Horses Are Expensive: June

6/30/2012

I feel like sitting out on the street corner with a can and a sign that says, Will scoop poop for hay. June was a killer month for bills. I did two shows, sent my boots in for a repair, replaced my helmet after my fall in May, and had my saddle's flocking adjusted to more suitably fit both boys. That stuff is rather expensive. I also spent a bundle on my truck. Unfortunately, that also included tires which will be paid for in July.

Thankfully, Speedy's little tummy ache only cost me the price of a tube of Banamine, under $40, which will also be paid for in July. I hope to get through July without quite so much damage to my checking account.

If you're just joining this series, you can read about the first five months of the year by clicking this link. Click images to enlarge.

Sarah link

7/2/2012 08:57:36 am

I really like that you post this each month. Definitely gives me basis for comparison. To reciprocate, here's my costs (in Somis, Ventura County, California):
Board - just raised from $385 to $425/month for a 12x24 pipe corral half covered, including shavings.
Farrier - $100 for half-shoes (barefoot behind). Currently 6 week scheduled, hope to spread to 8.
Feed - $15 for a 25# bag of beet pulp, $15 for a 50# bag of rice bran, $28 and your first born child for 1 bottle of Endure flyspray.
Lessons - $250 a month gets me 8 lessons (2 a week).
Shows - same as you. When I start showing again, that is.
No truck or trailer - just fees to trainer whenever we haul.
Again, thanks for sharing. =]

Karen

7/2/2012 09:08:34 am

I am only doing this for one year. The number is staggering. I knew it was a lot, but it's waaaaaay more than I thought. It's definitely helping me to be a bit more conservative with buying tack and riding clothing since I now know how much I spend on all the other stuff.

Your board is pretty high for just one horse. That's what I am spending for both horses although I buy my own bedding. I bought a BUNCH in December that is lasting me a lot longer than I thought. I probably won't have to buy more until September.

Your farrier bill is also cheaper. My $220 a month really adds up. I do mine every 5 - 6 weeks, full shoes for both.

You're also spending a lot more on lessons. I wish I could, but I can only justify one a week.

I am not sure what your trainer charges for hauling your horse, but it seems as though your costs for everything else are very similar to mine - higher in some things, lower in others.

I started this series so that we could all compare our costs and see how prices vary around the country and state. Thanks for sharing your costs. I know horse keeping in Somis can be very pricey, but it looks more reasonable than I had thought. One bonus is that you are closer to a lot of horse activities than I am. I generally have to drive several hours to attend a show. Driving means lots of gas money!

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage