Can I buy/keep a horse with a £28.5k salary in 2025?

My horses are my world. Life can happen but it might not.
I had 2 horses when I got chronic fatigue syndrome/M.E.
I went from a full time job to bed bound. My very non horse partner and horse best friend rallied and cared for my horses.
I would not have been able to kerp my horses all these years if it wasn't for my partner. I onky just have enough to pay for them monthly but if I need extra my partner helps. (He paid my vet bill last month to take that worry away. It was one dental, two vaccinations and wolf teeth out so not cheap).

If you're unsure you could get a loan and that way to some of the pressure is off.

I bought a youngster 2 years ago and so times wonder why but I wouldn't be without him and don't regret it (unless it's a day he's gone through a fence or bitten me) 😆
 
If I were you I’d try to get a share a few days a week and focus on your career and saving for a horse in the future. In a couple of years your wage might go up and you’ll be in a better position to own one. It’s not much fun if you constantly feel stressed about making ends meet. I would also second what Palo1 said in that if you want to go out and compete or do fun rides even just locally it’s a whole different prospect. Buying and running a towing vehicle and a safe trailer will cost you several times the money it cost you to buy your horse in the first place. Finally, I would say that some horses are easier & cheaper to keep than others. I have a native but he isn’t cheap to keep because of his individual needs.
 
Last edited:
Boots*McGruber said:
If I were you I’d try to get a share a few days a week and focus on your career and saving for a horse in the future. In a couple of years your wage might go up and you’ll be in a better position to own one. It’s not much fun if you constantly feel stressed about making ends meet. I would also second what Palo1 said in that if you want to go out and compete or do fun rides even just locally it’s a whole different prospect. Buying and running a towing vehicle and a safe trailer will cost you several times the money it cost you to buy your horse in the first place.
Click to expand...

that's a good point. And, if you're like me, it's also possible that your wage can go down to nothing because of redundancy or whatever and the job market is not kind (it never has been and it really isn't these days). And if that happens, then what is your plan on living? Unless you already have thousands saved up to live on while you look for work, it is something you absolutely need to factor in.
 
can just say something - not many of us can really afford to have our horses if the truth is known - we give up lots of other things to do so and we get by. i wouldn't want to work out how much jay has cost me over the years (i have had him 19 years) - if you added in car to tow with (x3), trailer(still the same one), livery, shoes, rugs, tack, etc and the hundred and one other things you think you need. however, i would not have wanted to miss out on having him for a single second - when i bought him (i was fortunate not to have to pay a lot for him) - i had done some exam board marking and had just been paid - the previous month i won't have had the money and i won't have had it the following month. my advice is go for it - you will make it work - i have even though it has been touch and go at times - i am a single household, had a mortgage and i know also have cats - sometimes life is too short to miss out
 
There is definitely some truth to the "life is too short" but there is a limit if it means that you can barely pay the mortgage/rent and possibly have to starve if costs go up. Everyone will have their own risk profile on this but if there is a risk that you or horse could go hungry if something changes, then I would severely caution against getting a horse.
 
I've been pondering on this thread as I am looking at getting my first horse, and tbh the finance is tight but do-able.

For me, the buffers are what's going to be important. My horse finances are tight because I'm looking at full livery. I feel I need this starting out and will keep it going as long as I can, but if it becomes unmanageable I can look at part/5-day/working/DIY to reduce a significant chunk of costs.

I'm also working 30 hours per week; there's potential to up my hours or start up work self-employed alongside my main job to get a bit more income. In a year or so I hope to be in a position to apply for the next grade up if there's a vacancy I like the look of.

So a couple of decent buffers I feel, plus having a lot in savings to fall back on. I would not be doing it if I were working at my maximum realistic earning potential and keeping the horse already as cheaply as possible. I think that would be too stressful.

I also think that having kids is really expensive and I'm not doing that; I am sure people don't put a fraction of the level of thought into their having kids budget as I have to my horse budget, but they still make it work!

This is how I am justifying the 'life's too short' thing to myself anyway 😂
 
SaddlePsych'D said:
I also think that having kids is really expensive and I'm not doing that; I am sure people don't put a fraction of the level of thought into their having kids budget as I have to my horse budget, but they still make it work!
Click to expand...
Yes, it's called government subsidies/support for child care, call it what you will - sadly not available for horse care. :mad:
 
For balance, I while my salary was a few k lower, I will balance the "get the horse no matter what" as someone who gave up horses due to the costs

I found it was a big contributor in my loss of interest in horses, having to spend so much of my salary on horse costs

I'd always had the "ignorance is bliss" approach to the horse costs. I then met OH, and when it came to wanting to look towards buying a house, had to itemise my costs each month, the amount that went on the horse was painful and I didn't compete or leave the yard bar hacking. It hit home how much nearer the deposit amount we'd be if I didn't have a horse. I think that's when it first truly hit that I didn't want to do it anymore

I persevered (unsellable horse) but when we got the house and mortgage, it meant money became tighter. While he earnt more, so put more into the costs, and this continues to be the case, I felt I couldn't help as much with any costs that came up for the house, especially emergency ones, I didn't like that for the emergency costs it wasn't equal. OH never forced my hand on giving up, as he accepted the horse came before him, it was my decision

If I had a month where I thought "oh it hasn't been too bad", it always seemed something horse related was needed.

