by Paige Cerulli

Created on: February 12, 2009

It is very expensive to own a horse, and during times of economic hardship many horse owners are looking to cut costs. With a little creativity and some changes, it can be done. Here are some areas you can look at to see where you can cut costs in your horse ownership.

-Where/How do you keep your horse?
Do you board your horse? If so, do you pay for full board? Consider putting your horse on rough board instead - you'll spend more time with your horse in the long run, and you'll get fit doing stalls while saving money. If the barn where you board charges extra for things like blanketing and putting on boots, consider saving the money by doing so yourself. If it's possible, you might consider finding a co-op barn where everyone pitches in for the chores in return for a lower boarding fee.

-If you keep your horse at home...

There are many ways to save money if you keep your horse at home. First of all, make sure that you're not already wasting resources - don't leave lights on when you don't need them, and you will cut down on your electricity bill. Consider splitting bulk orders of hay or shavings with another local barn - you'll both gain the price benefits if you buy in bulk together. Keep a careful eye on the condition of stalls and paddocks - a few minutes of inspection each day can allow you to find and fix potential hazards that could mean a pricey emergency vet call down the road. If your conditions and insurance permit it, consider taking on a boarder to help cover some of the costs of maintaining the barn.

-How is your horse being used?

Do you ride your horse every day? Just on weekends? Maybe partially leasing him out would be a possibility. It would remove some of the financial burden, but you'd still enjoy time riding your horse and retain full ownership. Does the barn where you board have a riding program? If your horse is suitable to be used in lessons, many barns would offer reduced board in exchange for using him a few days a week.

-Hone in on your skills.

Do your friends admire how well you braid? Clip? Groom? Offer up your services for a small fee. Shows can often be hectic, and many people would find paying the $10 worth it to have a horse with a beautifully braided mane.

-How much do you show?

Consider cutting back. Shows can be very expensive, between entry fees, equipment, and travel. If you do show, consider finding a buddy to go with - split the cost of trailering and gas, and enjoy the fact that you have some company.

-Purchasing new things

Horses are in seemingly endless demand of new equipment as they outgrow and outwear things like tack and blankets, and just plain destroy items like bell boots. Instead of running to the tack shop, check online first. There are some great deals on sites like Ebay, and there are many classified sites where people are selling their old equipment cheaply. If you know you will be needing something ahead of time, start looking for deals now. Often tack companies put items on sale at large discounts at the end of certain seasons - take advantage of these sales!

-Getting rid of old things

Let's face it - do you really need the 18 saddlepads hanging around in your tack box? The 5 sets of different colored polos? Selling off some of your old equipment can put cash in your pocket and a bit of space in your barn. List items on Ebay or Craigslist, or classified horse sites - you'd be surprised by how quickly some items sell. Or, trade them for things that you do need.

With a little creative thinking, you can save quite a bit of money while still owning a healthy, happy horse.

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