Horses
 

OK a long shot I know but does anyone have approximate annual costs for keeping a horse.

I'm looking at average Veterinary care (is it possible to get an almost inclusive insurance plan to cover his)
Stabling\livery
Feed
etc.

Thanks in advance

PS I'm in Alberta (as most of you probably know) but I suspect costs wont vary that much across provinces

Re: Horses
 

BC - if you arent able to get the info you need, I know that there are at least a couple of people living in the states that might be able to help. I know its a different country etc., but you could probably get a ball-park figure.

Maybe if you start a thread in the lounge, you might get some info as well.

Re: Horses
 

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Well I was hoping dbd may have a clue :unsure:

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Sure and he may. I was just making a suggestion in case you didnt get want you wanted.

Good luck love!

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:wub: :thumbsup:

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Bwaahaaaahaaaaaa :D:p

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OI dont go offending him. :p

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Oh alright I'm sorry. :o

I just couldn't resist and I'm sure dbd would see the humour in it. :p

Re: Horses
 

The costs do vary quite a lot - depends very much on rural or urban location.

My wife and I own Fieldstone Equestrian Centre (www.fieldstone-equestrian.ca), which is in Kamloops, BC. We're approx 30% less expensive than Vancouver based boarding facilities - the market here won't stand for the prices charged in Langley.

Anyway, here are broad prices for you - it all comes down to the type of place you want and the facilities it offers.

As an example, Fieldstone has a 32 stall barn with competition sized indoor and outdoor arena, 2 round lunging pens, shower facilities (for horse and riders) seminar/conference room, hot/cold drink machine and lounge area, two tack storage rooms, 32 acres of riding on the property, plus direct access to managed trails on Crown Land.

We charge between $275 and $420 per month for board - this ranges from paddock board (with shelter/water trough), to self board in the barn (client mucks out own horse, we feed it 3x per day), and at the most expensive full barn board where we do everything for the client (rug changes etc)

All clients arrange their own farrier visits (c$100 every 6wks), we organise vaccination and de-worming programs (reckon on $250 p/yr). In addition you need to consider the cost of any insurance you might want (for injury to rider, and for vet's bills for the horse - very few owners take out vetinary insurance as it's so expensive), lesson fees (from $30-$50 per hour), clinic fees (2 day dressage or jumping clinic will cost c$250) and the price of a trailer if you want to haul your horse anywhere (from $5k upwards).

As a good average, I'd say taking the full board option, plus all the other things into account it costs $500 as a bare minimum to own a horse each month. This doesn't include lessons, cost of tack etc. Many owners will easily spend $750 upwards each month.

A neighbour leases a paddock to several horse owners who are happy for a few acres of land for the horses to live on - they pay $150 per month. Any additional hard feed, supplements etc has to be added on top (as well as farrier, vet etc). Obviously they have no facilities without trailering up to us though (we charge $10 p/hr for non-boarders to use our arena space).

Hope that helps you....?

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WOW

Thanks everyone. Didnt expect so much so quick.

Calgal the Links were great

R I C H excellent mate do you do short term boarding? (month or so just thinking IF I go ahead with this I'd like to get out your way for a while in the summer)

Sue- great idea 'bout the lounge but look what happened :D

Steve made me smile as usual. :p

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Just as an addition to my post, your horse will also need a tooth examination once a year ($100, providing nothing troublesome is found). If vet treatment for illness or injury is needed, in this part of BC it's $75 for a call-out, plus cost of treatment.

We had a client's horse suffer from colic this morning - vet call out, and an injection will cost c$150. Poor thing was really suffering, it was touch and go for a while.

If you're going to buy a horse, spend a few hundred $'s on a vet examination - get it thoroughly checked over (x-rays or whatever's recommended). It's easy to mask lameness or problems prior to an innocent new horse owner viewing. Don't get lumbered with a money pit - they're expensive enough to keep without adding unnecessary vet bills on top.

We've 30 something horses that board here, and not one of them's ours. Mugs game horse ownership ;)

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Not usually Butch - we're currently fully booked with a waiting list. It really depends on our situation when you need it. All you can do is get in touch nearer the time, and see if we are able to accommodate you.

If you're out this way on holiday, we often have RV's parked up for a few nights as people travel around/between provinces with their horses. You'd be welcome to do that anyway - we always set aside a few stalls for that type of requirement.

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Is this just an excuse for you to wear those buttless leather chaps again? :sneaky: