Owning horses is never going to be a cheap hobby, but there are 20 money saving tips for horse owners that you should consider if you’re trying to make your budget stretch.
Horses aren’t cheap. But if horses are in your blood, and the only time you can truly relax and be yourself, then they’re worth their weight in gold. That doesn’t mean you can’t make the financial burden a little lighter by making a few tweaks. There are many ways to make your money go further whilst still giving your horse and you the best life you can.
Your horse deserves the best, but sometimes finances can get in the way. Read on to find out where you could easily save whilst not compromising on your horse’s care.
- Buy In Bulk To Avoid Delivery Charges – If you have the space and security to buy in bulk then you may be able to get a better deal on feed/hay/bedding etc.
- Rug Washing – Grouping together with friends for rug washing and re-proofing can save a small fortune, especially when comparing cleaning charges to the expense of new rugs.
- Used items – Check social media platforms for second hand bargains/tack sales in the local area. Not only can you often find the things you need for a fraction of the price, but you can sell items that have been gathering dust in your tack room for years and reinvest in things you actually need.
- Vets – Use the ‘free visit’ day at your local vets. Many vet practices offer a free or discounted visit day. If you’re able to book on this day you can save quite a bit, especially if you are on a yard and are able to split the bill for routine visits.
- Help – Think about starting a buddy group at your yard. Why pay for a freelance groom when a fellow livery can help out for free – assuming that you return the favour!
- Sharing/Loaning – If it’s not only finances but time that you’re finding difficult to manage, then maybe a part loan or share is the answer. Depending upon the agreement you make, you may have fewer yard jobs to worry about, and a bit more in your pocket at the end of the month too.
- Training – Taking group lessons isn’t always less effective as private ones. You can learn equally well by watching another horse and rider combination, and learn tips to manage situations that you may not have encountered before.
- Insurance – If you haven’t shopped around for horse insurance recently then get a copy of your policy and see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. Don’t have any loyalties where insurance is concerned – make sure your horse is covered sufficiently by a trustworthy company, and then enjoy the savings you could make.
- Diet – Not you, your horse! Speak to an equine nutritionist, vet, or do your research to determine if those supplements you feed are really necessary, or change brands (slowly) to a cheaper alternative.
- Bedding – Does your horse really need to be on the whitest, softest, smallest flake sawdust, or would they be equally happy on straw or economy shavings? Shredded cardboard is becoming popular, and with more dust extracted versions becoming available, it is often an economy worth making.
- Manure – Paying for someone to remove your muck heap is a costly business. If it’s your land you could think about spreading over fields and letting them rest as nature’s fertiliser does it’s thing. Alternatively, you could bag it up and offer for sale to local allotments and gardeners. Moreover, many horse owners are creating their own poo bricks for open fires. According to those who have successfully used these they really don’t smell, and although they burn quickly, well, it’s free after all!
- Inventive – If you want pole risers but can’t afford the ‘equestrian’ versions, then be inventive and find an alternative. Children’s potties are cheap and do the job. Axle stands can also work wonderfully as pole risers and are fantastic as the can be raised and lowered to suit the exercise in question.
- Livery – Sit yourself down and ask yourself whether you and your 25yo native hack really need the two Olympic indoor schools, the 5* cross-country course, and the air-conditioned stable? If you can tear yourself away from the luxuries, you may find that DIY field with an outdoor school would be ample for your needs. Changing livery whilst daunting may be the best way of freeing up some much needed cash.
- Discounts – Many stores and some products offer loyalty schemes which can save you money in the long term.
- Travel – Another bulk booking save could be a possibility. Also, if you intend to go out a lot with your equine friend, then see if purchasing your own transport will save you money rather than hiring.
- Treats – Horse treats are expensive. Try making your own at home – 6 Horse Treats To Make At Home should give you some great ideas.
- Haynets/bars – If your horse regularly uses his hay as a bed or toilet, you’ll know how frustrating and upsetting it is to see good food go to waste. Putting hay in haynets or bars may stop you loosing so much and thereby save you money and tears.
- Best – Don’t be tempted to buy cheap. Buy the best you can afford and it’ll more likely last longer.
- Fencing – Use wooden fencing over plastic posts as much as possible. Wood lasts far longer than plastic which end up brittle due to the weather, and snap leaving sharp spikes in the ground when you horse spies slightly greener grass over yonder. Strategically placing the wooden posts will mean that you don’t necessarily lose the versatility of plastic posts, but will find that horses are more respectful and cheeky escapes are fewer.
- Turnout – If you are able, turnout your horse more. Not only will they often be happier, but they will need less in the way of hard feeds and supplements. You may also find that they keep fitter for longer as they are exercising longer each day simply by grazing and wandering around the field/track.
Saving money on horses doesn’t mean going without, it just means being a little more savvy with your cash.
Conclusion
When you’re looking at saving money on horse care and equipment it pays to shop around for the best deals. That doesn’t just mean things that you buy online, but even lessons, and course hire can often have loyalty schemes attached that you should think about taking advantage of. Taking on a sharer will help with the chores and bills, but you need to find a good fit for both you and your horse. A little thought and time searching will pay dividends, as will selling that rug you’ve been hoarding but never used in the last 5 years. Lessening your horse owning bill can often be challenging, but owning a horse on a budget is doable, just requires more thought.
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