by Paige Cerulli

Created on: January 03, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Most people, even experienced horse people, drastically underestimate the figure that owning a horse really costs. Many people, when estimating overall expenses, factor in aspects such as the initial cost of the horse, the monthly board, and possibly vet bills. Unfortunately, there are so many more expenses that many people don't think of in the beginning.

Yes, the initial cost of the horse can be overwhelming. Today horses can be found online that are being given away. Ex-racehorses are available through re-homing organizations for very reasonable adoption fees. On the other end of the spectrum, show horses can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. What your particular horse would cost greatly depends on your experience level, and what purpose you are looking for the horse to serve.

Along with the initial cost, there is the cost of the prepurchase vet exam. This is money well spent, though, as a vet can discover health ailments that might be costly down the road. X-rays are an expensive part of this exam, but overall prices vary greatly, depending on what part of the country you are in. Remember that during your horse search you might not have to pay for one vet exam, but many, if the first horses turn out to be poor matches for you.

One of the basic fees of horse owning is the overall upkeep of the horse. Boarding stables often offer a flat monthly rate that includes certain services. If you will be keeping your horse in your backyard, you obviously have the initial cost of building the shelter and fencing. Once again, the cost depends on your particular situation. Remember that you will also be paying for the services that are generally included in a boarding rate. These are things such as electricity, water, shavings or bedding, grain and hay, and general upkeep. General upkeep includes things such as mending fences and making overall repairs to the barn.

Don't forget the vet and the farrier. Most horses need shoes, if not on all four feet then the front two. Even if your horse doesn't require shoes, your horse will need to have its hooves trimmed regularly. On average, the farrier visits every 4 to 6 weeks. Each visit for shoeing will cost upwards of $100, depending on the particular services your horse requires. The vet will be out at least once a year to give your horses their immunizations. These will be of additional cost. Your horse will need to have their teeth floated once a year as well, about $100. In addition to the fee for regular visits,

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