Cost of two horses compared to one??

J

JumpingJacks

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 March 2011
Messages
113
Visit site
There is a possibility that I may be getting another horse. I would like to hear your views on how you all find two horses compared to one. The horse I may be getting would be barefooted and she is up to date with all vacs teeth etc. She will have tack and rugs that come with her. I also rent a field so would be no extra livery cost.
 
Two will be virtually twice the cost of one!! 2 x farrier, 2 x wormer, 2 x feed, 2 x rugs etc, etc. The only saving will be on livery charges if you are renting a field - but bear in mind there will be 2 x the poo picking and 2 x the land poaching in the winter. I have four - and its definitely 4 x the work of one!!
 
Good question! Its not as simple as "double the cost of one" or "its cheaper coz not field rent and shoes". Each horse is an individual with its own requirements. Over the last few years I can honestly say my "cheapo" companions have cost more sometimes than my riding horse. Its usually because of a vet bill or needing something treating like a foot problem or mud fever. Then there is the very important cost in time. This is difficult to quantify. Sometimes things take far longer with one then the other because of some issue or other which has cropped up. I find 2 a lot of fun but sometimes its not at all easy either.
 
I had a little companion pony, 11.2hh and was told she lived on air ... me thinks not. Having lived in a herd and being barged out when she came to me she ate and ate until her plate was empty. In the depths of winter I was feeding double the hay I would have given Archie and her hard feed was, although smaller, still a fair size. I called her Dyson because she hoovered up everything in sight. I ad-lib though so in fairness could have cut down but just feel that horses need to eat when they want and not stand for hours on end with nothing during the winter months, it keeps them warm and in their cases extremely healthy. Barefoot still need foot attention and vaccs and teeth still need to be kept up to date. Tack may need regular checking, rugs may need attention or replacing. Unless you have a contingency fund for the unexpected don't underestimate what a second horse will cost you. I got an unexpected shock after being told it didn't make much difference. I was naive. To me it made a huge difference. And I won't even mention the extra time ... xx Good luck whatever you decide xx
 
The horse in question is actually my old horse that is out on loan at the moment (My dad owns her). So I know that she is easy to keep and doesn't require lots of feed etc even in winter. I only have a youngster and just over 3 acre field with a stable so the room wouldn't be a problem. See I am trying to justify this already.
 
im in the same situation - i added another to my original one a few weeks ago...they live out...the poo picking is a barrow per day (minimum)

but ones retired and ones a baby! so time wise im ok at the moment - when it comes to riding one in 2ish years time will be tighter but do-able as its easier than living in!!

:)
 
Cost - you know what 1 costs, so double it :p
Labour - you know that too - and the 2nd one does need their feet picked out & a brush etc on occasions....

Your choice missus - I know that my 2 are not a bother BUT I chose to have 2 despite the extra costings/time :)
 
When I was working and OH was working full time the monthly keep of two horses really wasnt that much more than one, certainly not double at any rate BUT the thing that got us was the vets bills one of the horses seemed to get no matter how much cotton wool we wrapped her in :rolleyes:
 
I do have money put aside incase of a vet is needed. Would do my youngster a word of good as this horse is a saint.. Need to think sensibly though
 
My horse was out on loan, it ended not on the best of terms and he came back to me. At the time I had my other wee one whos just turned one so it meant I had a horse to ride with him back. I keep them both in at night so yes I have double the cost of shavings, feed etc and double the work with 2 stables but I wouldnt change it for the world. He is never going anywhere else ever again as will foalie be with me for life. I think in a few years time it could be tricky having the 2 to ride but thats in the future so will worry when the time comes! If you know the horse is an 'easy-dooer' I would say go for it, I love having 2 happy neighing horses to welcome me in the morning over extra time/money any day!
 
As other posters have said, its not just the cost its also the time - I have just sold my youngster (5) as my life has changed drastically in the 4 years I had him and I just didnt have time for him, I seemed to spend all my time to doing chores rather than just enjoying having horses - its supposed to be a hobby you enjoy :D

So I decided to sell him so he can have a good start with regular work / training and my older boy can have the cuddles and one to one time that has been missing for the past 18 months and tbh it is lovely to be back to one horse and I am sure my bank account will be happier in the long term.
 
I've always said I'll never, ever, have more than one horse. LOL!!

Last autumn I was offered a lovely little mare on loan from my trainer; she was the sort of pony I'd never ever have considered buying, but had her on loan and after a few initial hiccups, liked her very much.

My boy was away on loan; and I'd thought everything was OK, then everything basically went t!ts up and he had to come back home PDQ (not his fault).

So - I was then in the situation of having two to do!!

I've got my own place so extra livery fees wasn't a problem thank goodness, BUT my boy came back in January and there wasn't a spare stable for him! So (long story), we basically put up a quickie job in one corner of the barn for him.

Yes, two are double the work, especially in the winter; and double the vets fees (and you always get one that's gonna come up with something unexpected - and expensive!), plus of course the shoeing/trimming - BUT it is nice to have two as you can then go riding with a (horse-less) friend and its lovely to just be able to ride out and chill. Also, you've got the joy of having two entirely separate personalities and you can enjoy each horse for what they bring.

My two are field companions; and hack out beautifully together. The mare has really sorted my boy out and made him a much nicer person basically - he really needed a mare to boss him around in the field a bit and it really has sorted out some of his issues.

So, hang the extra expense, and extra work: coz its worked for us!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top