Keeping a horse can be an expensive endeavor. It can take some thinking, but with creativity, it is possible to provide good horse care without completely emptying your bank account.
Saving money on horse care
Recognize that any item that has the word horse on it will probably be more expensive than identical items that don't, but anything you put on your horse's skin, or is meant to be eaten should be made for horses.
Cut back on the cost of horse care with these money saving tips for horse owners.
Be patient and wait for big ticket items to come on sale. Be a bargain shopper. Buy things on sale at the end of the season. For example, winter rugs often come on sale in late winter/early spring and show clothing comes on sale in the fall.
Check auto-part and farm supply stores for inexpensive tubs, buckets, manure forks, brooms, even halters, brushes, and other supplies.
Simple ways you can cut horse feed costs:
The one thing you should never skimp on for your horse is high quality hay. Hay is least expensive in summer. Buy off the field, loading your own hay during hay season or have it delivered, but always buy the best. You’ll pay top price for delivered hay in the middle of winter.
Cut back on concentrates unless there is a very good reason to be feeding them. Most horses stay happy and healthy on good quality hay alone. Don’t however, feed cattle feed. It can contain additives that are deadly to horses.
Bulk purchases of grain can be cheaper than buying by the bag. If you have a way to store loose grain, check with your local farmers’ co-op or feed store and compare prices.
Feed ‘generic’ feeds from your local feed mill rather than name brand. Compare prices, ingredients and quality.
Money saving tips for buying and caring for horse equipment:
Buy equipment such as saddles, bridles, halters, riding boots, blankets, and other accessories from the consignment section of your tack shop. Don’t buy used helmets.
Repair instead of replace. Learn to do your own repairs . A lot of equipment can be hand sewn if you don’t have access to a heavy duty sewing machine.
Clean your own rugs and blankets. A water hose and car brush combined with a little inexpensive livestock shampoo and elbow grease does a good job on soiled winter rugs.
Organize or take part in a tack swap to clear out unused equipment and get stuff you need.
Make your own polish to shine brass on harnesses, bridles and halters with salt or baking soda and vinegar instead of chemical polishes. It’s better for your pocket book and environment.
Learn to make your own riding clothing and other accessories. A dressage dickie that costs $15 or more in a tack shop can be made with about $2 of white cotton fabric and a little handiwork.
Recognize that any item that has the word ‘horse’ on it, or a horse image on it will probably be more expensive than identical items that don’t. Anything you put on your horse’s skin, or is meant to be eaten should be made for horses though.
Sell unused equipment to raise money for things you really need. Get together with friends and hold a 'paddock sale' just like a yard sale.