Purchasing Your First Horse

Many of us dream of owning a horse from the very first time we saw one of these magnificent creatures. Perhaps your first knowledge of a horse was an artist's rendition in a fairy tale. Maybe the first horse was in your neighbor's pasture, or you visited a stable. Is now the time to set dreams aside and own the horse of your dreams? When purchasing your first horse consider finances, and the care required prior to buying.


When purchasing your first horse, first access if you have the financial means to feed and care for an 800-1500 pound animal. Your horse will require a constant source of hay or good quality pasture, water, salt and minerals, and perhaps a good concentrated feed. Bales of quality hay vary in price throughout the country. You can purchase square bales of hay for $1.75 to $6.00 each. Concentrated feeds range in price from $6.00 for a fifty pound bag, to about $10.00 per fifty pound bag. Salt blocks and mineral blocks can be purchased for a nominal fee and last a long time.


Veterinary care will be a big part of your budget. Consider purchasing an equine veterinary insurance policy to help offset the cost of veterinary care. The cost of a veterinary health policy will vary. These policies can have pre-existing clauses and no coverage on certain procedures. Read the policy and its exclusions carefully prior to purchase. If you do not want to go the route of a veterinary care insurance policy, you will need a few thousand dollars set aside in your account for emergency care.


Hoof care will be an ongoing expense. Every four to six weeks your horse will need equine podiatry (hoof care practitioner). The price of this service varies by region of the country. Call on some equine podiatrists and assess what the monthly services will cost. If you plan to keep your horse off of pavement, and stony ground you can save money by keeping your horse barefoot. Otherwise you will need to purchase protective boots, or have the horse shod. Fees for this service can vary from $75.00- 200.00 per month.