Comparing costs- UK to South Africa

[Krysztyna]

I might have to leave South Africa soon and, having lived in England previously and all my family being there, it seems a sensible move. Naturally, I can't live without horses so- what am I in for?

In general, what are your living costs? What would I expect to pay for a full-livery at a nice yard in a good area, relatively close to shows? And a DIY yard in a similar position? How much does hay cost, per bale? What would one expect to pay for a bag of concentrate? Or does your horse cost to feed per month? I'd probably be looking for a show jumper, a Warmblood probably, or nice Thoroughbred. How much would I expect to pay for that?

I'd be interested to see the difference in costs to what I pay here, in South Africa. Don't worry about currency- I'll convert it.

 

[carthorse]

Hi
So sorry you may have to leave your lovely country.
Full livery really depends where you are and what you want , range £85 - £150 a week.
DIY about £25 for a stable and field
Haty about £3.00 a bale
Concentrates about £8-9 a bag
Shoeing about £65 a set
Horse really depends £5,000 upwards for a nice one.
This may be loads out but other will post as well
Good luck

 

[kerilli]

I'd agree with those prices, maybe a bit more for hay if it's a bad year again, horse might be cheaper depending on what you want it for, you can pick up tbs very cheaply (£2000 or much less) if you are happy to school on etc.

 

[scotsmare]

Hi,
Full livery approx £75 per week,
DIY about £25 per week
Hay about £2.50 - £3.50 per week
Concentrates - £7 - £12 per bag
Shoeing - £50 - £70
Horse - depends on what you want £3k upwards.
Good luck

 

[Krysztyna]

Thanks, sounds pretty reasonable actually. Better than I expected. I've done my calculations and these are the costs in a good area, close to the city.

Full livery: between £65 per week and £111.25 per week (£445/m)
DIY: £30-40 per week
Hay: £3.15 per bale, Lucerne: £5.10
1 bag concentrates: £13-19 (depending on brand)

Horse:
Lower level competition/hack: £1,950.00
Decent competition horse: £4500 plus
Nice competitive horse: £9800- £16,350
A good Warmblood can go for £20,000 and above.

So the prices are more or less the same. Relief, I may not be facing a horseless future!

 

[dieseldog]

I'm going to be doing it the other way! I resigned myself to getting a pony and riding around the farm. I won't be able to compete anymore as the farm is in the Karoo and there aren't really any shows there.

If I wanted to compete would I have to live in Joberg or Cape Town?

 

[Krysztyna]

A farm in the Karoo? Wow, that is quite a move!

It is ideal to be in Joburg, Durban or Cape Town. If you are willing to truck out to shows, I'm sure there are some relatively close but it won't be easy. Are you moving permanently?

 

[JoJo_]

I went on holiday and stayed with my mums friends near Port Elizabeth for 3 weeks in feb-march time. I loved the sunshine! Couldnt believe how cheap the cost of living is there though! If her friends came back to the UK they wouldnt be able to afford half as much as they do in SA. Made me think about moving there!

I would say it would be struggle to move from SA to UK. Unless you are quite rich anyway. But apart from the cost of keeping a horse, the food prices and petrol prices are rising here.