The announcement about the impending cost of living increase was the straw that broke the camels back and i gave up horses. I generally didn't enjoy it for a multitude of reasons but costs were a significant factor

I now feel my mental health is so much better, I have also been able to contribute equally when an emergency house related cost has come up, before OH had to support the lions share of the cost. Would this be the case for you and would it affect your relationship with your OH/cause him to resent the situation?

Also, are you thinking about starting a family in future? Just another factor to consider as to whether you'd still be able to afford the horse

Just wanted to offer another perspective from someone for whom horses are no longer the be all and end all and not the most wonderful things!

I'd suggest maybe a share to see how that goes. I always thought when I gave up I'd treat myself to the odd riding experience e.g. a western lesson/hack somewhere nice, I haven't even done that, but that's another thing you could enjoy if you do decide you can't afford it
 
I’d think carefully if your planning on having a horse on DIY livery, whilst working.

It’s a bit like the reality vs fantasy photos you see on social media. In the “fantasy” you’re going on long sunlight hacks after work and at the weekends. The reality is you may well be mucking out and poo picking, and having time to fit in one rushed hack at the weekend.
 
fredflop said:
I’d think carefully if your planning on having a horse on DIY livery, whilst working.

It’s a bit like the reality vs fantasy photos you see on social media. In the “fantasy” you’re going on long sunlight hacks after work and at the weekends. The reality is you may well be mucking out and poo picking, and having time to fit in one rushed hack at the weekend.
Click to expand...
I’d be looking at part livery which is only £265 (4 days full care) where I live. I don’t have the time for DIY currently
 
Crazy_cat_lady said:
For balance, I while my salary was a few k lower, I will balance the "get the horse no matter what" as someone who gave up horses due to the costs

I found it was a big contributor in my loss of interest in horses, having to spend so much of my salary on horse costs

I'd always had the "ignorance is bliss" approach to the horse costs. I then met OH, and when it came to wanting to look towards buying a house, had to itemise my costs each month, the amount that went on the horse was painful and I didn't compete or leave the yard bar hacking. It hit home how much nearer the deposit amount we'd be if I didn't have a horse. I think that's when it first truly hit that I didn't want to do it anymore

I persevered (unsellable horse) but when we got the house and mortgage, it meant money became tighter. While he earnt more, so put more into the costs, and this continues to be the case, I felt I couldn't help as much with any costs that came up for the house, especially emergency ones, I didn't like that for the emergency costs it wasn't equal. OH never forced my hand on giving up, as he accepted the horse came before him, it was my decision

If I had a month where I thought "oh it hasn't been too bad", it always seemed something horse related was needed.

The announcement about the impending cost of living increase was the straw that broke the camels back and i gave up horses. I generally didn't enjoy it for a multitude of reasons but costs were a significant factor

I now feel my mental health is so much better, I have also been able to contribute equally when an emergency house related cost has come up, before OH had to support the lions share of the cost. Would this be the case for you and would it affect your relationship with your OH/cause him to resent the situation?

Also, are you thinking about starting a family in future? Just another factor to consider as to whether you'd still be able to afford the horse

Just wanted to offer another perspective from someone for whom horses are no longer the be all and end all and not the most wonderful things!

I'd suggest maybe a share to see how that goes. I always thought when I gave up I'd treat myself to the odd riding experience e.g. a western lesson/hack somewhere nice, I haven't even done that, but that's another thing you could enjoy if you do decide you can't afford it
Click to expand...
I agree about getting a share/part loan first, I’m just really struggling to find any in the Richmond/Catterick area at the mo :(
 
amelia_megan said:
I’m in Richmond, North Yorkshire. My riding school is a 10min walk from my house and 2min drive. Great hacking straight from the riding school and cheap local competitions/events, though I’d mostly be hacking. Part livery £265 and DIY is like £120. I’m mostly curious about costs outside the livery - bedding, feed, vet costs etc, on average across the year (I recognise they can massively vary depending on for example where your horse is shod, or if it suffers an injury etc)
Click to expand...
Depending on whether your horse is a good doer or needs a lot of feeding in winter will depend a lot.

Shavings/sawdust £11a bale/£7 a bale

Hay £50 per bale

Feed anywhere from £10/12 a bag to £30

Inoculations about £100 per year

Shoes £100/120 per full set

All varies on your area
 
For years my horses were easy keepers, until the last few years where there has been so much more additional expense. I want to do the best by them that I can, so have taken on extra work to help with costs. If you are insured, the majority of companies will only cover for 12 months for that condition, so thereafter you are on your own, that is something to consider. Agria is an option but you have to contribute 25% of fees.

