,000 to $5,000+ for the horse itself and $500 to $2,000 for equipment. After that, the cost to own a horse is $250 to $2,500 per month on average. The cost to board a horse is $100 to $1,400 per month if you don’t have a barn.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Horse | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
| Equipment | $500 – $2,000 |
Horse
A horse costs $1,000 to $5,000 on average, depending on their pedigree and manners. Horses from top-name farms or high-level competition stock cost $10,000 or more. The size, temperament, and price of a horse are mostly based on their breed. Common horse breeds include:
Andalusian
Appaloosa
Arabian
Clydesdale
Friesian
Morgan
Mustang
Oldenburg
Thoroughbred
Equipment
Tack, or necessary equipment for a first-time horse owner, costs $500 to $2,000. This typically includes blankets, a bridle, halters, lead ropes, a saddle, grooming supplies, and a first aid kit.
Cost to own a horse
Horses need a lot of time, money, and devotion to keep them healthy and happy. The following table shows the average monthly and yearly costs associated with owning a horse:
| Factor | Average cost per month | Average annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hay / feed | $150 – $500 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| Boarding* | $100 – $1,400 | $1,200 – $16,800 |
| Health care | $50 – $400 | $600 – $4,800 |
| Grooming | $50 – $200 | $600 – $2,400 | Total costs | $250 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $30,000 |
*Optional if you have a barn or space for them at home already
Hay / feed
Hay and horse feed costs $150 to $500 per month on average. If the horse doesn’t have access to a pasture or grass, they’ll need fresh hay and food every day. Horses eat about 0.5% of their body weight in grain or feed and 1.5% in hay every day.
You may also need to buy horse supplements or a special kind of feed based on their nutritional needs. Some older horses have worn-down teeth and can only eat softer types of feed.
Boarding
The cost to board a horse is $100 to $1,400 per month, depending on the type. Cheaper boarding areas cost less because you have to come every day to feed, clean, and exercise your horse. Pricier boarding facilities charge more because they include hay, feed, cleaning, and even training.
If you already have a barn or space for your horse or know someone who does, you’ll save a substantial amount of money per year.
Health care
Health care for a horse costs about $50 to $400 per month and may include standard physicals, vaccines, dental care, and de-worming. You should de-worm your horse twice per year. This costs $10 to $15 per tube.
Some people choose to get a veterinary exam before buying the horse. The cost of a veterinary exam for a horse ranges from $250 to $1,000 and includes blood work and diagnostics to make sure the horse doesn’t have any major health issues before you take it home.
If your horse ends up with any injuries or colic, they could need expensive surgeries to prevent serious harm or death. Experienced horse owners recommend having an emergency fund or insurance for unexpected vet fees. Horse insurance costs $15 to $60 per month.
Grooming
Grooming costs $50 to $200 per month and helps keep your horse comfortable while preventing unnecessary infections. A farrier re-shoes horses every 1 to 2 months. If you choose not to put metal shoes on your horse, they will simply trim the hooves and make sure there are no rocks or barbs in them.
If you’re not sure if you’re ready to take on the financial responsibility of a horse yet, try taking lessons or leasing a horse first. Horseback riding lessons cost $40 to $80 per hour for group lessons and $50 to $100 per hour for private lessons.
Horse cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of a horse:
Pedigree: Horses with documented bloodlines or pedigrees typically cost more. However, they’re much more likely to be tame or have certain attributes you’re looking for.
Age & temperament: Some horses are lower-priced or even free because they’re old or have behavioral issues. If you’re prepared to spend extra money on health care or training, these horses may be a good deal.
Location: Some regions, like the Midwest, tend to have lower prices than affluent or highly populated areas.
Transportation: Unless you have your own horse trailer, shipping your horse to you will cost $1 to $3 per mile.
Training: Training a young or temperamental horse costs $50 to $150 per session. Pricing depends on your location and the experience level of the trainers.
Ponies: Ponies, or miniature horses, measure less than 4 feet tall. They cost about $1,000 to $5,000 for the animal itself and about the same as horses for their upkeep.
Horse FAQs
How long do horses live?
Horses live up to 30 years on average unless they’re sick or injured prematurely. If you’re new to horse ownership, you may want to buy a horse that’s about 10 to 15 years old and already trained.
Do horses sleep standing up?
Horses usually sleep standing up, which is an instinct that makes them less vulnerable to predators. They only require 30 to 60 minutes of REM sleep per day while lying down.
What do horses eat?
Horses eat mainly hay and grass, but adding fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet can add extra flavor and nutrients. The following table shows the foods that horses can and cannot eat:
| Safe | Not safe |
|---|---|
| Grass, hay | Unpitted stone fruits |
| Salt | Chocolate or sugary treats |
| Grains (oats, barley, corn) | Bread or cake |
| Cucumbers | Meat |
| Carrots | Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) |
| Celery | Potatoes |
| Apples | Tomatoes |
| Pears | Eggplants |
| Bananas | Moldy or dusty hay |
| Grapes | Bran |
| Oranges | Onions |
| Melons | Avocados |
| Pitted stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots) | Rhubarb |
| Berries | Dairy products |
What is boarding a horse?
Boarding a horse means paying for a person or facility to keep your horse if you don’t have a barn or stable for them. Boarding fees may include hay, feed, and grooming or nothing except a roof over their head.
Finding & choosing a horse
Follow these steps when you’re in the process of finding a horse:
Look up breeders, farms, or sellers near you.
Read customer reviews online if applicable.
Make sure they have a breeding certificate and bloodline documentation if applicable.
Review their selection of horses and ask questions about them.
Ask if they sell feed or equipment.
Questions to ask a horse breeder
Asking questions like these can help you find a horse from a reputable source:
What is the overall cost of purchasing a horse?
What are the ongoing ownership costs?
Which breed and age would you recommend?
Do you only sell this horse breed?
Has this horse ever been sick or injured?
How long do horses usually live?
What food and supplements would you recommend?
What enrichment activities would you recommend?
Could you recommend any boarding locations nearby?
How much do you charge for transportation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.