'Estimated cost?'

lily from deep south -

My sister has a few acres of land and was offered a mare for free. Apparently the owners are moving to the city and didn't know what else to do with it. My sister has never had a horse before and I have no clue how to help. For those of you that own them or care for them what is the average cost for their care? What does she need to have immediately?

Comment #1 Debra Tyndall (76.2.36.205) -

A few acres of good pasture is wonderful, however extra feed will most likely be needed. Horses are not cheap to care for. I have 4 horses and we have good pasture. I use 5 bags of feed per week, 5 bales of hay per week in winter. They have their feet trimmed every 6-8 weeks, wormed every 2 months and vet checked and shots twice a year. Oh! and they need their teeth done every so often.

They are not cheap animals to care for, but they are very intelligent and loving. They are worth every cent.

Comment #2 Jeff from IL -

ok they arent cheap but they shouldnt EAT THAT MUCH lol ur looking at a bag of feed a month with one horses plus a couple bales of hay also u do need the feet done plus the vet work but in the longrun its not to bad. plus for free isnt that bad if u cant afford her then give her away lol

Comment #3 sammehpants from Canada -

Cost to keep a horse varies in different regions, but with it living at home, it will be cheaper for you, but more work. In the winter your horse will need to be fed hay, you can find out cost of hay bales from someone who sells it in your area. Horse's need their feet trimmed every 4-6 weeks, and also vaccinations yearly. Deworming every 2-3 months, emergency vet care, blankets(you don't actually need blankets, but if your horse doesn't grow enough hair, or if your winter is really cold, you will need them.) If you want to ride the horse, you will need to buy saddles, pads, bridle, bit, ect.

As for things you need right away, you need brushes, (at least a curry comb, dandy brush, soft brush, and a hoof pick). You will need feed, depending on how good the grass is in the pasture, you might need hay, and depending on the horse you might need grain or beet pulp ect. Also, you'll need a halter and a lead shank. If you want to ride, you'll need tack also.

If this horse is free, I would suggest making sure it doesn't have major medical problems that are going to cost you a lot of money in vet bills.

Comment #4 sammehpants from Canada -

I meant to also say, that if the horse isn't broke to ride, then you might have to pay to have it trained if you want a riding horse.

Comment #5 hailey(: from newhope, mn -

ok, so i need help on estimating horse costs. i would be keeping it at my aunts. she provides they alphalpha and grain. as far as vet and farrier go, what would be the price i would be looking at? Also im 13 so when i do get my horse, would you recomenda younger horse or an older horse?

Comment #6 Bridgett Wagner (24.107.165.12) - Sat Apr 12 02:27:25 2008

look i have been dreaming of having a horse for years ever since i was about 3 and since i was accepted for a thing called early colledge for next year my uncle david is getting me a horse. i have ridden in horse shows on tv a long time ago well about 3 years ago i am 13 now. and i am looking for a healthy horse to buy, or adopt if anyone knows anything about a cheep horse for adoption or on sale, in newnan Ga or in Carrolton Ga or Atlanta Ga, etc. if you have a myspace look up bridgett wagner i am the one that has blonde hair and a black shirt on that says will scare for candy, please, please, please, message me!!!!

Thank you for your time,

sincerily Bridgett Wagner.

Comment #7 kim (69.19.14.33) - Sun Apr 27 14:15:36 2008

first to hailey- mid age would be best and one for a beiginner. younger horses tend to be hot headed but some are ok. and for one horse a couple of acreas of pasture land is good. it really depnds on the horse on how much it may eat. my horse had 2 falkes in the morning and at night. that includes some grain. they need to be vaccenated every 6 months and feet done often. the cost depends on the vet too. the teeth need to be done too but not often. also horses may become sick. they can be very rewarding! good luck

Name:           
E-Mail:         

Optional (please add to our directory first)
Web Link:       
Link Title:     

Message:

Note: once you register your email address with Pets and Animals it is used across our whole network of forums and blogs. You can create seperate profiles for each forum or blog, but use the same login.