How much does a horse cost?

How much does a horse cost? This question comes up regularly in search engines and on social networks. Indeed, buying a horse is not an easy process and even if horse riding affects more and more people (especially women) and equestrian centers are developing incredibly quickly, it remains an area that takes into account a living and sensitive animal. This is why this type of project requires real reflection and a real budget, not insignificant, to establish.

Buy for whom and why?

Before buying a horse, you must first determine who it is intended for and for what purpose you are purchasing it. Would it be for an experienced or beginner rider or for children accompanied by an instructor or is it for equestrian competitions? A 3-year-old, unbroken thoroughbred horse, for example, is not recommended for beginners. Burring generally occurs around 3 or 4 years of age. Conversely, experienced riders will not opt ​​for horses that are pre-retired or very unsporty.

As for the choice of breed, it would be necessary to determine which discipline practice. Because a dressage horse will not have the same qualities as a walking horse or a jumping horse. Certain breeds have assets to be selected in various disciplines.

To practice dressage for example, a large, well-trained horse with nice plump gaits is ideal. In competitive driving, the ideal horses are the most robust, enduring and manageable. For tourist carriage, the heaviest and calm breeds will be perfect. For show jumping, opt for honest horses with a sporting and competitive mentality.    

Learn or improve

To ride a horse, it is important to learn and master the different horse riding disciplines for an amateur or to improve for the more advanced in a horse riding center. In terms of equestrian improvement courses, the different programs are categorized according to the age and needs of each person.

For children, during the holidays, the programs can focus on improvement courses, a session of galloping, outdoor walks such as equestrian tourism, work on the flat, show jumping competitions, dressage sessions or the discovery of horse riding. For young children (under 11 years old), pony courses are also available with horse or pony rides.

Adults can also improve with a course from gallop 3 and work on show jumping. From initiation to competition, the most important thing is to progress at your own pace (dressage, obstacle, aerobatics, ethology, etc.). Determining your skills and working on your strengths and weaknesses also facilitates our ability to choose a horse with the aim of buying it.   

The price of a horse

Exactly how much does a horse cost? It's hard to give a precise price, because the purchase of a horse depends on several parameters. In general, the price range for a horse is between 800 and 4000 euros, sometimes less for a recreational horse and much more for a racing horse.

Many parameters come into play for this type of purchase. This is why it is never easy to give a precise amount. However, it is possible to establish a list of essential costs with the various unforeseen events that can give a blow to the wallet of any horse owner. One thing is certain, owning your own horse is a luxury that not everyone can afford.

How much does it cost to maintain a horse?

Pensions

Generally you can count on between 150 euros and 500 euros per month for a simple pension. For a “pre” pension without facilities, the amount is obviously less expensive than a box pension (with indoor track, club house, stables, dressage, etc.), which generally requires more maintenance.

Here is an average price for equestrian center boarding (prices which may vary depending on different parameters):

• Pre-pension: 150 to 220 euros
• Pre-board with food: 170 to 280 euros
• Pension box: 280 to 350 euros
• Pre-board and box: 250 to 550 euros

The vet visited

A visit to the veterinarian is obligatory, whatever the cost of the horse and the objective with regard to it. This procedure is mainly used to check that the horse is really in good health. In the event that a rider directs your horse towards a horse racing career, you should not hesitate at all to ask the veterinarian to carry out additional x-rays of the limbs.

Please note that your horse's visit must be carried out by a veterinarian you have chosen and not by the veterinarian of the stable of owners of a horse for sale. For a simple visit without x-rays, the cost of the visit is estimated between approximately 120 and 200 euros.

Vaccines

Vaccines are part of medical treatments. classic for a horse. When it comes to vaccines, tetanus and influenza are the main vaccines. In addition, for equestrian sport competitions and horse gatherings, vaccination against influenza is obligatory.

For the flu, two injections are required and this is done within 21 to 92 days. The first reminder is given six months later and the second reminder the following year. All vaccines need at least one booster every year. For this, it costs around 40 to 80 euros per vaccination including travel costs.

A racehorse: how much does it cost?

To buy a racehorse, it is important to be assisted by a trainer or broker unless you yourself are an expert or like to take risks. You can opt for horses that have horse show experience. Prices can vary between 9,000 and 50,000 euros depending on their track record. For the more daring, you can opt to purchase a yearling, a foal less than two years old at the dawn of its career. For an excellent yearling, you will need between 100,000 and 150,000 euros. For young trotters, prices are 30 to 50% cheaper.