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Horses
General Care and Annual Expense
Every potential horse owner should educate themselves on just what it
costs to own a horse. Horses have basic needs that must be met in order
for them to maintain optimum health and usefulness. The commitment to
owning a horse is a very rewarding endeavor, but it is a commitment.
The following information will need to be adjusted for the prices in
your area but it does give one some idea of how much your horse will
cost you each year.
Hay
Hay provides the fiber necessary for the proper functioning
of the digestive tract. The horse should be fed 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of
high quality dust free hay per 100 pounds of body weight per day. So
for a 1000 pound horse this would be 15 pounds per day or about half a
bale per day. If pasture is available, you may substitute with grass
for part of the year. ½ bale/day X 365 day/yr = 183 bales X $6.75/bale
= $1235/yr.
Grain
Horses in light use should be fed grain at the rate of
0.5 pounds per 100 pounds of body weight. The grain ration may be
straight oats, a 70:30 mix of oats/corn or a 70:30 mix oats/barley. So
for a 100 pound horse, this would be 5 pounds per day. Costs of 50
pound bags of feed vary per region from $10 - $18. At 5 pounds per
day, a 50 pound bag will last 10 days or 37 bags per year. 37 bags/yr X
$18/bag = $666/yr.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin/mineral supplements should be
given to balance the hay/grain ration. Generally the approximate
cost/day is around $0.46. $0.46 X 365 = $168/yr
Wormers
All horses have a lifelong requirement for effective worming. A minimal worming program would be:
|
April |
Panacur (Fenbendazole) |
$7.79 |
|
July |
Antihelcide (Oxibendazole) |
$5.99 |
|
October |
Ivermectin |
$2.99 |
|
January |
Strongid (Pyrantel Pamoate) |
$7.39 |
$24.16/yr
Vaccinations
Consult with your veterinarian concerning
appropriate vaccines for your area. As a minimum, vaccine costs will be
approximately $75/yr.
Farrier
All horses require routine hoof care every six weeks.
Routine trims are around $35. Routine shoeing is around $75. Prices
vary among farriers. Corrective shoeing may be more expensive. Trims
alone will be $280/year. If your horse requires shoes for all or part
of the year, farrier expense may be as much as $600+ per year.
Teeth
The back teeth (molars and premolars) develop sharp
points over time. Floating is the process of removing these sharp
points and hooks. Failure to float the teeth results in a very painful
mouth from cuts that make chewing and carrying a bit painful. Food not
properly chewed is incompletely digested. Most horses require teeth
floating once a year. Generally the cost is around $150 per horse.
Miscellaneous Vet Expenses
Horses will experience injuries and
illnesses of various intensitiy throughout the year. Even without a
catastrophic event, typical miscellaneous vet bills can easily run
$250/yr.
Tack and equipment
Beyond the initial purchase of horse equipment, routine purchase of replacement items may run around $100/yr.
Bedding
If you stall your horse at night, bedding expenses may run around $310/yr for wood shavings.
Annual Total Expense: $3184.
Summary
|
Hay |
$1235 |
|
Grain |
$666 |
|
Vitamins/minerals |
$168 |
|
Wormers |
$25 |
|
Farrier |
$280 (min) |
|
Dental |
$150 |
|
Miscellaneous Vet Expense |
$250 |
|
Tack upkeep |
$100 |
|
Bedding |
$310 |
|
TOTAL |
$3184 |
Normal Values for Horses
Rectal Temperature: 99 - 101 degrees
Respiration: 8 - 15 breaths per minute
Heart Rate / Pulse: 30 - 40 beats per minute
Listen for Gut Sounds
Recommended Reading:
What Your Horse Wants You To Know, Author Gincy Self Bucklin
Horses Never Lie, Author Mark Rashid | 
