- Your source for stall mats, rubber arena footing, arena harrows and arena dust control.
Budget-Friendly Horse Ownership: Cost-Saving Hacks for Equine Enthusiasts
Owning a horse is a dream come true for many—but it’s no secret that it can also be a major financial commitment. Between feed, vet bills, farrier visits, tack, and boarding, costs can quickly add up. But good news: with smart planning and a little creativity, it’s entirely possible to enjoy horse ownership without breaking the bank. Here are some tried-and-true hacks to help you cut costs while keeping your horse healthy and happy.
1. Go DIY Where You Can
Make your own fly spray, treats, and grooming products using simple, natural ingredients.
Build your own tack racks, hay feeders, and jumps using recycled or reclaimed materials.
Handy? Repair minor tack damage like stitching or broken buckles yourself with a basic leather repair kit.
2. Buy Used—Not Just New
Look for gently used saddles, blankets, bridles, and grooming gear on Facebook Marketplace, local tack swaps, or consignment shops.
Many items, especially high-quality leather tack, last for years and cost a fraction of the price used.
3. Share the Load
Team up with a friend to share feed orders or vet call fees (e.g., for farm visits).
Consider co-boarding or co-owning if your schedule allows it, splitting the costs and care responsibilities.
Lease your horse part-time to a trusted rider to help offset monthly expenses.
4. Be Smart with Feed and Hay
Buy hay in bulk during the growing season when it’s cheapest, and store it properly to avoid waste.
Use slow-feed hay nets to reduce waste and help your horse stay full longer.
Don’t over-supplement—consult a vet or equine nutritionist to avoid spending on unnecessary products.
5. Prevent Instead of Pay
Routine vet care, proper hoof maintenance, and dental checks help avoid costly emergencies.
Keep stalls and paddocks clean to prevent infections and reduce vet visits.
Maintain a consistent deworming and vaccination schedule—better than emergency treatments later.
6. Learn Basic Horse Care
Trim your horse’s mane and tail, clean hooves, and do minor first-aid at home.
If you’re confident and trained, learn to pull shoes or do simple hoof trims—but only if your horse doesn’t require corrective farrier care.
7. Use Community Resources
Join local horse clubs or online forums for free or low-cost clinics, educational events, and gear swaps.
Many barns have bulletin boards where people post items for sale or free.
8. Get Creative with Boarding
If you have land, consider self-boarding or pasture boarding instead of full service.
Some barns offer work-for-board arrangements where you exchange chores for reduced fees.
9. Budget Like a Pro
Track expenses with spreadsheets or apps like Equilab or HorseNotes.
Create an emergency fund just for your horse—set aside a small amount monthly.
Plan for seasonal costs like winter blankets, fly gear, and dental floats.
10. Prioritize What Matters
Invest in your horse’s health, safety, and soundness—those are non-negotiables.
Not everything needs to be brand-new or trendy; focus on function over fashion.
Final Thought:
You don’t need a fancy stable or the newest gear to be a great horse owner. With a bit of resourcefulness and community support, horse ownership can be both rewarding and affordable. Your horse doesn’t care about the price tag—just the love, care, and time you give.