My young cob is now in a rehab yard, to offer him the best chance of recovery and I want to be able to do that for him.

With the cost of living increases, physios, farriers, vets, equine dentists, saddle fitters are all increasing their prices.

Good luck with finding a share - I am sure you will find one. Owners are always looking for someone responsible to share with.
 
Yes with the right type of horse and attitude to horsekeeping and the right environment to keep the horse in ....eg live out, grass livery not stabled so no bedding or stable rent, keep on a forage-based diet, unclipped or trace clip (so less rugs and food, more hardy), healthy horse, barefoot, pay attention to worming, teeth, farriery, vaccinations, have liability insurance through WHW, BHS or similar, consider having a sharer to contribute to costs. If you need to call the vet, tell the vet that the horse is not insured so you need correct but pragmatic treatment, not the latest in vet hospital admissions/overnights and MRI scans.
 
yeah my vet gives you 3 months to cover bills as long as they know you. if they’re big (with the expectation you’re paying towards it like every 2 weeks)
 
Full livery is £260 per month for me. I don’t have any other expenses most months. But obviously aware that some months things will happen that I can’t predict. Dentist and farrier obviously sometimes, but apart from those it’s not been too bad. Can I add that I’ve owned the the horse only since November? 😂
 
Kirstineridesagain said:
Full livery is £260 per month for me. I don’t have any other expenses most months. But obviously aware that some months things will happen that I can’t predict. Dentist and farrier obviously sometimes, but apart from those it’s not been too bad. Can I add that I’ve owned the the horse only since November? 😂
Click to expand...
What does full livery include for you? How often do you visit your horse?
 
My salary is not far off yours and I have 2. Saying that, I've had my first one since I was earning only around £21k, renting privately before buying and having a mortgage, granted half the bills were paid by OH but it's my life and hobby so if all my disposable income goes on horses each month, I didn't really mind!

However, mine are on full DIY grass livery and I'm lucky to get it for only £110pcm which is a huge saving in comparison to other places!

Yearly costs roughly:
Grass livery - £1320
Hay - £700
Farrier (one fully shod and one barefoot) - £1000
Dentist and vaccinations - £550
Feed and supplements - £500
Worming - £80

I haven't included other things like physio, saddle fitter etc though but those are the main things. I would think it is definitely doable on your salary, it was manageable when I was on a much lower wage so you should be fine in theory. Could you try full loan with view to buy to trial it?
 
I run a horse, a dog, a house, a car and a horsebox on the same wage. I live in the Northeast of England so cost of living is cheaper. Granted, I have a partner so house bills are halved but I still save the amount he contributes so I always know i can manage if shit hits the fan! My DIY yard is cheap but decent enough. I do loads of clinics but ask for money for Christmas and birthday and keep that separate just to pay for clinics.
 
Kirstineridesagain said:
Full livery is £260 per month for me. I don’t have any other expenses most months. But obviously aware that some months things will happen that I can’t predict. Dentist and farrier obviously sometimes, but apart from those it’s not been too bad. Can I add that I’ve owned the the horse only since November? 😂
Click to expand...
Your situation is very different from what the op will want 😉
 
Just do it but keep life simple. There's a lot of stuff that people have that is not essential. You also need a bit of luck. If we all waited for the perfect time we'd never do it. We had 5 at one point and am not sure how we did but we managed. A native/hardy type, source second hand stuff online and enjoy. I'd defo insure too.
 
was
Identityincrisis said:
I run a horse, a dog, a house, a car and a horsebox on the same wage. I live in the Northeast of England so cost of living is cheaper. Granted, I have a partner so house bills are halved but I still save the amount he contributes so I always know i can manage if shit hits the fan! My DIY yard is cheap but decent enough. I do loads of clinics but ask for money for Christmas and birthday and keep that separate just to pay for clinics.
Click to expand...
ah nice to hear from another north eastern rider! We are lucky with the lower prices up here 😊 I only just moved from Newcastle to Richmond a month or so ago.
 
Kirstineridesagain said:
Full livery is £260 per month for me. I don’t have any other expenses most months. But obviously aware that some months things will happen that I can’t predict. Dentist and farrier obviously sometimes, but apart from those it’s not been too bad. Can I add that I’ve owned the the horse only since November? 😂
Click to expand...
Wow I know there are regional differences (£600-£900 in the area of South UK I am looking, for OPs reference) but surely at that rate they can't cover their costs?!
 
SaddlePsych'D said:
Wow I know there are regional differences (£600-£900 in the area of South UK I am looking, for OPs reference) but surely at that rate they can't cover their costs?!
Click to expand...
Yes that’s what I thought. Full livery at my yard is £410. Tbh that’s super cheap, and could be a good option since I work full time. Do you know what is typically included w full? Like is feed & bedding usually included or is it an add-on cost?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top