July 18, 2025: Bonus Buzz - The Real Cost of Horse Ownership
When you dream about owning a horse, you imagine sunsets, soft nickers, and joyful rides. But let’s talk about the real part too — what it costs to keep those hooves happy and that mane flowing.
In the six months since bringing Bee home, I’ve put all of my research and planning into practice — and even knowing what to expect, the costs add up quickly. Horse ownership is a financial commitment, and it pays to understand where your money goes.
Several horse owners said buying the horse is the cheapest part of ownership, let’s see if they were right. Here’s what it really takes to keep a horse healthy and thriving:
📋 Upfront Costs
Horse Purchase Price: From $1,500 for a companion to $50,000+ for a trained show horse. We spent less than $10,000 for Bee, a horse that had “been there, done that” around the barrel arena. We’re hoping to rescue our next one!
PPE (Pre-Purchase Exam): $250–$2,000, depending on how thorough you want to be. Worth every penny. Before bringing home a horse, it’s wise (pun intended!) to invest in a pre-purchase exam (PPE). This thorough veterinary evaluation helps ensure the horse is healthy, sound, and suitable for the work or lifestyle you have in mind. It’s not a “pass/fail” test but rather an evaluation of the horse’s current health, soundness, and suitability for the intended use — so you can make an informed decision.
🐎 Monthly Costs
Boarding: It’s important to find a place that truly looks at your horse daily. Does their excrement look right? Are they eating well? Are they walking correctly, no limping? Any new cuts or scrapes that need tended? Typical boarding ranges are $400 for very low touch care to $1,200+/month for full care. We pay somewhere in the middle.
Feed & Supplements: Hay and alfalfa cost us around $150/month. Hormones are another $100-140/month with a veterinary hook-up, otherwise they would be double. Add grain and salt block? $20–$60 more.
Farrier: $100 every 6–8 weeks for trims; more for shoes.
Fly Spray & Pest Control: $40/month plus fly masks/sheets/boots as needed.
Bedding (Shavings or Litter): ~$40/month.
Carrots & Treats: About $40/month here (Bee insists!).
🩺 Veterinary Care
Vaccines and Coggins testing: $150–$300/year
Deworming: $40–$100/year
Hock or joint injections: $250–$500 per joint, typically done to reduce inflammation and improve mobility in horses with arthritis or heavy workloads/frequent competition
Teeth floating: $125–$300/year
Emergencies: Save at least $1,500–$3,000 for surprise vet visits. A bout of Colic which can kill the horse can cost upwards of $7,000!
🎽 Other
Insurance: ~$300–$800/year if you choose.
Tack & Gear: Saddles, bridles, pads, helmets — easily thousands over time.
Lessons or training: $50–$100/hour if needed.
When you total it all up, most owners spend $4,000–$10,000+ per year — not including the purchase price.
But here’s the thing — it’s worth it. Every dollar invested comes back tenfold in joy, connection, and lessons learned. Just plan ahead, budget wisely, and enjoy the ride.
🐎 Why Does This Matter?
Because horses are a major commitment — financially, physically, and emotionally. Between boarding, feed, farrier visits, fly spray, vet care, and yes, endless carrots, the costs add up quickly.
Wise Market LLC pays for Bee’s care and keeping. And as you can see, it’s costly! That’s why your support of my small business — through purchases, shares, likes, and comments helps make all of this possible and means so much. Every ball, Bible, or custom-painted piece you order helps keep Bee happy, healthy, and full of carrots.
So next time you see a post, don’t just scroll — give it a like, leave a kind word, share it with a friend, or visit www.wisemarketllc.com to shop. You’re not just supporting a business — you’re helping me care for the horse who inspires it all.
If you’re thinking of joining the barn family, feel free to reach out with questions — happy to share what I’ve learned along the way! Thank you for being part of our hive!