So, you’re thinking about owning a horse?
First off—congrats! Horses are amazing companions. But let’s get real for a minute: they don’t come cheap. And if you’re new to the horse world, the monthly costs can surprise you.
That’s why we’re here.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the average monthly expenses of horse ownership so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises, no sugarcoating. Just plain, honest info.
Boarding or Stabling ($200–$800/month)
Where your horse lives matters. Unless you keep your horse at home, you’ll need to board it somewhere. This is often your biggest monthly cost.
- Full board (feed, stall, turnout, and care): $500–$800/month
- Partial board (some responsibilities shared): $300–$500/month
- Pasture board (no stall, just grazing and shelter): $200–$400/month
Prices vary by location. A stall in a fancy barn in California? Way more than a quiet field in Oklahoma.
Feed & Hay ($50–$200/month)
Horses eat a lot. Even if boarding includes feed, you might still pay for extras.
- Average cost of hay: $5–$15 per bale
- Most horses eat 1–2 bales per week
- Grain or concentrate feed: $20–$60/month
You might also need salt blocks, treats, and more. Add it up.
Farrier Services ($40–$150/month)
Healthy hooves, happy horse. Horses need regular hoof care to stay sound.
- Trims only: every 6–8 weeks, about $40–$60
- Shoes: up to $100–$200 per visit (if all four feet are shod)
Let’s average it out to $60–$150/month, depending on your horse’s needs.
Veterinary Care ($25–$100+/month)
Keeping your horse healthy is a must. Regular vet visits help prevent bigger issues later.
- Vaccines, worming, dental work = about $300–400/year
- Break that down to $25–$35/month
But that’s just for the basics. Emergency visits or injuries can quickly run into the thousands.
That’s why some owners add horse insurance. If you haven’t read our Horse Insurance Guide, check it out.
Supplies & Equipment ($20–$50/month)
You’ll need gear—lots of it.
- Grooming tools
- Fly spray
- Saddle soap
- Tack repairs
- Blankets for cold weather
Even if you start with everything, you’ll still need to replace items as you go.
Riding Lessons or Training ($0–$400/month)
Not just for beginners. Lessons and training can make riding safer and more fun.
- Weekly lessons: $30–60 each
- Monthly training: $200–600, depending on the trainer
Not everyone needs this, but for beginners or performance riders, it’s a smart investment.
Insurance (Optional, $40–80/month)
Protect your investment. Insurance can help cover vet bills or loss of your horse.
Some owners get mortality and medical insurance, especially for show horses or horses over $5,000 in value.
Our Horse Insurance Guide explains what policies cost and what they cover.
Unexpected Costs (???)
Stuff happens. Horses are masters of surprise expenses.
- Vet emergencies
- Trailer repairs
- Tack breaking
- Replacing lost blankets
We recommend setting aside at least $50–100/month in a “horse emergency fund.”
Total Monthly Cost Estimate
Here’s a quick breakdown for an average horse in a mid-range boarding situation:
| Expense | Low-End | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding/Stabling | $200 | $800 |
| Feed & Hay | $50 | $200 |
| Farrier | $40 | $150 |
| Vet (routine only) | $25 | $100 |
| Supplies/Equipment | $20 | $50 |
| Lessons/Training (opt.) | $0 | $400 |
| Insurance (opt.) | $0 | $80 |
| Emergency Fund Savings | $50 | $100 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $385 | $1,880 |
Final Thoughts
Owning a horse is incredibly rewarding—but it’s not cheap. Planning ahead helps keep things manageable.
Want to make sure you’re paying the right price for your horse in the first place? Use our Horse Price Calculator to get an estimate based on breed, training, age, location, and more.
And if you’re curious about long-term costs, read our partner article at MyHorseForSale: The Cost of Owning a Horse: Understanding the Expenses.
Budget smart. Ride happy. And give your horse the life it deserves.
