Budgeting?

[TheSubwayDino]

Hi all,
Hoping to get a horse soon and was wondering how much you budget for your horse per month? I'm planning to budget around £400-500 for everything per month and of course have emergency money and insurance ?

 

[Shooting Star]

It really depends on what type of livery you have (DIY, part, full etc.), where in the country you are and how high maintenance a horse you buy but in general for DIY livery I’d say that would be in the right ball park.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

That sounds doable for DIY livery, however make sure you have wiggle room as the price of professional services is going up (farrier, dentist, saddler) due to fuel prices, the price of hay is going to rocket very soon, the price of your fuel to get to and from the yard twice a day is a big consideration now.. things are a changing so you need to be able to absorb those increases

 

[TheSubwayDino]

It really depends on what type of livery you have (DIY, part, full etc.), where in the country you are and how high maintenance a horse you buy but in general for DIY livery I’d say that would be in the right ball park.

100% DIY and I've got a few places in mind near me that are 160-180 per month but if I'm lucky enough I may be able to keep them at a family friends farm for a little cheaper

 

[Widgeon]

That sounds doable for DIY livery, however make sure you have wiggle room as the price of professional services is going up (farrier, dentist, saddler) due to fuel prices, the price of hay is going to rocket very soon, the price of your fuel to get to and from the yard twice a day is a big consideration now.. things are a changing so you need to be able to absorb those increases

This is so true, a couple of months ago I woud've cheerfully said yes go for it, that sounds doable for a native or cob on DIY. But now? Not so sure. I've spent more than I earn in bills this month (the pony is mostly not the culprit but still) and am feeling slightly panicky. Thankfully we are in the best possible position - savings, pony relatively close to house, I only need to visit once a day - but even so I've started wondering whether I ought to move him to a field in our village to save the deisel. Agh. Sorry not to be more positive. If you have a good cushion of savings you should be fine but if it's a bit tight maybe wait a while and see how things pan out.

 

[TheSubwayDino]

That sounds doable for DIY livery, however make sure you have wiggle room as the price of professional services is going up (farrier, dentist, saddler) due to fuel prices, the price of hay is going to rocket very soon, the price of your fuel to get to and from the yard twice a day is a big consideration now.. things are a changing so you need to be able to absorb those increases

Yeah, thankfully my chosen yards are all in walking distance but even so it's scary how expensive everything is getting

 

[Widgeon]

Just read your responses and it sounds like you're in a pretty good situation - yards within walking distance and backup of grazing on a friend's farm. In that case I will revise my answer to yes, that budget sounds okay. Very best of luck finding a nice horse.

 

[TheSubwayDino]

This is so true, a couple of months ago I woud've cheerfully said yes go for it, that sounds doable for a native or cob on DIY. But now? Not so sure. I've spent more than I earn in bills this month (the pony is mostly not the culprit but still) and am feeling slightly panicky. Thankfully we are in the best possible position - savings, pony relatively close to house, I only need to visit once a day - but even so I've started wondering whether I ought to move him to a field in our village to save the deisel. Agh. Sorry not to be more positive. If you have a good cushion of savings you should be fine but if it's a bit tight maybe wait a while and see how things pan out.

don't apologies for being negative! It's those gritty stuff we all need to consider. I've also considered field livery also and these costs have made me considered a native breed like a cob or a Welsh D

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

don't apologies for being negative! It's those gritty stuff we all need to consider. I've also considered field livery also and these costs have made me considered a native breed like a cob or a Welsh D

If you're looking at grass livery, look for a horse who isn't a good doer. That won't be breed specific but it will be horse specific, anything that's prone to being fat or prone to lami will be a nightmare to manage out at grass.

 

[I'm Dun]

This is so true, a couple of months ago I woud've cheerfully said yes go for it, that sounds doable for a native or cob on DIY. But now? Not so sure. I've spent more than I earn in bills this month (the pony is mostly not the culprit but still) and am feeling slightly panicky. Thankfully we are in the best possible position - savings, pony relatively close to house, I only need to visit once a day - but even so I've started wondering whether I ought to move him to a field in our village to save the deisel. Agh. Sorry not to be more positive. If you have a good cushion of savings you should be fine but if it's a bit tight maybe wait a while and see how things pan out.

Me too. I've always said £300 will cover one at DIY with a bit of wiggle room for the basics. Not anymore though sadly.

 

[I'm Dun]

If you're looking at grass livery, look for a horse who isn't a good doer. That won't be breed specific but it will be horse specific, anything that's prone to being fat or prone to lami will be a nightmare to manage out at grass.

Yes this! I just sold my highland and the cob has gone to a semi retirement home. It is a delight only having a TB. He can go out on any grazing with no issues and I'm not constantly worried hes too fat, or going to get lammi, or having to be restricted in a tiny paddock etc etc

 

[ihatework]

Also factor in the cost of hay this coming year/winter. It’s going to be significantly higher with the cost of fuel and fertiliser. I wouldn’t be surprised if you start seeing £8+ per bale