How Much Does a Horse Cost?
Buying a horse can be an exciting, but sometimes intimidating venture. If you’re thinking about getting into the horse business, whether for a hobby or for a career, there are always hidden costs to consider before making your investment. Keep in mind upkeep costs after the purchase price, from board and feed to healthcare, and other common costs should be worked into your allocated budget. Buying a Horse There are many potential routes to go when acquiring your horse, including adoption or auction, purchase from an individual, or high-level sales. Purchase price can vary from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the level, lineage, and talent of the prospect. A pre-purchase examination (PPE) by your veterinarian helps ensure you’re getting a horse that fits your needs and wants. A companion horse that is being adopted to live out the rest of their years in peace need not be sound, but an athlete should be examined for injuries, weaknesses, and potential management issues such as arthritis or joint injections in the future. The cost of these exams typically correlate with the price of the horse. The more expensive the horse or intense the job, the more extensive the PPE. In addition to a basic physical exam, a thorough lameness exam and sometimes radiographs and other imaging may be completed and judged to determine if the horse is a good fit for your needs. It is not your veterinarian’s job to “pass” or “fail” a horse, but to simply give you all the knowledge possible about your potential purchase, so you can decide what or if certain issues are worth the investment. This pre-purchase exam can cost anywhere from a hundred to several hundred dollars.
